The MPS_NOVA ITQB NOVA's Mentoring Programme provides a scaffold to support the professional development of researchers (Mentees) by promoting meetings with more experienced professionals (Mentors), who accept to provide advice and help mentees reflect on different issues related with both the development of their career, within or outside research/academia, and their personal development.

The Mentoring Programme facilitates Mentees pairing with their Mentors, according to a set of questions which both Mentees and Mentors participating in the programme are requested to answer. The partnership is formalised through the Mentorship Agreement, which includes a confidentiality clause. Mentor and Mentee pairs meet at least three times a year and decide together on how best to work together (the programme provides support documentation for organizing these conversations).

The Mentoring Programme is aimed at ITQB staff, early Pis, Postdoctoral Researchers, and 3rd and 4th year PhD students. Participation in the programme is voluntary but implies a commitment to follow the programme for one year and participate in its assessment. This includes short feedback reports on meetings (no details necessary), one mid-term gathering to share experiences and provide feedback to the Programme, and a final survey.

Activities of the programme are supported by the Twining MPS_NOVA. MPS_NOVA is funded by the European Union (Project 101159729). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

How does it work?

1. ITQB NOVA's Pilot Mentoring Programme starts with a call for Mentees and a call for Mentors.

2. Mentees are paired with their mentors either from a list of registered mentors. If the Mentor accepts the invitation, the mentoring starts with the agreement of its terms.

3. Each Mentee/Mentor pair meets (through whatever form they find convenient) at least three times a year.

4. Mentees provide some feedback to the organizing team via surveys and a mid-term face to face meeting.

5. An evaluation team evaluates the programme and proposes future editions (or the end of the programme).

How can I enroll as a Mentee?

The call is open once per year, around November - December. Registration forms will be available once the call opens.

I'm available to be a Mentor, how can I express my interest?

Please fill in the Mentor expression of interest form. By filling in the form, there is no commitment on your part - you just agree to be part of a list of potential mentors. You can ask to be removed from this list at any point.

When the Programme starts, the Programme will put in contact Mentees and Mentors. You will be asked to agree on the terms of the mentor-mentee relationship, after both, the Mentor and the Mentee accept their partnership.

Learn more about what being a Mentor entails.

The Mentoring Pilot Programme Organizing Team

• Margarida Trindade 
• Pedro Matos Pereira

• Pedro Pedrosa

• Sarela Garcia-Santamarina 

Please direct any contacts to itqb.mentoring@itqb.unl.pt