Researchers at the Leather Conservation Centre are seeking input from across the leather sector as part of a project examining the future of leather education in the UK following the closure of the Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT) at the University of Northampton.

Interns Shony Chindawi and Elisabeth Lucetta began the project in April. Their research aims to assess the impact of the ICLT's closure and explore how the UK can continue to develop the next generation of leather chemists, technologists, craftspeople and sustainability specialists.

As part of the study, the researchers are conducting interviews with former ICLT staff and students, educators, craftspeople, employers and training providers. They are particularly interested in hearing from industry professionals experiencing skills shortages, leather craft tutors, heritage craft organisations and fashion or footwear educators.

The findings will be published in a research and consultation report examining the current state of leather education in the UK and providing recommendations for educators, industry organisations and policymakers.

The researchers are inviting interested participants to contribute through interviews or surveys, with responses able to remain anonymous if preferred.