The Laidlaw Scholars Leadership & Research Programme is a prestigious undergraduate scholarship founded in 2014 by philanthropist Lord Irvine Laidlaw. Emphasizing ethical leadership, rigorous research, and global engagement, the programme empowers students across the U.K., U.S., Canada, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Ireland at leading institutions—including Columbia University, UCL, University of Oxford, and many more.
Over approximately 18 to 24 months, Laidlaw Scholars conduct two funded summer projects, participate in leadership training, and build a global network aimed at cultivating informed, impactful leaders .
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Laidlaw Scholars Leadership & Research Programme Overview
Core Structure
- Two Summers of Funded Projects
- Summer 1: Undertake a 6-week independent or faculty-supervised research project with mentorship.
- Summer 2: Engage in a 6-week “Leadership-in-Action” experience—collaborating with communities or NGOs, often abroad.
- Ongoing Leadership Development
Scholars benefit from ethical leadership workshops, masterclasses (often via the Oxford Character Project), conferences, residential retreats, and reflective learning throughout the programme. - Global Network & Support
Participants join the Laidlaw Scholars Network, a global platform facilitating collaboration, mentorship, and shared resources among scholars and alumni. - Funding & Perks
Scholars receive a stipend across both summers (varies by region; e.g., US $8,400 total or GBP £6,000) plus travel and research allowances where applicable. Some also gain access to Laidlaw Scholars Ventures—a funding initiative supporting alumni-led start-ups.
Eligibility & Application Process
- Who Can Apply?
Undergraduate students—typically in their first or second year, depending on programme length—are eligible across disciplines, nationalities, and backgrounds. Prior research experience is not required; the programme welcomes first-time researchers. - Application Timeline & Components
Application windows commonly run from autumn through February, with interviews and decisions following in spring or early summer. Typical requirements include:- Personal statement / leadership essay
- Research proposal (self-defined or faculty-defined)
- Video leadership statement (in some universities)
- Resume, transcript, and recommendation letters.
- Selection Focus
Selection committees look for ethical leadership potential, originality, passion, ambition, and reflective maturity more than polished resumes. As one scholar advised: “There is no set mould … the most valuable thing you can do is to be yourself.”
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What’s the programme length? | Typically two years (approx. 18–24 months), including two summer components and ongoing development activities. |
| Are research experiences required before applying? | No — many scholars are first-time researchers, and the programme supports both self- and faculty-designed projects. |
| Is travel mandatory? | Scholars are encouraged to engage internationally, especially during the second summer, supported by travel funding. |
| What leadership training is included? | Workshops, ethical leadership modules (often Oxford Character Project), retreats, residential weekends, and conferences. |
| Is research or leadership weighted more? | Both—strong applications balance a compelling research idea with leadership insights; focusing exclusively on one is discouraged. |
Final Thoughts
The Laidlaw Scholars Leadership & Research Programme is more than a scholarship—it’s an immersive journey empowering students to become ethical, impactful leaders through research, reflection, and community. It bridges academic inquiry with actionable change, nurtures diverse leadership, and connects scholars across borders through a vibrant global network.
Growing evidence and alumni reflections underscore that Laidlaw not only shapes skills but identities—enhancing confidence, ambition, and purpose. As one archaeologist-turned-scholar reflected, being part of the programme offered “direction on different kinds of ways I can make meaning out of my career”.
For prospective applicants: embrace authenticity, articulate your values and passions, and imagine how you want to grow—not just what you can achieve. Your unique voice, potential, and integrity are what the Laidlaw selection committee is looking for.
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