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Emerging Leaders programme

Members of the Emerging Leaders pilot cohort discuss strategy with Head of Department Belinda Lennox and Research Manager Valerie West © Department of Psychiatry
Members of the Emerging Leaders 2025/26 cohort discuss strategy with Head of Department Belinda Lennox

The Department of Psychiatry's Emerging Leaders programme aims to equip the leaders of tomorrow by providing training and a strong mutually supportive network.

The annual programme is aimed at postdoctoral researchers who plan to submit an application for Associate Professor within the next 3-5 years.

The pilot programme took place 2025/26, and it has now been renewed with a new cohort for 2026/2027. The programme was developed as part of The Department of Psychiatry's Athena Swan action plan.

Programme Objectives

The Department of Psychiatry's objective in creating the programme is to better equip individuals to manage the transition to independence.

For those selected to take part, the aim is that they feel better informed and equipped to become leaders, feel more valued and supported by the Department of Psychiatry, are empowered to provide peer support to each other, and can confidently describe their research to a broad audience

Content and sessions

Sessions generally cover:

  • navigating the Associate Professor application process
  • setting strategy
  • careers coaching
  • how departmental, divisional and university administration works
  • managing people and transitions
  • media interview skills
  • establishing independence/developing a leadership identity
  • giving and receiving constructive feedback
  • inclusive leadership
  • balancing and prioritising activities
  • mock interviews

The cohort would commit to attend all (or most) sessions, provide ongoing feedback, and share their learning with others.

criteria for applying

It is anticipated that successful applicants will be on their way to research independence, which would normally include the following:

  • Hold their own fellowship or substantial, externally funded, peer reviewed grant; 
  • Be a University employee in the department, at grade 7, 8 or 9 or clinical equivalent;
  • Have senior author publications;
  • Have line management responsibility for a small group;
  • Supervise postgraduate students; and
  • Undertake administrative/good citizenship duties.

Note that there is no expectation that applicants for this programme already meet all of these criteria, but that they are on track to do so.

More information

For queries, or an initial discussion, please contact Professor Clare Mackay.

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