Crucible

Are you ready to transform your approach to research and collaboration?

The Crucible Programme is tailored for independently funded fellows and lecturers within three years of their appointment, introducing them to innovative ways of thinking and working. This leadership initiative brings together 24 competitively selected future research leaders from across the White Rose partner universities (Leeds, Sheffield and York) to explore career enhancement through interdisciplinary and cross-institutional research leadership and collaboration. The programme aims to foster long-term shifts in attitudes towards interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange, and creative thinking.

Why Participate?

Over a series of three residentials known as ‘labs’ you will:

Reflect on your work and enrich your research: Gain dedicated time and space to think deeply about your research and personal development. Learn how integrating different disciplines from the start of a project can enrich your research and attract funding.
Meet new colleagues and build lasting collaborations: Connect with academics from across the White Rose Universities, developing strong, collaborative relationships. Explore how working with researchers in other disciplines can enhance your career, increase the impact of your research, and help you develop as a research leader.
Enhance your career and professional networks: Connect with expert guest speakers, enhancing your professional networks and visibility. The White Rose Crucible Programme offers an excellent opportunity to consider new approaches to your research, enhance your leadership potential and career development, and network with peers and experts from across Yorkshire and beyond.

Programme Structure

The Crucible Programme consists of three intensive 2-day residential workshops, known as Labs. These workshops include facilitated sessions, inspiring speakers, and ample time for collaboration. The goal is to encourage openness, breadth, and vision in collaborative efforts.

Further information

Click on the events below to discover the topics and activities planned for each lab.

Applications close at 12:00, Friday 24 January 2025.

You are eligible to apply for the 2025 White Rose Crucible if you meet the following criteria:

You hold a PhD (or equivalent) and are a member of staff who is either:
- An independently funded fellow who has successfully applied for funding that includes their salary.
- A lecturer within three years of your appointment at one of our partner universities.

You are employed at one of the White Rose universities (Leeds, Sheffield or York) for the duration of the Crucible programme (until July 2025).

You can commit to attending all three in-person residential labs at a hotel in Yorkshire. Attendance at all the following programme elements is mandatory:
- Lab 1: 31 March - 1 April 2025
- Lab 2: 19 May - 20 May 2025
- Lab 3: 30 June - 1 July 2025

At the White Rose University Consortium, we are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment that fosters growth for all our people. Ensuring that our programmes are accessible to everyone is a key priority for us. If you have any concerns or factors that might hinder your access or full participation in our programmes (such as caregiving responsibilities or specific accessibility needs), please reach out to us at info@whiterose.ac.uk. We are eager to provide solutions that will enable you to fully engage with White Rose activities.

To express your interest in joining the White Rose 2025 Crucible Programme, please complete the application form.

The application form covers:

About you:

Title
First name
Last name
Are you:
- An independently funded fellow?
- A lecturer within 3 years of your appointment?
Role title
Email - please use your institution’s email address
Institution
In which discipline do you work

Why Crucible:

Please provide a general summary of your scholarly work and interests (max 1500 characters).
Please tell us why this programme interests you and why you should take part (max 1500 characters).

Your commitment:

This programme spans three in-person residential labs, and attendance at all sessions is mandatory. By answering “yes,” you confirm that you have checked your schedule and are available to attend all dates in full.

Submit your CV:

To complete your application, you must submit a 2-page CV (including publications) to info@whiterose.ac.uk.

Deadline: Applications close at 12:00, Friday 24 January 2025.
Notification: Successful participants will be notified during the week beginning 10 February 2025.

There are 24 places available across the White Rose partner universities (Leeds, Sheffield, and York). Applications will be reviewed by a panel, who will consider the disciplinary balance across programme participants. In cases where applications are of equal merit, the panel may take positive action to prioritise applicants whose characteristics or expertise are underrepresented within the programme.

The cost of attending this programme is £2000 per participant, funded on your behalf by the Consortium.

The White Rose University Consortium actively engages with institutional, regional and national partners to propel positive change and create sustained impact for individuals, communities, and the region.