Cara Fellows join Sanctuary Seekers STEM Seminar in Oxford

Cara Fellows recently took part in the annual Sanctuary Seekers STEM Seminar held at Mansfield College, Oxford last October 5. Fifteen Cara Fellows hosted by universities throughout the UK attended this year’s seminar, which was designed jointly by Dr. David Levy from the Department of Politics and International Relations, and Dr. Georgia Brennan from the Mathematical Institute

Taking a practical approach, the seminar introduced fellows to a range of career pathways available to academics in STEM. Sessions throughout the day included CV and cover letter writing, applying STEM skills in industrial and commercial settings, and planning for job applications.

"[The workshop] focused on the different opportunities to apply STEM skills in industry as well academia rather than looking at specific research areas in detail.” Dr. Levy said. “We aimed that attendees should leave equipped with ideas and some of the softer skills to help their future careers.”

Dr. Marmar El Siddig, a Cara Fellow from Sudan whose research specialises in Microbial and Agricultural Biotechnology, said the workshop was a “practical and genuinely empowering” way for fellows to learn about work and academic culture in the UK.

"As sanctuary seekers in the UK, we often face uncertainty about how to showcase our experience and make our skills visible… The invaluable sessions helped us to understand what UK employers expect, both in the academia and industry sectors, and the provided guidance gave us both clarity and confidence for the road ahead towards rebuilding new careers," she said.

Over half of Cara Fellows come from STEM-related fields. Fellows who attended the seminar specialise in a variety of disciplines, ranging from Electronic Engineering to Agriculture. The sessions gave them insights into working life in the UK and a space to ask practical advise from their peers on how to settle into academia and working life in the country. In between sessions, participants had the opportunity to chat with one another and explore the college grounds.

“We set out to help the Cara scholars feel really welcome and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Mansfield College, Oxford… We were delighted with the great engagement on the day and the very appreciative messages we have received since," Dr. Levy said.

The University of Oxford is a valued member of Cara’s university network and has hosted many Cara Fellows over the years. The connection dates back to 1933, when several Oxford academics were among the founding signatories of Cara’s predecessor, the Academic Assistance Council. This year’s Sanctuary Seekers STEM Seminar is the third in-person seminar held at Mansfield College, and we thank the College and the seminar’s organisers for hosting this welcoming space for Cara Fellows.

“It’s important that our Fellows are aware of opportunities and have the tools to present their skills confidently in a new academic environment,” Cara Deputy Chief Executive & Fellowship Programme Manager Zeid Albayaty said. “Nothing replaces in-person activities for building skills and making connections. We’re grateful to Mansfield College for providing such a welcoming and effective space for Cara Fellows to do so.”

Cara welcomes partnerships that support our Fellows’ academic, professional, and personal journey. If you or your institution would like to host a seminar, hold a workshop, or volunteer to mentor a Cara fellow, please contact us on [email protected].