Applications are open for the 2026 Sussex Women's Leadership Academy, an intensive three-month programme that empowers early-career academics – inclusive of all women and minority genders – to carve out a research career that works for them. 

Running between March and June, the academy offers a mix of coaching, seminars and online resources to help you identify what challenges and motivates you, and set out a tangible career plan for the next few years. 

The programme is bookended by one-day workshops with Fiona Reith, a Designing Your Life coach, and Vicki Love, an Organisational Development Consultant at Sussex. Weekly online seminars focus on common barriers and more practical skills, while smaller book groups provide peer mentoring and build community. 

Last year’s participants really valued the connections they made with other researchers. They grew in confidence, built networks of support, and left the programme ready to apply for promotion when the time was right. Check out the video to hear more from them. 

Places are limited and prioritise researchers at the early career stage. Participants must be employed by the University, undertaking research as a substantial element of their role, and able to attend all sessions. 

Are you struggling to find a work/life balance in a research system that doesn't meet your needs? Do you want to build confidence, shift your mindset, and develop skills to further your career? Join the Women's Leadership Academy this Spring.  

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 4 March. See the academy webpage for further details and to apply.