The HBP has launched a High Potential Mentoring Programme for Early Career Stage Scientists and Managers of Science, developed by the Diversity and Equal Opportunities Committee(DEOC). Based on its overall success, the Mentoring Programme for early career stage scientists, researchers and managers of science is carried out one last time in the HBP.

Source: freepik.com

As individuals and the research community are very diverse, there are different reasons to support the mentoring programme: the lack of female role models in STEM, being part of a minority in the research community, struggling with the compatibility of work and family life or having a different cultural background than the working environment are just some of the possible reasons. The programme is thus for everyone who wants to support equal opportunities and who believes it can help them to develop personally and professionally.

Former mentee and student ambassador Jens confirmed this development: “The mentoring programme has been a great experience. I had some wonderful interactions with my mentor and I learnt a lot from the accompanying sessions. So I feel grateful and privileged to have been part of it.”

Mentors support their mentees in six to eight virtual meetings between April and December 2022, each no longer than an hour, with specially designed guiding materials. For further information on programme and materials, please see https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/en/about/gender-equality/measures-and-materials/.

Svenja Caspers, former DEOC Chair and DEOC member, also supports the programme as a mentor: “A real good fit of mentor and mentee is crucial to make the mentoring relationship work. Both need to actively make the relationship work, set up regular meetings, catch up with what was already discussed. The virtual meetings with my mentee worked pretty well and I enjoyed the experience.”

In addition to the mentoring partnerships, the online accompanying training is opened for the first time for everyone who interested in leadership and career development:

• The HBP OSCa Open Space for Career Planning for mentees and everyone interested in their personal career development offers a trusting open space to meet, share experiences and ask questions.
• The HBP Leadership Lunch for mentors and leaders offers a space to share leadership and mentoring experiences and discuss related topics, such as asking effective questions, giving negative feedback, stress and empowerment in academia, discovering diverse talents, supporting remote teams and mentees.

Further information on session topics, dates and registration can be found here.

This accompanying training uniquely shapes the HBP High Potential Programme alongside the mentoring partnerships themselves, as also former mentee Ingrid notes: “The virtual meetings went well, my mentor was very kind, understanding and motivating. Thank you for providing this opportunity for all younger researchers in the project! It truly makes a great deal for me and shapes the connection I feel with the project overall.”

Registration is open until the end of March. The DEOC kindly invites you to join the Mentoring Programme and support the next generation of science!