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New Peer Mentoring & Coaching Pilot for Grand Challenges Early Career Researchers
19 February 2026
Applications are now open for a six-month peer mentoring and coaching pilot for early career researchers (ECRs) working on Grand Challenge-aligned projects.
Evidence suggests that challenge-led interdisciplinary research is more likely to deliver high-impact publications and real-world benefits, especially when it involves cross-sector collaboration and coproduction. But it also shows that this way of working is not easy. It demands new skills in integrating knowledge across sectors, leading collaboratively, navigating uncertainty, and communicating clearly.
With UK research funding increasingly pivoting toward missions, government priorities, and high-impact cross-disciplinary collaboration, these capabilities are more important than ever. That’s why UCL is investing in strengthening these skills as part of the Grand Challenges programme.
This spring, we are launching a six-month peer mentoring and coaching pilot for early career researchers (ECRs) working on Grand Challenge-aligned projects. Delivered in partnership with the Academic Careers Office through its new Connect to Succeed programme and supported by Research Culture funding, the pilot will run from May to December 2026.
We envisage offering at least 25 places, with the potential to expand further subject to demand and resources. Places will be offered to those most likely to benefit from this approach. If demand is high, priority will be given to ECRs working on projects involving:
- Significant disciplinary distance, where collaborations can be more complex;
- Marked differences in career stage among project collaborators; and
- EDI considerations, ensuring fair access and broad representation.
Participants will join a supportive cohort for structured peer mentoring, reflective practice, and tailored coaching to strengthen the capabilities needed for effective challenge-led, interdisciplinary work.
This pilot is part of our wider collaboration across UCL, bringing together Grand Challenge, the Academic Careers Office and Organisational Development to create a joined-up developmental experience for ECRs. As part of the Festival of Early Career Researchers, we will also deliver a programme of open workshops designed for those curious about interdisciplinary, challenge-led research, as well as those at an earlier stage of exploring this way of working. The festival provides a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse community of peers, learn from lived experience, and gain practical insights into how interdisciplinary approaches can unlock new ideas, partnerships and impact.
We would like to thank our colleagues in the Academic Careers Office and Organisational Development for their insight and partnership in shaping the collective new offer for ECRs. Together, this collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting ECRs. Participation in the Festival and the mentoring and coaching pilot offers far more than just skills development. It is a chance to be part of a growing interdisciplinary community at UCL, building your own visibility as a researcher as well as a subject-matter expert, and to experience first-hand the collective energy and creativity that challenge-led research can generate.
We encourage ECRs either working on or preparing for Grand Challenge projects to apply by 20 March.