PeerLadder is a peer-mentoring initiative that empowers underrepresented dRTPs to climb the leadership ladder together – building confidence, community and inclusive leadership across UK research-performing organisations.
dRTPs face a less defined route into leadership than traditional academic and managerial paths, and rarely match the profile of the "typical leader" organisations are used to promoting. That gap hits some groups harder: women, disabled and neurodivergent professionals, LGBTQIA+ practitioners, and those from minority ethnic or lower socioeconomic backgrounds remain particularly under-represented at senior levels.
That's why PeerLadder targets underrepresented dRTPs specifically. Generic leadership programmes haven't closed this gap – focusing on the people facing the steepest structural barriers is what allows us to address them.
PeerLadder builds on ELEAD, the proven European model that enabled women leaders across ELIXIR. The UK pilot extends the approach to all underrepresented dRTP groups and centres on peer mentoring – the most impactful element of the original.
Open Life Science (OLS), our delivery partner, facilitates two initial workshops dedicated to psychological safety – setting shared norms for trust, openness and respectful communication that the cohort carries through the year. Regular project check-ins make sure you feel safe and supported, and you can reach the coordination team at any time, in confidence.
As a pilot, PeerLadder will demonstrate the model nationally. Outcomes 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?
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 – with at least three years' experience in a dRTP role at a UK research-performing organisation.
What is the time commitment?
Typically around one hour 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.
Will I feel safe in the cohort?
Yes – psychological safety is built into the programme. Our partner OLS facilitates two initial workshops where the cohort agrees shared norms for trust, openness and respectful communication. We also run regular project check-ins to make sure you feel safe, comfortable and supported, and you can reach out to the coordination team at any time, in confidence.
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
