Made for You
A programme for underrepresented dRTPs
PeerLadder is for dRTPs from underrepresented groups – including but not exclusive of women, disabled and neurodivergent professionals, LGBTQIA+ practitioners, and people from minority ethnic or lower socioeconomic backgrounds – ready to step into leadership without fitting a mould that was never designed for you. Underrepresentation isn't a soft preference here; it's the eligibility criterion. RSEs, bioinformaticians, data stewards, data scientists, community managers and every other dRTP role welcome.
Genuine Peer Mentoring
Peer-to-peer, not top-down.
A small cohort of dRTPs at a similar career stage supporting each other through structured monthly sessions – not a senior mentor parachuted in from above. Before peer-mentoring begins, two opening workshops led by OLS build psychological safety: the trust, openness and shared norms that allow diversity in the room to actually change outcomes.
A Proper Programme
May 2026 – March 2027
Virtual onboarding in May, in-person workshop in Manchester in June (travel and accommodation covered), virtual leadership workshop in July, then monthly peer-mentoring sessions through March 2027. Roughly 1 hour per month outside workshops.
Are You Eligible?
Three things to check
Three years in a dRTP role, based at a UK research-performing organisation, and a genuine interest in developing as a leader. No prior leadership experience needed. Free to participants; all costs covered. Four short questions, ~150 words each – no CV, no references, no personal statement.
Unsure whether you qualify? Get in touch – we'd rather hear from you than have you self-disqualify.
Peer Ladder builds on a proven European model (ELEAD) that successfully enabled women leaders within the European ELIXIR life-science infrastructure. Read what they thought about it
ELEAD gave me the confidence and tools to take on bigger responsibilities and think more strategically about how I lead.”
These relationships have become some of the most valuable in my professional network. I know I can reach out to these colleagues not only for advice but also for encouragement, and that sense of community has been one of the most valuable outcomes of the ELEAD experience.”
It’s a great programme that offers the space and guidance to grow both personally and professionally. You gain a deeper understanding of your leadership style, strengths and values – and you connect with inspiring peers who share similar ambitions.”
