Early stage researcher (ESR) mentorship programme
Mentorship programme (MP) for accepted participants from each NEOLAiA Partner institution.
The NEOLAiA Early Stage Researchers Mentorship Programme brings together motivated young researchers and experienced academic mentors across the Alliance, to support structured career development, international networking, and professional growth within and beyond academia.
Programme duration
April 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027
Objectives
Enhance networking skills and international collaboration
Support publication, presentation, and research development
Enable individualised development plans (IDPs)
Provide expert guidance on career development within and outside academia
Strengthen transferable and soft skills (e.g. communication, time management)
Offer psychosocial support during early career stages
Mentors – experienced researchers from NEOLAiA universities or associated partners – contribute their expertise, experience, and perspective to guide ESRs in achieving these objectives.
Nomination of mentees
Eligibility: PhD students or Post Docs (a researcher who is not yet an Associate Professor or equivalent).
Each NEOLAiA university is invited to nominate one ESR to participate as a mentee. Selection and nomination procedures are handled by each university and should align with NEOLAiA’s core values of diversity and inclusion.
If accepted for the NEOLAiA ESR Programme, the mentee commits to:
Participate in all Programme workshops (13 in total)
Monthly mentor–mentee online meetings (minimum frequency) during Modules II and III
Completion of one funded mobility visit to the mentor’s institution during Modules II–III.
Active engagement in Programme activities to be eligible for certification.
Programme Structure
The ESR Mentorship programme is structured in three 6-month modules, for a duration of 18 months in total. Mentor–mentee matching takes place during Module I and is coordinated by the ESR Team.
Module I – Onboarding and Networking I Period: April 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026
Module I includes mandatory online workshops on topics relevant for ESRs in general and will include networking meetings among ESRs. Mentees will be matched with Mentors in July 2026.
Workshop 1
📅 15 April 2026
🎓 Welcome to the NEOLAiA ESR Mentorship Programme II
Workshop 2
📅 20 May 2026
🎓 The Benefits of an International Network
Workshop 3
📅 10 June 2026
🎓 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Research
Workshop 4
📅 15 July 2026
🎓 Academia as a Foundation for a Career Outside Academia
Workshop 5
📅 19 August 2026
🎓 Engaging with Society as a Researcher
Wokshop 6
📅 16 September 2026
🎓 Mentees Discussion Forum
Note: Workshop topics in Module I are designed to provide a broad foundation. Mentees will indicate their preference for a mentor from the same or a different scientific field during the first workshop. Mentor matching will be completed by July 2026.
Module II – Mentor–Mentee Engagement I Period: October 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
Module II involves individual mentor–mentee online meetings, held at least once per month. This module also includes three mandatory workshops.
Workshop 7
📅 9 December 2026
🎓Roundtable Discussion with Mentors and Mentees
Workshop 8
📅 13 January 2027
🎓Stress Management
Workshop 9
📅 17 March 2027
🎓Separate Workshops for Mentees and Mentors to Discuss Experiences
Monthly Meetings: Mentees and mentors are expected to meet online at least once per month during Module II. Meeting dates and times are agreed upon between the mentor and mentee.
Module III – Deepening and Reflection I Period: April 1, 2027 – September 30, 2027
Module II involves individual mentor–mentee online meetings, held at least once per month. This module also includes three mandatory workshops.
Workshop 10
📅14 April 2027
🎓Joint Discussion Forum for Mentors and Mentees
Workshop 11
📅9 June 2027
🎓Research Ethics and Integrity
Workshop 12
📅18 August 2027
🎓How to Write Funding Applications
Workshop 13
📅15 September 2027
🎓Reflecting on the Mentorship Programme
Note: Topics for Workshop 10 will be based on experiences and feedback gathered from Modules I and II.
Mentor Selection
During Module I, mentees must indicate their preference for a mentor from the same or a different scientific field. More details about this process will be provided during the first workshop (Workshop 1, 15 April 2026). Mentor matching will be finalised by July 2026.
Mobility
During Modules II and III, one mandatory mobility experience is included for the mentee to visit the mentor. This is funded by the sending partner university within the NEOLAiA project budget. The mentee and mentor agree on the timing of this mobility.
Commitment
Mentees are expected to participate in all workshops and scheduled meetings, including the mobility, to fulfil the programme requirements and be awarded a certificate.
Certification
A certificate will be issued to mentees who complete the programme, verifying their attendance at all workshops, mentor–mentee meetings, and the mobility.
More information
Questions about the NEOLAiA ESR Programme can be sent to Magnus Kristoffersson, Örebro University:
magnus.kristoffersson@oru.se