Published 22/7/2025
EARMA Mentorship Scheme
A platform for professional growth and learning
The EARMA Mentorship Scheme is a tailored initiative designed to foster a culture of continuous learning, meaningful networking, and the exchange of best practices among EARMA members. Launched on October 30, 2023, the pilot scheme targeted early-career research management professionals, pairing them with experienced mentors. The programme provides a structured environment where experienced mentors guide new professionals in their research management careers.
Scope and objectives
The new programme will involve 20 participants (ten mentors and ten mentees) from the EARMA community, paired based on criteria such as years of experience, areas of expertise, and development goals. Mentees propose discussion topics, which are agreed upon with mentors, and all activities take place in a confidential setting. The scheme encourages international pairings and in-person or virtual meetings after a kick-off event on January 29, 2026, at the EARMA office in Brussels, for which the attendance of participants is required.
The Mentorship Scheme programme promotes:
- Lifelong learning: enabling continuous professional growth
- Networking and best practices exchange: building a robust platform for shared knowledge and collaboration
- Support for new professionals: offering guidance and mentorship to early-career research managers
It aims to accelerate professional development and cultivate excellence, build a sustainable, long-term mentoring culture, enhance international networking and partnerships, facilitate structured knowledge sharing and skill development, and strengthen the community through professional relationships.
Eligibility
Both mentors and mentees should meet the following requirements:
- Being a current EARMA member in good standing, provided they have been members for at least the previous membership year. In the case of institutional membership, eligibility depends on the institution being an EARMA member, not the individual person.
- Participating in the kick-off event on January 29, 2026, at the EARMA event space in Brussels.
- Being committed and available for regular online meetings with your mentor or mentee is essential.
- Having not participated in the mentorship scheme in the past three years.
Pairing Criteria
Mentors and mentees will be paired under the following criteria:
- Number of years in the profession
- Topic(s) of expertise (mentor)
- Topic(s) for desired personal development (mentee)
- EARMA will place an emphasis on international pairings
- Mentors should have a minimum of five years’ experience in research management
Programme activities
Kick-off event: An in-person event to introduce participants to the programme
Activity plan: Mentor-mentee pairs will define their objectives and an activity plan
Monthly meetings: Regular meetings to discuss pre-agreed topics
Optional visits: Encouraged but self-funded, to foster deeper collaboration
Conference meet-up: An opportunity to connect during the EARMA Conference
Kick-off Event
The EARMA Mentorship Scheme launches with an in-person meet-up in Brussels where mentors and mentees learn about the programme, connect, and prepare for a successful year. For the new cohort, the kick-off event will take place from the afternoon of January 28 until the evening of January 29, and all mentors and mentees are expected to attend. Participation is fully funded, with travel and accommodation expenses reimbursed by EARMA.
Evaluation and notification
All eligible applications will be evaluated by the EARMA Awards Expert Group. Applicants will be paired and ranked according to the criteria described above, and pairs that are most compatible and ranked highest will be considered for the mentoring scheme programme. However, EARMA reserves the right not to choose the pair regardless of ranking. When applications have been assessed and recommendations approved, all applicants will be notified of the outcome by mid-October 2025.
Mentors Pool
To simplify the process for mentors who wish to share their experience and support a mentee, we maintain a database of eligible applicants. This allows mentors to simply confirm their interest and availability for the kick-off event each year without resubmitting all their information. Each year, mentors must still meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above to participate.
A kind note: An invitation email has been sent to all eligible mentors for this purpose. Please complete the short form HERE by the application deadline to confirm your interest.
Application and contact information
Applications to join as a mentor or mentee are open until September 22, 2025.
Apply: Complete this form
Please note that applying is an acknowledgment that you have read and agreed to the EARMA Mentorship Scheme’s Code of conduct.
For inquiries, contact EARMA via email at earma@earma.org.
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