Call for Early Stage Researchers (ESR) to Apply for the NEOLAiA ESR Mentorship Programme 2 (MP 2)

ESRs (Early Stage Researchers) are hereby invited to apply to participate as mentees in the NEOLAiA ESR Mentorship Programme 2 (MP2).

Programme Duration:

1 April 2026 – 30 September 2027
We hereby invite all universities within the NEOLAiA Alliance to select and nominate one Early Stage Researcher (ESR) willing to participate as a mentee in the ESR Mentorship Programme (MP 2).

Programme Objectives:

The MP 2 aims to support ESRs in various aspects of career development, both within academia and beyond. Each mentee will be assigned a mentor from another NEOLAiA university (or associated partner).

The following key objectives are included in the programme:

1. Enhance participants' networking skills.
2. Provide expert guidance on career development within and outside academia.

These objectives can be further broken down into specific focus areas:

• Career Guidance: Advice on career development, research techniques, and professional growth.
• Networking Opportunities: Facilitating introductions to relevant contacts and networks.
• Publication and Presentation Support: Assistance with publishing papers and preparing presentations.
• Skill Development: Training on soft skills such as communication, time management, and teamwork.
• Personalized Goals: Setting individualized development plans to ensure tailored objectives.
• Psychosocial Support: Offering emotional support to help mentees balance professional and personal life.

Programme Structure:

This is a preliminary schedule and could be subject to change. Exact dates and workshop leaders will be announced at a later stage. Hosts for the workshops will also be presented later. The ESR Mentorship programme is structured in three 6-month modules, for a duration of 18 months in total. Mentor–mentee matching takes place during Module I and is coordinated by the ESR Team. Further details are provided during the first Programme workshop.

 

Module 1: 1 April 2026 – 30 September 2026
Module I includes Orientation, Networking, and Career Perspectives.

Workshop 1: Welcome, Networking, and Interdisciplinary Research
Topic: Welcome to the NEOLAiA ESR Mentorship Programme, The Benefits of an International Network, Introduction to Interdisciplinary Research

Workshop 2: Career Pathways and Societal Engagement
Topic: Academia as a Foundation for a Career Outside Academia, Engaging with Society as a Researcher

 

Module 2: 1 October 2026 – 31 March 2027
Module 2 includes Mentoring in Practice and Well-being

Workshop 3: Mentoring Roundtable: Experiences and Expectations
Topic: Roundtable Discussion with Mentors and Mentees, Separate Workshops for Mentees and Mentors to Discuss Experiences

Workshop 4: Stress Management and Psychosocial Support
Topic: Stress factors in early research careers, Practical strategies for resilience and work–life balance, Mentoring as a support mechanism

 

Module 3: 1 April 2027 – 30 September 2027
Module 3 includes Research Integrity, Funding, and Programme Closure

Workshop 5: Research Ethics, Integrity, and Funding Applications
Topic: Research Ethics and Integrity, How to Write Funding Applications

Workshop 6: Joint Reflection and Programme Closure
Topic: Joint reflection on the mentoring journey, Key lessons learned and outcomes achieved, Evaluation of the Programme, Closing and next steps

Additional Information:

Mobility: A mandatory mobility visit is included for each mentee. This takes place during Modules II or III and involves a visit to the mentor’s institution. The mobility is funded by the NEOLAiA project.

Commitment: If accepted for the NEOLAiA ESR Programme, the mentee commits to:

• Participation in all Programme workshops (13 in total).
• Monthly mentor–mentee online meetings (minimum frequency) during Modules II and III.
• Completion of one funded mobility visit to the mentor’s institution during Modules II–III.
• Active engagement in Programme activities to be eligible for certification.

Certificate: Mentees who complete all mandatory elements (workshops, mentor meetings, and mobility) will receive an official NEOLAiA digital badge, confirming successful completion of the Programme.

Application Procedure: Only candidates from NEOLAiA Alliance universities who are ESRs are eligible. ESRs are PhD students or Post Docs (a researcher who has not yet attained the academic rank of professor (including W1) or an equivalent position). Selection will be based on the quality of applications and alignment with the programme's objectives.

If you are interested in becoming a mentee in this 2nd round, please send your application to the following e-mail address: ida_marie.altheide@uni-bielefeld.de. Your application must include the following documents:

1. CV
2. motivation letter stating why you wish to participate (max. 1 page)
3. short description of your current PhD/research project (max. 0,5 page)
4. last relevant study certificate (Master degree or PhD certificate)
5. one recommendation letter from a member of staff at Bielefeld University

The application deadline is February 08, 2026.

Please contact Dr. Annika Merk (annika.merk@uni-bielefeld.de) in case of any questions.

We look forward to your application and your commitment to the NEOLAiA ESR Mentorship Programme.