MISTI launches Laidlaw Scholars Program

The MIT Center for International Studies (CIS) is delighted to announce the launch of the Laidlaw Scholars Program at MISTI. Made possible by a generous $1.1 million gift from the Laidlaw Foundation, this new initiative at MIT focuses on empowering MIT undergraduates to help build skills and develop character for ethical global leadership. 

The Laidlaw Scholars Program combines rigorous academic inquiry with global experiences and values-driven leadership development. Through the program, MIT undergraduates will engage in independent research, participate in leadership training on campus, and work with international partners on real-world challenges. 

“At MIT, we believe that leadership must be grounded in strong values and a deep understanding of global contexts. The Laidlaw Scholars Program will help our students grow not only as researchers and innovators, but as thoughtful, ethical leaders,” emphasized Agustín Rayo, Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (SHASS).

“Our goal is to ensure that the next generation of leaders have both moral imagination and muscle; that they are dynamic and decent. MIT’s beliefs on the importance of values and global understanding, perfectly complement our vision. We are delighted to welcome them to the program,” explains Susanna Kempe, CEO, Laidlaw Foundation.

Over two summers, the program will support a select cohort of undergraduates, combining rigorous training with international fieldwork and leadership development.

First summer (rising sophomore): Scholars will travel to the United Kingdom to conduct cutting-edge research at leading UK universities, working alongside world-class faculty and researchers.

Second summer (rising junior): Students will implement a Leadership in Action project in one of over 25 MISTI country programs, addressing real-world challenges and fostering meaningful global impact.

Leadership development

Between the two summers, scholars will participate in comprehensive leadership development programming, including:

Leadership and communication classes at the MIT Sloan School of Management to equip students with essential skills to lead with clarity and confidence.

A tailored course during MIT’s Independent Activities Period (IAP) focused on helping students identify, expand, and embody their core values—ensuring that their leadership is grounded in integrity and purpose.

Participation in the Oxford Character Project, alongside Laidlaw scholars from partner institutions across North America, Europe, and Asia.

“This new partnership with the Laidlaw Scholars Program exemplifies MIT’s commitment to nurturing globally-engaged, values-driven leaders. By combining rigorous research with real-world leadership experiences across the globe, we are helping to prepare students to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges with creativity and purpose,” said Fiona Murray, faculty co-director of MIT-UK, and associate dean for innovation at MIT Sloan. The new initiative will be administered through the MIT-United Kingdom Program at CIS, and offered through its flagship global education program–MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI). 

Phil Budden, PhD, faculty co-director of MIT-UK and senior lecturer at MIT Sloan, noted, “This program is a unique opportunity for MIT students to engage deeply with research and innovation in both the UK and around the world. It reflects the importance of thoughtful scholarship and international collaboration in shaping the next generation of leaders.”

Applications open fall 2025

Applications for the inaugural 15-person cohort will open in Fall 2025, and will be open to MIT students from the class of 2029. Selected scholars will embark on a two-year journey beginning the spring of their first year, and continuing until their junior fall. 

Applications open October 15th. Register your interest here.