Last October 18th, 2024 we officially launched the pilot of the EMES Mentoring Program. This initiative, designed and coordinated by the EMES PhD Committee, aims to connect PhD candidates (mentees) with Early Career Researchers (ECRs), providing a safe space to reflect on their academic journey and career development.
The EMES PhD Mentoring Program was created to offer EMES PhD candidates a support network and a safe space during their doctoral process, with guidance from community members who have recently experienced similar challenges, namely ECRs. Since the number of applicants was higher that initially expected, senior scholars, with a strong sense of service and dedication to supporting future researchers also joined the program.
In the words of Violeta Bouzada, members of the EMES PhD Mentoring Program Committee:
“As a PhD student part of the committee coordinating this program, I have seen first-hand the value of creating a safe and supportive space for PhD students during what is often a challenging phase, not just academically but also personally. Having benefited from similar mentoring programs myself in other professional environments, I knew how important it would be to bring this initiative to the EMES community, especially given its collaborative nature. Seeing the program come to life it is an incredibly rewarding experience.”
In total, 18 pairs of mentees and mentors, from 24 different countries, are participating in this pilot edition. The kick-off meeting officially marked the start of the program, providing an opportunity to align expectations, clarify any doubts, and share ideas for improving the initiative. From now on, each pair will set up their mentoring meetings over the course of one year.
The program design was led by PhD Committee members Violeta Bouzada, Vanessa Oliveira, Aldanah Alsabah, and Juliana Rodrigues, with support from Danijel Baturina from the ECR community, as well as the EMES Coordination Unit and Board of Directors.
Of you’re a PhD working on the SE field and you wish to reach out and connect, sign up as EMES member. Together, we look forward to a year of connection, development, and shared learning!