FOUNDATION FUTURE LEADERS 2026 - APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Applications are now open for the Foundation Future Leaders scheme 2026. We are looking for around 35 individuals from the following categories:
- Civil servants, parliamentary servants or the wider public sector (including Public Sector Research Establishments, PSREs)
- Employees from universities, national facilities or similar (including from Catapult Centres, Research Council Institutes or Research Charities)
- Applicants from industry (including from independent not-for-profit Research & Technology Organisations, RTOs)
Should I apply?
We are looking for people in early-to mid-career (from the three groups shown above), who are interested in the wider science and technology ecosystem in the UK and how to navigate it. If you are interested in applying, we would love to hear from you. The Foundation actively encourages applications from under-represented groups in science, technology, research and innovation leadership. We would particularly welcome applications from minority ethic candidates, those with disabilities, and applicants who come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. We aim for approximately 10-12 individuals from each sector mentioned, and a 50:50 ratio between male and female participants on the scheme.
If you are wondering whether this scheme is for you, or would like to find out more about the programme before applying, or to discuss any individual circumstances, please email Gavin Costigan (gavin.costigan@foundation.org.uk) to set up an informal conversation.
Programme Details
The programme will consist of:
Main meetings – with opportunities to meet and question senior figures from science and technology across government, Parliament, industry, universities, academies and charities.
Visits – these could include the UK Parliament in London, the Harwell research campus in Oxfordshire and a UK university. Other possible visits include research facilities for companies, national laboratories such as NPL, international science facilities such as CERN and devolved bodies such as the Scottish Government.
Drop-in sessions – Fortnightly online drop-in sessions - with the agenda set by the Future Leaders.
One-day conference (November 2026) – Organised and delivered by the Future Leaders.
Other opportunities are available, including invitations to all Foundation evening discussion events, training videos, mentoring, publishing blogs, recording podcasts, and networking within the cohort and beyond. The group itself will decide its priorities, and the FST team will support individuals to meet any specific objectives.
Cost
There is a charge of £1000 (+VAT) to participate in the scheme. In addition, participants will be responsible for their own travel costs to attend in-person meetings. Applicants are asked to show evidence that they have confirmation from a budget holder in their organisation that this funding is available. We would be delighted to provide further information to finance or HR teams if that would be helpful.
Scholarships
The FST may award a maximum of 5 scholarships in 2026 for participation in the scheme without paying the £1000 fee. Priority for these places will be given to disabled applicants and those who have applied in previous years. These participants will still need to fund their own travel to attend events, although if eligible they may also apply for funding from the Silman Fund.
How to apply
To apply for the Foundation Future Leaders programme 2026, complete the application form and send it, with a 2-page CV, the completed diversity monitoring form and the confirmation of available funding form, to office@foundation.org.uk. All the details are in the documents below.
Deadline: 12:00 noon on 25th November 2025