Emerging Leaders network

The Emerging Leaders Network aims to connect, support and empower mid-career and senior academics (Levels C–E) across the Sub-Faculty of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (SF-CaMM). It will provide a collegial forum for sharing knowledge and experience, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, developing leadership capabilities and contributing collectively to the future direction of the Sub-Faculty.

The Network recognises that academic leadership extends beyond formal leadership positions. By bringing together colleagues from diverse disciplines, departments and career pathways, it seeks to build a connected and supportive academic community in which members can learn from one another, identify opportunities and contribute to positive institutional change.

Our vision is to build a connected community of academic leaders who learn from one another, grow together and help shape the future of SF-CaMM.

Co-Chairs

Key aims

  1. Build connections and foster collaboration: Strengthen relationships across departments, disciplines and research groups, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary research, partnerships and collective initiatives.
  2. Share knowledge and experience: Provide a forum for members to share research, achievements, challenges and lessons learned, and to seek constructive feedback and advice from colleagues.
  3. Develop leadership capabilities: Support members in developing the skills, confidence and networks needed to lead research programs, teams and institutional initiatives, including through invited speakers, peer learning and leadership development opportunities.
  4. Identify and share opportunities: Facilitate the exchange of information about funding, research collaborations, mentoring, professional development and leadership opportunities.
  5. Shape the future of the Sub-Faculty: Provide a platform for members to contribute ideas, identify shared priorities and work collaboratively to strengthen the Sub-Faculty's research culture, capabilities and impact.

Membership and meeting format

The Network will be open to academic staff at Levels C–E across the SF-CaMM, recognising the value of diverse perspectives, experiences and leadership aspirations.

The Network will meet four times per year, with meetings designed to be interactive, collegial and focused on practical value for members.

Meetings may include

  • Invited speakers: Senior academic leaders or external experts sharing insights into leadership, career development, research strategy and emerging opportunities, where feasible.
  • Research spotlight: Short presentations (5–10 minutes) by members to showcase their research, introduce new ideas, seek feedback or identify potential collaborators.
  • Knowledge and opportunity sharing: Updates on funding opportunities, institutional initiatives, leadership programs and relevant professional development activities.
  • Peer discussion and networking: Open conversations about common challenges, experiences and opportunities for collaboration.
  • Collective initiatives: Opportunities to develop proposals and contribute to strategic priorities that benefit the wider Sub-Faculty.

The meeting agenda will be shaped by members' interests and priorities to ensure that the Network remains relevant, engaging and responsive to their needs.

Anticipated outcomes

Through regular engagement, the Network aims to develop a stronger sense of community among emerging and established academic leaders, increase interdisciplinary collaboration, improve access to leadership and career development opportunities, and create a collective voice for members to contribute to the ongoing development of the Sub-Faculty.