In this very difficult time I wanted to let you know that our thoughts are with you all and that whilst we are doing all we can to continue the programme, it is the health and wellbeing of all involved with the programme that is uppermost.

As you are probably already aware we have cancelled the expeditions with Raleigh International and Think Pacific due to take place in summer and we will run them instead in summer 2021.

For the scholars who are in their second year of the programme, your university co-ordinator will be contacting you, if they have not already done so, to assess if your research project can continue this summer or can be re-defined to enable this to be done with access to online resources and supervision. We recognise that this will not be possible for every scholar and so there will be the option of carrying out the research project in 2021.

For new scholars who join in 2020 the same will apply.

The leadership training programme will in main part be postponed until group events are reinstated at your university. There may be parts of the programme that we can run online and a group of leadership trainers are looking at this currently.

I have been in contact with all the universities and I would encourage you to make contact with your Laidlaw co-ordinator to gain further information.

We understand many of you may be feeling isolated as public health officials encourage us to distance ourselves from others and community events are cancelled. I encourage you to continue to find ways to connect with your loved ones during this time and also to continue to use the Laidlaw Scholars Network to keep in touch with our community of scholars and staff. Emotional wellness is just as important as physical well-being.

Take care of yourselves and others in this difficult time.

 Best wishes,

 Pat Lofthouse

CEO Laidlaw Research and Leadership Programme