The Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme 2027 is designed to develop global leadership skills and research capabilities among undergraduate students.
Participants combine a 6-week summer research project with structured leadership development activities, gaining hands-on experience, mentorship, and the opportunity to address real-world challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The programme encourages students to design and lead their own projects, working closely with academic supervisors while developing leadership and professional competencies.
Key Programme Features
Programme: Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme
Institution: Imperial College London
Target Group: Undergraduate students in years 1–3 (depending on degree length and faculty)
Location: London, UK (South Kensington Campus)
Duration: Leadership development programme with a 6-week summer research project
Mode: In-person (campus-based) with online support
Funding: Fully funded for programme activities
Research Experience
- Conduct a 6-week summer research project under supervision.
- Projects can be college-provided topics or self-proposed, aligned with SDGs.
- Develop skills in research design, analysis, and reporting.
Leadership Development
- Participate in structured leadership workshops and activities.
- Learn teamwork, decision-making, and project management.
- Develop skills to address societal or environmental challenges.
Mentorship and Academic Guidance
- Assigned academic supervisors for project support.
- Optional additional internal Imperial supervisors for externally proposed projects.
- Mentorship from experts to guide leadership and research outcomes.
Professional Development
- Produce a research report (max 3,000 words) summarizing research and leadership outcomes.
- Create a poster to communicate research to varied audiences.
- Participate in scholars’ network to connect with alumni and peers globally.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply
- Undergraduate students in year 1 of a three-year degree, or year 1 or 2 of a four-year degree.
- Faculty of Medicine students: eligible in years 1–3.
- Open to all disciplines, nationalities, and fee statuses.
- Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged, including:
- Minority ethnic backgrounds
- Students with disabilities
- LGBTQIA+ students
- First-generation university students
- Students from state schools
Who Cannot Apply
- Students in their final year at Imperial.
- Part-time evening students or incoming study abroad students.
Scholar Commitments
Participants are expected to:
- Attend all leadership development activities.
- Live within a commutable distance from campus.
- Submit a research report and a poster summarizing their project.
- Actively engage in the Laidlaw Scholars Network and mentor incoming scholars.
Application Process
- Eligibility & Scholar Commitment: Confirm eligibility and agree to the programme’s expectations.
- Project Design: Identify a project topic and secure academic supervision.
- Online Application: Complete the application form including:
- Motivations (max 250 words)
- Expected outcomes (max 250 words)
- Research proposal aligned with SDGs (max 250 words)
- Leadership in Action project description (max 250 words)
- Submit Documents: Email your CV and Supervisor’s Supporting Statement to laidlaw@imperial.ac.uk.
Important Dates 2027:
- Applications Open: 24 November 2025
- Applications Close: 8 February 2026 (midnight)
- Interviews: March 2026
- Outcome Notification: End of March 2026
- Welcome Event: May 2026
Skills and Competencies Developed
- Leadership and decision-making
- Research design and project management
- Communication and presentation skills
- Global citizenship and social impact awareness
- Networking with a global cohort of scholars and mentors
SEO Keywords
Laidlaw Scholars Leadership Programme 2027, Imperial College London Leadership Programme, Undergraduate Leadership Programme UK, Global Research Fellowship 2027, Laidlaw Summer Research Project, Student Leadership Development, UN SDG Research Programme, Leadership and Research Opportunities, Fully Funded Student Leadership Program, Laidlaw Scholars Network, Global Leadership Opportunities 2027.
Summary Table
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme 2027 |
| Institution | Imperial College London |
| Target Group | Undergraduate students (years 1–3 depending on degree) |
| Duration | Summer Research Project + Leadership Development |
| Mode | In-person (campus) with online support |
| Funding | Fully Funded for programme activities |
| Focus | Leadership, Research, SDG-aligned Projects, Global Citizenship |
| Commitments | Research report, poster, network engagement, leadership activities |
Conclusion
The Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme 2027 offers undergraduate students an exceptional opportunity to develop leadership skills, conduct impactful research, and join a global network of scholars.
Participants gain experience in project design, SDG-aligned research, and leadership development, equipping them with the skills and connections to create meaningful social and environmental impact globally.
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel
Also Check
OECD Internship Programme 2026 — Paid International Opportunity in Europe
Oxfam Paid Graduate Programmes 2026 — Build an International Career
