Major funding boost to support future research leaders
16 October 2020
Cardiff University is part of a major consortium that will shape the research leaders of the next generation. The Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) Development Network will provide training and development to 210 new Fellows and 40 early career researchers and innovators.
The Network, led by the University of Edinburgh, is made up of seven institutions: the University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, the University of Leeds, University College London, the School of Advanced Study, and Queens University Belfast.
Partner universities will be organised into four regional hubs and will connect Fellows with local, national and global leaders in research and innovation.
The £2.8 million contract was awarded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to the Network following a competitive tender process. The programme is funded for three years. The Fellowships were created in 2018 to establish the careers of world-class research and innovation leaders across UK business and academia.
Professor Kim Graham, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Innovation and Enterprise commented: “I am delighted that Cardiff University is part of this innovative new FLF Development Network allowing us to play our part in supporting the Fellows to develop their careers and leadership. Working across the UK, learning from the highly experienced colleagues participating in our unique consortium, will also facilitate sharing of best practice in leadership and research culture across the diverse organisations that host these outstanding researchers”.
The Network will focus on five areas: enterprise and self-leadership; leading teams and collaborations; transforming research cultures; contributing to UK society; and global citizenship.
Cardiff University will lead on transforming research cultures, supporting peer review and mentoring. It will also be the regional hub for Wales and the South West of England.
Professor Claire Gorrara, Dean of Research Culture and Environment said: “At Cardiff, we are fully to developing an inclusive, creative and honest research culture. This opportunity to work with UKRI and a consortium of leading universities will enable us to improve our support to the future research leaders of the UK and beyond.”
UKRI described the consortium as “world-leading” with expertise in fostering the collaborations and building the links with networks that will help the Fellows thrive.
Fellows will be offered a range of opportunities including structured workshops and events, coaching, and networking with industry and researchers, and mentoring. They will also receive leadership and peer review training, engagement support, and international research encounters.
In addition, a funding stream has been created to help initiate and grow the groups’ collaborative ideas that will develop as Fellows start working and learning together.