I don't think it's a problem not to have a uni affiliation as I've seen papers where people use personal addresses.  Although personally I would prefer to use one instead of a private address but I don't think it detracts from the research.

In my field, you need a Uni affiliation for decent journal publication. Sadly, I'm the only person in my Uni to specialise in autism/education. In fact, I'm the only person in the UK to have ever specialised in it at PhD level. As I said, a splinter in a niche....

Hi Beajay,

I had a quick look through all the replies and that I think that these provide very good advice. Perhaps the following my be useful:

1. Can you be registered with another university, either in the UK or even abroad? I have seen that the OU is mentioned, perhaps there are other institutions who would be keen to have you. Remember, you seem to do research in a niche area and it is likely that more publications will follow. As such you may well be attractive for various universities / reseachers. Often if you "just" e-mail to some of the key authors in your field and offer to work with them, they may well be interested. In this way you could bypass administrators, who may be restricted in providing university access.

2. I do not know this myself but can you get access to accounts like Athens / Scopus? I mean if you would contact "them" and explain your situation, would there be any chance that you get access / temporary access? Like using a new product sometimes one can try it for free for a month or so. Perhaps something to explore.

3. Although you mentioned that affiliation to a university is required in your field, I wanted to reiterate what others have said that many authors in various fields publish without having this connection.

Good luck:-)

Sadly, the HOD is my Prof/super!

YES!!!!!! Thanks to all your encouragement, I got up off my backside and made some enquiries (I just hate asking for anything), and I'm STILL on the Associate/Approved Tutor list at my Uni Dept, so I can keep my affiliation, but as staff rather than student, for at least another 12 months!!! I can get my papers written!
phewwwwww. Huge sign of relief..............

Excellent news! I guess its time to make the most of this and publish, publish, publish! As they say, if you don't ask then you won't get. I just hope that my brain is still as sharp when I am 66. Glad to hear some good positive news :-)

That's terrific news Beajay, am delighted. Staff as well, prob lends a bit more weight to your name when you look to publish academically

That's great so you can make the most of it. You may even get some teaching if you wish! Glad it has worked out. (up)

If your research is so unique, you can tour around unis giving lectures on it. Also offer to give lectures at conferences, where you can make contacts, and use these to further your research.

Yeah, that's sorted!