Student-led Activity and Network Fund

• Is there a gap in the LEAH DLA Hub programme that you have identified and would like to address with some specific training?
• Would you like to build a community based on shared research interest, with other LEAH DLA students in different disciplines or institutions?
• Would you like to connect with other LEAH DLA students through an identity- or lived-experience-based network?

If so, you might want to consider applying for the LEAH DLA Hub Student-Led Activity & Network Fund to turn your ideas into reality.

This funding scheme is designed to support LEAH DLA Hub-funded students to organise training and development activities and student-led networks that complement the programme offered by LEAH DLA Hub. The funding can be used to organise one-off or a series of events (single- or multiple-day), or form a student network that coordinates regular activities. Student-led activities and networks play an important role in enhancing the research culture of the Hub by empowering students to take ownership of their development, connecting students across LEAH DLA institutions, and fostering peer-support. Ideas for what you might use the funding for can include, but by no means limited to:

• Organise specialist workshops or a research symposium
• Start a community network for doctoral students with shared lived experience
• Start a research network or reading group with regular events
• Create resources (e.g., guidance, handbooks, etc)
• Deliver public engagement events

You can apply for up to £750 from in one application. In exceptional cases, applications requesting more than £750 might be considered on a case-to-case basis.

Eligibility criteria

• The application must be submitted by at least two current LEAH DLA students, and applicants shall not be all based at one home institution.
• LEAH DLA Hub alumni, supervisors, professional services, academic or research staff at Hub HEIs are welcome to be co-applicants for the scheme, but we expect students to lead the application and the organisation of the activity.

Please ensure you read the full Terms and Conditions of the scheme (below) before submitting your application.

How to apply

Please submit your application via the online form (activity application form and network application form). As part of the application, the lead applicant will be asked to provide a brief supporting statement their supervisor. The statement will not be assessed as part of the review. We encourage applicants to discuss their plans with their supervisors, who can often offer valuable insight.

For the academic year 2026-27, the scheme runs for 2 rounds. In future academic years, the scheme will run for 4 rounds a year.

In academic year 2026-27, applications deadlines are 9 am on 15th March 2027 and 1st June 2027. In subsequent academic years, application deadlines for each round are 9 am 1st October, 1st January, 1st April, and 1st June. Applications will be reviewed by a panel consisting of Hub management members and student representatives, and the outcome will be communication within 15 working days after the deadline.

Please note that there is a finite amount of funding in the scheme each year.

Contact us at leah-dla@kcl.ac.uk if you have any questions about the application process, encounter issues accessing the application form. We are also committed to supporting you as you design, deliver, and evaluate your activity/network. Please write to us to discuss your ideas at any point.