Dr Katie Perry is chief executive of the Daphne Jackson Trust, the UK’s leading organisation supporting researchers returning to their careers after a break for family, health or caring reasons. With a background in physics, she has dedicated her career to science communication and championing returners in research. Under her leadership, the Trust has expanded its reach across disciplines, developed fellowships for research technical professionals and strengthened its role in policy advocacy to increase opportunities for underrepresented groups.
“A career break shouldn’t be a career end. With the right support, returners bring fresh perspectives, diverse skills and renewed determination to the research landscape.”
From physics to leadership
I started my career as a physicist, earning my degree and PhD from the University of Surrey, where Daphne Jackson was my head of department. After completing my PhD, I transitioned into science communication, working at the Institute of Physics before freelancing as a science writer while raising my daughter.
In 2002, while working in marketing at the University of Surrey, I helped promote the Daphne Jackson Trust’s 10th anniversary symposium. Given my connection to Daphne and my background in science communication, the Trust invited me to work one day a week on a freelance basis. That one day quickly turned into a permanent role as Trust Manager, and in 2011, I became chief executive.
Balancing part-time and full-time work as my personal circumstances evolved has made me a passionate advocate for flexible working. I firmly believe that career paths should accommodate life changes, allowing people to transition between part-time and full-time roles without sacrificing their ambitions.
Leading through challenges
Since I last spoke with Womanthology in 2017, the world has changed significantly. The pandemic reshaped workplaces and personal lives, and for me, it brought profound challenges. In 2020, during the first lockdown, my mother suffered a stroke and later developed dementia. Caring for her while leading the Trust was incredibly tough, and the stress eventually led to a breakdown in 2022.
I am incredibly grateful for the support I received from the Trust, allowing me to take time off and return gradually. That experience reinforced my belief that workplaces should support employees through difficult times, rather than penalise them. Many of the researchers we work with have also faced significant personal challenges, and I’ve learned firsthand that these experiences do not diminish professional capabilities — they often strengthen them.
Over the years, I’ve navigated personal and professional obstacles, including single parenthood, caregiving and health struggles. These experiences have only made me more confident as a leader and even more committed to ensuring returners have the support they need to thrive.
Expanding opportunities for returners
The Daphne Jackson Trust remains the only organisation in the UK dedicated to helping researchers return to their careers after a break for family, health, or caring responsibilities. While most of our fellowships are awarded to women returning from career breaks for childcare, we also support individuals who have taken time away due to illness, caring for relatives, or relocating with a partner.
To apply, candidates must have been out of research for at least two years, but some return after much longer — our longest career break was 21 years. The average is around seven years. The common thread among our fellows is their passion for research and their determination to return. Many begin with low confidence, but through our fellowships, mentoring, and support, they regain their professional footing and continue to achieve great things.
Fellowship success stories
I am constantly amazed by the achievements of our fellows. Eleven former fellows have become professors — five times the national average.
One standout success is Professor Gillian Forrester, who returned to research while having her second child. She is now Professor of Comparative Cognition at the University of Sussex, leading cutting-edge research into the evolution of cognitive abilities. Alongside her academic work, she engages in science communication and will appear in BBC Horizon: Secrets of the Brain this spring, as well as leading Science Futures at Glastonbury 2025.
Our fellows also excel beyond academia. Dr Catherine Elton used her fellowship to found Qkine, a biotech company developing high-quality proteins for stem cell research and regenerative medicine. With her co-founder, she has secured over £2.2m in investment and is now CEO of a company with a global customer base.
These are just two examples, but there are countless others. You can read more about our fellows’ successes on our website.
Breaking new ground in research careers
The Trust has grown significantly in recent years, and I am particularly proud of how we adapted during the pandemic. We embraced hybrid working, launched online webinars, and expanded our policy influence.
We are now offering fellowships for research technical professionals — those who work in vital technical roles that support research but are not researchers themselves. This aligns with the broader movement to recognise the contributions of all professionals in the research ecosystem.
We have also expanded beyond STEM into arts, humanities and social sciences, ensuring that all researchers have the opportunity to return to their careers. While STEM fellowships remain in the majority, we are proud to now support researchers across all disciplines.
Maintaining our connection with Daphne Jackson’s family has been especially meaningful. Her niece, Susan Balgarnie, regularly attends our events, and as someone who knew Daphne personally, I feel honoured to lead the organisation that continues her legacy.
Shaping policy and driving change
In recent years, the Trust has increased its role in policy discussions, working closely with government groups, learned societies, and professional institutions to advocate for returners.
We regularly submit evidence to government inquiries and I was invited to give oral evidence on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in STEM last year. By working alongside other organisations, we are pushing for policy changes that recognise the value of returners and create more inclusive career pathways.
How you can support returners in STEM
We have just launched a new website and rebrand, making it easier for people to get involved. You can support our work by:
- Engaging with us on social media — LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky
- Sharing our resources to raise awareness of opportunities for returners
- Encouraging researchers on career breaks to explore our fellowships
Visit www.daphnejackson.org to learn more.
Celebrating women in science
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an important reminder of the progress we have made and the work still ahead. It’s an opportunity to highlight initiatives that support women in STEM, whether they are starting their careers or returning after a break.
Our work at the Trust is part of a much bigger movement to create an inclusive research environment where career breaks are seen as part of a career journey, not the end of one.
What’s next?
This year, we are focusing on outreach to ensure that more potential returners know about the opportunities available. We are also stepping outside of our comfort zone — one of our upcoming events will be at Science Futures at Glastonbury!
It’s an exciting time for the Trust, and I look forward to continuing our work to support talented researchers back into careers they love.
