From 17 to 21 August, 27 emerging and mid-career leaders from across the CESAER network gathered in Glasgow for the first CESAER Leadership Programme, a new pilot initiative designed to strengthen leadership capacity, foster peer learning and build lasting connections across universities of science and technology.
Hosted by the University of Strathclyde at the Sir Jim McDonald Technology & Innovation Centre and delivered together with leadership development specialist Taylor Clarke, the five-day programme combined leadership development, peer exchange, contributions from senior university leaders and experts, and a distinct European and CESAER perspective.
The pilot was led by Paul Murray, University of Strathclyde and Co-Chair of our association’s Task Force Talent, Careers and Staff Development, with the aim of creating a programme tailored to the particular environment in which current and future leaders at universities of science and technology operate.
Throughout the week, participants explored leadership from different perspectives: leading people and teams, navigating uncertainty, influencing across institutions and networks, and responding to a rapidly changing external environment.
The programme opened with Stephen McArthur, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, who reflected on his own leadership journey and on the wider context facing universities today. His contribution prompted a wide-ranging exchange with participants on institutional leadership, responsibility and the choices leaders face in periods of change.
Participants also heard from Sir Jim McDonald, former Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde and former President of CESAER. Drawing on his own career and leadership experience, he discussed the decisions and challenges that shaped his approach, as well as the increasingly complex environment in which universities operate, including questions around security and international collaboration.
Looking further ahead, Pascale Gibert, Head of the Institut Gaston Berger at INSA Lyon, introduced participants to prospective and foresight approaches. Her session explored how leaders can use foresight to challenge assumptions, examine possible futures and better prepare their institutions for long-term change.
Later in the week, Tim Bedford, Associate Principal at the University of Strathclyde and Vice President of CESAER, reflected on leadership through influence, collaboration and networks. His session explored how leaders can work beyond formal structures and how collaboration across institutions can turn individual relationships into collective impact.
A central feature of the programme was its focus on leadership within universities of science and technology.
Louise Drogoul, Senior Advisor at CESAER, led a session on CESAER, European affairs and the changing political environment for universities. Participants discussed how European developments in research and innovation, competitiveness, deep tech, skills, security and international collaboration increasingly shape decisions taken within institutions.
The session also explored why engagement in European networks matters for university leaders and how collaboration through CESAER can help Members influence policy, exchange experience and respond collectively to common challenges.
This perspective ran throughout the programme. Universities of science and technology are increasingly central to Europe’s ambitions for competitiveness, technological capacity, resilience and the green and digital transitions. Leadership in these institutions therefore increasingly requires the ability to connect institutional priorities with wider European and global developments.
Peer learning was at the heart of the week.
Participants worked in small Home Groups, bringing together colleagues from different countries, universities, disciplines and professional backgrounds. These groups provided a regular space for reflection and exchange throughout the programme and formed the basis for relationships intended to continue beyond the week in Glasgow.
Formal sessions were complemented by informal discussions, shared meals and social activities, giving participants further opportunities to connect and exchange experiences.
The programme also introduced six capstone projects, through which participants are examining questions directly relevant to the future of university leadership. Topics include responsible international and industry collaboration in a changing security environment, inclusive leadership cultures, creating environments in which people and teams can thrive, leadership in the age of artificial intelligence, and the future of leadership development and networking across CESAER.
The groups will continue developing their ideas after the programme and present their conclusions later in the year.
The 2026 Leadership Programme was launched as a pilot, providing an opportunity to test a new approach to leadership development across the CESAER network.
By combining professional leadership development with peer learning, senior leadership perspectives and a strong European dimension, the programme sought to offer something specifically tailored to leaders within universities of science and technology.
The experience and feedback of the first cohort, together with the outcomes of the capstone projects, will help inform the future development of the initiative.
For CESAER, investing in leadership is also an investment in the capacity of universities of science and technology to respond to change, collaborate across borders and continue contributing to Europe’s scientific, technological and societal future.
The week in Glasgow marked the beginning of that journey.
CESAER’s Task Force Talent, Careers and Staff Development will consider all feedback received and develop advice on the future of the leadership programme for decision by the Board of Directors of CESAER.
Our association expresses its deep gratitude to all:
For more information, please contact Senior Advisor Louise Drogoul.
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