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Women's Leadership Academy
Supporting and empowering early career researchers (ECRs) to carve out a research career that fits their own needs
Women ECRs: are you struggling to find a work/life balance in a research system that doesn't seem to meet your needs?
Do you want to build confidence, shift your mindset, and develop the skills you need to further your career?
If so, the »ÆÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Women's Leadership Academy is for you.
Women's Leadership Seminar Series #2: Authenticity between two worlds
Wednesday 19 November, 10.30am-12.30pm
(tickets on sale 1 October)
Join (Business School) as she explores the paradox of feeling “non-academic” in the way she works and yet deeply committed to academia. Reflect on your own experiences, consider your non-academic instincts and how they might be a source of strength, and learn strategies for translating authenticity into academic credibility.
Applications for the 2026 Academy will open in the new year.
About the academy
The »ÆÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Women's Leadership Academy is a new programme that will empower early-career academics - inclusive of all women and minority genders - to carve out a research career that works for them.
Sessions are active and participant-led, answering the questions you raise - it's about collaboration, peer support and peer learning, identifying your own leadership style and working out how to do it your way.
Running between late March and June, it includes:
- Two one-day coaching workshops with support from Fiona Reith, a Designing Your Life coach.
- Shorter, weekly online seminars focusing on common barriers and more practical skills, including time management, collaborating and communicating, research grants, and promotion.
- Small book groups providing space for peer mentoring and support, and building community. The set text is Playing Big by Tara Mohr.
The academy helps to address the gender gap in ECR applications for promotion that has been identified at the University. This issue was discussed at the Research with Impact Forum in November 2024.
The initiative is led by , Associate Professor of Engineering, and , the Director for ECRs, and supported by the »ÆÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Researcher School, Organisational Development, and Research Culture.
Benefits of joining the academy
- Grow in confidence and develop your leadership skills.
- Learn how to manage your time and stress more effectively.
- Connect with other ECRs, and start to build your networks.
- Build a community of support.
- Identify a career pathway based on your own personal circumstances and objectives.
Programme structure
| Applications open | Monday 9 February |
| International Women's Day launch event | Late February |
| Deadline for applications | Wednesday 4 March, 12 noon |
| Places allocated | By Wednesday 11 March |
| One-day coaching workshop: Introduction to the Academy | w/c 23 March |
| Book groups begin | w/c 23 March |
| Seminar #1: Time management and work/life balance | Wednesday 16 April, 1.00-3.00pm |
| Seminar #2: Collaboration and communication | Wednesday 23 April, 1.00-3.00pm |
| Seminar #3: Promotions and career progression | Wednesday 30 April, 1.00-3.00pm |
| Seminar #4: Identifying and applying for grants |
Wednesday 7 May, 1.00-3.00pm |
| Seminar #5: Pitching and sharing your work | Wednesday 14 May, 1.00-3.00pm |
| One-day coaching workshop: Round-up and reflections | w/c 1 June |
| Showcase event | tbc |
Who can apply?
The academy is designed to support researchers who are in the early years of their career, who may be facing barriers to taking the next step, particularly those commonly faced by women. All women and minority genders are invited to apply.
To be eligible, you must be:
- employed by the »ÆÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ for the full period of the programme, up to 30 June.
- undertaking research as a substantial part of your role, whether you are on a research-only contract or doing research alongside teaching.
- available to attend all workshops and seminars (see dates).
The academy aims to help early career researchers, which at »ÆÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ is defined as research staff at grades 6-8, broadly encompassing research assistants, postdoctoral researchers, research fellows and senior research fellows.
However, it is understood that women may face barriers to progression beyond this level, or may be returning to research after a career break. If you are in a different research role but consider yourself early career, you are welcome to apply.
How to apply
Applications will open on Monday 9 February. If you are interested in joining the 2026 Academy, you will be asked to consider two key questions:
- Why do you want to take part in the academy? What do you hope to get from it?
- What challenges or barriers are you currently facing that are holding you back from progressing in your career?
You may want to watch the video above about the 2025 Academy to see how last year's cohort benefitted from taking part in the scheme.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 4 March, at 12 noon.
Selection process
Selection will take place after the deadline, and will be based on how well applicants have considered the benefits of taking part - including identifying any challenges or barriers - and have a clear idea of where they’d like their career to progress next. There are 18 places on the 2026 programme. Applications from ECRs will be prioritised.
Membership of the selection panel includes women in academic and non-academic roles, and at different career stages:
- (Engineering and Informatics)
- (Life Sciences)
- (»ÆÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Researcher School)
Applicants will be told if they have a place on the academy by Wednesday 11 March.