Research Leader Programme

The Research Leader Programme is for new Principal Investigators at the University of Edinburgh, focusing 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.

Who is it for?

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. Please be aware that some experience of managing or leading teams or individuals, or imminently being in a position to do so, will be necessary. Though aspects of this programme are relevant for leading collaborative groups, this is not the main focus of the programme.

What can I expect?

The cohort-based programme is designed to support researchers to develop key leadership skills in the context of the Higher Education sector to build positive cultures and support individuals and teams to develop. Participants will also have an opportunity to learn from colleagues and peers from across the institution in similar positions. The specific topics that will be covered include:

• Introduction to research leadership and understanding your approach to leadership
• Leading research teams effectively and supporting individuals to set them up for success
• Dealing with common challenges in teams and with individuals
• Developing a strategic approach to your research

Through a mixture of leadership theory and peer discussion and learning, participants will develop methods and approaches to leading research teams and supporting individuals effectively, and will be able to apply these in their own contexts. Previous participants have given very positive feedback on the course, and some recent comments from participants in 2026 when asked what they would be able to apply included:

I found the sessions really engaging. I realised quite how much to learn there was, and the session made me appreciate the difference between being a good manager and a good leader. The reflective time made me realise I needed to prioritise/deprioritise certain things to achieve my goals. Also planning conversations around setting expectations was very useful to learn about and will have huge impact on my work/life.

Practical skills around adapting conversations to suit the person I am speaking to and context. Confidence in my existing people skills as well as new techniques. A fundamental shift in how I see my role as a group / research leader and several ideas on how I am going to spend my time differently to reflect that. Practical ideas on what I need to do over the next few years to support my research in the long term. 

What is not covered

This programme does not include detailed process information, budget and finance information, funding and proposals. These are highly discipline specific or specific to your local context, and will therefore not be covered in this programme. Further support for these are available in Schools or Colleges.

Upcoming programmes and dates

The Research Leader Programme will run twice in AY2026/27, both on campus.

The programme will run twice, once per semester, and will be delivered over two consecutive days in a central campus location. You must be able to attend both days on the dates indicated below to be eligible to apply.

• Semester One: 9 & 10th December 2026, 10:00-16:30 both days

  OR

• Semester Two:  26 & 27th May 2027, 10:00-16:30 both days

Applications

Places are available for eligible colleagues in all three Colleges who can commit to attending two consecutive days, as outlined above. Applications will be open during the times indicated or until the programme is full.

Please be aware there are limited 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. Get your application in early for the best chance of a space. If you do not get a space on your chosen programme you may be asked to apply again.