Leadership and management training

Target audience: this programme is for aspiring and new Principal Investigators (PIs) at the University of Edinburgh. Eligible applicants are likely to be University of Edinburgh research fellows, recently appointed academic staff, or new Principal Investigators who are leading teams and supporting individuals for the first time. 

Aim: the programme focuses on the challenges faced by PIs as they establish themselves as team leaders for the first time and how they can build positive research cultures. Topics include understanding your approach to leadership, developing and supporting research teams and individuals, and developing your research strategy.

Format and length: 2 days in person, internally facilitated. The programme runs twice per academic year toward the end of each semester, with cohorts of 20-24 participants.

Application process: eligible researchers can apply via an online form at set times during the academic year, usually October and February. Applications are by self-nomination, but we encourage you to seek endorsement from your Line Manager to participate in the programme. Selection is based on eligibility and a first-come basis.

Further information for the Research Leader Programme

Target audience: this programme is designed for mid-career researchers who already have some leadership experience, such as leading research programme(s) or holding deputy leadership positions. It is open to academics/researchers at or above Grade 9 (UoEG09) scale, or individuals at the latter stage of Grade 8 (UoEG08) with substantial experience, such as Fellowship holders ready for senior leadership roles.

Aim: the programme mission is to inspire and empower emerging leaders to have the capacity to step into senior leadership roles and nurture supportive and collegiate research environments. The programme is designed to develop and inspire future research leaders within academic communities. It aims to cultivate a supportive research culture and equips individuals with the skills necessary for effective leadership, focusing on managing significant funding proposals and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Format and length: the programme comprises monthly 1 hour online webinars over nine months (October to June), internally facilitated. Participants may be required to engage with pre-recorded materials and other training resources before attending the webinars. There are up to 30 spaces per cohort annually, available for colleagues from the three colleges.  

Application process: the nomination process is by self-nomination with (or without) a supportive nomination from the heads of school or department lead. This dual approach balances empowerment with inclusivity, ensuring a diverse selection of participants. Applications are likely to open at the beginning of the academic year. Applications are managed by the research culture teams from our three Colleges: CSE, CMVM, and CAHSS.

For further information, please contact the relevant college research culture lead or office

Target audience: this programme will alternate between an open and targeted mode. The open programme is suitable for all mid-career academics ready to progress towards senior leadership roles. The targeted programme is suitable for mid-career academics who identify with a selected under-represented EDI characteristic and are ready to progress towards senior leadership roles.

Aim: the programme aims to facilitate participants to identify their leadership ambition. The programme will equip them with the strategic leadership skills and capabilities to develop their own plan to achieve this. The targeted programme will have an added EDI focus.

Format and length: hybrid delivery over 6 months by external facilitators with internal expertise contributing. The programme will run once per year with cohorts of 24 participants for the open programme, and 12 participants for the targeted programme, alternating between the open and targeted programme annually.

Application process: This programme is currently paused and is not open for applications. Further information will be made available for academic year 2026 to 2027.

Target audience: this programme is for research leaders (in this method, defined as anyone who works alongside others to create impact - it does not refer to hierarchy necessarily) and is likely to be useful to a range of research leaders who want to build democratic leadership skills and deal with tension and conflict in teams to create healthy, highly impactful cultures through the power of participation.

Aim: this programme uses Lewis' Deep Democracy methods to support research leaders to navigate tension and conflict in teams and create participative cultures. Topics include: how to understand team dynamics; practice that enables inclusive, participative cultures; and tools to manage tension and conflict. 

Format and length: hybrid delivery over 1.5 days with an external facilitator. The programme runs once per academic year, usually at the end of April, with a cohort of 15 participants.

Application process: There is no application process. All eligible research and academic staff can book onto the course.

Further information for Participative Leadership Programme

Target audience: this cross-institutional programme is open to all staff who are aspiring, new or experienced research leaders in any participating Scottish higher education institution. 

Aim: the network aims to make research leadership training accessible and available to all Scottish research leaders (staff only), and build a connected community of researchers who collectively strengthen Scotland's research cultures. The programme is based on the Future Leaders Fellows Development Networks leadership retreat materials, covering a range of different leadership and management topics for research.

Format and length: the programme offers monthly optional 1.5 hour online sessions from January to November each year. The programme is highly flexible, and participants can attend as many or as few sessions as they want. Sessions are recorded to allow participants to view these in their own time. Some institutions may run a cohort integrated with the programme. There is no limit on number of participants.

Application process: there is no application. All eligible research leaders in participating Scottish HEIs can sign up to sessions via Eventbrite.

Further information for the Scottish Research Leaders Network