Four work packages are designed to achieve the project aim of understanding the experiences of intergenerational caregiving relationships in a collaborative, inclusive and participatory manner with a wide range of key stakeholders.
Work package 1
Lead institution: University of Applied Sciences Niederrhein, Germany
Approaches: Questionnaire with student carers
Aims: Capture a diverse range of experiences within this specific demographic, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of how caregiving while in education impacts various life domains.
Work package 2
Lead institution: ARU
Approaches: Audio diary and dyadic interview with student carers and their care-recipients
Aims: Navigate experiences from both perspectives towards intergenerational relations, the challenges YCE and the older adults are facing and the potentials they see.
Work package 3
Lead institution: Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Approaches: Delphi panel survey with national and local policy makers, professionals and practitioners in education and care
Aims: Explores the awareness and attitudes of stakeholders in educational institutions, practitioners in NGOs and counselling, and local, national and transnational policymakers in the field of care and education.
Work package 4
Lead institution: Jagiellonian-University, Poland
Approaches: Intergenerational innovation labs with student carers and older care recipients
Aims: Develop practical and effective support structures that meet their unique needs in a participatory manner. It will generate new, adequate, and feasible solutions that can be recommended at various levels of governance.
The advisory board is comprised of key stakeholders in education and young adult carers across the three countries:
- Dr Jessica Runacres, Senior Lecturer, Staffordshire University
- Frederike Gerdes, Researcher, German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies, Germany
- Holly Cobb, undergraduate student carer, University of Oxford
- Horst Michaelis, We care e.V. (Wir pflegen e.V.), Germany
- Kirstyn Kedaitis, Widening Participation Coordinator, University of Cambridge
- Andy McGowan, Policy and Practice Manager, Carers Trust
- Prof Beata Bugajska, Researcher, Institute of Pedagogy, University of Szczecin; Director of the Social Department of the Szczecin City Council; Mayor of Szczecin's Plenipotentiary for Equal Opportunities, Poland
- Regina Gerlich, PhD student, University of Stuttgart, Germany
- Sabina Zabielska, student carer, Warsaw University of Life Science, Poland
- Wojciech Glac, Lawyer and Academic, University of the National Education Commission; Vice-President of the Management Board of the Małopolska Hospice for Children, Poland
As part of the InterCare project, a European early career researcher (ECR) network has been established to equip ECRs with sound methodological knowledge and innovative participatory tools for researching intergenerational relations.
On a monthly basis, the network engages ECRs and researchers at different career stages through a variety of activities:
- Reading groups discussing cutting-edge literature on intergenerational research.
- Invited talks where members can learn from leading experts in the field.
- Research/skill sharing sessions where members can exchange methodologies, tools, and best practices.
- Writing retreats providing dedicated time for collaborative or individual writing projects.
- End of year research showcase where members can present their work and celebrate achievements.
We welcome early career researchers (PhD candidates, postdocs) and scholars at all levels interested in intergenerational relations. For more details or to express interest, email Dr Dangeni at [email protected]
Upcoming events
Dr. Emma Armstrong-Carter (Tufts University, US): A university-wide survey of caregiving students in the US: Individual differences and associations with emotional and academic adjustment
Past events
24 February 2026: Participatory methods with young carers and older care recipients
Online group session
February 2026: Challenges in Care Transitions: Moving Towards a Person-Centred Integrated Care Approach
Speaker: Dr. Angelika Gabauer (TU Wien, Austria)
27 January 2026: The in/visibilisation of education and care: University staff’s perceptions of, experiences with, and reactions to the needs of caregiving students
Speaker: Dr. Anna Wanka (Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Germany)
10 December 2025: ECR research showcase event
Speakers: Enrico Pfeifer (UCL, UK), Joy Pirig (University of Applied Sciences Niederrhein, Germany), Dr. Dangeni (ARU, UK)
23 November 2025: ‘Little islands’: challenges and opportunities for student carers in higher education (research sharing, online)
Guest speaker: Dr. Scott Rawlinson (University of Westminster, UK)
17 October 2025: Do Health and Well-Being Change Around the Transition to Informal Caring in Early Adulthood? A Longitudinal Comparison Between the United Kingdom and Germany (research sharing, online)
Invited speaker: Dr. Baowen Xue (UCL, UK)
23 September 2025: Supporting carers in higher education: a qualitative longitudinal study (masterclass, online)
Invited speaker Dr. Jessica Runacres (University of Staffoldshire, UK)
29 May 2025: Invisible caregivers: The ‘hidden lives’ of German university students with care responsibilities (Research sharing, online)
Invited speaker: Dr. Anna Wanka (Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Germany)
27 March 2025: Carers in Academia: in/visibilities, mis/recognition and intersectionalities (research sharing)
Invited speaker: Prof. Marie-Piere Moreau (ARU, UK)
11 February 2025: Young adult caregivers in higher education: a study of prevalence in France (Reading group: in-person Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Germany)
Past events
- Dr Dangeni: 2026 Research with International Students Conference, online. Title: 'Studying and caring across borders: The invisible journey of international students'.
- Dr Dangeni and Prof Marie-Pierre Moreau: 2025 SRHE International Research Conference, Nottingham, UK, 2-4 December 2025. Title: ‘Potentials and challenges of balancing education and care: An investigation of intergenerational care in the UK higher education context’.
- Prof Marie-Pierre Moreau and Dr Dangeni: 2025 SRHE International Research Conference, Nottingham UK, 2-4 December 2025. Title: 'Policing the student body: Discourses of student carers in UK policy texts'.
- Dr Dangeni: European Association of Learning and Instruction, Graz, Austria, 25-29 August 2025. Title: 'Student carers in formal education: a literature review'.
- Dr Dangeni and Prof Marie-Pierre Moreau: Transforming Care Conference, Helsinki, Finland, 25-27 June 2025. Title: 'Student carers in formal education: a literature review.' (PDF)
- Prof Marie-Pierre Moreau and Dr Dangeni: AHESS Research Conference, ARU, UK, 18 June 2025. Title: 'Policing the student body: Discourses of student carers in UK policy texts'.
- Prof Marie-Pierre Moreau and Dr Dangeni: Canadian Sociological Association conference, online, 9-13 June 2025. Title: 'Policing the student body: Discourses of student carers in UK policy texts'.
- Prof Marie-Pierre Moreau and Dr Dangeni: Creating conversations and building connections to make a difference: A Postgraduate and Staff Workshop, ARU, UK, 22 May 2025. TItle: 'Dissemination, public engagement and making a difference'.
- Prof Marie-Pierre Moreau and Dr Dangeni: CERII Members' monthly meeting, online, 24 March 2025. Title: 'Intergenerational Care Relations: Challenges and potentials for reconciliation of education and care in ageing knowledge societies (InterCare)'.
- Dr Anna Wanka and Prof Moritz Hess: Organisation und Moderation des Workshops Pflegende Studierende bei Fachtagung des Deutschen Studierenden Werks, 2025.
- Prof Moritz Hess and Dr Anna Wanka: Pflegende Studierende: eine unsichtbare Gruppe zwischen Studium und Pflege älterer Menschen. Gesellschaft für Empirische Bildungsforschung, Mannheim, 2025.
- Prof Moritz Hess: Pflegende Studierende: eine unsichtbare Gruppe. ifb-Kolloquium, Bamberg, 2025.
Media coverage
- Angehörigenpflege im Studium: “Ich hab auch gedacht, ich zerbreche daran”, RTL Hessen, 24 October 2025
- Pflege von AngehörigenIch habe gespürt, ich muss wieder heim, Süddeutsche Zeitung, 29 September 2025
- Was brauchen pflegende Angehörige?', Deutschlandfunk Nova, 8 September 2025.
- 'Studium und Pflege - (un)vereinbar !?', Mönchengladbacher Seniorenkalender, July 2025.
- '„(Aus-)Bildung und Pflege zu vereinbaren ist nicht einfach. Ich würde jedem raten: Macht es trotzdem!“', Pausentaste, 29 January 2025.
- 'Tabu-Thema: Studierende pflegen Angehörige', Deutschlandfunk Kultur, 30 September 2024.
- 'Wenn Kinder ihre Angehörigen pflegen', hessenschau, 23 June 2024.
- 'Hauptberuflich studieren, nebenberuflich pflegen?', UniReport Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, 2, 57, 11 April 2024.
- '„Die Pflege hat mich fast zerbrochen“', Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, 13 March 2024.
- '"InterCare" – Forschungsprojekt zur Vereinbarung von Pflege und Studium gestartet', Pflegewissenschaft - Ihre Zeitschrift für den Dialog von Wissenschaft und Praxis, 29 February 2024.
- '„InterCare“-Forschungsprojekt zur Vereinbarung von Pflege und Studium gestartet', Rheinischer Spiegel, 4 February 2024.
- Hochschule erforscht Vereinbarung von Pflege und Studium, Rheinische Post, 26 January 2024.
- 'Anglia Ruskin University team to study young carers and their duties', BBC News, 13 January 2024.
- Live interview with Dotty McLeod, The Dotty McLeod Breakfast Show, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, 11 January 2024.
- Interview with Hannah Pettifer, ITV News Anglia, 11 January 2024.
- Mention in news bulletin, Heart Radio, 10 January 2024.
- Pre-recorded news bulletin interview, Greatest Hits Radio, 10 January 2024.
The InterCare project team, March 2026
UK team
Prof Marie-Pierre Moreau, ARU (PI)
Prof Marie-Pierre Moreau is Professor in Sociology of Education, Work and Inequalities at ARU. She is the Director of the Centre for Education Research on Identities and Inequalities (CERII), also at ARU. She is the editor of the journal Access: Critical explorations of equity in higher education, and of the Bloomsbury Gender and Education book series.
Dr Dangeni, ARU
Dr Dangeni is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for InterCare, She is a higher education researcher-practitioner with a focus on inclusion and navigating the experiences of international and minoritised cohorts. Her work explores the intersections of higher education, internationalisation and inequalities.
Polish team
Prof Jolanta Perek-Białas, Jagiellonian University in Kraków (PI)
Prof Jolanta Perek-Białas is an economist, sociologist and gerontologist dealing with ageing issues but also with methodological ones (surveys, mix-method approach). Her research interest focuses mainly on socio-economic situation of older persons in Central and Eastern Europe, including active ageing, ageism in the labour market policy, old age social exclusion, age-friendly approach and organisation of care for older persons, supporting working caregivers.
Dr Natalia Krygowska-Nowak, Jagiellonian University in Kraków
Dr Natalia Krygowska-Nowak is an anthropologist, qualitative researcher, and evaluation expert affiliated with the Jagiellonian University in Kraków. She specialises in participatory and qualitative research on ageing and social inclusion, as well as competence development and extended working lives. Her work combines academic research with practical experience in public policy and social innovation projects. She has contributed to several international research initiatives and collaborates with public institutions to develop inclusive, participatory solutions in the fields of care and ageing.
Joanna Kwinta-Odrzywolek, Jagiellonian University in Kraków
Joanna Kwinta-Odrzywolek has extensive experience in conducting research, marketing studies and evaluation projects for both private and public institutions. She is an evaluation and research expert in social innovation projects and projects focuses on situation of older persons. She also specialises in competence development across different sectors, as well as labour market trends and challenges.
Dr Aleksandra Piłat-Kobla, Jagiellonian University in Kraków
Dr Aleksandra Piłat-Kobla is a sociologist and Assistant Professor at the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków. She specialises in ageing, health, and informal caregiving, with a focus on health literacy and social inclusion. Her work combines academic research with practical experience in social policy and social innovation projects supporting caregivers and older adults. She has been involved in several international research projects and collaborates with public institutions on developing solutions for informal care.
Dr Anna Urbaniak, Jagiellonian University in Kraków
Dr Anna Urbaniak is a sociologist, Assistant Professor at Jagiellonian University. She specialises in aging studies and public policy, with research experience in Ireland, Austria, and Poland. An award-winning scholar, she co-edited the Routledge International Handbook of Participatory Approaches in Ageing Research and leads the European COST Action CA22167 on participatory aging research.
German team
Dr Anna Wanka, Goethe University Frankfurt (PI)
Dr Anna Wanka is a sociologist and critical gerontologist interested in un/doing difference and the material-discursive construction of age across the life course. She did her PhD in Sociology at the University of Vienna, Austria, and is currently a research group leader at Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany. Her areas of expertise comprise life course transitions and the re/production of intersectional inequalities across the life course, ageing and technologies, age-friendly cities and communities, ageing migrants, and lifelong learning.
Prof Moritz Hess, University of Applied Sciences Niederrhein (PI)
Prof Moritz Hess is a professor of gerontology at the University of Applied Sciences Niederrhein. He earned a PhD in Sociology from the University of Mannheim and held positions at the Institute for Gerontology at TU Dortmund and the University of Bremen.
Klara Kümpfel, Goethe University Frankfurt
Klara Kümpfel is an educational scientist who works as a student assistant at Goethe University Frankfurt and previously worked at the Research Institute Social Cohesion (RISC). Her areas of interest include life course transitions, ritual practices at the transition of becoming an adult as well as ethnographic fieldwork. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, studied at the University of Vienna, and is currently pursuing her studies at Goethe University Frankfurt.
Flora Petrik, Goethe University Frankfurt
Flora Petrik is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for InterCare based at Goethe University Frankfurt. She did her PhD in Education at the University of Tübingen, Germany, where she focused on first-generation students in higher education and social mobility. Her work engages sociological, educational and cultural theory to analyse inequality in schools and universities, with a particular focus on social class, life course transitions, learning practices, and processes of subject formation.
Joy Pirig, University of Applied Sciences Niederrhein
Joy Pirig is a health scientist and works as a research associate at the University of Applied Sciences Niederrhein. She did her MSc at the University of Applied Science Niederrhein. In her Master’s thesis, she examined the stress situation of young carers and young adult cares in Germany.
- ARU experts shape new report to help young carers, ARU press release, 21 January 2026.
- Project investigates issues faced by young carers, ARU press release, 10 January 2024.
