International Mentoring Program Launches
Cross-Border Mentoring Programme
As part of our commitment to fostering inclusive, international research communities, we are launching a cross-border mentoring programme open to all early-stage researchers in STEM disciplines across the ENHANCE university alliance. The programme is designed to support professional development, encourage international collaboration, and broaden participants' academic and career perspectives.
📅 Key Dates:
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Mentors recruitment: 1 - 30 September 2025
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Mentee application period: 1 - 31 October 2025
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Extended DISC® assessment for the mentees: 17 - 21 November 2025
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Open Call for Mentees - 17 November 10:00 - 11:00 CET
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1 December - information about pairings results (via Email)
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January 2026 - Kick off Mentor - Mentee Meetings
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31 January 2026 - Mutual declaration to continue the programme / Request for re-matching
What We Offer
This initiative connects experienced researchers from one ENHANCE university with early-stage researchers from another member institution. Through structured and goal-oriented mentoring, the programme empowers participants to strengthen their research competencies and explore diverse career paths—both within and beyond academia.
Key features of the programme include:
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Cross-border mentoring relationships, fostering international collaboration and the exchange of diverse perspectives;
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A one-year mentoring cycle, with self-organized meetings tailored to the mentee's goals and availability;
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Access to existing online training opportunities provided by ENHANCE institutions and partners, focused on supporting researchers in STEM;
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Opportunities for cross-border networking and community building among mentors and mentees;
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Inclusion of alumni in leadership positions outside academia as mentors, offering valuable insights into non-academic career paths;
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Use of an evaluation tool to identify mentees’ needs, specifically the Extended DISC® behavioural assessment.
Extended DISC® – Supporting Self-Understanding and Growth
As part of the onboarding process, mentees will be invited to complete an Extended DISC® assessment. This internationally recognized diagnostic tool examines human behavioural styles and is designed to enhance self-awareness, communication, and relationship-building.
The tool helps:
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Improve communication between mentor and mentee;
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Identify personal strengths and behavioural preferences;
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Support more efficient collaboration and goal-setting during the mentoring relationship;
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Enable individuals to perform better with less time and effort.
The Extended DISC® model is based on the work of Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung. First introduced in Finland in 1994, it has since been used by over 1 million people in around 40 countries. In Poland, the tool has been applied since 2003 in a wide range of professional development contexts.
🗂️ Programme Structure
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Programme Concept Development: A comprehensive framework guides the mentoring process, outlining roles, expectations, and recommended timelines.
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Dedicated Webpage Launch: All programme details, application instructions, and resources are made accessible via a central platform.
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Online Kick-Off Event: An official launch event introduces participants to the programme, its objectives, and its tools.
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Open Call for Mentors and Mentees: Applications are coordinated centrally, with emphasis on commitment, compatibility, and motivation.
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Matching Process: Mentor-mentee pairs are carefully matched across institutions and countries, ensuring a meaningful and diverse exchange.
🎯 Programme Objectives
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Support early-stage researchers in STEM by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to advance in their careers;
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Offer guidance on essential topics such as research methodologies, grant writing, publishing, career planning, and leadership development;
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Foster cross-institutional and international collaboration, enhancing professional networks and exposure to diverse academic cultures;
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Promote mutual learning and cultural exchange through mentor-mentee pairings from different countries and research contexts.
💡 Potential Benefits for Mentees
Through participation in the programme, mentees can expect a wide range of personal and professional benefits. Regular exchange with an experienced mentor provides targeted support on specific research and career-related questions, offering clarity and direction during a crucial stage of their development. The mentoring relationship helps mentees shape their future career paths not only within their national context but also in a broader European and international landscape.
By engaging in cross-border dialogue, mentees gain new perspectives on research cultures and practices, and gradually strengthen their language and intercultural communication skills. The mentoring process fosters personal growth and confidence, while simultaneously enhancing problem-solving skills through collaborative reflection and feedback. It also serves as a powerful opportunity to expand their academic and professional networks across Europe, connecting them to peers, mentors, and institutions they might not otherwise encounter. In addition, participating in such a structured mentoring programme adds valuable experience to their CV, demonstrating initiative, openness to international engagement, and a commitment to long-term career development.
