Herschel Impact and Achievements
Impact stories from our pioneering leadership programme for women in technical leadershipThe Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership is the first of its kind in the UK.
Designed for aspiring and current technical leaders in higher education and research, this programme addresses the underrepresentation of women in technical leadership roles.
Since its launch in 2021, the pioneering leadership programme has supported 1140+ participants across more than 120 institutions.
Herschel has created a vibrant network of women technical leaders and helped create a more inclusive and diverse technical workforce at management and leadership level.
Caption: 2024 Herschel Leaders cohort
Herschel Impact
90% said Herschel had a positive impact on their confidence in leading and communicating effectively
84% felt more empowered in their role
78% of participants were aspiring leaders, helping remove barriers to career progression
82% improved confidence in building and extending networks
40% were promoted or had a role regrade since taking part in Herschel
Herschel Achievements | Case studies
Herschel inspires Sarah Jane Goodwin to build self-confidence in new technical role
Herschel inspires Sarah Jane Goodwin to build self-confidence and feel fulfilled in her new technical role “I’ve never been on a course that stayed in my mind for so long, where I thought ‘Wow, that was really good’.” The 2022 pilot of the Herschel Programme for Women...
Mindset change propels Emma Black into Senior Technical Leadership
A change in mindset while on the Herschel Programme propels Emma Black into Senior Technical Leadership “Herschel was a pivotal moment for me. I will always be grateful for the boost it gave me.” Emma Black had stepped up into an interim Senior Lab Manager role at the...
A life-changing confidence boost for Technical Co-ordinator Sophie Rutherford
Herschel Programme delivers Technical Co-ordinator Sophie Rutherford a life-changing confidence boost “Herschel has been a catalyst for positive change in my life; it not only made a big impact on my confidence and career, but it also had an important impact on my...
Herschel gives Monika Steinke the confidence to speak up for technicians
Herschel Programme gives Monika Steinke the confidence to speak up for technicians “Herschel taught us to believe in ourselves; this is very powerful because if you believe in yourself, you can go a long way!” Monika Steinke’s career has been wide ranging and varied...
Herschel builds confidence and sparks EDI passion in Technical Manager, Jo Scamp
The Herschel Programme builds career confidence and sparks a passion for EDI in Technical Manager, Jo Scamp “Herschel was an inspiring and safe space for me to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, which is what I needed to progress.” Jo Scamp arrived...
Arts Technical Supervisor, Betty O’Leary, takes a more strategic approach
Herschel Programme enables Arts Technical Supervisor, Betty O’Leary, to take a more strategic approach “I wanted something to help give me a more strategic mindset and space and time to think about what being a manager is and how best to manage, and the programme did...
Dr Monika Chhetry secures promotion after Herschel
Monika Chhetry takes her technical career forward with the help of flagship leadership development Programme. Dr Monika Chhetry completed the Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership in 2023, while working as a Research Assistant at John Innes Centre. As...