MentforMe aims to foster connections, facilitate learning, build lasting networks among participants, and advance careers.
Funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council's (BBSRC) Connecting Cultures Fund and coordinated by The Pirbright Institute, this is a unique mentoring opportunity open to participants from across each of the eight BBSRC strategically supported institutes.
Programme overview
A three-month pilot programme is running between 3 June and 31 August 2024.
Following feedback from the pilot, a six-month programme will be launched in October 2024.
Who can participate
Anyone in any career stage who works at the Babraham Institute, Earlham Institute, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute, The Roslin Institute, Rothamstead Research and The Pirbright Institute.
Types of mentoring available
Reverse mentoring
- Participants learn from individuals junior to them in terms of career experience.
- Mentors often have a different life experience that they can share with their mentee.
- Promotes fresh perspectives and insights.
- Facilitates cross-generational knowledge exchange.
Flash mentoring
- Quick, focused mentoring sessions designed to address specific challenges or goals.
- Provides immediate support and guidance. Ideal for time-sensitive situations or targeted skill development.
Peer mentoring
- Participants engage in mutual mentorship with peers at similar career stages.
- Encourages collaborative learning and shared experiences.
- Strengthens professional relationships within the cohort.
Traditional expert mentoring
- Mentees receive guidance from experienced mentors in their field.
- Focuses on skill development, career advancement, and professional growth.
- Offers deep expertise and industry insights.
Matching mentors to mentees
Participants at each of the BBSRC strategically supported institutes will be invited to complete some details on an online platform, MentorCloud. Individuals can indicate their desired type(s) of mentoring, along with their goals and reasons for participating. Individuals can choose to be a mentor or mentee for more than one type of mentoring.
Mentees will be provided with a shortlist of mentors to choose from. MentorCloud will facilitate this process by identifying goals that align and suggesting connections with institutes different from their own. Once mentors accept, the mentoring relationship begins.
Training
All mentors and mentees will be trained to get the most out of this programme.
As mentor, you will you will receive guidance on cultivating effective mentoring relationships and facilitating learning for others. As a mentee, you will will learn how to assess existing knowledge, identifying areas for growth, and strategies for retention.
How to apply
Applications for the programme will open soon.
Please review our privacy notice detailing how we collect, use, and process personal data.
Contact
If you have any questions or want to find out more, please email connectingculturesmentoring@pirbright.ac.uk.
