Hi! I’m Katya, a third-year English and French student at the University of Leeds and part of the 2025/26 Laidlaw Scholar cohort, currently completing a year abroad at the University of Montreal.   My research project topic this summer was titled ‘Distinctiveness in the Poetry Activity of the Leeds City Region’. I worked in partnership with the National Poetry Centre to conduct interviews with key stakeholders in the poetry scene, which allowed me to draw conclusions about the levels of connectivity and accessibility of poetry in Leeds. I’m originally from Russia but moved to Slovenia for political reasons when I was 15 and then to the UK at 19, so I’ve had a fair share of adapting to new places. Moving countries meant leaving behind everything I knew, including eight years of acrobatic gymnastics, but it also helped me become more open to change. Currently on a year abroad in Canada, I see each new chapter as a chance to grow, connect, and tell meaningful stories. Outside of uni, you’ll probably find me at the gym (a post-acrobatics obsession), with my nose in a book, or planning my next trip—I’ve been to 34 countries so far and don’t plan on slowing down!

Welcome!! You can call me either Cothney or Theresa. Currently, back at University of Leeds for my 4th year! Came back from my experience abroad as a student at the 'Université de Lille' in France. I am navigating the intriguing nuances of researching in England, France, Italy and Zambia. During my first summer research experience, I have been concentrating on 'Mapping colonial subjects from the French Resistance' with a crosscultural experience between France and the UK..  For my LIA, I have partnered with a school venture to teach in Lusaka, Zambia...ask me more if you would like to.

My name is Eleanor and I’m a scholar of the 2021 Laidlaw cohort. I am a current master's by research student at the University of Leeds where I have recently graduated with a BA in French and Spanish. As part of my degree programme, I spent 18months abroad, working at the memorial of Mont-Valérien, and for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, as well as a British Council teaching assistant in Spain.  My undergraduate research experience as a Laidlaw scholar has really inspired me to continue decolonial research going forward - please see my posts to find out about my research. 

Hi! My name’s Isabel and I’m part of the 2023 cohort of undergraduate scholars. I’m really enjoying learning more about leadership and networking and challenging myself throughout this scholarship.✨ I study English and Comparative Literature, from which an Intercultural Competence module inspired my self-defined research project that I undertook during the first summer: ‘To what extent does multilingualism impact an individual’s motivation to participate in global social action.’ I have recently completed my LiA, teaching English in a school in Buenos Aires with Voluntario Global. I am highly interested in diplomacy, culture and entrepreneurship, as well as literature and art, and look forward to meeting individuals with those same interests.

Hi, I'm Sebastian, I'm a creative professional with experience in the communications field. I recently completed my leadership-in-action project in Medellín, Colombia, focused on supporting local non-profits with innovative funding and communication strategies. My Laidlaw research delved into the topic of mental health and communication strategies for older adult populations. I am passionate about community engagement and sustainable solutions, collaborating with diverse teams to drive impactful results. I am now onto my placement year at the University of Leeds, while also continuing my social volunteer work with local organisations such as @sasha_uol and @rainbowjunktion. I'm also always more than happy for a chat but the best results are reaching out on LinkedIn ⭐

Hi, I am part of the 2023 Laidlaw cohort at the University of Leeds.    I am currently studying Adult Nursing. I am passionate about everything to do with nursing. There are many pathways that I will be able to explore throughout my career. However, currently, I am mostly interested in genomics and would like to explore this further throughout my studies. I also have a huge passion for women’s health, especially for different ethnic groups, to be able to provide education and break through the taboo barriers. Working as an adult nurse is challenging but satisfying. It is a vital role where you will make a real difference in people’s lives.    In Summer 2023, I worked on a pre-defined research project: ‘Evaluating Interdisciplinary 'Welcome, Induction, and Transitions' Support in the Undergraduate Curriculum.’ I worked alongside academics and other students to understand the outcomes associated with successful transitions, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The conclusion of my findings can be found on my page, so please have a read! The project and journey were exciting, and I developed a lot more knowledge about education policies and the huge impact it has on students, especially underrepresented groups. From the project, I have built on my leadership style and other skills due to being student-led.   In the summer of 2024, I worked on my LiA project, which focused on teaching health education to children in Bali. I developed a tailored program that could be implemented and sustained even after my placement ended, allowing the students to continue building on what they had learned. I was especially excited about this opportunity, as it allowed me to apply the skills I gained from my first project in a more practical and impactful way. It also gave me the chance to combine my passions for both education and healthcare in a meaningful setting.   Outside of my studies, I love to paint and am passionate about attending galleries and exhibitions. I enjoy spending time in nature and doing yoga. Also, I love to bake and find good places to eat with my family and friends.     If anyone has any interest in anything relating to me, my course or the research project, then please reach out 😊 

I'm currently a first-year student at the University of Leeds, studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering.  My research project is on Electric Vehicle charging point infrastructure planning, addressing a critical aspect of the transition to sustainable transportation. It seeks to optimize the design of EV charging infrastructure in public spaces. Through the evaluation of diverse charging configurations and the application of local/regional datasets, I will generate optimal location and capacity guidelines. These findings will aid local government authorities in establishing efficient and equitable public EV charging infrastructure.

Hi, my name is Poppy and I am a University of Leeds Law Student. This undergraduate study has developed my passion of how the law applies to different groups of invididuals with a particular focus on the inadequate treatment of women. This interest led me to propose a self-defined research project which I completed last summer. This surrounds how women who have been domestically abused from various social groups are treated differently by the criminal justice system. I am focusing on England and Wales since this is my jurisdiction. The social groups that I am considering are BAME, LGBTQ+ and disabled women and effectively contrasting this to the experiences of the white heterosexual woman. I am so excited to start this research and be able to inspire positive societal change through hopefully flagging up areas for further governmental emphasis.  I am currently on my LIA at GVI Ghana undertaking both a Gender Equality for Girls and Justice, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Internship. 

Hi! I’m Lily and currently study advanced psychology at the university of Leeds. Theorising why something has happened is something I consider myself good at (also known as overthinking). One of the perks of psychology is that you are forced to socialise with people, which a few years ago would have been my my introverted selfs nightmare. However, interacting with individuals from such diverse backgrounds has developed such a passion to help people and has lead to massive growths in my confidence.  Now specifically having interests in forming interventions and strategies to improve the quality of life and mental stability of vulnerable individuals from groups such as survivors of domestic abuse, service users and addicts. My research project is called “thinking inside the box” centred around reverting back to our primary archival sources to provide a different perspective on the political resistance in Latin American rather than relying on information that has been extensively modified. Specifically introducing archive-based teaching methods and evidencing that they can act as critical and liberators pedagogies. Ultimately wanting to challenge the curriculum by using authentic methods of assessment and promote autonomous skill acquisition that provides practical application to their futures. In my spare time I am a gym rat (unfortunately) and I like trying out new sports such as snowboarding which I am currently horrific at but it’s still very fun!  i would love to discuss psychological research or potential career paths with new people, so do drop a message :)

My name is Stella and I’m a scholar of 2023/2024 Laidlaw cohort. As a French and History student, I am currently completing my Year Abroad in Paris working as a 'stagiaire' at ONaCVG where I deliver tours around memorial sites commemorating the Resistance fight in Paris 1941-44 (Fort Mont-Valèrien) and also the Holocaust and forced deportation operations in France (Mémorial des martyrs de la Déportation).  I am interested in all things feminist, intersectional, (de)colonial and sociological. If you have any questions about my research or can recommend any new books or podcasts for a fellow culture vulture, feel free to get in touch with me (Linkedin works too!) 

I've been looking after Research Scholars in the Arts and Humanities since 2008, and have been involved with the Laidlaw Network since it was established.  I'm passionate about increasing diversity and making opportunities available to more. I'm a proud Loiner (someone from Leeds) and particularly love to work with students to engage with the city and the amazing cultural and creative industries that we have here. 

A graduate of Cambridge University, Susanna’s professional experience includes over 15 years in senior leadership roles in international B2B and learning businesses. Susanna began her career at the Institute for International Research (IIR) where she first worked with Lord Laidlaw, rising to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). When IIR, which was the world’s largest organiser of commercial conferences, was acquired by Informa plc in 2005 Susanna was appointed CMO of the enlarged group and also led the public company’s investor relations programmes. She subsequently joined Emap Ltd as Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer and CEO of Emap Networks, that group’s conferences business. Later she became CEO of the fashion industry forecaster WGSN and was latterly Group Content and Marketing Partner of the leading strategy consultancy Brunswick Group. A German-American raised and educated in the UK and a committed internationalist, Susanna has been involved in globally trading businesses throughout her career, directing activity in the Americas, across continental Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Susanna has been extensively involved with education and professional development over many years. She was Head of Group Training and led the commercial acquisition and integration of a portfolio of corporate training businesses whilst at IIR; and created learning academies at both Informa and Emap. She believes experiencing and appreciating different cultures promotes better global understanding, creativity and leadership. She is passionate about the power of education to transform lives; and believes that we need to develop a new generation of diverse leaders who are curious, bold and devoted to decency, truthfulness, and innovation. Susanna is committed to diversity not only as a societal imperative but as a critical component of commercial success. As an advisor to the trustees of the Foundation, Susanna first learnt about its purpose and programmes before becoming its Chief Executive responsible for the Laidlaw Schools Trust, the Laidlaw Scholars and its other education programmes. Susanna read English and Philosophy at Newnham College, University of Cambridge. She has five half blues in swimming and water polo; and played netball and rowed for Newnham.

International Business student at the University of Leeds I currently work as a Student Ambassador, a maths tutor, and I have my own little crochet business on the side! My research project 'Imposter syndrome and Sense of belonging' delves into student perceptions of the condition, and the flaws surrounding the measures used to diagnose it.

Hi! I'm Maria and I am a current undergraduate scholar from the University of Leeds. I study Law and I aspire to be a corporate solicitor. 

Hello! I am part of the 2022 cohort of Laidlaw scholars. I am a first year undergraduate currently on the Mechanical Engineering (MEng) course at the University of Leeds. My project title is Development and Characterization of Biomimetric micropatterned surfaces.

Hey! I am Izzy and I am part of the 2022 cohort of Laidlaw Scholars at the University of Leeds. I study BSc Economics and I am interested in mental health, health economics and health policy. I am excited to have a career that allows me to explore my interests further and I am always open to chat! My research project involves undertaking a literature review and analysing responses to surveys completed by students on their sense of belonging and engagement at university. I hope my research can help students settle into university better so that they can reach their potential :)

I am Holly and I study German and English Literature at the University of Leeds. I will be working on the research project 'German at Leeds - Then and Now' as I am passionate about language teaching and language learning. I am specifically interested in developing strategies to decolonise language teaching through diversifying the curriculum of German Studies, which I hope to achieve through researching the history of German teaching at my university. I will look at how key moments of crisis in the twentieth century, such as WWI and WWII, in which Britain were in conflict with Germany, affected language teaching and the study of German at Leeds. I hope that this will help me identify how language teaching is affected by global events and political relations between countries in order to develop strategies to decolonise language teaching in the future.   I work as a German Ambassador for the Goethe Institute to help foster interest in the German language globally and nationally. As part of my role, I visit schools all over the country to encourage students to learn German and educate them on the career opportunities open to students with a foreign language in order to help them to navigate their futures.  I am committed to making a change to our community. Recently I took part in a decolonisation project in collaboration with the Goethe Institute and the Design Thinkers Academy in Amsterdam. I was the only student members of the team and I was working with teachers from all over the world and members of Goethe Institute Finland and Sweden. The target of the project was to develop resources to decolonise the curriculum to make German teaching more inclusive of queer people and people of colour. This required great ambition to come up with a solution to make German teaching more inclusive. I conducted interviews with fellow students, prioritising BAME students and members from the trans community to discover their experience of language learning.  I am committed to ethical leadership as I believe all people deserve to feel seen and valued in their education. As part of my commitment to diversifying our curriculum, A few years ago, I took part in a public speaking competition where I spoke about how we need to change our attitude to neurodiversity in young adults and children, encouraging a change in understanding and a re-education regarding mental health conditions and learning disabilities in young people. This approach required great courage and commitment as I had to question our current curriculum and seek to find new and improved strategies to better accommodate and understand neurodiversity, a topic which is often ignored especially in the early years of child education. This required great courage and extraordinary research as I was determined to develop an understanding of not only current issues in the understanding of neurodiversity in children and young adults but also foster new ideas to address these. Furthermore, I believe the best research is that which is challenging and seeks to find new and innovative strategies to overcome obstacles and improve society. I am dedicated to improving the lives of young people. In secondary school I worked as head of the Media Team. I helped to direct my team towards different strategies to encourage young people to develop an interest in journalism, visiting primary schools to educate younger students about career prospects in journalism. I saw how this leadership positively impacted the lives of young people, as throughout the several workshops we ran across primary schools in our local community, we saw how younger students were becoming enthusiastic about their futures, as they became aware of the fantastic opportunities available to them. This experience has really inspired me to apply for a Laidlaw Scholarship as I have seen how strong leadership can engage and inspire, transforming our community. I hope to foster my leadership skills throughout the scholarship, as throughout my education I have experienced how positive leadership can transform lives.

Hi! I’m Lilian and I study English Language and Linguistics at the University of Leeds. My research project looks at reviewing ‘Listening Rooms’, a research methodology used for capturing genuine student experiences at university.

Hi I am max, I'm interested in development economics and international relations with low income countries .