The first day of our new development programme began on Tuesday 25 February 2025 with postdoctoral researchers from the White Rose partner universities gathering at the University of Leeds.

Prosper is a programme specifically designed for postdocs who want to take control of their career development. The programme is based on insightful tools and resources that are available through the Prosper Portal, an initiative spearheaded by the University of Liverpool for the sector, but has been tailored to the White Rose community.

Participants from Leeds, Sheffield and York universities will engage in three in-person workshops, each hosted at a different partner institution, covering essential career development topics to help them reflect, explore and act.

At this first event in Leeds, the postdocs were encouraged to reflect and take stock. Through various activities, they explored their career timelines, identified their core values, and recognised their strengths while also considering the external factors that may influence their career decisions or what may be holding them back. The participants also heard from Dr Tatendashe Bernadette Dondo, Senior Research Statistician and Epidemiologist at the University of Leeds. She shared insights on her own first steps as an academic and how she took a strategic approach to navigating her career journey.

Dr Karen Hinxman, Head of the White Rose University Consortium delivers the programme alongside Dr Emma Williams, a Researcher Development Consultant.

Karen said: “What a fantastic day spent with a group of inspiring postdocs!

“It has been a great opportunity to introduce the Prosper resources to a pioneering cross-institutional cohort. I am really looking forward to bringing the cohort together again for day two, where we’ll explore their career opportunities.”

The cohort will meet again next month at the University of Sheffield for day 2. They will also receive individualised support from experienced coaches and build valuable ongoing connections with peers across the White Rose organisations.

If you are interested in taking part in Prosper, sign up to our newsletter where we will share information about future opportunities.