Edinburgh Napier University

  This on the horizon paper concerns early career academics and their developing roles in the context of a focus on transitions into higher education. Despite a purported dearth of data in respect of the early career academic, it suggests that challenges faced by such individuals centre on the development of identity, agency and community. Two theoretical perspectives – resilience and liminality – are outlined and used to suggest that whilst the transition into role will be disruptive, such an experience does not have to be damaging; indeed, well managed, it might enable individuals to flourish. Poetic transcription as a research method is introduced and then re-presented with a twist to illustrate its potential to support the early career academic as an individual and as a member of community of practice. Plans for a small-scale action research project are outlined to investigate the potential of poetic transcription with a twist to strengthen resilience and negotiate liminality.