Sustainability Leaders Training Programme
Our Sustainability Leaders Training Programme aims to give the next generation of sustainability experts the leadership, advocacy and entrepreneurial skills needed to become the change makers that will help our world solve the climate crisis.
There are many different paths to a sustainable future, but they all require social, cultural and political change. New research is essential, but it’s not enough on its own. We need experts from across disciplines to be able to think differently, lead successfully, and advocate for the environment if we are to build a new, more sustainable future.
The Sustainability Leaders Training Programme aims to give the next generation of sustainability experts the leadership, advocacy and entrepreneurial skills needed to become the change makers that will help our world solve the climate crisis.
Our bespoke training programme has run for over 10 years, training more than 230 ‘Grantham Scholars’ in the process. Our Grantham Alumni are now making a difference across the globe in policy, industry, NGOs, and academia.
Applications now open for 2026 cohort
We are now recruiting our next cohort of scholars to start in January 2026.
Who can apply
We are accepting applications from University of Sheffield PhD candidates whose research area has a strong sustainability focus. Applicants must have 3 years left of their PhDs from 1st January 2026.
Multi-disciplinarity runs throughout the Sustainability Leaders Training Programme and our Grantham Scholars are drawn across all the University's faculties. They combine outstanding intellect with a strong commitment to public engagement, leadership and action.
Both the PhD student and their supervisor are required to fill in the application form for it to be considered by the Grantham Centre team.
Please note: both home and international students are eligible for this opportunity.
Apply for the Sustainability Leaders Training Programme
Training Overview
The 3-year Sustainability Leaders Training Programme is a key part of our work, designed to produce the sustainability leaders of the future - offering bespoke training in areas including:
- Communication
- Leadership
- Research skills
- Policy engagement
- Working with the media
Successful applicants are expected to commit to 6 weeks of training activity over the three year programme. This will be a combination of direct contact time (e.g. training sessions, participation in events, etc) as well as self-directed study to support your learning (e.g. prep work, group working outside of the formal training activities, etc)
You can find more details about the training we offer in our training handbook.
Additional funding
In addition, our Grantham Scholars receive a £3,000 bursary across the 3 years of training: £1,000 at the start of their first year on the programme, and a further £1,000 at the start of their second and third years if attendance requirements have been met (we expect full commitment and active participation in all compulsory training activities).
This money is intended to remove barriers to learning, unlock opportunities and to enable sustainable life choices.
Previous scholars have used it to attend events that give them exposure to interdisciplinarity, to showcase their work on a larger scale to a diverse range of audiences, or to use more sustainable travel choices.
As a Grantham Scholar you will:
- Receive bespoke training to develop core leadership skills that are often overlooked in a standard PhD programme
- Receive a £3,000 bursary (on condition that attendance requirements have been met)
- Join an engaged, enthusiastic and supportive community of sustainability researchers from across all disciplines and faculties
- Get priority access to other events organised by the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures, gaining insight from policy makers and thought leaders in the world of sustainability
- Be supported by our dedicated Communications and Marketing Officer to produce quality materials to publicise your work
- Gain access to our Grantham Alumni Network
As a Grantham Supervisor you will:
- Support your PhD student to take part in the compulsory elements of the Sustainability Leaders Training Programme
- Attend Grantham Centre events, such as our Annual Symposium, and be invited to get involved in wider activities to open up opportunities for impact beyond immediate projects
- Support interdisciplinary training courses such as ‘Methods@Sheffield’ or ‘Journal Club’
- Have opportunities to connect with new colleagues from across the University who are interested in interdisciplinary work in sustainability
- See the benefit to your PhD students, particularly in terms of appreciating the value of different methods and approaches
How to apply
To find out more, please attend our upcoming Sustainability Symposium on Wednesday, 8th October in Firth Hall - where we'll have an information desk staffed by the Grantham Centre team to talk to prospective applicants (and their supervisors).
For those that were unable to attend the Sustainability Symposium, we are hosting two online Q&A sessions where you can learn more about the training programme. Please book onto the relevant session below.
- Q&A session for prospective applicants (Monday, 27 October 1pm -1.45pm) - Book here
- Q&A session for supervisors (Tuesday, 14 October 2pm-2.45pm) - Book here
To apply now, please seek approval from your PhD supervisor in the first instance. Then click the button below to complete our online application. The deadline to submit an application form from both the PhD student and supervisor is Friday 31 October 2025 at 1pm. Places are limited.
Apply for the Sustainability Leaders Training Programme
Testimonials
“The best thing for me being a Grantham Scholar was the exposure it provided to support my research. And this was not limited to academia because the Grantham Centre helped me make it possible to start a shift in how people think on air pollution all over the UK.”
- Rohit Chakraborty (Cohort 5)
“I've really enjoyed getting to know other Grantham Scholars working in other areas. It's helped me to build networks and to understand how different aspects of sustainability fit together in the broader context of our planet. Doing Journal Clubs with a group of scholars from different backgrounds also helps all of us to see sustainability challenges from different perspectives”
- Fiona McBride (Cohort 9)
“The training offered on networking, creating infographics, and communicating my research to the media has been incredibly valuable. These are skills that are rarely covered in a standard PhD programme, and learning them from experienced professionals made a real difference.”
- Shriya Bajaj (Cohort 10)
“I also value events such as the Journal Club, ISAC, and summer social, which make me feel part of a supportive community. The training sessions have been practical and relevant, giving me skills I can use both in my PhD and beyond. Overall, being part of the programme has been both motivating and inspiring.”
- Erika Siregar (Cohort 11)
"Students not only gain depth in their own field, but also breadth, adaptability, and the confidence to collaborate across disciplines, all of which are vital for making an impact in sustainability research and future careers."
- Dr Harriet Baird (Supervisor)