The BIST Mentoring Programme is designed to help junior researchers such as PhD students and postdoctoral researchers articulate their career aspirations and feel supported as they evolve as scientists or transition to a new phase in their careers. Senior researchers, scientific staff, and external professionals who participate in the programme will learn to become effective mentors able to help talented scientists reach their full potential.

How the programme works

A first call for mentors and mentees is been launched in November 2022. Interested mentors from within the BIST Community and external institutions (including senior researchers, postdoctoral researchers, group leaders, scientific staff, administrative staff, and professionals working in public policy and social engagement, education, industry, or entrepreneurship) are invited to fill out the online application form (DEADLINE 10 FEBRUARY). A separate call for mentees will be open to PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from within the BIST Community.

Thirty-five mentor-mentee pairs will be matched up from all applications for this edition. Once the matching is complete, mentees and mentors will receive a mentorship proposal through our online platform, which they can review and accept online. All participants will then take a three-hour professional training session online and get access to guidelines and support materials. Mentor-mentees pairs are expected to meet at least three times over the course of the eight months. The programme will be delivered in English, but each mentor-mentee pair can choose their preferred language of communication and whether to meet in person or online.