Frm young carer to care researcher - my (not so linear) journey into academia

This presentation was delivered at the International Young Carers Conference (IYCC) 2026 in Berlin. Drawing on lived experience as a former young carer, intensive care nurse and now care researcher, the talk reflects on how caring shapes education, identity, confidence and future possibilities. It argues that most educational and employment systems are built around linear pathways, and closes with recommendations for schools, universities, employers and policy makers on supporting carers across the life course. Enrico Pfeifer is a Research Fellow and Co-Lead of the Care theme at the ESRC Centre for Lifecourse Health Equity (Equalise), University College London.