When: 28–30 January 2026 
Where: The Burn, near Edzell

What is the Emerging Research Leaders Programme (ERLP)?

The ERLP is a skills development programme designed for early career researchers (ECRs). It is based around three residential workshops and is open to ECRs of all disciplines who are affiliated with Scottish Higher Education institutions and whose research work aligns with the aims of the Scottish Research Alliance for Energy, Homes and Livelihoods.

The programme is designed to:

• enhance research impact 
• build leadership capacity
• foster interdisciplinary collaboration 

We are very pleased to announce that the ERLP Annual Workshop is now open for applications. The focus is Public Engagement and Research Impact. In today’s research landscape, the ability to engage effectively with the public is a vital skill that enhances both the visibility and the impact of researchers’ work.

In this workshop, you will be introduced to the concept of public engagement — what it is, why it matters, and how it can enhance the impact of your research. Guided by public engagement and research impact experts, you will explore practical strategies for identifying and understanding different target audiences and tailoring your message (and engagement activities) to resonate with specific audiences while maintaining the integrity of your research. 

Through hands-on exercises, you will develop confidence in communicating complex ideas clearly and effectively, using a range of techniques. You will learn how to plan, evaluate, and document public engagement activities as part of your broader research strategy—ensuring your work has lasting, measurable impact beyond academia.

This is a full 3-day residential workshop beginning with lunch on the 28th of January and ending with lunch on the 30th of January to allow for travel.

🏡 Residential Format:

• Accommodation in shared rooms. Single rooms may be available on request.
• Shared bathroom facilities 
• All meals provided in The Burn’s beautiful dining room

💸 Cost: Fully funded by the Scottish Research Alliance for Energy, Homes & Livelihoods 
→ Free of charge for all participants!

Please note that we ask all applicants to commit fully to attending the workshop. Last-minute cancellations not only result in wasted resources and missed opportunities for others, but may also affect your eligibility to participate in future SRAEHL events and activities.

Key Dates:

Application Deadline	Friday 17 November 2025
Outcome notification	Week commencing Monday 8 December 2025

Any Questions? 
Please contact Capacity Lead Dr Emilka Skrzypek at [email protected]

This is what our participants had to say about their experience at the Media Engagement Workshop in January 2025: 

“The media training event was an excellent experience and hugely valuable to my work at this stage in my academic and professional career. The skills, expertise and support of the trainers was fantastic.“

“Attending the workshop really boosted my confidence not only in media engagement but also in a wider context of working professionally.“

“The workshop, with experienced trainers, provided valuable insights, practical tools, and a supportive environment to connect with others across different fields. It helped us develop skills like how to speak about our research effectively, which was challenging but fascinating, especially when preparing for potential TV and radio interviews.“

“It was a journey of self discovery.”

Learn more about our Emerging Research Leaders Programme here.