Joan Chang & James Higgerson, Leading for Research Fellows

Our University is committed to providing a creative, ambitious and supportive environment in which researchers at every stage can develop into and thrive as leaders in their chosen field. Leading for Research Fellows is a six-month development programme specifically designed for research fellows to develop leadership skills relevant to their roles and future goals.  

Working together with other Fellows facing similar challenges in the workplace and their research networks, the programme enables delegates to come together and consider their leadership style, how they interact with others, develop techniques to help them build collaboration and develop their leadership capabilities. 

Dr James Higgerson - identifying his leadership style

This aspect was particularly beneficial to Dr James Higgerson, Research Fellow for the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education: Research & Evaluation group. James found that being part of the programme was a great opportunity to work with people at a similar career stage but from different disciplines, particularly working together to share and respond to leadership challenges.  He found he has since been able to apply the work around different leadership styles and contexts into both his research and his management. 

James said: “The programme confirmed the type of leader I suspected I was and helped me identify the type of leader I want to become.  I approach my work more strategically now – thinking more of the future – and take more opportunities to lead within my research group and team where I can.”

Dr Joan Chang - turning learning into action

Dr Joan Chang concurred, finding the course very helpful in putting things into perspective. Joan found the action learning sets particularly useful, where small groups from the cohort talk through issues and challenges through active listening, creating a sense of belonging and connection within the group.

Joan, an MRC CDA Research Fellow in the Manchester Cell-Matrix Centre and research staff rep for FBMH, has implemented aspects of the course with students and colleagues, for example finding the “even better if” style questioning very effective at identifying potential issues within the lab.  

Places are still available for the next cohort, starting in the new year. More information on the course content and how to apply can be found through our Research Culture and Environment Hub.