Emerging Leaders programme

The Department of Psychiatry's Emerging Leaders programme aims to equip the leaders of tomorrow by providing training and a strong mutually supportive network for postdoctoral researchers who plan to submit a successful application for Associate Professor within the next 3-5 years.

The first pilot cohort was recruited in May 2025 for the annual programme, with another recruitment round planned in spring 2026. The programme was developed as part of The Department of Psychiatry's Athena Swan action plan.

What does it involve?

Sessions include careers coaching, strategy, how departmental administration works, managing people and transitions, communications training.

It is envisaged that many of the talks and sessions would be available to all, but the cohort would commit to attend all (or most) sessions, provide ongoing feedback, and share their learning with others.

Who can apply?

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

• Be a University employee in the department, at grade 8 or 9 or clinical equivalent;

• Hold their own fellowship or substantial, externally funded, peer reviewed grant;

• Have senior author publications;

• Have line management responsibility for a small group;

• Supervise postgraduate students; 

• 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

Places in the next Emerging Leaders cohort will open later in 2026. For queries, or an initial discussion, please contact Professor Clare Mackay.