The British Society for Neuroendocrinology (BSN) mentorship scheme aims to provide an informal way for neuroendocrine researchers to find mentors in the field. We are delighted to have a team of mentors who are also BSN members willing share their expertise and experience in the field of neuroendocrinology with mentees. Mentors and mentees can discuss anything related to their work - from career progression to navigating tricky work environments.

"The BSN mentoring scheme is a such an amazing initiative for ECRs - I really valued the relationship with my mentor and got so much great guidance and feedback about postdoc applications, how to network efficiently and ECR awards that I could apply for.” – Celine Camon

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is essentially about helping people to develop more effectively. It is a relationship designed to build mentee confidence to empower you to proactively shape your scientific voice and develop as an individual. A mentor may share with a mentee information about his or her own career path, as well as provide guidance, motivation, emotional support, and role modelling. A mentor may help with exploring careers, setting goals, developing contacts, and identifying resources. Mentoring is not the same as training, teaching or coaching.

How do I work with a mentor?

It is up to the mentee to decide on the focus for the mentoring relationship. During the first meeting the mentor and mentee will decide together the format and regularity of their meetings as well as the how long the mentoring will last. Subsequent meetings usually have clear objectives set by the mentee to which the mentor can respond with specific actions for follow up.

Mentees - please use this mentor meeting planning tool to help you prepare for your meetings:

• Mentor meeting planning tool

 

How can the mentor scheme support me at my career stage?

Each stage of being and early career researcher (ECR) has its decisions, challenges and opportunities.

As an undergraduate or masters student figuring out what you would like to study next, a mentor can:

• Give you experience of different fields and research topic areas
• Diversify your network of scientific researchers
• Provide you with an overview of the field
• Allow you to hear about different scientific approaches, e.g. molecular biology, systems neuroscience, bioinformatics, in vivo biology etc.

For the ECRs in the midst of your PhD or considering becoming a post-doc, a mentor can:

• Expand your network of experts on your PhD topic or a related subtopic
• Give you new ideas on scientific approaches
• Provide insights into other scientific techniques and methodologies
• Shape your scientific thought process and perspective

As a post-doc ready to take the next step in leading your research or establishing your own research team, a mentor can:

• Subfield specialist
• Award nominations
• Grant writing support
• Establishing scientific niche
• Advice on transitioning to independence

Are you thinking of leaving academia? A mentor can:

• Provide you with Industry connections
• Give you advice on how to communicate your research to the public
• Support your entrepreneurial mindset and scientific creativity, e.g. by helping you find a start-up space or get into scientific consulting

 

How does the BSN mentorship scheme work?

The BSN mentorship scheme opens twice a year for mentees to apply to work with mentors:

• 1-31 March
• 1-30 September 

When the scheme opens:

1. Browse the list of BSN mentors above and find a mentor you’d like to work with. Click on the image for a short bio.
2. Fill out the form for your requested mentor.
3. We will contact the mentor and check they are happy to be matched with the mentee.
4. If yes, mentee and mentor are connected via email.
5. If no, email mentee and say mentor is unable to take on mentees at this time. We will suggest the mentee requests another mentor.

We take your privacy seriously. Mentor-mentee relationships are tracked in a password protected spreadsheet and are only known to administrative staff and the ECR Representatives.

If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact theteam@neuroendo.org.uk.