Imperial hosts global gathering of future leaders at the Laidlaw Scholars Conference

Scholars gathered to share research and ideas, developing their approach to ethical leadership in the face of complex global challenges.

Imperial's South Kensington Campus was buzzing with excitement over the weekend. Over 350 undergraduate students from twenty-two universities across the world gathered for the Laidlaw Scholars Conference to exchange knowledge and share stories from their experience of the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme.

The Laidlaw Foundation – a global non-profit organisation with a long-term interest in education – established the programme to nurture integrity-driven leaders through independent research, character development, NGO placements and other leadership training opportunities.

The Laidlaw Scholars Conference gave scholars the chance to meet and network with peers from other institutions. Across the weekend, they were provided with plenty of opportunities to dive into hands-on workshops, hear from industry experts and share their work.

Inspiring ambitious leadership

The theme for this year’s Laidlaw Scholars Conference was ‘Ambition – Passion, Progress, and Possibility in a Changing World’. Panel sessions and workshops were curated to inspire ambition and curiosity among scholars as they began their research projects and placements abroad.

President Hugh Brady opened the conference, addressing scholars, members of the Laidlaw Foundation, university partners and other guests: “As I look around this room, I see individuals with diverse interests, experiences and ambitions who are united by a shared commitment to making a difference in the world. I hope this conference challenges you, inspires you and equips you with new ideas, friendships and renewed confidence in your ability to create positive change in society.”

One such student is Zachary Hobart, a fourth-year Medicine student at Imperial, who commented: “Laidlaw gave me the agency and support to design my own research and then the chance to apply my knowledge somewhere completely different. The Laidlaw Scholars Conference was the first time I saw the whole cohort's ambitions together, and it was a reminder of how varied and talented this group is.”

Susanna Kempe, CEO of the Laidlaw Foundation, said: “We are enormously grateful to Imperial for hosting our annual Scholars Conference and to President Brady for his wonderful opening address. Seeing hundreds of brilliant, morally ambitious next-generation leaders, celebrating each other’s great work, connecting and committing to lead the betterment of society, makes me hopeful for the future.”

Caring for a healthier future

The Laidlaw Programme at Imperial gives undergraduate students the opportunity to lead a research project and a Leadership in Action overseas placement, tackling challenges of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These experiences give scholars the chance to improve their understanding of the current sustainability and societal challenges facing communities globally.

One of the most powerful ways we can create a better future is by identifying talented individuals, investing in their development and giving them the support, confidence and experiences they need to make a meaningful contribution to society. President Hugh Brady

Sameer Gonuguntla, fourth-year Medicine student at Imperial, commented on how the programme has contributed to his academic and professional growth: “The Laidlaw Programme is the perfect place to get started in the world of research. You get all the support you need and the opportunity to connect with like-minded students internationally.”

Since 2023, Imperial has welcomed up to 25 undergraduate students annually to join the programme. This year, the Laidlaw Foundation has renewed its support, allowing Imperial to continue fostering future leaders through these unique training and development opportunities.

President Hugh Brady said: “At Imperial, we believe that talent exists everywhere, but not opportunity. One of the most powerful ways we can create a better future is by identifying talented individuals, investing in their development and giving them the support, confidence and experiences they need to make a meaningful contribution to society. I am grateful to the Laidlaw Foundation for its continued commitment to developing future ethical leaders.”

To honour the Foundation’s continued support, Imperial is welcoming the Laidlaw Foundation to the university’s Circle of Benefactors – recognising supporters and partners who are making a profound and wide-ranging impact through Imperial.

Find out more about the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme.