The importance of establishing a positive research culture has never been more important, with clear institutional benefits including supporting supporting research strategy and securing funding.
Our Research Leadership Development Programme supports the development of research leaders at all levels to improve on existing research culture and outcomes. The programme has three tiers, providing development for emerging, evolving and experienced research leaders, within the research ecosystem. Each tier is uniquely tailored to support the organisational and individual needs at these research leadership stages.
The programme contributes to research that creates an impact and enhances the institution’s global reputation. It is particularly helpful for institutions in England looking to develop a healthy and thriving research culture, a key component in the upcoming REF.
Would you like an in-house version of this programme?
If you have a number of colleagues from within your organisation who would benefit from this programme it can be delivered in-house for specific faculties, departments or teams. This will allow for some tailoring to meet the needs of your organisation, and to allow for cross-level learning, supporting overall institutional strategic goals. Find out more about bespoke programmes and training.
Bookings are now open
The booking information and start dates for each tier are available when booking.
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 research leadership careers, supporting the institution's strategic goals in research excellence and leadership development.
- Improved Staff Wellbeing - Knowledgeable leaders can build and support thriving research cultures, leading to overall improvement in staff wellbeing, confidence and resilience.
Participants benefit from:
- Skill Enhancement - Participants will acquire specific skills pertinent to their career stage, from fundamental research leadership 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.
The Research Leadership Development Programme has enabled me to take stock of my current skills and knowledge and pinpoint areas I would like to develop further."Dr Kate Carruthers Thomas, Birmingham City University
Which tier of the programme is right for me?
There are three tiers to this programme offered to emerging, evolving and experienced research leaders. Each programme consists of three half-day online sessions.
Emerging research leaders (RLDP 1)
You will be at the beginning of your leadership journey, possibly a post-doc or a newly appointed 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 leadership skills and learn basic leadership principles and approaches in a research context.
Evolving research leaders (RLDP 2)
You will have some experience of leading research teams and securing funding.
Participants at this tier will develop a deep knowledge and experience of team leadership abilities and theories, and understand collaborative research dynamics with the research ecosystem, rather than focusing on leading themselves.
Experienced research leaders (RLDP 3)
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.
A lovely space to come together as researcher leaders to discuss leading change and leading others in the higher education sector."Rachel Granger, De Montfort University
Book your place
Emerging research leaders (RLDP 1)
Start date: 26 April, 10 and 24 May 2027
5% early booking discount, book before 30 September 2026:
- Member Ticket (Early Booking): £595
- Non-Member Ticket (Early Booking): £790
Standard pricing:
- Member Ticket: £625
- Non-Member Ticket: £830
Evolving research leaders (RLDP 2)
Module dates: 22 April, 6 and 20 May 2027
5% early booking discount, book before 30 September 2026:
- Member Ticket (Early Booking): £735
- Non-Member Ticket (Early Booking): £980
Standard pricing:
- Member Ticket: £775
- Non-Member Ticket: £1030
Experienced research leaders (RLDP 3)
Module dates: 21 April, 5 and 19 May 2027
5% early booking discount, book before 30 September 2026:
- Member Ticket (Early Booking): £765
- Non-Member Ticket (Early Booking): £1015
Standard pricing:
- Member Ticket: £805
- Non-Member Ticket: £1070
Facilitators
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