Apply to the FLF Development Network’s Pathways 2 Programme

Pathways 2

Pathways 2 is a national UKRI funded programme designed to support the next generation of research and innovation leaders in the UK, for Project Leads funded by UKRI as an additional post-award development opportunity. 

View the Pathways 2 Brochure Here

Family Friendly Policy

As part of our commitment to enabling participants with caring responsibilities to take part in Programme activities, we have a Family Friendly Policy to help put arrangements in place to enable your participation.

View our Family Friendly Policy Here

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Am I eligible for the programme?
    There are three main elements to eligibility:

    1. You must be a UKRI funded researcher.
    2. You must be transitioning to research independence by building a research vision.
    3. You must be a lead or co-lead on an active grant from January 2026 to July 2027.
  2. My programme starts in February 2026 can I still apply?
    No, applicants must be a lead or co-lead on an active grant from January 2026 to July 2027.
  3. Will the program work with people to accommodate Maternity or other Leave?
    The programme will do everything possible to be flexible and will work with people on an individual basis. The only limit is the duration of Pathways as a programme. The Family Friendly Policy is available to participants to support attendance at in-person events.
  4. What are the assessment criteria?
    The application form has been designed to be as straightforward possible. In general there is an emphasis on cohort learning and you should try to align specific benefits from the programme to your work and leadership development plan. View the questions and apply here. 
  5. There are 60 places available this year. How over-subscribed was the programme in the previous round?Based on previous rounds there was approximately 80 applications for 60 places on programme.
  6. A lot of the dates for activities are fixed. Is there flexibility of dates on events in the programme?
    In-person events (Crucible/Town Hall/Leadership Retreat) have set dates to successfully administer the programme in the available period. If you anticipate not been able to commit to the bulk of core-events you should consider if this is a suitable programme at this time.
  7. The programme seems fairly flexible but would you expect a certain number of core offers to be followed, or all of them?
    The core offers have been curated based on previous experience of what can really have a long-lasting effect. We encourage applications from participants who are interested in and able to commit to attending most or all of the core offers.
  8. Are all costs covered for the programme?
    All travel and subsistence costs will be covered, in line with UKRI Travel and Subsistence guidelines. For residential events, accommodation will be paid and managed by the Network.
  9. Would you be able to share any examples of what individuals from the previous cohort have subsequently gone on to do in terms of their career?
    The previous pilot of Pathways concluded in September 2024. We undertook an external evaluation in January 2025. We will follow that up with additional evaluation exercises in 2026.
    Our previous evaluation posed the question, ‘What opportunities arose for you, as a direct consequence of your participation?’
    Responses included:
    “It led to me reflecting on my situation and considering my options. I gained the impetus to leave my institution and join another”
    “I applied for, and was successful in gaining, a promotion. Partly due to my mentor.”
    “I feel much more confident in the way I manage my team” x 2
    “I am more able to take a ‘helicopter view’ of my research, and step back from the detail.”
    “I am now able to delegate”
    “I no longer recruit alone”
    “The leadership part has allowed me to support junior colleagues”
    “On a personal level, it has changed my life. I can now control my negative reactions to others.”
  10. Can FLFs apply to participate in the Pathways Programme?
    No, FLFs will usually not be considered eligible for the Pathways programme. Pathways is modelled on the FLF Development Network, which is available to all FLFs. If you’re an FLF interested in the Pathways programme, please get in touch with the Network team at hello@flfdevnet.com, and we can direct you to the same or similar opportunities through the Network.

Additional Materials for Prospective Applicants

  1. View the slides from our recent Town Hall for prospective applicants: Pathways 2 Town Hall
  2. Applications will be reviewed against the following matrix: Marking Matrix