Peer Ladder is a peer-mentoring initiative that empowers underrepresented digital Research Technical Professionals (dRTPs) to climb the leadership ladder together – building confidence, community and inclusive leadership across UK research-performing organisations (RPOs).
dRTPs are essential to data-driven research, yet many remain in supporting roles without clear routes into leadership. Women, disabled people, LGBTQIA+, and minority ethnic professionals are particularly under-represented at senior levels, limiting diversity of thought and innovation.
Peer Ladder builds on a proven European model (ELEAD) that successfully enabled women leaders within the European ELIXIR life-science infrastructure. The UK pilot adapts this approach to all underrepresented dRTP groups, focusing on peer mentoring – the most impactful element of the original model.
Participants receive structured peer support and training from Open Life Science (OLS), which provides onboarding and facilitation to create a safe, inclusive learning environment that builds allyship and leadership skills.
As a test-pilot, Peer Ladder will demonstrate the value of this model nationally. Participants will be supported with materials and guidance to continue meeting as a self-organised group beyond the project. Outcomes will feed into DisCouRSE, ELIXIR-UK, and SSI to shape inclusive leadership and EDI policy across the digital research community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dRTP?
Digital Research Technical Professionals develop and maintain the digital infrastructure, software, data pipelines and computational tools that power modern research – including research software engineers, data stewards, bioinformaticians, and HPC specialists.
Who can apply?
Anyone with at least three years' experience in a dRTP role at a UK research-performing organisation. PeerLadder particularly welcomes applications from women, disabled individuals, neurodivergent professionals, LGBTQIA+ practitioners, and those from minority ethnic or lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
What is the time commitment?
Typically one to two hours per month outside of workshops. The programme includes a virtual onboarding, one in-person workshop in Manchester (travel fully covered), a systemic leadership workshop, and monthly virtual peer-mentoring sessions from August 2026 through March 2027.
Is there a cost?
No. PeerLadder is fully funded by DisCouRSE. There is no application fee and no charge to participate. All reasonable travel and accommodation costs for the in-person workshop in Manchester are covered.
What is ELEAD?
ELEAD was a European leadership programme that successfully enabled women leaders across the ELIXIR life-science infrastructure. PeerLadder is the UK adaptation, extended to all underrepresented dRTP groups and centred on peer mentoring – the most impactful element of the original model.
Learn about ELEADWhat happens after the programme?
Participants will be supported with materials and guidance to continue as a self-organised peer group. Outcomes will feed into DisCouRSE, ELIXIR-UK, and SSI to shape inclusive leadership and EDI policy nationally.
Funders & Partners
Funded by
PeerLadder is a project funded by DisCouRSE Network to improve leadership development for dRTPs.
Learn about DisCouRSESupported by
ELIXIR-UK supports this project with coordination, communication support, time and visibility of the initiative.
Learn about ELIXIR-UKPartners
