The Foundation Future Leaders programme, now in its seventh year, brings together a cohort of around 35 mid-career professionals over the course of a year, with around a third of representatives drawn from each of the research community, industry, the civil service and wider public sector.
Over a 12-month period, the group meet and discuss with senior figures from government, parliament, universities, large industry, SMEs, research charities and others. Future Leaders present their own expertise, develop skills and make contacts in other parts of the UK’s research and innovation system.
Dr Herigstad joined Sheffield Hallam University’s School of Biosciences and Chemistry in 2019 as a lecturer in biomedical sciences. She established the Sheffield Carbon Monoxide (CO) Research Group, and her current research is focused on the impact of CO on health in the fields of physiology, neuroscience, cell biology and developmental biology.
She currently leads several research projects examining the impact of CO exposure in pregnancy and low dose exposure through air pollution on the brain, from embryo to adulthood.
Dr Herigstad said: “I’m really excited to have been selected for the Foundation Future Leaders programme for 2026. It is a great opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from across the UK’s research and innovation community.
“Through the programme, I’m looking forward to building new connections with peers in academia, industry, and policy, and working together to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and knowledge exchange.”
Gavin Costigan, Chief Executive of the Foundation for Science and Technology, said: “I am really looking forward to working with Dr Herigstad and the new cohort of Foundation Future Leaders in 2026, as we explore all areas of the UK’s science and innovation ecosystem. Every year we have a brilliant and diverse group of early- to mid-career professionals, who are selected by a competitive review process, and we have an exciting programme ahead.”
