{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"IOE Insights","title":"Starting academia later in life | Academia et al","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/ced497b7\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1547,"description":"Dr Brian Irvine describes himself as an early career researcher, but not someone who is early in life. In this episode, he shares the varied experiences that brought him to the IOE, from teaching and childminding to specialist autism mentoring and doctoral study.\nHis story highlights the value of bringing your whole life into research, including the skills and perspectives developed outside traditional academic roles. He also reflects on parenthood, purpose and the importance of making research more inclusive.\nIt's your reminder that there is no single correct route into academia, and that different paths can lead to thoughtful, meaningful work.\nFull show notes and links: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2026/jun/starting-academia-later-life-academia-et-al\nMore IOE Insights podcasts: https://uclioe.info/podcast\nUCL Institute of Education: https://ucl.ac.uk/ioe","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/nQv-JSssmlh4qmZCDE22T7hrCym99YlfEPW21Rf4Qec/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81ZGQ0/NTgyNWE2Y2ZmY2Q5/ODkyOTI2NTNlY2Y4/ZGQ5Yi5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}