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Mentoring Programme

EGPRN Mentoring Programme organisers: Prof Michael Harris and Dr Didem Kafadar

Why does the EGPRN have a mentoring programme?

Mentoring plays an important role in the professional growth of researchers, whether it is done by local experts or mentors from other countries, even if they are far away. 

Support from a mentor can be especially important for colleagues in new or developing academic medical faculties. 

What are the aims of the EGPRN mentoring programme?

We want to support EGPRN members who are early in their primary care research careers. Being in these programmes is good for both the person getting help (the ‘mentee’) and the one giving it (the ‘mentor’).

We do this by providing a ‘matching’ service between:

  • Early-career EGPRN members who would benefit from mentoring (mentees), and 
  • Experienced EGPRN members who have the enthusiasm, skills and time to support them by being their mentors.

How does the matching system work?

We will:

  • Match mentees with mentors from different countries.
  • If possible, match research mentees and mentors who have similar research interests.

What happens in the mentorship?

Research mentoring is a way to help someone take charge of their academic career and think about their future research goals. An academic mentor can play various roles when working with their mentee. They can listen, give advice, ask important questions, and more, such as:

  • Being a listener:
    • Mentors can hear their mentees' worries and brainstorm ideas about their research work. 
    • They can offer feedback that helps mentees decide the next steps in their academic careers.
  • Giving guidance:
    • Mentors can give direct suggestions, help mentees set goals, and find resources. 
    • They can offer advice on tasks like writing and publishing papers, applying for new research opportunities, and using specific research techniques.
  • Giving inspiration:
    • Mentors can share their knowledge about workplace dynamics and career planning. 
    • They can also provide encouragement on their mentees' goals and dreams.
  • Creating connections:
    • Mentors can introduce mentees to people who might help in their research and careers. 
    • They can suggest specific events or learning opportunities.

We recommend that mentors are affiliated with a training institute/university.

What is a typical mentorship timetable?

Mentees and mentors will decide how often to meet, and what they will do during your meetings. A typical programme may be:

  • A 60- minute Zoom or Teams meeting every 4-6 weeks.
  • Contact by email or WhatsApp in between that, if needed.
  • A visit by the mentor to the mentee in their own country during the first year. 

Do I need to be a member of the EGPRN?

  • Yes! Mentors and mentees need to be EGPRN members (individually or through institutions) during the whole of their mentorship.

I’m interested! What do I need to do?

Whether you want to be a mentor or a mentee, please contact the organisers using the form below. We will then end you detailed information and an application form.