Call for Applications: Mentorship Program 2025

The Society of Mongolian Researchers in the USA (SMRU) announces the launch of the Mentorship Program for Mongolian researchers. This program pairs experienced researchers with students, fellows and early-career scholars to navigate their personal, academic, and career growth, build professional networks, and foster and enhance research and leadership capabilities. Whether you are looking for guidance on your career development or eager to share your experience, we encourage both mentors and mentees to apply.

Program Overview:

This Mentorship Program aims to provide a unique opportunity to create meaningful academic relationships and support emerging scholars on their research journey by  connecting students, fellows, and early-career researchers (aka mentees) with seasoned professionals (aka mentors) who will provide invaluable advice on career development. Mentors will offer 3 to 6 meetings for a six-month period, with flexible scheduling to meet the needs of the mentees. This program is designed to:

  • Foster collaborative relationships between mentors and mentees

  • Strengthen academic skills, research practices, and critical thinking

  • Support professional development in both research and career progress

  • Uphold ethical standards in research, emphasizing integrity, accountability, diversity, and inclusivity

  • Navigate in resolving academic and research challenges

Program Duration:

The Mentorship Program will run from March 1, 2025 to August 31, 2025.

Call for Mentors:

As a mentor, you will provide personalized support to a mentee, helping them navigate their academic growth and career development.

Mentor Qualifications:

To be considered for the mentor, applicants are required:

  • Be an established scientist or have a minimum of 5 years of research experience

  • Demonstrate a commitment to supporting students, fellows or early-career researchers in academia or industry

  • Demonstrate a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

Mentor Responsibilities (in their ability and experience):

  • Be available for 3 to 6 meetings for one-on-one mentoring

  • Share insights on academic career development and professional networking

  • Offer guidance on research topics, methodologies, and strategies when relevant

  • Offer problem-solving advice if needed

  • Share mentoring experiences with other researchers

Benefits to Mentors:

  • Enhance your leadership and mentoring skills

  • Expand your professional network and engage with emerging talent

  • Contribute to the academic community by shaping the next generation of researchers and leaders

  • Receive recognition for your commitment to professional development in your field

Call for Mentees:

As a mentee, you will be paired with an experienced researcher who will provide one-on-one support tailored to your academic and professional needs.

Mentee Qualifications:

Eligibility criteria to apply as a mentee:

  • Be a member of SMRU

  • Be an undergraduate student, graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or early-career researcher (PGY5 or less)

Mentee Responsibilities:

  • Deliver your research and career goals as well as the challenges to your mentor

  • Be open for asking help and advice from your mentor

  • Be proactive in scheduling and attending meetings with your mentor

  • Maintain professionalism and respect for the mentor’s time

  • Implement feedback and work towards the goals set during your mentorship

  • Take an active initiative in your professional development

Benefits to Mentees:

  • Receive tailored guidance from an established or experienced researcher

  • Gain insights into career development, including publication strategies, grant writing, networking, and leadership skills.

  • Build a professional relationship with a mentor who can provide long-term academic support.

Application Process:

Mentors:

The following documents are to be provided:

  1. A current CV

  2. List of specific areas of research or skills you are interested in mentoring on (e.g., specific scientific fields, data analysis, academic publishing, research design, leadership skills, career development, DEI)

Mentees:

The following documents will be provided:

  1. A statement of interest (max. 300 words) explaining your research focus, academic goals

  2. A current CV

  3. List of specific areas where you seek mentoring guidance (e.g., specific scientific fields, data analysis, academic publishing, research design, leadership skills, career development, DEI)

Submit Applications To:  Email: monresearchers@gmail.com

Deadline for application: February 15, 2025 

Contact: monresearchers@gmail.com for any questions about the application process