Uniquely Funded Places

 

The Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme offers up to 25 Durham undergraduate students each year the opportunity to receive up to £6,000 in funding to undertake two transformative six-week summer experiences: an independent research project working alongside a Durham academic, followed by a Leadership in Action experience, often overseas, where scholars put their leadership learning into practice by working with a community or organisation.

But Laidlaw offers much more than two funded summer experiences. Over two years, scholars take part in a comprehensive programme of leadership and character development, including bespoke leadership training, the Oxford Character Project, collaborative and team-based learning, an annual conference where scholars present and discuss their research, global networking and social events, and opportunities to connect with the wider international Laidlaw Scholars community.

The programme is designed to give students opportunities that extend beyond their undergraduate degree: to develop and apply leadership skills, undertake meaningful independent research, gain international and intercultural experience, build professional and academic networks, and develop the confidence, adaptability and self-awareness needed to make a positive contribution in their future careers and communities.

Being a Laidlaw Scholar is an active and highly participatory experience. Across the two years, scholars work both independently and as part of a team; participate in leadership training, workshops and group discussions; present and discuss their work; attend conferences, networking and social events; and engage with academics, community partners and scholars from different disciplines, cultures and backgrounds.

An important part of the programme is providing opportunities for scholars to challenge themselves and develop beyond their existing experience and comfort zones. This may include working with unfamiliar people, contributing within teams, presenting to others, participating in networking and social activities, adapting to new environments and cultures, and developing greater independence.

The six-week Leadership in Action experience is a particularly important part of this development. Scholars volunteer and work alongside a community or organisation, often outside the UK, putting their leadership learning into practice in a real-world context. Depending on the placement selected, this may involve international travel, living away from home for six weeks, navigating an unfamiliar environment and potentially travelling and living alone without other Durham scholars.

Students do not need to arrive on the programme as experienced researchers, confident networkers, seasoned travellers or established leaders. What is important is a willingness to participate fully, engage with others, embrace new experiences and commit to their own development throughout the two-year programme.

Durham is committed to supporting scholars to participate fully in the programme. Reasonable adjustments and appropriate support can be considered for disabled students and students with additional requirements, while maintaining the core academic, leadership, collaborative and experiential elements of the Laidlaw experience.

By the end of the programme, scholars will have developed substantial experience in independent research, ethical leadership, teamwork, communication, intercultural collaboration, adaptability, problem-solving and community engagement. They will also have built relationships within an international network and gained experiences that can strengthen future applications for employment, postgraduate study, research and other leadership opportunities.

There are 5 core components to the programme:

A Research Project

This takes place over approximately six weeks during summer one. Working with an academic supervisor and/or an experienced research team, scholars develop their abilities in investigative study, analysis, problem-solving and data management.

Scholars are required to be based in Durham for the first four weeks of the research period.

This gives them access to:

• University libraries and other research resources.
• The Durham Academic Skills Development Team.
• The Durham Laidlaw Team.
• Their academic supervisors.
• Collaborative working opportunities with the rest of the cohort.

 The Durham Laidlaw Team will facilitate shared working spaces so scholars can work alongside and support one another where appropriate. During this period, scholars are also expected to participate in social activities organised by the Laidlaw Team and the cohort.

The programme places a strong emphasis on collaboration, team-building and mutual support. Prospective applicants should therefore be prepared to engage actively with their Durham cohort and the wider global Laidlaw community through research, conferences, networking and social activities.

Research training begins immediately after programme induction and initial leadership training, usually in mid-June. The exact dates must be confirmed in the published timetable - Timetable 2026 2027 2028.pdf

Research Outputs 

Scholars are expected to produce:

• A research paper of between 3,000 and 5,000 words
• An A1 academic research paper
• Contributions to the peer-review process for research papers

There is also the possibility for scholars to be selected by Taylor & Francis to have their research published alongside other scholars following a selection process.

Scholars will also be expected to display their posters and discuss their research as part of their contribution to recruiting future scholars. This will include participation in Welcome Week before the start of term and the annual Welcome and Celebration event usually the first week after exams.

Annual European Conference

Each October, scholars are expected to attend the annual European Laidlaw Scholars Conference. The three-day conference is hosted by one of the European universities participating in the Laidlaw programme. This is an intensive and rewarding weekend where scholars travel together as a cohort to the conference outside of Durham. Accommodation is funded by the Laidlaw Foundation and will usually be shared. Depending on availability, this may include shared rooms in hotels, hostels or university accommodation. Applicants should be prepared for these arrangements before accepting a place on the programme. Durham is committed to supporting scholars to participate fully in the programme.

Reasonable adjustments and appropriate support can be considered for disabled students and students with additional requirements, while maintaining the core academic, leadership, collaborative and experiential elements of the Laidlaw experience.

At the conference, scholars are expected to:

•   Present and discuss their research posters.
•   Network with scholars from other Laidlaw universities.
•   Participate fully in the daytime and evening programme.
•   Attend scheduled events, including the formal dinner.

Leadership Training and Development

Scholars begin their Laidlaw experience with a leadership training retreat. In a group, immersive environment, they discover their own innate leadership preferences, learn core leadership attributes, explore leadership values and develop their leadership skills through exercises and applied learning. Their leadership development continues through the academic year, after their research summer, with guest speakers, coaching and more.

This is a mandatory element of the programme and compulsory dates shown will be listed in the Timetable 2026 2027 2028.pdf

The training aims to develop ethical leaders and covers areas such as:

• Problem-solving techniques 
• Communication and influencing
• Collaborative working
• SMART goals
• Project management
• Prioritisation and time
• Critical thinking and performance 
• Strategy and vision

The training also develops changemaker values, including ambition and curiosity. Please check the official names and wording of all Laidlaw values and capacities before publication.

Throughout the programme, scholars are expected to work collaboratively. Much of the training involves group work, team presentations, creative activities and constructive peer feedback.

Leadership development is further supported by social events organised by the Durham Laidlaw Team and the cohort. Scholars are expected to participate in these activities to help build a strong and supportive community.

Some training days are intensive and may include full-day sessions followed by an evening dinner or social activity.

Durham is committed to supporting scholars to participate fully in the programme.

*Reasonable adjustments and appropriate support can be considered for disabled students and students with additional requirements, while maintaining the core academic, leadership, collaborative and experiential elements of the Laidlaw experience*

Ethical Leadership Training through the Oxford Character Project

Training through the Oxford Character Project is a mandatory part of the programme. It includes scheduled training sessions followed by six virtual case-study sessions. Attendance at all required sessions is necessary to:

• Complete the Oxford Character Project requirements
• Receive the relevant certificate 
• Progress to the Leadership-in-Action stage of the Laidlaw Programme

Oxford Character Project: https://oxfordcharacter.org/ Virtuosity: https://virtuosityportal.com/

Reflective Practice

Reflective practice is a key component of the Laidlaw Programme and is embedded throughout the scholar's two-year experience.

During leadership training, scholars are expected to reflect regularly on their leadership development, with particular reference to the Laidlaw leadership capacities and their personal character development.

During the Leadership-in-Action experience, scholars are expected to complete weekly reflections covering:

• Progress towards the SMART goals they have set
• The UN Sustainable Development Goals addressed by their Leadership-in-Action provider
• How their work is contributing to those goals
• Their personal leadership development 
• How leadership training has helped them to lead and collaborate during their project
• Their character development through the Oxford Character Project
• The virtues they have drawn upon to make a valuable and ethical contribution  

Networking

The  Laidlaw  Programme  recognises  the  importance  of  developing meaningful professional, academic and global networks. In addition to building relationships within the Durham cohort, scholars will have opportunities to engage with other scholars, alumni and academic supervisors through the Laidlaw Scholars Network.

Scholars are required to:

• Create and maintain a profile on the Laidlaw Scholars Network
• Use the platform regularly as a key engagement and networking tool
• Post required reflections and programme outputs
• Share appropriate updates about their research and Leadership-in-Action experience
• Engage constructively with the work and reflections of other scholars https://laidlawscholars.network/

Leadership in Action

The second Scholarship summer involves a leadership-in-action project. This is an opportunity for Scholars to either practically implement their research from the previous summer, propose their project in partnership with an NGO/non-profit organisation, or participate in one of the centrally organised opportunities that the Laidlaw Foundation offers. At the core of the leadership in action project is the aim to actively collaborate with community partners, develop leadership skills, and to reflect on how Scholars intend to continue to do so in the future – far beyond the Scholarship – when they take up their positions as tomorrow’s leaders.

The key components of the leadership in action project include:

• An immersive experience of at least six active weeks.
• A NEW and challenging environment, outside of the Scholar’s comfort It should include working with, or for, a disadvantaged group or community.
• Engaging socially and professionally with the local community.
• An international experience (if the Scholar’s university or Laidlaw experience is not already international).
• Doing something that makes the world a better place / produces a real-world impact.
• Provides an opportunity to further develop and apply leadership skills.
• Requires Scholars to work towards measurable and specific goals that have been defined at the outset of the project.

Depending on the project this may involve:

• Travelling alone and arranging a journey involving several flights, trains or buses.
• Navigating unfamiliar locations independently.
• Living and working outside their usual comfort zone.
• Staying in shared or dormitory-style accommodation.
• Sharing bedrooms or bathrooms with people they have not met previously.
• Engaging socially and professionally with the local community.
• Working collaboratively with people from different cultural backgrounds.

*Durham is committed to supporting scholars to participate fully in the programme. Reasonable adjustments and appropriate support can be considered for disabled students and students with additional requirements, while maintaining the core academic, leadership, collaborative and experiential elements of the Laidlaw experience*

The precise arrangements will vary according to the project and destination. Scholars should review the practical requirements of each opportunity carefully before making a commitment.

Travel requirements and support

Depending on the destination, scholars may need to:

• Hold a valid passport for the required period
• Apply for an appropriate visa
• Obtain recommended or required vaccinations, which may include yellow fever or rabies vaccinations
• Meet entry, health and insurance requirements for the destination
• Complete University travel approval and risk-assessment processes, including Viator where applicable
• Make their own travel arrangements

Scholars are responsible for preparing their risk assessments, obtaining the necessary University travel approval and arranging their travel, with support and guidance from the Durham Laidlaw Team. Scholars should disclose at an early stage any circumstances that may affect their ability to travel so appropriate guidance and reasonable adjustments can be considered. Where international travel is not possible because of visa or other relevant restrictions, suitable local or UK-based projects may be considered, subject to availability and programme requirements. See the official government guidance for travelling to specific countries: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Leadership-in-Action outputs

The required outputs should include:

• A Leadership in Action poster OR 2000+ word report (presented within the University and posted on the Network) sharing outcomes from the project’s SMART goals
• Complete a short survey evaluating the LiA and its potential for systemic change, including the opportunity to express interest for being an LiA champion
• Five weekly reflections and one final reflection focussing on the Laidlaw Values, Leadership development, SDG goals and personal development
• A Vlog (5 mins) equivalent blog post on the Scholars Network, reflecting on the Scholar has learnt throughout the Scholarship, focusing on character, leadership capacity (3C’s framework) and developing a global mindset
• Appropriate posts on the Laidlaw Scholars Network

Where permitted, reflections may be submitted as written blog posts or video blogs. The final reflection should consider what the scholar has learned throughout the scholarship, with particular emphasis on developing a global mindset.

Scholars should reflect on:

• How they have contributed as global citizens
• Their personal and character development
• The leadership capacities they have developed and demonstrated
• The Laidlaw values
• The 3Cs framework
• The effect of their contribution on the community or organisation
• How the experience will inform their future studies, leadership and career

Leadership-in-Action requirements and outputs:

Laidlaw Scholars Outputs 

Examples of strong Leadership-in-Action reports: 

https://laidlawscholars.network/documents/lia-impact-report-sustainable-sea-cucumber-farming

https://laidlawscholars.network/documents/leadership-in-action-reflection-eea81a75-109d-4190-9aeb-e8af1ea5e154

Guidance on finding and selecting a Leadership-in-Action project: 

Leadership in Action Project

Engagement and Communication

Throughout their time on the programme, scholars are expected to engage consistently with both the Durham Laidlaw Team and the Laidlaw Foundation. Official communication will normally be sent by email or Microsoft Teams. Scholars are responsible for checking both platforms regularly and responding within any deadlines stated.

The proposed communication expectations are:

• During active research and Leadership-in-Action periods, scholars should check email and Teams at least three times each week
• Outside active periods, scholars should check email and Teams at least twice each week
• Scholars should notify the Durham Laidlaw Team promptly if they will be unavailable or unable to meet a deadline
• Scholars should respond to requests for information, forms, meetings or programme outputs within the timeframe provided 
• Scholars are responsible for keeping their contact details up to date

Coaching and Mentoring

The Laidlaw Senior Manager will provide coaching and mentoring sessions as part of the programme.

These sessions are intended to help scholars:

• Reflect on their progress and leadership development
• Work through challenges arising during the programme
• Set development goals and identify practical next steps
• Prepare for future study, employment or further research
• Recognise and communicate the skills gained through the programme

Scholars are expected to prepare for and engage fully with any scheduled coaching or mentoring sessions.

The Programme

Summer One

All scholars will undertake one research project where they will develop, pursue and report on a research question supported by an academic supervisor. This project will either be defined by the scholar giving them the opportunity to explore a research area which they are passionate about or chosen from a list of pre-defined projects from leading academics within the university. In addition there will be a small number of opportunities offered through the central foundation working on bespoke projects with carefully curated partners. These projects will encompass both the summer one research project and summer two Leadership in Action experience. Research projects may be conducted internationally.

Summer Two

Scholars will have the opportunity to apply their leadership skills in challenging international environments, through an immersive bespoke, 6-week, Leadership in Action experience. Expanding their cultural awareness, Scholars will work on projects that will benefit wider communities in finding solutions and tackling real problems. Through this action-based learning, scholars will be encouraged to take on new challenges and further develop such skills as; strategy, planning, execution, communication, influencing, teamwork, resilience and being a global citizen. Leadership in Action projects may take place locally if research is conducted internationally in the first summer.