Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme  Apply for the Laidlaw Programme

Choose the project you’d like to take part in during your first summer from two pathways: 

• Self-defined research pathway
• Pre-defined research pathway

Self-defined research pathway

Choose this option if you want to design an original research proposal. You’ll need to consider the following:

• Your project must produce real-world impact beyond research outcomes.
• You may need an ethical review if your research has ethical implications, for example, research involving human participants or personal data. This can take up to six weeks to complete. Learn more about ethical reviews.
•  You’ll need to agree and confirm support from an academic project supervisor.

Pre-defined research pathway

Choose this option if you’d like to select a project from a pre-defined list.

• Review the list of pre-defined research projects on MyCareer.
• Projects are interdisciplinary. Check the ‘person specification’ to make sure you’re eligible.
• Contact the project supervisor to discuss your potential application.
• Some pre-defined projects are in collaboration with the Laidlaw Foundation and will be open to applications from all universities in the Laidlaw network. If you are interested in one of these projects, please email Rebecca Shaw at r.l.shaw@adm.leeds.ac.uk before you apply.

When completing your application, you will be asked about the following:

• why the project interests you
• why you’re interested in the Laidlaw Programme
• what qualities and experience enable you to complete both.

For the self-defined research pathway, your project supervisor must also complete a statement. It should support the research project and your suitability.

For the pre-defined research pathway, your personal tutor or academic representative must complete a statement confirming your suitability for the programme.

Think about what you’d like your Leadership in Action period to be. This period will take place in your second summer and last six weeks. It could be:

• A leadership expedition through an organisation from the approved list of central projects.
• A leadership project with an NGO/organisation. You could propose it or choose from a University-provided list.
• Implementing your research findings. Put the findings of your first year’s project into action in a real-world setting to create positive change in society.

This does not need to be set in stone when you apply. More information will be given about the Leadership in Action period if you are successful.

Create a short two-minute video stating which Laidlaw value best describes you. Provide an example. 

Submit your application on MyCareer.

If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited for an interview. Your application will be judged on:

• your potential and ambition for leadership roles in the future
• how your research could be applied and what impact it can have
• your academic personal tutor's supporting statement
• your enthusiasm for the Laidlaw Programme and desire to become a change-maker.