In 2009, an idea grew from a conversation between a British scholar and his American counterpart regarding a research collaboration exploring educational leadership across countries. This dialogue initiated the creation of the International School Leaders Development Network (ISLDN), which would receive support from the British Educational Leadership, Management and Administration Society (BELMAS) as well as the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA). By 2011, the project planning commenced and two distinct research strands identified, leadership in high needs schools and leadership for social justice.