About the Program

The LPSLI is an intensive five-day course to develop participant agency and influence through small group exercises, conversations with guest leaders, networking opportunities, and extensive community building. The LPSLI culminates in the articulation of a leadership development plan that lays the foundation for participants to lead positive change in service to STEM excellence.

Accepted applicants will engage in experiential training with their cohort over the course of a work week, including:

✅ Workshops to explore topics such as: Leading Change, Toxic Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Management of Bias, Leadership Development Planning, Individual Assessments and more

✅ Build relationship with distinguished leaders and engage with institute alumni

✅ Upon program completion, enter a network of 440+ alumni who are creating stronger, more inclusive STEM environments at academic institutions, nonprofits, government, and for-profit science companies

Application Deadline: Applications close April 10, 2026 at 11:59 pm PT

Questions? Contact Programs Director, Elizabeth Aguilera, PhD

We thank American Chemical Society (ACS) for hosting LPSLI this year.

The Details

Program Dates & Location: July 20 - 24, 2026 at ACS Headquarters in Washington, DC.

Eligibility: Must be an early- or mid-career STEM professional (defined below) working to advance change in STEM. Applicants should have a terminal degree, such as a doctorate. For any questions about eligibility, please contact us.

• Early career STEM professionals are generally in their first 3 - 7 years following the awarding of a terminal degree and/or postdoctoral research training

• Mid-Career STEM professionals have generally moved beyond their entry-level status through promotion or transition to new roles of increased responsibility

Please note, postdocs are not eligible to apply for LPSLI. If you are a postdoc, our separate program - the Postdoc Leadership Institute (PLI) will be hosted at the SACNAS Annual Conference. 

Requirements:

• Program Investment: up to $2,500

  Participants must work with their company/institution to support up to a $2,500 cost share – representing only 25% of the total cost of this program. If institutional funding cannot be secured, SACNAS will fully support the participation of accepted candidates.

• Full participation

  Participants must be available for the duration of the Institute; travel will be arranged to ensure participants attend all activities. Participants are also required to attend and actively contribute at all sessions, including a virtual component prior to the Institute (~5-10hrs)

Resources:

• Download Program FAQ Sheet

• Download Cost Share FAQ Sheet

• Download Cost Share Request Template Letter

Meet the 2025 Cohort