Dr Maria Petrillo is a Research Associate working on inequalities in care in the Faculty of Social Sciences.
As an applied economist, based within the Centre for Care, Maria uses the latest statistical and data linkage techniques to learn how socio-economic, health and other inequalities shape the experience of care and the consequences of these for groups and individuals in different places and over time.
Some of her most recent work has raised the plight of the UK’s kinship carers - family or friends who step up to care for a child when their parents aren’t able to. Despite contributing more than £4.3 billion a year to the economy by raising children – many of whom would otherwise be in the foster care system - most kinship carers don’t have access to the same financial, practical and emotional support that is available for foster carers.
Her latest report ‘Valuing Kinship Care in England’ has revealed kinship carers are twice as likely as other adults to rely on food banks and four times as likely to fall behind on their bills. And as a result, one in eight kinship carers might have to give up caring for a child they love, often due to a lack of financial support.
Maria’s work is leading to lobbying of the Government urging all kinship carers to be awarded financial allowances.
She has also worked on a recent study estimating the cost of unpaid care in the UK which found that unpaid carers who provided 50+ hours of care per week saw their personal income fall on average by £162 per month, with losses peaking at £192 per month after four years.
The work is calling for more effective support systems for unpaid carers and the people they support.
In this Q&A Maria talks about her career achievements and what she hopes to achieve in the future with her research:
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
I feel privileged that my research has contributed to policy change and increased public awareness around unpaid care. My work on valuing unpaid care has been referenced in parliamentary discussions, helping to highlight the financial and social challenges that carers face. Collaborating on data-driven tools, such as the Understanding Inequality in the UK dashboard, has also provided useful insights for policymakers and advocacy groups working to improve support for carers. It has been encouraging to see how research can play a role in shaping conversations with the potential to lead to better recognition and policies.
It goes without saying that none of this would have been possible without the support of colleagues, and mentors, who have shared their expertise and guidance along the way. I've been lucky to work with a great team whose support and expertise have made this work possible. Research is never an individual pursuit, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that is committed to making research that drives positive change in people’s lives.
Your research is already having a positive impact on people's lives, what do you hope to achieve in the future with your work?
In the future, I hope to strengthen the link between academic research and policy implementation, ensuring that unpaid carers receive the recognition and support they deserve. I aim to expand collaborations with key stakeholders, including government bodies, charities, and advocacy groups, to develop robust, data-driven tools that can shape policies at both local and national levels. By improving data accessibility and analytical capacity, I want to help create a system where carers’ needs are systematically considered in policy decisions, leading to better services, financial support, and overall well-being for those who provide unpaid care.
What would your advice be to young female academics starting out on their careers now?
My advice to young female academics is to build strong networks, seek mentorship, and not be afraid to advocate for themselves. Academia can sometimes feel isolating, and women often face additional challenges in terms of recognition and career progression. Seeking out supportive colleagues, mentors, and collaborators can make a significant difference. It’s also important to be strategic—choose projects that align with your long-term goals and that -most importantly- you are passionate about. Apply for funding opportunities and develop a clear research identity. Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of work-life balance; setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being can help sustain a long and fulfilling career.