Interdisciplinary Leadership Programme  Interdisciplinary Leadership Programme

Do you want to transform your research and career as an inclusive interdisciplinary research leader?

The Horizons Institute, University of Leeds, and the Bradford Researcher Development Framework team, University of Bradford, invite applications from academic staff across all faculties at both institutions to engage in a new cross-institution Interdisciplinary Leadership Programme.

Who can apply to the programme?

There are fourteen fully funded places available (seven at the University of Leeds and seven at the University of Bradford) for mid-career researchers from any discipline.

Please note that in recognition of different career pathways, we would define a mid-career researcher as anyone who identifies themselves as such. As a guide, we would suggest this opportunity could apply to those who may have the following experience:

• One or two substantial periods of research after their PhD (or equivalent research training).
• Directed or closely guided the work of others. 
• Recently been appointed to their first independent academic position.
• Are in the early stages of their independent research career.

Applicants must:

• Be eligible to apply for external research funding.
• Commit to attending at least three meetings over the course of seven months (September 2025-March 2026). 
• Have Interdisciplinary research collaboration or leadership experience, and be able to demonstrate how the programme will support them to take the next steps in their interdisciplinary research leadership career, or,
• Have an established research profile and be able to demonstrate why they are now ready to take the next steps to innovate and integrate their research/discipline and establish themselves as interdisciplinary leaders. 

This programme recognises that research career pathways are not always linear. We welcome applications from individuals from diverse career backgrounds, including those returning from career breaks, transitioning back to research after time spent in other roles, or work part-time to balance personal responsibilities.

We are committed to providing equity of opportunity, fairness and inclusivity. We actively encourage applications from those of global majority backgrounds, who are underrepresented in Principal Investigator roles in Research and Innovation, as well as disabled or neurodivergent individuals, and LGBTQIA+ candidates.

Why apply?

This programme is for you if you would like to:

• Explore how to design and conceptualise new interdisciplinary research questions or view existing research questions through a new disciplinary lens.
• Learn how to establish new collaborations and take an interdisciplinary idea through the entire research lifecycle to achieve impactful outcomes.
• Carve out the time and space to reflect on your current position as a research leader and your next career steps.
• Explore the skills, competencies, and approaches of an effective and inclusive leader of an interdisciplinary team and research project.
• Join a cohort of interdisciplinary research leaders in West Yorkshire and engage in reciprocal and mutual learning through facilitated activities.
• Access coaching and mentoring to help you reach your next interdisciplinary leadership career goals. 

Programme outline

The programme takes a multi-pronged approach to support participants to develop their skills and competencies as inclusive interdisciplinary research leaders. The programme will incorporate practical activities, group discussions, individual reflective work, and inspiring provocations from interdisciplinary experts and leaders in their field.

Time commitment

Applications are open only to those that can attend all three of the core elements of the programme on Thusday 4 September 2025,  Thursday 11 and Friday 12 December 2025, and Wednesday 18 March 2026.  

• Introductory workshop followed by lunch at the University of Bradford 
  • Thursday 4 September 2025, 11am – 2pm
• Residential at Wood Hall Hotel & Spa in Wetherby (overnight stay included)
  • Thursday 11 and Friday 12 December 2025, 10.30am – 4.30pm 
• Interdisciplinary Impact Pathways at the University of Leeds     
  • Wednesday 18 March 2026, 11am – 2pm
• Interdisciplinary research team and idea development workshop (Optional but encouraged)
  • May 2026 (date TBC) 
• Coaching and mentoring opportunities
  • September 2025 – July 2026      

How to apply

In the first instance, applicants should email an expression of interest to the Horizons Institute team at horizons@leeds.ac.uk. We will then email you the following documents:

• Application form
• Cover sheet with Line Manager or Head of School Signature.
• Equalities form (optional but encouraged to help us understand our programmes better, to remove barriers and address inequalities). This information will not be disclosed during the application review stage. 

Please note that each of these forms are available in both MS Word and MS Forms formats. When submitting your expression of interest, please indicate which of these you would like.

We understand that written applications can pose challenges for non-native English speakers and those who may experience difficulty with completing these forms in writing. Please email the Horizons Institute at horizons@leeds.ac.uk if you would like to answer the questions in a different format, for example by video recording.

Key dates 

Application closing date: 12am, Tuesday 13 May 2025
Assessment review phase: Wednesday 14 May – Thursday 12 June 2025
Assessment panel: Tuesday 17 June 2025
Applicants notified of the outcome: Friday 20 June 2025

Please refer to the applicant guidance and assessment criteria on the next page when completing your application.

Contact us 

If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, please contact the Horizons Institute team at horizons@leeds.ac.uk