Dr Luke Hepworth’s return to geology
For many, research is more than just a career — it’s a calling, a lifelong pursuit. But life doesn’t always follow a linear path, and sometimes taking a break is necessary to take care of your well-being or your loved ones. For Dr Luke Hepworth, a Royal Society funded fellow in geology at the University of Cambridge, a career break has allowed him to return to research with new focus, purpose, and passion.
An unexpected career break
Luke completed his PhD in geology at Keele University, where his research focused on plutonic mafic rocks—magma that never reached the surface to become lava, forming unique rock formations. After a six-month research associate position right after completing his doctorate, Luke took a career break for his mental health. His break extended due to caring responsibilities and later, bereavement.
When he felt ready to return to academia, Luke found the time away had left him uncompetitive for academic jobs.
I lost a lot of the polish from skills I had previously, which meant I could no longer compete for competitive fellowships. I was also seen as high risk and less than compared to linear career applicants.
The Daphne Jackson Trust afforded me the space and support to write a project that I felt comfortable and confident to do without compromising on the quality of my research. Royal Society funding makes the fieldwork and analysis possible and allows me to build skills that make the research both better and higher profile.”
Return to research
Luke’s project, “The collapse of mafic magma chambers: new insights from the Rum central intrusion, NW Scotland,” examines the properties of “crystal mush,” a mix of crystals and magma that exists before igneous rocks solidify.
“I really like rocks. My research allows me to spend time studying a variety of fascinating rocks, both outside in the sunshine (hopefully!) and under the microscope. Our understanding of many metal-ore deposits is underpinned by our understanding of crystal mush. By providing critical insight into its physical properties, we might understand how important metal deposits are formed and how new deposits might be found.”
A few months into his fellowship, Luke is seizing opportunities for field work in Scotland and rebuilding networks at academic conferences, attending workshops and webinars, and working on an academic paper. He was also recently elected as ECR rep for a joint special interest group of the Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland & The Geological Society of London.
There are two things I’ll never regret: my career break and emailing the Daphne Jackson Trust. Being given the opportunity to return is the first step back on the path to an active research career. Without it, I doubt I’d have been able to return. I’m not wasting a single second of it.”
