The importance of establishing a positive research culture has never been more important, with clear institutional benefits including supporting successful grant applications and good research outcomes. UKRI alone has committed £2 billion in its 24/25 budget to support “talent initiatives” and the development of “future leadership” (UKRI 2024-2025 Budget Allocations).
Key to unlocking this, is to focus on research leadership skill development specifically designed for those working in research and research in academia.
Our Research Leadership Development Programme supports the development of research leaders at all levels in an institution to improve on existing research culture and research outcomes. The programme has three tiers, providing development for aspiring, emerging, and established research leaders. Each tier is uniquely tailored to support the organisational and individual needs at these career stages.
The programme will contribute to successful funding applications through effective and efficient delivery, and to research that creates an impact that enhances the institution’s global reputation. It will be particularly helpful for institutions in England that are looking to undertake the development of a healthy and thriving research culture, a key component in the upcoming REF.
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Find out more about this programme and the tiers within it.
We will be launching the new dates soon.
Programme Benefits
The institution benefits from:
- Enhanced Research Leadership - Institutions can expect a more dynamic and effective research leadership structure by developing leaders at various stages.
- Improved Research Outcomes - Skilled leaders can drive higher-quality research, leading to better academic reputation and potential for funding in supportive and sustainable research cultures.
- Strategic Alignment - Each programme level aligns with different stages of academic careers, supporting the institution's strategic goals in research excellence and leadership development.
Participants benefit from:
- Skill Enhancement - Participants will acquire specific skills pertinent to their career stage, from fundamental research management to advanced strategic leadership.
- Career Advancement - The programme equips individuals with the competencies required for progression in academic and research leadership roles.
- Networking Opportunities - Access to a network of peers and mentors, fostering collaborative and innovative research environments.
Which tier of the programme is right for me?
There are 3 tiers to this programme, offered to: aspiring, emerging, and established research leaders. Each is a multi-day online programme.
Aspiring research leaders (RLDP 1)
Aspiring research leaders – you will be at the beginning of your leadership journey, possibly a post-doc, lecturer or a newly appointed senior lecturer. You will have conducted independent research, possibly worked in teams under supervision, or got funded recently and are planning to build a research team for the first time.
Participants at this tier will develop foundational research management skills and learn basic leadership principles in a research context.
Emerging research leaders (RLDP 2)
Emerging research leaders – you will have some experience of leading research teams and securing funding, and will likely be a senior lecturer, reader, or an experienced lecturer.
Participants at this tier will develop advanced project management and team leadership abilities, and understand collaborative research dynamics.
Established research leaders (RLDP 3)
Established research leaders – you will have significant leadership experience, holding or applying for senior administrative positions such as heads of departments or deans. You will have led large research groups with big budgets, influenced and shaped departmental research culture, and influenced institutional research culture and university policies.
Participants at this tier will master strategic research leadership, build resilience for self and others, drive innovation in research and learn to cultivate a high-performance research culture.
Facilitators
