Led by Dr Emilka Skrzypek, the Emerging Research Leaders Programme (ERLP) is a skills development initiative for early career researchers (ECRs). 

From 28-30 January 2026, twenty-four ECRs from eight Scottish universities gathered at The Burn, representing a rich mix of academic disciplines across humanities, social sciences, and hard sciences.  

Building on the success of our first two workshops, covering Policy Engagement and Media Engagement, this year’s ERLP workshop explored Public Engagement and Research Impact. We were delighted to welcome Dr Rees Hughes, University of St Andrews’ Head of Research Impact, and Dr Kirsty Ross, a freelance public engagement consultant, who brought fresh perspectives, practical insights, and years of hands-on experience to workshop discussions. 

The workshop was designed to strengthen participants’ skills, knowledge, and confidence in engaging with audiences outside of academia. Ahead of the event, the group shared some challenges they had met in their public-facing work so far. Common themes included communication barriers, particularly around translating and communicating scientific information in an accessible way, as well as limited resources and opportunities for hands-on experience. Many also highlighted the pressure of balancing engagement activities with competing research, teaching, and publication demands.   

Addressing these barriers, the training focused on communication, capacity in developing and delivering activities, logic modelling, and stakeholder mapping and relations-building. Dr Kirsty Ross introduced the importance of managing digital footprints, specifically across research outputs and platforms such as LinkedIn, alongside evaluation and key methods for engagement. Dr Rees Hughes explored mitigating risk and looking beyond initial engagement to impact across avenues including policy, culture, and practise.

Reflecting on their experience, participants shared that they had developed new skills and competencies as a direct result of the workshop. Most prominent among those were communication skills and storytelling, approaches for identifying and building connections with different audiences, and strategies for de-risking engagements  

One participant reflected: “The workshop was engaging, supportive, and highly practical, providing valuable tools for communicating research beyond academia. The Emerging Research Leaders Programme offers a genuinely encouraging environment that builds confidence, skills, and a strong sense of community among early career researchers.” 

Another added: “The ERLP is a fantastic opportunity to meet other early career researchers from diverse backgrounds with a common passion for making strides towards a more just and inclusive future. The workshops are planned and delivered to draw out strengths of individuals, connect participants and demonstrate research practices spanning across disciplines. The location and venue add to the experience, which fells enriching, grounding, while building confidence and thoughtful reflection on individual research aspirations.” 

Following the workshop, SRAEHL has launched s seed fund of two £1,000 Public Engagement and Impact grants which will be awarded on competitive basis to two participants from this year’s cohort.These small grants are designed to help early career researchers put their new skills into practice, supporting creative, ambitious engagement activities that extend the reach and influence of their research. 

Looking ahead, the Emerging Research Leaders Programme will return in January 2027 with our fourth residential workshop. We look forward to welcoming both returning and new researchers, continuing to build a supportive community, and strengthening Scotland’s cross‑sector research landscape. 

Learn more about our Emerging Research Leaders Programme here.