Please note the next Mid-Career Researcher programme will take place in 2028.

About the programme

The U21 Mid-Career Researcher Programme is an exclusive 4-week online course for mid-career researchers (MCRs). 

It is a time of huge disruption and transformation for universities, and MCRs have felt the impact of accelerated change acutely over recent years. The impact of external challenges and pressures, which create a constantly shifting landscape, on the operational, day-to-day life of researchers, has been huge.  

MCRs are future university leaders and we need to inspire, equip, empower and connect them so they can respond to both their current and future challenges with confidence and courage.  

Building on our partnership with Common Purpose, we will combine our strengths to create a unique global learning experience for MCRs which accelerates their ability to drive, and adapt and thrive within, a creative and collaborative research culture. This programme will combine U21’s ability to convene researchers from across the globe to share knowledge and perspectives, with Common Purpose’s expertise in bringing the real external context to the fore and developing the personal skills and mind-set researchers need. 

Key themes:

Week 1: A Lens to View the World – Mindset for Success

Week 2: A Deeper Dive into Collaboration and Innovation (Part 1) – Perspective Taking and Influencing Beyond a Remit

Week 3: A Deeper Dive into Collaboration and Innovation (Part 2) – Building Consensus and Risk Taking

Week 4: Action Planning for Future Development

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Why take part?

In addition to the opportunity to earn a digital micro-credential, you will also have: 

• An improved understanding of the skills and mind-set required for driving and working within a more creative and collaborative culture, with real insights from higher education and industry

• A Global community: deepened multi-disciplinary relationships within a global network, which provide both peer support and challenge and present opportunities for international collaboration 
• A broadened perspective: new ideas, trans-disciplinary approaches and ways of thinking to support MCRs with personal growth and development areas. 

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Who can take part?

It is anticipated that MCRs would be at the level of Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor (or equivalent), from any discipline, who aim to enhance the quality and reach of their research through expanding their global research networks. 

MCRs will be nominated by member universities and represent different disciplines, geographies and identities. They should be individuals who would benefit from engaging with an international community, as well as the opportunity to refocus and reset. We actively encourage under-represented individuals to be nominated. 

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Key dates

• The next Mid-Career Researcher programme will take place in 2028.

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Time Commitment

Approximately 2-5 hours per week for four weeks, comprised of:  

• 1 hour live session per week  

• 1-4 hours per week of Individual work (depending on pace and level engagement with resources provided) 

View 2026 programme timetable here 

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Participant Reflections 

Taking this course has been truly inspiring, it gave a 180-degree turn to how I approach my daily routine’s frustrations and challenges. It helped me shift my focus from productivity, achievement, or failures to something more meaningful: rediscovering my passion for my work. Instead of being consumed by external pressures, I’ve learned to focus on myself, my wellbeing, and my love for my work.”

Participant, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, MCR Programme 2025 

Who are Common Purpose?

Common Purpose is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1989 that develops leaders who can operate across boundaries.  

This programme is offered in partnership with, and facilitated by Common Purpose – drawing on their 30 years of thought leadership and experiential global learning programmes for diverse international audiences.