Aurora Women in Leadership Programme
Programme for 2026/27
Aurora is a leadership development journey that inspires women to aspire to and achieve leadership positions within higher education. This programme aligns with Trinity’s Thrive Strategy’s People Commitment to foster an inclusive environment where colleagues have the opportunity to develop, grow and realise their leadership potential.
Aurora supports current and aspiring women leaders to build confidence, strengthen their leadership capability and expand professional networks to support career progression. Through a combination of learning, reflection, mentoring and peer support, participants are encouraged to explore their leadership journey, recognise their strengths and develop the skills needed to lead with impact.
How to Apply
To submit your application, please complete the Aurora 2026/27 application form by close of business 17 July 2026. As part of your submission, you will be required to upload an email or letter of support from your Head of School or Head of Area/Unit.
Please note that the application form must be completed in one sitting — it cannot be saved and returned to later. To help you prepare your responses in advance, a draft version of the application form is available here.
About the 2026/27 Programme
The programme involves attending a series of online Advanc HE workshops, in-person Trinity reflection sessions, and regular mentor meetings from September 2026 until May 2027.
More details on the programme can be found below and on the AdvanceHE’s Aurora Programme website.
| Event | Date | Time | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity - Aurora Programme Kick-Off Workshop | Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 9:30-13:00 | Trinity College Dublin |
| AdvanceHE - Welcome & Introduction | Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 10:00-12:30 | Online - Zoom |
| AdvanceHE - Identity, Impact and Voice Session | Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 10:00-15:00 | Online - Zoom |
| Trinity - Identity, Impact and Voice Reflection Session | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 10:00-13:00 | Trinity College Dublin |
| AdvanceHE - Core Leadership Session | Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 10:00-15:00 | Online - Zoom |
| Trinity - Core Leadership Reflection Session | Tuesday, November 24, 2026 | 10:00-13:00 | Trinity College Dublin |
| AdvanceHE - Action Learning Set 1 | Wednesday, January 13, 2027 | 10:00-15:00 | Online - Zoom |
| AdvanceHE - Politics and Influence Session | Thursday, February 4, 2027 | 10:00-15:00 | Online - Zoom |
| Trinity - Politics and Influence Reflection Session | Tuesday, February 9, 2027 | 10:00-13:00 | Trinity College Dublin |
| AdvanceHE - Adaptive Leadership Session | Monday, March 1, 2027 | 10:00-15:00 | Online - Zoom |
| Trinity - Adaptive Leadership Reflection Session | Tuesday, March 9, 2027 | 10:00-13:00 | Trinity College Dublin |
| AdvanceHE - Your Future in HE Event | TBC: Friday, April 30, 2027 | 09:30-16:00 | Venue tbc, Dublin |
| AdvanceHE - Action Learning Set 2 | Thursday, 13 May, 2027 | 10:00-15:00 | Delegates Self-host |
| Trinity End of Programme Session | Tuesday, May 18, 2027 | 11:00-13:00 | Trinity College Dublin |
Who is this programme for?
The programme is for women in the academic, research, professional, technical, and administrative grades, up to associate professor level or administrative equivalent, who would like to explore and develop their confidence and capability for leadership roles and responsibilities.
In this video, participants share their insights and reflections from the Aurora 2024/25 Programme, highlighting the challenges faced, skills acquired, and the impact on their personal and professional growth over the past year.
Mentoring
Mentoring is a key component of Aurora enabling the continued development of Aurora participants. Applicants in collaboration with their manager, should identify a mentor for the programme and submit their details as part of this application process. A confirmation email from the mentor must be included. (Please contact us at aurora.leadership@tcd.ie for a list of potential mentors).
A mentor will typically be more senior than the mentee and understands internal structures and organisational culture. A mentor should also have sufficient time available to work with the mentee, have strong listening skills and be able to ask good, open questions to help the participants develop their problem-solving skills and develop further. Training will be made available to mentors from the Learning and Organisation Development team. To complement this, you may wish to explore the AdvanceHE Aurora Mentoring Handbook.
Employees who are committed to supporting this programme can get involved by becoming mentors. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, contact us at aurora.leadership@tcd.ie, please.
Programme Costs
The cost of the programme is €1670 with funding options as follows:
- Co-funded at local area level (50% HR and EDI, 50% School/Unit/Department)
- Fully funding at local level by School/Unit/Department
- Fully funded (50% HR and 50% EDI)
Connection to Athena Swan Ireland Charter
Priority is given to applicants in Schools and Units that are progressing Athena Swan (re)applications and related Action Plans and to creating a balance of Aurora programme participants across the whole College Community. The Athena Swan Ireland Charter principles highlight several equality issues in higher education, and the Aurora programme is a useful initiative to support Athena Swan activity and action plan implementation across College. For more information: Athena Swan - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion | Trinity College Dublin
The Aurora Women in Leadership Programme is one of the flagship programmes that supports our colleagues to develop their leadership skills, and we are delighted to welcome applications for the 2026/27 Aurora cohort. Building leadership capacity and mainstreaming our commitment to equality and staff development in Trinity are key aspects of the important joint work between the HR Learning and Organisation Development Unit and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Office manifest through supporting this key programme.
Community Learning Groups – Enabling a workplace that is always learning
Community Learning groups are designed to help participants continue their leadership learning journey following completion of specific leadership programmes including the Aurora Women in Leadership Programme.
For further practical guidance and to explore the Community Learning Group Process Guide and Toolkit.
The Aurora Women in Leadership Programme is one of the flagship programmes that supports colleagues to develop leadership skills, and we are delighted to welcome applications for the 2026/27 Aurora cohort. Building leadership capacity and mainstreaming our commitment to gender equality in Trinity are key aspects of the important joint work between the HR Learning and Organisation Development Unit and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Office manifest through supporting this key programme.
Professor Lorraine Leeson, FTCD Vice President for Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Aurora Programme is a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues in Trinity and the higher education sector across Ireland, and the UK. Run as a collaboration between Advanc HE in conjunction with higher education institutions and advocates - known as Aurora Champions. Aurora is a leadership ignition journey, inspiring women to aspire and achieve leadership positions within higher education. I would like to extend an invitation to eligible staff to apply for this programme and to take the next steps in your career journey.
Michele Ryan, Head of Culture and Organisation Development
