Welcome to the Community of Pracademics, a space created by me, Dr Mary Kitchener, SFHEA, Head of Academic Practice and Associate Professor of Academic Development at the Oxford Centre for Academic Enhancement and Development, Oxford Brookes University (UK).

I'm here for professionals like you who are transitioning from industry to academia. This move, often a second or additional career, can be exciting, but it also comes with unique challenges that deserve recognition and tailored support.

This community was born out of lived experience. When I moved from teaching in Further Education to becoming a university academic, I quickly realised how little structured support existed for colleagues making similar transitions. Many arrive with incredible professional expertise, yet face steep learning curves in areas such as research expectations, academic governance, and student engagement in Higher Education.

That’s why I created the Community of Pracademics: to help you connect, share, and thrive. Whether you’re just starting your transition or have already made the leap, you’ll find a supportive network, practical resources, and a space to celebrate the unique strengths pracademics bring to academia.