The Academic Leadership Network provides a space for colleagues to explore and develop their academic leadership through guided reflection and peer mentoring with particular attention to diversity and inclusion in academic leadership. It is specifically designed with colleagues in mind who may not always see themselves represented in academic leadership spaces.
The network is a professional development initiative that supports participants in developing their own academic leadership identity: exploring what good leadership means to them, becoming clearer about their values, strengths and direction, and developing the visibility and courage to lead in ways that feel aligned and sustainable
The network meetings are a space to reflect on the norms and expectations that shape academic leadership, particularly for colleagues who may not always see themselves represented in traditional ideas of what an academic leader looks like.
Through group coaching and mastermind conversations, participants have the opportunity to explore their current leadership challenges, learn from colleagues’ experiences, and experiment with new ways of approaching their work and leadership. Rather than offering one model of how to lead, the network supports participants in developing a diversity of leadership practices that are grounded in their own values and dreams.
Who is the network for?
The network is open to professors, associate professors, senior lecturers, assistant professors (BUL), and permanently employed researchers who are interested in, or already hold, leadership responsibilities.
To be eligible to participate, you must be employed at least 50 percent of full time and have a permanent position, or at least two years of continuous employment at the faculty.
What is Academic leadership?
Academic leadership at LUSEM is understood broadly and includes:
Strategic and administrative leadership – such as serving as Dean, Deputy/Vice Dean, Head of Department, Deputy Head of Department, Programme Director, Director of Studies, Director of Research or Director of Third Cycle Studies.
Research leadership – such as acting as professor, centre director, principal investigator for large-scale programmes, leader of research teams, supervisor of doctoral students, or mentor for early-career colleagues.
We welcome both previous and new members of the Academic Leadership Network.
Format
The network consists of five four-hour meetings with rotating themes.
Participants who join are expected to attend all or the majority of the meetings in order to create continuity and a trusting group environment.
Schedule
All meetings are held from 12:00–16:00:
Monday, 21 September 2026
Thursday, 15 October 2026
Thursday, 12 November 2026
Thursday, 10 December 2026
Thursday, 21 January 2027
Sign up
Last day to sign up is 16 September 2026 – or when the network is full (max 20 participants). Sign up via the link below.
The Academic Leadership Network at LUSEM – google.com
About the facilitator
Sanne Frandsen is an Associate Professor of Organization and Management at LUSEM. Alongside her academic work, she has extensive experience coaching academics, both individually and in groups. As a researcher, she works on topics including identity work, meaningful work, resilience, burnout, crises and organisational change.
