ECR Mentoring Programme
The Early Career Researchers (ECRs) Committee established the 12-month SFRR-E Mentoring Programme to connect ECRs with experienced members of our community, fostering professional growth and knowledge exchange within the redox field. The programme encourages mentor–mentee pairs to meet regularly online, creating a supportive environment for career advice, scientific discussion, and networking. By matching mentees’ needs with mentors’ expertise, the programme offers a tailored experience that benefits both sides: while mentees gain guidance and inspiration for their career development, mentors contribute to shaping the next generation of redox scientists while strengthening their own leadership skills.
The mentoring programme has been running successfully since 2022, with approximately 10 mentor–mentee pairs participating each year. All past mentors and mentees become part of the vibrant SFRR-E Mentoring Programme Alumni Network. In addition, all alumni come together during the SFRR-E Annual Meeting for The Mentoring Lunch. This get-together provides a unique opportunity for mentors and mentees to connect in person, share experiences, and exchange valuable advice in an open and supportive setting.
Calls for mentees and mentors open each spring.
Please contact us at ecr@sfrr-europe.org for more details on how to participate, either as a mentor or mentee.
Feedback from mentees:
Excellent initiative
"This programme was an excellent initiative. My mentor has given me very useful suggestions on the things that need to be considered after accepting a position as an independent researcher at a leading institution".
— Anonymous Mentee #1
Fantastic experience
"I signed up for the SFRRE mentoring program in March of this year and was matched with an established scientist and it has been a fantastic experience. Initially, I felt a bit apprehensive about sharing my challenges with a mentor I did not know, but from our first meeting, they were incredibly supportive and encouraging. I am truly grateful for his guidance. In our meetings, I have asked them about scientific, career and personal hurdles and they have always given great feedback without hesitation or judgment. It really feels like they are in my corner and rooting for my success, which is a great feeling. I would encourage any young scientist in the redox field to try the mentoring program".
— Anonymous Mentee #2
I am trying to map out my career path from here
"Getting in touch with an established scientist through the SFRR-E mentoring programme has been a great resource for me. My mentor has been open to all of my many questions and their thoughtful answers have always been helpful and encouraging. Our conversations have really kept me motivated, especially as I am nearing the end of my PhD and trying to map out my career path from here".
— Anonymous Mentee #3
Accelerated my academic and professional development
"Participating in the SFRR-E Mentoring Programme greatly enriched my early career as a researcher. The personalized guidance accelerated my academic and professional development, providing invaluable insights into research methodologies and career navigation. The mentorship fostered a supportive community, enhancing both my technical skills and my sense of belonging in academia".
— Anonymous Mentee #4
Feedback from mentors:
Anonymous Mentor #1
"I have met regularly (6-8 weeks) with my mentee, who emails me in advance of the meeting with an agenda. We talk for about 60 mins about different issues, and I think they have found the relationship useful. I felt we were quite wel matched and that we have been able to talk through different issues. It will be nice to meet in person, and to have the opportunity to meet my next mentee in person at the SFRR-E conference if possible".
Anonymous Mentor #2
"I really liked the ECR initiative and exchange with the mentee!"