Aurora is a leadership programme aimed at women and is open both to academic and professional services staff (up to and including senior lecturer or equivalent level (Grade 7).
It is fully funded by the university – in response to high levels of interest in 2022, and in recognition of the impact the programme and its participants have had, the provision of funded places has more than doubled from 10 for the 2022/23 cohort to 21 for the 2023/24 cohort.
For participants, Aurora has been shown to increase “confidence in leadership roles” and “confidence to put themselves forward for career advancement”. Women also emerge better prepared to challenge “gendered or other unfair practices”, and better prepared for “assertive leadership”.
For schools, institutes, and departments of participants, putting forward candidates and supporting them in their time commitment (seven half day sessions on Zoom and one in person day in London between September 2023 and February 2024, plus preparation time for these sessions) can form part of meeting targets set in the EDI and Athena Swan action plans, and directly contribute to the Strategy 2030 goal of achieving equal representation of men and women at all levels.
If you are interested in applying, please send your completed ​Application form:
to hr-equality@qmul.ac.uk, with “Aurora” in the subject line by the end of play on Wednesday 16 August 2023. Visit the webpage for more information, and feel free to address any questions you may have to hr-equality@qmul.ac.uk.
Interested candidates are also invited to join one of our three Teams sessions for a brief presentation and a chance to ask any questions about the programme on:
Katharina Smith-MüllerEquality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer