The Foundation for Science & Technology (FST) is inviting applications for the 2022 Foundation Future Leaders Programme, which is aimed at early- to mid-career professionals.
The annual scheme brings together around 10 civil and public servants, 10 researchers and 10 people from industry, all “early- to mid-career”. Over the course of a year the cohort will meet and engage with senior figures in science and technology from universities, industry, government, parliament, charities and others, and develop a deeper understanding of the wider science and technology ecosystem in the UK. Just as importantly, they will meet each other, and there are many opportunities for networking across the group.
Participation in the scheme is free. Many meetings will take place online, but there will be visits and in-person meetings as well.
Certain groups are underrepresented in senior S&T related roles, and the Foundation for Science and Technology would particularly welcome applications from candidates from BAME backgrounds and from disabled candidates. They will also ensure a 50:50 female:male ratio for successful candidates.
All the details about the 2022 scheme and how to apply can be found online here.
The scheme is run by the Chief Executive of the Foundation for Science and Technology, Gavin Costigan (gavin.costigan@foundatyion.org.uk). Gavin is happy to be contacted directly with any questions about the scheme.
The closing date for applications is: 29th November 2021
Our Communications Manager Vicky Newman is participating in this year’s programme. She says, “I thoroughly recommend the FST Future Leaders programme. It has given me the opportunity to see how all the various moving parts of science research, advice and policy development fit together and the speakers have been excellent. I have just returned from a visit to Westminster as part of the programme where we had the opportunity to hear from several speakers.
“Among the high points for me was hearing from the Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells and Chair of the House of Commons Select Committee for Science and Technology on how the committee operates. I also found the talk from Dr Cristiana Vagnoni, Biological Sciences and Health Adviser at the Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology and also on this year’s cohort, fascinating as their POSTnote briefings are such a valuable resource.
“The programme has also been a great opportunity to network with likeminded public servants, researchers and industry professionals and share experiences as well as learning more about the UK science and technology ecosystem. I’ve found the whole experience extremely valuable and made many new contacts through it.”
The Foundation for Science and Technology provides an impartial platform for debate of policy issues that have a science, research, technology or innovation element. It also runs regular events and podcasts on on key topics in science, research, technology or innovation, bringing together parliamentarians, civil servants, industrialists, researchers, learned societies, charities and others. These focus in particular on areas where there are policy decisions needed, which in turn need to be informed by this wide range of inputs and viewpoints.