Arqus Mentoring Programme for Mentors

Being a mentor to an early-stage researcher can be a very rewarding activity, helping them to find their footing as an academic and grow during the time spent in the mentoring relationship. It is an opportunity to build guidance and leadership skills and to help the next generation of scholars succeed. In turn, mentors can also learn from mentees, either by getting insight into new research avenues and the current challenges faced by younger researchers or by reflecting on the underlying structures and rules of the academic system. Mentoring also allows established researchers to reassess their own successes and strategies. As part of a European integration effort, the Arqus Mentoring Programme also offers the chance to connect with other researchers across different academic cultures, with potential for cooperation across disciplines.

• The mentees are advanced PhDs and PostDocs, thus as a mentor you should be at least in an advanced PostDoc position.
• Researchers from all disciplines can sign up to the Arqus Mentoring Database, whether a mentee match will be found for them depends on the mentee application profiles.
• As it is an International Programme Mentors should be able to converse with their mentee in English.
• As a mentor, you support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as well as Non-Discrimination Principles, and show awareness and sensitivity for cultural differences

• You are motivated to support an early-stage researcher in navigating the written and unwritten rules of academia and with identifying possible next career steps.
• You will be a career mentor, not a second supervisor, sponsor or (especially not) a therapist; offering insight from your own experiences, giving advice, answering and asking questions.
• However, being a mentor might mean dealing with sensitive issues, showing empathy, but also setting boundaries.
• While you generally commit to a confidential relationship, you will be able to talk to the professional facilitator and organisers of the programme if you need any support.
• You commit to staying with the programme from October 2025 to the end of June 2026 and to make enough time to meaningfully engage with your mentee.
• During these nine months you agree to support your mentee with a MINIMUM of four online meetings of 1h at regular intervals.
• Any additional communication and support is open to decide between you and your mentee.
• You will attend at least one of the online Mentors’ Lounges that are meant to provide support throughout the programme.
• The mentoring relationship ends at the end of June 2026, unless you expressly wish otherwise.

• The programme last from October 2025 to end of June 2026.
• A minimum of four online meetings (at least 1h) with your mentee at regular intervals
• Total time commitment is estimated at 1-2h/month.
• Any further communication and support is to be set individually between mentor and mentee.
• Mentors can join online Mentors’ Lounges to receive support – these take place on demand approximately every two months.

• Whether there is a match depends on the applicants each year – we cannot guarantee a mentee for you.
• Mentees and mentors will be matched by the organising committee based on research field, location, career experience and specific mentee needs.
• You will get a short profile based on the mentee’s application materials to assess whether you want to have a first meeting.
• If you say yes, the mentee will get your contact details to initiative a first meeting before the start of the programme.
• You can then both decide whether you want to embark on the mentoring journey together, or if you don’t think it’s a good fit.

• There will be regular Mentors’ Lounges hosted by a professional facilitator where you can share any challenges or highlights and receive feedback and suggestions from the facilitator and your peers.
• There is additional material available on the Arqus PhD Portal Website.
• An in-person meeting between you and your mentee is encouraged, we will help to find possible funding opportunities if it is desired.
• You will receive an Arqus certificate of mentorship at the end of the programme.
• You can always contact the organisers phd-pursuit@arqus-alliance.eu

• Publication strategies and navigating the peer review process.
• Building and maintaining a collaborative academic network.
• Crucial aspects of job applications in academia, building a convincing profile.
• Creating application materials and handling academic job interviews.
• Insight on obtaining financing, writing grant applications and project proposals.
• Teaching approaches and how to balance research and teaching obligations.
• Science communication strategies and valorisation of research.
• Building a structured research approach and time management strategies.
• Balancing an academic career with family planning.
• Challenges and opportunities of living and working abroad.
• Maintaining mental health while working in academia.