Apply for PeerLadder 2026

Do You Qualify?

You need to meet three criteria to be eligible:

• At least three years' experience in a dRTP or equivalent technical research role
• Based at a UK research-performing organisation
• A genuine interest in developing your leadership – formal or informal. No prior leadership experience required.

PeerLadder particularly welcomes applications from women, disabled individuals, neurodivergent professionals, LGBTQIA+ practitioners, and those from minority ethnic or lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

The Application

The application form is straightforward. It asks for:

• Basic career information and eligibility confirmation
• Four short questions – approximately 150 words each – covering your motivation for leadership, your capacity for peer engagement, structural barriers you've encountered, and your involvement in research communities

There is no lengthy personal statement, no CV, no references required at application stage.

What's Involved

This is a structured, funded programme running from May 2026 to March 2027. Selected participants commit to:

• Virtual onboarding session – May 2026
• In-person workshop in Manchester – 2 June 2026 (travel and accommodation fully covered)
• Virtual systemic leadership workshop – July 2026
• Monthly virtual peer-mentoring sessions, August 2026 through March 2027
• Two project people check-ins over the programme

All sessions are mandatory. The time commitment is modest – typically one to two hours per month outside of workshops – but the expectation is that participants show up consistently.

Key Dates

• 16 April 2026 – Information webinar (recording available)
• 27 April 2026 – Application deadline
• 13 May 2026 – Virtual selection day
• 2 June 2026 – In-person workshop, Manchester
• March 2027 – Programme closes

Funded by DisCouRSE, Supported by ELIXIR-UK

PeerLadder is a DisCouRSE initiative, delivered in partnership with OLS and supported by ELIXIR-UK. It is free to participants. All reasonable travel and accommodation costs for the in-person workshop are covered.