Apply to the Science Leadership Development program and the Science Leaders Academy to get involved in the UQ Science community, connect with others and develop your leadership and employability.
This program was formerly known as the Leadership and Mentoring Program in Science (LaMPS).
Develop your leadership and mentoring skills through this free extracurricular program.
You’ll learn:
- what makes an effective leader
- how to develop leadership within yourself, effectively lead others, and respect diversity
- how to find and make the most of mentors, and how to mentor others.
You’ll also have opportunities to connect with other students in the program and Science Leader mentors.
The Science Leadership Development program is a pathway to membership of the Science Leaders Academy.
Throughout the program, you will complete:
- 3 online modules (approximately 10 hours)
- online leadership panel and reflection (3 hours)
- 2-day conference on the St Lucia campus or online alternative.
The Science Leadership Development program runs during Semester 2 only.
After you complete the program, you will receive a digital badge and be eligible to count the program as a supplementary activity towards the UQ Employability Award.
Apply for the Science Leadership Development program
We encourage you to complete the Science Leadership Development program during your first year at UQ but students in all years are welcome to apply. It is open to undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students enrolled in a Faculty of Science program.
Apply for Science Leadership Development 2025
Applications will remain open until Week 1 of Sem 2 2025. Those who apply by the end of Sem 1 will get access to the modules during the winter break.
If you complete each part of the program by the due date you will receive a digital badge to recognise your participation.
Date | Activity | Description |
Week 4 (soft deadline) | Module 1: Leading yourself | This module looks at what makes an effective leader and how you can develop leadership within yourself. You will develop your self-awareness, ethical decision-making, humility and courage as a leader. |
Week 6 (soft deadline) | Module 2: Leading others | In this module you will develop the competencies needed to effectively lead others, including authenticity, empowering others, accountability, empathy and stewardship. You will also learn about respecting diversity and championing inclusion. |
Week 8 (soft deadline) | Module 3: Mentoring | In this module you’ll learn how to find a mentor and make the most of the mentoring relationship. You’ll also learn how to become an effective peer mentor. |
Panel: Evening of Tuesday 16 September (Week 8) Reflection: due Sunday 5 October (mid-sem break) | Online leadership panel event (1.5 hours) and reflection | A diverse panel of leaders from the science community will provide insight into their leadership experiences in their professional and personal lives, and tips for developing your own leadership. |
Wednesday 1 October (mid-sem break) | Hard deadline for completion of all modules | Modules must be completed by this date if you wish to fully complete the program and receive the digital badge. |
| Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 November, 9am-5pm (the week after exams) | Science Leadership Development conference on the St Lucia campus | This conference includes interactive workshops that will expand on the ideas explored in the online modules. It will also provide opportunities to connect with fellow students to share and extend your leadership development. There will be an online alternative for those who are unable to attend. |
Contact us
Email studentexperience@science.uq.edu.au for more information.
Related links
The Science Leaders Academy is a diverse community of highly-engaged undergraduate and postgraduate coursework science students aiming to develop their leadership skills, contribute to the University and improve the student experience for others.
Academy members do this through:
- volunteering opportunities – events and activities such as Orientation, Get Set mentoring, employability and student recruitment events
- representation – committee participation, student voice and providing feedback
- personal and professional development – training, workshops, modules, social events and professional roles
- paid opportunities (for those who have demonstrated commitment and ability)
- recognition of service and skill – Science Leaders Award, Employability Award, Faculty of Science Awards and professional reference.
Apply to the Science Leaders Academy
In Semester 2 each year we invite students to apply to the Science Leaders Academy. The application process includes an interview. We strongly encourage you to complete the Science Leadership Development program before you apply.
Science Leaders Award
Your involvement in activities as a Science Leader can count towards an application for a Science Leaders Award.
This award recognises your willingness and ability to engage with, lead and serve others.
You can work towards attaining the Science Leaders Award by logging the hours you spend participating in leadership and mentoring activities.
You will need to complete 75 hours of activity to apply for the award.
The Science Leaders Award is an accredited activity of the UQ Employability Award.
Email studentexperience@science.uq.edu.au for more information.
What to expect
"I was inspired to become a Science Leader after interacting with a few of them in my first few weeks of university. I decided that I wanted to help out with events like that too, with the hope that I would be able to have some fun while improving science students' experiences at university.
“I can definitely say that these hopes were met and more. I have been involved in Orientation, camps, careers events, high school outreach programs, Open Day, networking opportunities and professional development workshops.
“I've found that what you get out of the Academy is proportional to how much you get involved, and my involvement has helped me in ways that I didn’t anticipate. I have grown more confident in my abilities and developed skills that will be relevant to any type of job I go into. I’ve also met so many like-minded, super friendly and supportive people who have become my friends.”
– Anita Lin, Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) (Mathematics)
“Through the Science Leaders Academy I’ve found a passion for helping other students and enriching their experience at UQ. Volunteering to help with events such as Orientation gave me the confidence I needed to begin public speaking with the UQ Science Demo Troupe, and get involved in university clubs and societies, and student committees.
“After a few very daunting shows and speeches, I’ve found myself increasingly comfortable with the roles, especially after many things have gone wrong. I’m now able to more naturally handle and troubleshoot any problems that arise, and it has improved my confidence and adaptability overall.
“The Science Leaders Academy has helped me explore my passion for education while improving the experience of students at UQ. I’m proud of what I have achieved and grateful for the opportunities.”
– Marley Chia, Bachelor of Science (Chemistry and Physics)