The UK’s only award-winning leadership development programme dedicated to women technical professionals in higher education and research.
More than 1140 technicians from over 120 UK institutions have completed the Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership.
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 UK Research & Innovation* (See below for reference to in-person event)
Delivery method
• Online (January 2027)
• In-person event (Summer 2027)
Who is it for?
Women who are current or aspiring technical leaders.
Technicians from all disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Duration
The programme runs for approximately six months. January – June 2027.
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; motivation for applying and how it will benefit your professional role
75% of participants were aspiring leaders
Course content
Technicians who take part in the programme will join a growing community of technical leaders, developing confidence and 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
Action Learning Sets
Participant learning and development is supported through small Action Learning Sets. These self-managed group sessions provide opportunities for peer support, help develop key skills, and foster a strong sense of community.
Time commitment
Around 40 hours over six months, the Herschel Programme is a structured programme consisting of:
- Launch event. 1 x 4 hour session. Online. 14 January 2027.
- Module workshops. 4 x 3 hour workshops. Online. January – early June 2027 inclusive.
- Action learning set group meetings. Online. Typically 1 x 3 hour meeting, once a month. January – June 2027 inclusive.
- End of programme event. All day in-person event. End June / early July 2027. 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 agree 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
The Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership has received a Princess Royal Training Award, recognising outstanding training and exceptional benefits.
The award is run by the City & Guild’s Foundation and rewards organisations which make a positive and measurable impact through learning and development.
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 2027. 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 are Action Learning Sets?
An Action Learning Set (ALS) consists of a group of about 5-7 people who meet on a regular basis to discuss work-related issues or to develop skills in an area of common interest. ALS give individuals time to explore issues in an environment which is empowering and which helps the individual to find a solution – rather than be told what to do. All members of the group also develop skills in listening, reflecting back what they have heard, demonstrating empathy, questioning, and providing feedback. Participants will receive guidance on ALS at the launch event and further support throughout the programme.
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 meet other people from the programme and hear from keynote speakers. 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 2027 programme open?
Applications for the 2027 Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership close at 5pm on Monday 16 November 2026
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. It was established in 2021.
