1140+ technicians from over 120 UK institutions have completed the Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership since it launched in 2021.
It is designed for women working as technicians to help address the lack of women in technical management and leadership roles.
Programme overview
The Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership is a national programme designed to elevate and advance opportunities for women, who are current or aspiring leaders in technical roles.
Cost
This programme is free* for UK technicians from any discipline, working in universities and research institutes. The programme is funded by Research England.* (See below for reference to in-person event)
Delivery method
• Online
• In-person event
Places for technicians
There are 200 places for technicians who meet the criteria.
Who is it for?
Women who are current or aspiring technical leaders. Technicians from all disciplines are encouraged to apply from arts, creative industries and textiles, engineering and science roles.
Duration
The programme runs for approximately six months from January – July.
Eligibility and selection criteria
• Women working in technical roles in higher education or research institutes
• Line manager approval to attend, in writing
• Strength of application; reasons for appling and how will benefit your professional role
Time commitment
Approx 6 days or 40 hours over 6 months.
78% of participants were aspiring leaders
Course content
Technicians who take part in the programme will expand their network and develop leadership skills with like-minded colleagues.
The structured six-month programme includes modules on:
• You as a leader
• Context and culture
• Influencing and negotiating
• Confidence and empowerment
Time commitment for participants
The Herschel Programme is a structured programme consisting of:
• Launch event. 1 x 4 hour session. Online. 14 January 2026.
• Module workshops. 4 x 3 hour workshops. Online. Between end January – early June 2026 inclusive.
• Action learning set group meetings. Online. Typically 1 x 3 hour meeting, once a month. January – June 2026 inclusive.
• End of programme event. All day in-person event. End June / early July 2026. Location to be confirmed, previous events have been held in London, Birmingham and Nottingham. *Travel and subsistence costs to be covered by your institution.
By submitting an application, you are agreeing to participate in all these elements to realise the full potential of the programme.
If you have any concerns regarding your institution’s ability to cover travel and subsistence costs for the in-person event please contact us at enquiries@ITSS.org.uk
Only 32% of technical leadership roles are held by women
This career development opportunity addresses the lack of women in technical leadership positions in academia and research.
Caroline Herschel
The programme is named after Caroline Herschel, a pioneer in astronomy. Responsible for the discovery of comets and nebulae, she also assisted her brother William in making calculations from his observations.
Caroline was an early ‘technician’ at the turn of the 19th century who paved the way for the women of the future to contribute to and play key roles in scientific endeavours by forging her legacy in a male-dominated field.
Read more about Caroline Herschel here
Ⓒ The Royal Society
Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership FAQs
Is the programme delivered online or in-person?
Most of the programme is delivered online, including the launch event, your action learning set group meetings and your modules. The only in-person element is the end of programme event in June or July 2026. Travel and subsistence costs to be covered by your institution. If you have any concerns regarding your institution’s ability to cover travel and subsistence costs for the in-person event please contact us at enquiries@ITSS.org.uk
What dates will the online workshops be held?
The module workshops will take place online between end January and early June and they are 3 hours in duration. Dates for these are in the process of being confirmed and we will publish them to successful applicants as soon as places have been confirmed on the programme.
Is the in-person event mandatory?
Yes, participants will need to attend this event. There will be an opportunity to network and hear from keynote speakers, which will be of benefit to delegates on the programme. It will also be an opportunity for you to meet your action learning set group members and all other delegates face to face for the first time. If you have any concerns regarding your institution’s ability to cover travel and subsistence costs for the in-person event please contact us at enquiries@ITSS.org.uk
Are expenses covered for the in-person event?
No, your institution will need to cover any expenses incurred by your attendance at this event. Please ensure you have agreement for this before applying to the programme. If you have any concerns regarding your institution’s ability to cover travel and subsistence costs for the in-person event please contact us at enquiries@ITSS.org.uk
When will applications for the 2026 programme open?
Applications for the 2026 Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership close at midday on Tuesday 4 November 2025.
Who is the Herschel Programme for?
Women who are current or aspiring technical leaders can apply.
This leadership development programme is offered as a proportionate positive action measure under the Equality Act 2010. Women are currently underrepresented in technical leadership and management roles across UK higher education and research and Herschel is primarily designed to encourage and support increased participation, progression and retention of women in these roles.
While the programme is targeted at women, UK ITSS may, in exceptional and clearly justified circumstances, allow technicians who are not women to participate where their inclusion would not undermine the positive action objective. Such circumstances may include where:
· A place would otherwise remain unused and admitting a participant who is not a woman would not displace an eligible woman.
· An applicant who is not a woman demonstrates a specific, evidenced need for equivalent development that cannot be met through alternative provision.
Any participation by technicians who are not women will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and must remain proportionate so that the scheme continues to serve its main goal of supporting women’s development and reducing underrepresentation.
The annual Herschel programme was previously delivered through the Research England funded TALENT Programme.