RSE Research Leadership Scheme opens for nominations

A unique new RSE scheme launches today (Monday 27 October), supporting Scotland’s next generation of research leaders.

The Research Leadership Scheme is funded by the Caledonian Research Fund and is the first programme of its kind for the RSE. Its goal is to develop the next generation of research leaders in Scotland, equipped to lead major interdisciplinary research bids that address critical scientific and societal challenges. The two-year pilot scheme will provide two small cohorts with structured support to build confidence, skills, and leadership capacity through a mixture of mentoring, seed-corn funding, training, and peer learning.

Specifically designed for mid-career academics with outstanding potential, the scheme will:

1. Develop key research leadership skills to manage teams, develop competitive funding bids, take on research leadership roles and responsibilities, and lead on research projects.
2. Deliver hands-on training, mentoring and cross disciplinary peer networking.
3. Provide seed corn funding for the piloting of research projects and external funding bid development.
4. Involve cohort working around the theme Building Scotland’s Green Future [Cohort 1 theme]

Applications for the scheme open on Monday 27 October 2025 at 12 noon and close Thursday 22 January 2026 at 12 noon. Candidates can expect to hear the outcome of their nomination in late March 2026.