Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme About the Laidlaw Programme
The Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme is a fully funded programme that invests in the next generation of leaders.
The programme gives scholarships to talented and motivated undergraduates who:
- are skilled researchers
- embrace data-based decision-making
- believe it’s a moral imperative to lead with integrity.
How the Laidlaw Programme works
The programme is made up of seven key components:
1. Research project (summer one)
During summer vacation, you’ll work with an academic supervisor and/or an experienced research team to develop your investigative study, analysis, problem-solving, and data management abilities over approximately six weeks.
The research topic can be selected from a list provided by the University, or be self-proposed if you have confirmation that an academic will supervise your research.
2. Leadership in Action experience (summer two)
You’ll put your newly developed leadership knowledge into practice in a challenging environment over six weeks.
This may include joining a charity expedition in a developing country with peers from Laidlaw partner universities, or putting your research into action by planning and leading a change project.
3. Leadership training
You’ll join a leadership training retreat in an immersive group environment that will help you:
- discover your leadership preferences
- learn core leadership attributes
- explore leadership values
- develop your leadership skills through exercises and applied learning.
You'll also have opportunities to continue developing your leadership skills by attending guest speaker events and coaching sessions, including our online Ethical Leadership Masterclass.
4. Ethical leadership certificate
Delivered in partnership with the Oxford Character Project, the Laidlaw Programme supports you in developing the character traits that underpin ethical leadership:
- Purpose
- Love
- Growth
- Humility
- Wisdom
Through workshops, challenges, and personalised reflection, you'll gain the insights and tools to make values-driven decisions and lead with integrity.
5. Networking
You’ll have the opportunity to join a global network of fellow Laidlaw Scholars — a dedicated space for scholars to contribute and collaborate together.
Here, you can publish your research, test your ideas, collaborate on projects, and continue developing your leadership skills. You’ll have opportunities to ask career questions, receive advice, connect with alumni, and explore the latest research and thought leadership from leading academics. You’ll also be able to attend the annual Laidlaw Scholars Conference.
6. Annual conference
The annual conference features inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and opportunities for you to present your research and Leadership in Action projects.
You will have the chance to network with Laidlaw Scholars from diverse backgrounds, learn from experts in various fields, and gain valuable insights to propel your leadership journey forward.
The weekend culminates with a celebratory dinner, giving you an opportunity to connect socially with the Laidlaw community.
7. International experience
There’s opportunities to challenge your perspective, gain new insights, and expand your understanding of the world by completing either your Research Project or Leadership in Action component in another country.
Reasons to become a Laidlaw Scholar
The Laidlaw Programme could be for you if you want to:
1. Develop your leadership skills
- Develop the core aspects of a successful leader with bespoke leadership training.
- Enjoy group leadership retreats.
- Meet inspirational guest lecturers.
- Benefit from personal coaching and development.
- Master the art of ethical leadership with a certification from Oxford University.
2. Conduct your own research
- Spend six weeks of your summer researching a topic you’re passionate about.
- Help to solve the world’s most challenging problems.
- Conduct an in-depth investigation.
- Explore primary data.
- Develop your research skills.
- Hone your critical thinking skills.
- Work with a leading academic and/or experienced team.
3. Become a real-world leader
- Step outside your comfort zone with the Leadership in Action project – a transformative six-week journey that combines hands-on experience and lasting impact.
- Apply your research in real-world settings.
- Opt for a university-approved programme or select a project from central partners.
4. Expand your horizons
- Engage in meaningful experiences through your individually tailored research or Leadership in Action project.
- Broaden your perspectives.
- Expand your professional network.
- Grow as a globally conscious leader.
5. Connect with brilliant minds
- Join an expert community of over 2,000 ambitious, brave, curious, determined and extraordinary peers from the most prestigious universities around the world.
- Access our online community platform, the Laidlaw Scholars Network.
- Publish your research and connect and collaborate with others.
6. Receive a generous stipend
- Receive a generous stipend or an expenses-paid experience over both summers.
- Spend your summers researching something that will make a difference to you and others without losing out financially.
7. Fund your future business
- After graduation, apply for funding from Laidlaw Scholars Ventures (LSV), a venture capital fund offering pre-seed to Series A capital.
- LSV invests exclusively in businesses led by Laidlaw Scholars, seeking to support ethical businesses that positively impact society and the world.
Laidlaw Scholar stories
Visit the Laidlaw Scholars Network to hear stories from Laidlaw Scholars about their experiences on the programme.
Being a Laidlaw Scholar means being an active global citizen and using a critical lens and evidence-based approach to inform my leadership style and how I tackle injustice.