MentforMe aims to foster connections, facilitate learning, build lasting networks among participants, and advance careers.
Funded by the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council's (BBSRC) Connecting Cultures Fund and coordinated by The Pirbright Institute, this is a unique mentoring opportunity open to participants from across each of the eight BBSRC strategically supported institutes.
Programme overview
Following feedback from our three-month pilot programme, we are launching the next phase of our cross-institutional mentoring project.
In this phase, we’re reducing administration for participants, introducing MentforMe Champions in each Institute, and offering funding for participants to meet in person.
Who can participate
The programme is open to all staff and students based at the Babraham Institute, Earlham Institute, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute, The Roslin Institute, Rothamstead Research and The Pirbright Institute.
Types of mentoring available
Reverse mentoring
- Participants will have an opportunity to take part in a programme run by The Reverse Mentoring Practice.
- Designed for early career or junior staff, particularly those from minoritised groups, to mentor more senior colleagues by sharing their life experiences.
Flash mentoring
- Quick, focused mentoring sessions designed to address specific challenges or goals.
- Provides immediate support and guidance. Ideal for time-sensitive situations or targeted skill development.
- This can be undertaken in pairs or groups led by one expert.
Peer mentoring
- Participants engage in mutual mentorship with peers at similar career stages or in similar roles.
- Encourages collaborative learning and shared experiences.
- Strengthens professional relationships within the cohort.
Traditional expert mentoring
- Mentees receive guidance from experienced mentors.
- Focuses on skill development, career advancement, and professional growth.
- Offers deep expertise and industry insights.
Matching mentors to mentees
Participants at each of the BBSRC strategically supported institutes will be invited to complete some details on an online platform, MentorCloud. Individuals can indicate their desired type(s) of mentoring, along with their goals and reasons for participating. Individuals can choose to be a mentor or mentee for more than one type of mentoring.
Mentees will be provided with a shortlist of mentors to choose from. MentorCloud will facilitate this process by identifying goals that align and suggesting connections with Institutes different from their own. If participants are struggling to find a match, there will be assisted pairing support. Once mentors accept, the mentoring relationship begins.
Training
All mentors and mentees will have access to training opportunities to maximise their experience in the programme.
Participants can take part in micro-learning sessions covering topics such as setting SMART objectives, what to expect in your first meeting, and how to effectively support others.
Additionally, for those interested, we will offer longer, in-depth training sessions for both mentors and mentees.
In-person meetings
Each pair will be given the opportunity to apply for travel and accommodation funding to meet their partner in person at one of their Institutes. This funding will help foster networking opportunities and strengthen connections within mentoring partnerships.
Participants are expected to apply for the fund at least three weeks in advance of their trip, and applications will be reviewed by our MentforMe Champions for approval.
If participants require extra financial support for childcare, caring responsibilities, or specific needs related to the trip, we offer an Attendance Support Grant to assist.
How to apply
Applications for the programme are now closed.
Contact
If you have any questions, want to find out more, or need support in applying, please email connectingculturesmentoring@pirbright.ac.uk.
