Developing the next generation of research leaders

The Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics (LIFD), Global Food and Environment Institute (GFEI) and Energy Leeds were pleased to collaborate on a new research leadership training initiative, co-delivered by Horizons Institute lead Samantha Aspinall and Emma Spary this Spring. This programme was developed with input from LIFD leadership to address a gap in training provision for academic staff members of research institutes at the University of Leeds looking to take on research leadership roles in institutes, and centres in academia in the future. The programme hosted 24 attendees from LIFD, GFEI, Energy, Bragg Centre, Leeds Social Sciences Institute (LSSI), Water@Leeds and the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA), who explored goal setting, career pathways, building networks, influencing funders, research leadership, navigating the organisation and identifying strategic and personal priorities. Guest speakers included Prof Cath Noakes, Faye Robinson, Dr Claire Savy and Prof Stephen Whitfield. A second session will be run later this year to close out the programme.

 Feedback from participants so far included;

"It was great to have the time to think, and to be able to talk to other people in the same (and different) positions"

"I have already followed up plans to investigate a new network or centre with one other person present. I didn't know them before, so that part is valuable to me"

"It was great to hear and aspire to achieve what some of the speakers and peers were doing to achieve their goals as leaders"

Demand exceeded places available, as such the group will explore running this again for institute members, if you would like to attend a future programme, please register your interest.