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 six key components:
1. Research project (summer one)
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 during summer vacation.
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)
Put your newly developed leadership knowledge into practice in a challenging environment over six weeks.
You could join a charity expedition in a developing country with peers from Laidlaw partner universities or put your research into action by planning and leading a change project based on your research findings.
3. Leadership training
Join a leadership training retreat. The immersive group environment will help you discover your leadership preferences, learn core leadership attributes, explore leadership values, and develop your leadership skills through exercises and applied learning.
Continue your leadership development through the academic year and after your research summer by listening to guest speakers and attending coaching and masterclass sessions, like our online Ethical Leadership Masterclass.
4. Ethical leadership certificate
The Laidlaw Programme, in partnership with the Oxford Character Project, provides a unique opportunity to develop the character traits proven through extensive data studies to be essential for ethical leadership:
- purpose
- love
- growth
- humility
- wisdom.
Through workshops, challenges, and personalised reflection, you will gain the insights and tools to make values-driven decisions and lead with integrity in even the most challenging circumstances.
5. Networking
Join a global network of fellow Laidlaw Scholars, providing a dedicated space for scholars to contribute and collaborate. Here, you can publish your research, test your thinking, partner on projects and continue your leadership development.
Ask career questions, get advice, and access opportunities from alumni and read the latest papers and thought leadership from leading academics. You'll also get the opportunity to attend the annual Laidlaw Scholars Conference. Watch a video of a previous Laidlaw Scholars Conference.
6. Annual conference
The conference features a mix of inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and opportunities for you to present your research and Leadership in Action projects.
You will 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 a chance to connect with the Laidlaw community in a social setting.
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 Leeds Laidlaw Scholarship YouTube channel or the Laidlaw Scholars Network for stories from previous 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.