London Calling: FLF-Led Regional Wrap

The first London and Southeast Future Leaders Fellowship regional networking event took place at The George Pub in London on 28th May 2026, bringing together Fellows from a wide range of disciplines and institutions. Organised by Anna Walas (School of Advanced Study, University of London) and Sabrina Li (King’s College London), the event aimed to create opportunities for Fellows in the region to build lasting connections, exchange experiences and strengthen the local FLF community.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the evening was seeing fellows meet colleagues from their own institutions for the first time, despite being part of the same fellowship scheme. The gathering highlighted both the diversity of FLF research and the common opportunities and challenges that Fellows encounter regardless of discipline.

The evening featured an informal Q&A session with Sarah Wise, Sadie Watson and Vanessa Sancho-Shimizu, facilitated by Paul Grimshaw on behalf of the Future Leaders Fellowship Development Network. Discussions covered topics including time management, project delivery, balancing multiple work packages, moving institutions, building partnerships, family life during an FLF, renewal applications, and long-term career development.

Alongside practical advice, fellows exchanged strategies for overcoming challenges, shared problem-solving approaches, and reflected on lessons learned from different stages of their fellowships. The discussions were candid and supportive, creating space for participants to learn not only from the guest speakers but also from one another’s experiences. Between courses, conversations ranged from managing institutional processes and research timelines to leadership, supervision, collaboration and maintaining balance between professional and personal commitments.

Most importantly, the event provided an opportunity for Fellows to get to know each other beyond their research projects, strengthening the foundations of a London and South East FLF community. This inaugural event was intentionally focused on fellows from Rounds 8 and 9, allowing newer cohorts to establish local networks and discuss the opportunities and challenges of the early stages of an FLF.

We hope this will be the first of many opportunities for regional fellows to connect, collaborate and support one another throughout their fellowship journeys.

Please contact the DevNet team directly if you have an idea for your own regional events!