Leadership development programmes

Programmes for new and experienced PIs

Leadership development programmes are available for academic staff who are new or experienced research leaders. The following provides an overview of available options most relevant for PIs. 

Leadership development programmes for researchers

The Research Leader Programme is for new and aspiring PIs, focusing on the challenges faced by research leaders as they establish themselves as PIs and group leaders for the first time. Topics include understanding your approach to leadership, developing and supporting a research group, and developing your research strategy.  

Eligible applicants are likely to be experienced post-docs or research fellows who are likely to become PIs in the near future, or recently appointed academic staff or new PIs who are leading projects and teams for the first time.  The programme includes two offers: 

  1. Research Leader Programme Online: Four half-day online workshops on 21st January, 6th February, 27th February, and 18th March 2025, 13:30 – 16:30. 

  1. Research Leader Programme In-Person:  Two full days in-person workshops on 12th & 13th May 2025, 09:30 – 16:30. 

Places are available for eligible colleagues in all three Colleges who can commit to attending all days of either the online or in-person offer, as outlined above.  Eligible applicants should apply via the link below.  

Applications: We are open to applications for the Research Leader Programme from 1st  September to 31st October each year. To apply, fill in this online application form within this timeframe. There are 20 places available in each offer. Based on previous iterations, we expect demand to be high and may need to allocate spaces on a first come basis, prioritising those who meet the criteria for the programme and ensuring a good mixture of delegates from across the three Colleges. Further opportunities will be made available next academic year. 


The Strategic Leadership in Research Programme aims to equip researchers with the leadership skills, knowledge and behaviours required to win large-scale strategic funding. Participants will be experienced investigators and research leaders with a clear trajectory toward running a major grant, centre or network within the next few years. Participants are likely to be Readers or recently promoted Professors (or equivalent), or any academic staff member who can demonstrate evidence of big grant readiness. The programme comprises five workshops followed by an Ideas Summit at which participants pitch their research idea to potential collaborators and senior leaders from across the University. It will also offer wraparound support such as coaching, mentoring and action-based learning sets.  

Applications: Full information on dates and how to apply is available from the Edinburgh Research Office Strategic Leadership in Research Programme webpage. 


Leadership development programmes for women in research

Elevate is designed for women of colour, who are at grades 8-10 and are aiming to move forward in their academic leadership. Taking place over six months, the course offers the opportunity to develop a cohort of 20 peers, receive specialist training, hear from inspiring speakers and take part in both 1-2-1 coaching and action learning.  The space will be held by two women of colour who are facilitators/coaches skilled in the field of leadership through an intersectional lens to create and sustain inclusive workplace cultures. 

Applications: Full information on dates and how to apply is available from the Edinburgh Research Office Elevate Programme webpage. 


A new leadership programme for women in academia, who are at grades 8-10, working in Climate Change. The programme has been co-designed with women from across the University and will support participants to develop new skills and knowledge, build their confidence and capacity for developing ambitious research programmes and create a network of support as they grow ideas for impact. The programme will focus on personal leadership development, as well as creating a strong cohort to advocate for change and innovation within the sector. 

Applications: Full information on dates and how to apply is available from the Edinburgh Research Office Edinburgh Climate Research Leaders webpage.


University leadership & management programmes for all staff

University leadership and management courses

The University provides management and leadership courses for all staff, both academic and professional services. The available offers include: 

  • The Aspiring Manager: for staff who are not in a management role but demonstrate the potential and motivation to develop into one. 

  • The Edinburgh Manager: for staff who are people managers across all areas of the University. 

  • The Edinburgh Leader: for staff with significant leadership responsibilities including setting the strategic direction of their work area.  

Leadership programmes to support Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University also supports applicants to Advance-HE's leadership courses for women, and for staff from BAME backgrounds. Please note these programmes are run by an external organisation and will therefore incur a cost. The available programmes include: 

  • Aurora Programme: Advance HE's initiative for women and those who identify as a woman, prior to taking their first significant step up to a leadership role. 

  • Diversifying Leadership Programme: Advance HE's Diversifying Leadership programme is designed to support early-career academics and professional services staff from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds who are about to take their first steps into a leadership role. 

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