Developing the next generation of leaders is an important part of SCHEMA Hub’s mission. Delivering more sustainable chemicals and materials manufacturing requires not only scientific breakthroughs, but people who can work across disciplines, connect academia with industry, and turn new ideas into impact.

Our Developing Sustainable Leaders Programme was launched in January 2025 by Dr Steph Montanaro, Hub Operations & EDI Manager, shaped by consultation with our academic, industry and wider SCHEMA community.

Through tailored inductions, peer forums, mentorship, training, industry visits and opportunities to contribute to Hub decisions, we support our postdoctoral researchers to build skills, confidence and connections. Our focus is on developing the whole researcher; broadening perspectives, encouraging collaboration and preparing people for future roles across academia, industry and beyond.

For SCHEMA, investing in people is an integral part of delivering our research ambitions.

Developing Sustainable Leaders flowchart

Developing Sustainable Leaders in Action:

See how researchers gain first-hand insight into industrial challenges and manufacturing:

SCHEMA PDRA network visits Ceres

Ceres hosts SCHEMA postdocs at Manufacturing Innovation Centre

Explore how practical workshops help PDRAs develop communication skills and confidence: 

Confident Communicators workshop

Developing Sustainable Leaders session builds 'Confident Communicators'

Discover how SCHEMA conferences combine research exchange, networking and dedicated development sessions:

Autumn conference 2026 group photo

SCHEMA Hub autumn conference returns to the University of Oxford