The project involved two linked online surveys, both based on availability samples with individuals recruited by publicising the research in relevant fora. The first focused on individuals currently employed as an academic at a UK university and thinking (or starting to think) about retirement (achieved n=81). The second comprised individuals previously employed as an academic at a UK university and now mainly or wholly retired from that role (achieved n=161). For the second group, ‘mainly or wholly retired’ was defined as the situation where the greater part or all of one’s income comes from a pension or pensions and any continued university employment accounts for only a minor part or none of one’s income. Academic staff from any discipline were eligible to take part.This project investigates the views and experiences of later career and retired academic staff in the United Kingdom. It has a particular focus on how academics currently in post anticipate the transition to retirement and in the experiences of academics who have mainly or wholly retired (defined as the situation where the greater part or all of a person’s income comes from their pension or pensions and any continued university employment accounts for only a minor part or none of their income).

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