Talent Lab: Developing Research Leadership

Information and Dates for 2025 Talent Labs will be available from 18 Nov 2024

The Talent Lab houses University of Glasgow initiatives that focus on developing leadership in research, and researchers as leaders. It recognises the power of each of us to influence the research environment and the research culture in which we operate, and to create a place to work in which we can all thrive. It is part of the University of Glasgow's commitment to focussing on Collaboration, Creativity and Careers, as the key priorities of our Research Strategy.

We know talent can take many forms, and it can be applied to many endeavours, and we want to help you to recognise and hone yours. Talent Lab takes a cohort model of career-stage peers, offering structured development opportunities to explore research leadership, to undertake reflective practice that accelerates career development, and to foster mentoring and networking relationships.

Is Talent Lab for me? If you are a researcher looking to develop research leadership and inter-disciplinary connections, then almost definitely yes. From postgraduates to professors, Talent Lab has programmes for researchers at all career stages.

Overview of all Talent Lab programmes

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Talent Labs for Experienced Research Leaders

Talent labs for experienced investigators (for example grade 9-10 readers and zone-1 professors), operating in the strategic leaderships space, and on trajectory towards running a major grant, centre, or network

Blaze: Talent Lab for Research Leaders [RESEARCH LEADERSHIP]

Blaze is a multi-day leadership programme to support you towards leading a large grant initiative. The programme runs once per year, spread over 5-6 months. The cohort includes colleagues from all University of Glasgow Colleges. 

Read more here about the Blaze programme, including the aims, programme structure, and application process. 

UKCGE PGR Supervisor Recognition Writing Group [RECOGNITION and CONNECTION]

The UK Council for Graduate Education (UKCGE) is the leading representative body for postgraduate research and education. They lead on the national Good Supervisory Practice Framework, which sets expectations for all PGR (doctoral and masters by research) supervision, and supports supervisor development. They host the Research Supervision Recognition Programme, a two-level award for recognised supervisor and recognised associated supervisor. 

This writing group enables you to connect with PhD Supervisors across Scotland and work towards professional recognition for the formal or informal work you do supporting doctoral students. The group meets regularly online for 90mins to discuss and to work on application writing for UKCGE recognition. Supervisors are welcome at some or all of the writing group sessions.

Read more here about the writing group, including the aims, dates, and how to participate

Fellows Network [NETWORK and CONNECTION]

The Fellows Network is a space to connect with other Research Fellows and build your confidence as a leader in a contemporary research environment.

The network is designed around two interrelated leadership concepts. The first is our identity in the research world: what is at the core of what it means to be a good research leader at the University of Glasgow? The second is supporting the personalised development of ‘good research leadership’, within the additional contexts of diverse career stages, disciplines and roles. What any person needs to thrive often already exists within the rich experience of our Research Fellows.

The Fellows Network is designed to be peer-led, including a bespoke MS Teams hub (click here to join it). This hub facilitates sharing and discussion as well as organising opportunities and resources. 

Read more here about the Fellows Network

Other leadership development for experienced research leaders

ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AND COURSES:

Talent Lab sits alongside institution-wide cohort-level leadership upskilling in management and organisational change offered by People and Organisational Development. Their Strategic Leaders Programme (SLP) is for colleagues who are newly appointed, or have the ability and ambition to apply in the next year or two, for strategic leadership roles such as Head of School, Dean, or Director of Service. 

CULTURE COMMONS:

All members of the research ecosystem at the University of Glasgow are invited to join the Research Culture Commons (MS Teams hub can be joined here). The Culture Commons is led by the Research Culture and Researcher Development Team within the Research Services Directorate.

Although not specifically a 'Talent Lab', the Culture Commons seeks to broaden and democratise how we support, develop and recognise achievements to build a positive UofG Research Culture, by taking a ‘whole community’ approach. The ‘community owned’ model recognises that all members of the research ecosystem can contribute positively to culture change, and that small contributions all add up to a greater whole when focus and priorities are defined, and when we work towards shared goals.

Talent Labs for Advancing Research Leaders

Talent labs for advancing research leaders who are already operating with research independence (for example grade 8-9 Senior Postdoctoral Researchers, Research Fellows, or new Research & Teaching Lecturers) and are establishing their own profile in leading projects

Glasgow Crucible [RESEARCH LEADERSHIP]

Glasgow Crucible is a multi-day leadership programme designed to support emerging and advancing research leaders to consider their role in good research culture; to build relationships with researchers across disciplines; and to foster the skills and practices of interdisciplinary research. Testimonials from previous Crucible participants can be seen here. 

Glasgow Crucible runs once per year, spread over several months. The cohort includes colleagues from all University of Glasgow Colleges. It is underpinned by a seed fund for interdisciplinary projects. 

Read more here about the Glasgow Crucible, including the aims, programme structure, and application process

UKCGE PGR Supervisor Recognition Writing Group [RECOGNITION and CONNECTION]

The UK Council for Graduate Education (UKCGE) is the leading representative body for postgraduate research and education. They lead on the national Good Supervisory Practice Framework, which sets expectations for all PGR (doctoral and masters by research) supervision, and supports supervisor development. They host the Research Supervision Recognition Programme, a two-level award for recognised supervisor and recognised associated supervisor. 

The UKCGE PGR Supervisor Recognition Writing Group enables you to connect with PhD Supervisors across Scotland and work towards professional recognition for the formal or informal work you do supporting doctoral students. The group meets regularly online for 90mins to discuss and to work on application writing for UKCGE recognition. Supervisors are welcome at some or all of the writing group sessions.

Read more here about the writing group, including the aims, dates, and how to participate

Fellows Network [NETWORK and CONNECTION]

The Fellows Network is a space to connect with other Research Fellows and build your confidence as a leader in a contemporary research environment.

The network is designed around two interrelated leadership concepts. The first is our identity in the research world: what is at the core of what it means to be a good research leader at the University of Glasgow? The second is supporting the personalised development of ‘good research leadership’, within the additional contexts of diverse career stages, disciplines and roles. What any person needs to thrive often already exists within the rich experience of our Research Fellows.

The Fellows Network is designed to be peer-led, including a bespoke MS Teams hub (click here to join it). This hub facilitates sharing and discussion as well as organising opportunities and resources. 

Read more here about the Fellows Network.

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Additionally all members of the research ecosystem at the University of Glasgow are invited to join the Research Culture Commons (MS Teams hub can be joined here) Although not specifically a 'Talent Lab', the Culture Commons seeks to broaden and democratise how we support, develop and recognise achievements to build a positive UofG Research Culture, by taking a ‘whole community’ approach. The ‘community owned’ model recognises that all members of the research ecosystem can contribute positively to culture change, and that small contributions all add up to a greater whole when focus and priorities are defined, and when we work towards a shared goals.

Other leadership development for advancing research leaders

ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AND COURSES:

Talent Lab sits alongside institution-wide cohort-level . Their Future Leaders Programme (FLP) is for colleagues in, or soon to be in, roles with significant decision making, responsibility, reach and/ or organisational impact. 

CULTURE COMMONS:

All members of the research ecosystem at the University of Glasgow are invited to join the Research Culture Commons (MS Teams hub can be joined here). The Culture Commons is led by the Research Culture and Researcher Development team within the Research Services Directorate.

Although not specifically a 'Talent Lab', the Culture Commons seeks to broaden and democratise how we support, develop and recognise achievements to build a positive UofG Research Culture, by taking a ‘whole community’ approach. The ‘community owned’ model recognises that all members of the research ecosystem can contribute positively to culture change, and that small contributions all add up to a greater whole when focus and priorities are defined, and when we work towards a shared goals.

Talent Labs for Emerging Research Leaders

Talent Labs for emerging research leaders (for example grade 7-8 Research Associate, Research Fellow, or Technician) who are planning towards research independence

Glasgow Crucible [RESEARCH LEADERSHIP]

Glasgow Crucible is a multi-day leadership programme designed to support emerging and advancing research leaders to consider their role in good research culture; to build relationships with researchers across disciplines; and to foster the skills and practices of interdisciplinary research. .

Glasgow Crucible runs once per year, spread over several months. The cohort includes colleagues from all University of Glasgow Colleges. It is underpinned by a seed fund for interdisciplinary projects.

Read more here about the Glasgow Crucible, including the aims, programme structure, and application process

UKCGE PGR Supervisor Recognition Writing Group [RECOGNITION and CONNECTION]

The UK Council for Graduate Education (UKCGE) is the leading representative body for postgraduate research and education. They lead on the national Good Supervisory Practice Framework, which sets expectations for all PGR (doctoral and masters by research) supervision, and supports supervisor development. They host the Research Supervision Recognition Programme, a two-level award for recognised supervisor and recognised associated supervisor. 

This writing group enables you to connect with PhD Supervisors across Scotland and work towards professional recognition for the formal or informal work you do supporting doctoral students. The group meets regularly online for 90mins to discuss and to work on application writing for UKCGE recognition. Supervisors are welcome at some or all of the writing group sessions.

Read more here about the writing group, including the aims, dates, and how to participate

Ignite Fellowship Accelerator [RESEARCH LEADERSHIP]

Ignite is a multi-day structured programme designed to support research staff who are emerging as leaders and are seeking to apply for a Research Fellowship to schemes such as ERC Starter Awards, Wellcome Career Development Awards and UKRI Future Leader Fellowships, in the next 9-18 months. The programme covers the who, how, where, what, when and why of developing fellowship ideas and of crafting applications that have impact. 

Read more here about the Ignite programme, including the aims, programme structure, and application process

Catalyst: Leadership and Career Mentoring for Research Staff [MENTORING]

Catalyst mentoring is designed specifically for Research Staff (whatever your job title). It is founded on the principles of collegiality and collaboration. Mentoring can support you to:

  • Understand what is expected of you and resolve snags during your transition to a new role or responsibility.
  • Set and achieve small goals, rekindling a feeling of motivation and enthusiasm in your role.
  • Consider future career options and a 'best fit' for you.
  • Understand how you work best, and how to get the best from others around you.
  • Build your networks, and meet people in different areas of the university.
  • Be listened to, and simply have the time and space to think creatively.

Catalyst centres on making an excellent match, and offers a choice of who to work with, tailored to what to work on. Catalyst Mentors are academic staff and research professionals, who have volunteered their time, and have been trained to deliver excellent mentoring. Catalyst is a 6-month programme which runs once per year. 

Read more here about Catalyst mentoring, including the aims, programme structure, and application process 

Read more here if you would like to become a Catalyst mentor

Thesis Mentoring [MENTORING and SUPERVISION]

Thesis mentoring pairs PGRs who are actively writing their doctoral thesis with a trained post-doc Thesis Mentor, who has been through a similar process of thesis completion. This partnership offers around 8-hours of support, complementing the supervisory relationship, helping PGRs with understanding the expectations of doctoral writing, getting into a writing rhythm, setting and achieving small goals, and tuning up their writing habits. For Research Staff the programme offers the opportunity to foster their leadership through getting guided Supervisory experience.

Thesis mentoring runs twice per year, spread over 4-months.

Read more here about becoming a Thesis Mentor, including the aims, programme structure, and application process

Talent Labs for Aspiring Research Leaders

Talent Labs for people at the first stage of their post-PhD career (for example as a first or second postgraduate research assistant, research associate, or grade 6-7 technician role) who are exploring what the next step holds

Ignite Fellowship Accelerator [RESEARCH LEADERSHIP]

Ignite is a multi-day structured programme designed to support research staff who are emerging as leaders and are seeking to apply for a Research Fellowship to schemes such as ERC Starter Awards, Wellcome Career Development Awards and UKRI Future Leader Fellowships, in the next 9-18 months. The programme covers the who, how, where, what, when and why of developing fellowship ideas and of crafting applications that have impact. 

Read more here about the Ignite programme, including the aims, programme structure, and application process

Flourish: Career Development Programme [CAREER and RESEARCH LEADERSHIP]

Flourish is a tailored cohort-programme of workshops and events, personalised career coaching, career mapping and planning, backed and supported by PIs to offer a scaffolded and manager-supported approach to career development. This programme may be a better fit for researchers who are in their first postdoctoral position. However, recognising that career development is a uniquely personal journey and that you are the best judge of the what kind of career support you would most benefit from, this programme is open to all postdoctoral research staff, on full or part-time contracts.

Flourish runs once per year, spread over 4-5 months. 

Read more here about Flourish, including the aims, programme structure, and application process.

Solutions for Change [CAREER and CONNECTION]

Solutions for Change is an opportunity for PGRs and Research Staff to use their research and emerging leadership skills to support local charities and social enterprises to solve real-life problems they are facing.

Working in small teams, over two months the programme combines structured sessions on key consultancy skills such as project management and problem analysis tools, teamwork, budget management, and (for Research Staff) project team leadership, with regular project meetings with the partner organisation. It also offers a team 360 leadership assessment, and pitching skills.

Read more here about Solutions for Change, including the aims, programme structure, and application process

 

Catalyst: Leadership and Career Mentoring for Research Staff [MENTORING]

Catalyst mentoring is designed specifically for Research Staff (whatever your job title). It is founded on the principles of collegiality and collaboration. Mentoring can support you to:

  • Understand what is expected of you and resolve snags during your transition to a new role or responsibility.
  • Set and achieve small goals, rekindling a feeling of motivation and enthusiasm in your role.
  • Consider future career options and a 'best fit' for you.
  • Understand how you work best, and how to get the best from others around you.
  • Build your networks, and meet people in different areas of the university.
  • Be listened to, and simply have the time and space to think creatively.

Catalyst centres on making an excellent match, and offers a choice of who to work with, tailored to what to work on. Catalyst Mentors are academic staff and research professionals, who have volunteered their time, and have been trained to deliver excellent mentoring. Catalyst is a 6-month programme which runs once per year. 

Read more here about Catalyst mentoring, including the aims, programme structure, and application process 

Read more here if you would like to become a Catalyst mentor

Thesis Mentoring [MENTORING and SUPERVISION]

Thesis mentoring pairs PGRs who are actively writing their doctoral thesis with a trained and experienced post-doc Thesis Mentor, who has been through a similar process of thesis completion. This partnership offers around 8-hours of support, complementing the supervisory relationship, helping PGRs with understanding the expectations of doctoral writing, getting into a writing rhythm, setting and achieving small goals, and tuning up their writing habits. For Research Staff the programme offers the opportunity to foster their leadership through getting guided Supervisory experience.

Thesis mentoring runs twice per year, spread over 4-months.

Read more here about becoming a Thesis Mentor, including the aims, programme structure, and application process

Talent Labs for Postgraduate Leaders

Talent labs for postgraduate researchers (for example PhD, EdD, DClynPsy, MD, MRes, MPhil(Res), MLitt(Res) or other doctorate or masters by research) at least 6-months into the start of their research, who are learning about their leadership

Kiln: Postgraduate Leadership Programme [RESEARCH LEADERSHIP]

Recognising that our PGRs have the capacity to be leaders in the here and now, in their labs, classrooms, and networks, the Kiln programme is a leadership programme for researchers who are at least 6-months into their doctorate. Grounded in the Resilient Leaders Elements coaching platform, the programme triangulates traditional workshops with informal sessions for community building, team project work, and self-paced growth challenges. Kiln is delivered in partnership with My Consultants. 

Kiln runs once per year, spread over 3 months. It is facilitated via half-day online workshops. Eligible PGRs will find out more by email. 

JMS Leaders: Leadership for James McCune Smith Scholars [RESEARCH LEADERSHIP]

The James McCune Smith doctoral scholarship is designed to encourage Black scholars from all walks of life, and in all disciplines to undertake postgraduate research, helping to address Black under-representation across the research landscape.

JMS Leaders is a bespoke programme for scholars across the JMS cohorts, bringing them together to think about how they lead in their professional settings and how they navigate both the unique and shared challenges within their leadership. While this programme shares some elements of Kiln (for all PGRs) it is tailored to bring together the JMS scholar cohorts for collective reflection and growth.

Solutions for Change [CAREER and CONNECTION]

Solutions for Change is an opportunity for PGRs and aspiring and emerging Research Staff to use their research and leadership skills to support local charities and social enterprises to solve real-life problems they are facing.

Working in small teams, over two months the programme combines structure sessions on key consultancy skills such as project management and problem analysis tools, teamwork, budget management, and (for Research Staff) project team leadership, with regular project meetings with the partner organisation. It also offers a team 360 leadership assessment, and pitching skills.

Read more here about Solutions for Change, including the aims, programme structure, and application process

Thesis Mentoring [MENTORING]

Thesis mentoring pairs PGRs who are actively writing their doctoral thesis with a trained post-doc Thesis Mentor, who has been through a similar process of thesis completion. This partnership offers around 8-hours of support, complementing the supervisory relationship, helping PGRs with understanding the expectations of doctoral writing, getting into a writing rhythm, setting and achieving small goals, and tuning up their writing habits. 

Thesis mentoring runs twice per year, spread over 4-months.

Read more here about Thesis Mentoring, including the aims, programme structure, and application process