April Editorial: Veterans and Families
As spring settles in and the sun remembers it has a job to do, we turn our attention this month to the experiences, needs, and contributions of Veterans and their families - across generations and throughout the life course of military service.
From research into bereavement, moral injury, and disability to reflections on identity, transition, and education, this issue highlights the vital role families play in both the everyday realities and long-term impacts of military life.
We’re delighted to feature a conversation with the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR), offering insight into their global partnerships, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to supporting early career researchers through the Student and Postdoctoral Engagement Community (SPEC). Their approach demonstrates how coordinated research efforts across academia, government, and veteran organisations can shape understanding and guide improvements in support systems
April also marks the Month of the Military Child. DRN committee member Dr Lucy Robinson leads this month’s research spotlight, sharing her work on service children’s identity and educational experiences. We also highlight research on bereavement, family support, and lived experience from across the UK, Canada, and beyond- including new projects from Anglia Ruskin and Oxford Brookes.
From updates on the Female Veterans’ Transformation Programme to opportunities like the Reading Force writing competition, this issue is full of ways to engage, reflect, and take action.
If you're looking for inspiration or a moment to pause, catch up on what we’ve been listening to and reading - a few picks from across the network to inform and challenge. And as always, don’t miss the News from Our Community, Events, and Opportunities sections - packed with ways to connect, collaborate, and contribute.
Happy reading!
Tegan Harrison
Newsletter Editor
