About Pathways
Pathways is a national, UKRI-funded programme designed and delivered by the FLF Development Network. It supports researchers and innovators across UKRI and its constituent Research Councils who hold UKRI funding through grants or fellowships intended to develop leadership capability and/or research independence.
The programme’s mission is to equip emerging leaders with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to drive impact, innovation, and collaboration across disciplines and sectors. Pathways 2, the second pilot of the programme, is now underway following the success of the initial pilot in 2024.
Through a combination of targeted workshops, expert-led sessions, and peer learning, the programme offers participants a semi-structured pathway to develop leadership capability, navigate career progression, and engage meaningfully with the wider UK research and innovation landscape. Designed around an opt-in model, participants have access to a blend of in-person and online activities.
A core feature of the programme is the creation of inclusive leadership cohorts, which foster long-term peer support, collaboration, and professional networks that extend beyond the formal programme.
Participants benefit from being part of a connected community of researchers and innovators who share knowledge, opportunities, and experience, helping to accelerate leadership development across the UK.
PATHWAYS activities
Our PATHWAYS programme brings together future leaders of UK research and innovation, forming cohorts by region, discipline, interest and career ambition. We support UKRI grant holders through the delivery of training, community networking, and expanding their understanding of the wider research environment.
Our Network activities comprise three fellow-facing areas:
The FLF Development Network
The Future Leaders Fellows Development Network (FLFDN) is a national programme supporting Future Leaders Fellows across all rounds of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship.
With UKRI’s support, the Network also delivers the Pathways programme for researchers transitioning to an independent research career, and the Strategic Research Leadership Symposia for holders of large infrastructure grants.
The Network was founded through the collaboration of a group of higher education and industry organisations, including the University of Edinburgh, Cardiff University, Queen’s University Belfast, the University of Leeds, the School of Advanced Study (University of London), Vertical Future, the University of Cambridge, the University of Glasgow, and University College London. Delivery is now led by a central team working with a panel of expert advisors drawn from across the UK research and innovation landscape.
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