Our Early Career Mentor Scheme is OPEN!
The British Society for Neuroendocrinology (BSN) mentorship scheme is open for the next intake of mentees from 1-30 September 2024 aims to provide an informal way for neuroendocrine researchers to find mentors in the field.
Each stage of being and early career researcher (ECR) has its decisions, challenges and opportunities.
Speaking with someone senior outside of your team and academic institution through our ECR Mentor Scheme can give you a new perspective on navigating your career as well as built an extended network of established neuroendocrinologists from whom you can gain advice and ideas.
"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
How can the mentor scheme help me?
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:
- Give you access to the knowledge and expertise of a subfield specialist
- Encourage you to apply for Award nominations
- Support you in grant writing applications
- Give you guidance on establishing your scientific niche
- Advise you 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
“The mentor scheme gave me the unique opportunity to get in touch with a world leading expert on my working field. In addition to valuable information directly related to my field of research, he provided invaluable information about career development and article/review design. He also agreed to be my official mentor for a career development fellowship I am applying to. If you spot a mentor related to your field, do not hesitate to get in touch. If none of the mentors work in a field related to yours, their insights are still invaluable for career advice, grant writing, teaching arrangements, trainings needed, article writing.“ – Lora Martucci, ECR Sub-committee member
Our experienced team of mentors
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.
Meet 3 of our mentors and hear their words of wisdom for ECRs
What is mentoring? (Spoiler: it’s not the same as training, teaching or coaching)
Mentoring is 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.
The BSN ECR Mentor Scheme provides light touch support in helping you find a mentor and providing mentees with a Mentor Meeting Planning Tool to help you make the most of your time with your mentor.
“Fantastic scheme to get advice from more experienced academics in an informal manner”.
FIND YOUR MENTOR: www.neuroendo.org.uk/ecrmentors.php
Got a question?
Get in touch with Dr Jessica Chadwick, BSN ECR Representative (j.chadwick17@imperial.ac.uk) or Dr Miguel Ruiz Cruz, Deputy BSN ECR Representative (ruizcruzm.rsrch@gmail.com)
