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Mentoringový program Univerzity Pardubice

Supports the professional and personal development of doctoral students, postdocs and early-career academic staff through individual and peer mentoring and group training events.

Who is it for?

Doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers and early-career academics

About the program

Mentoringový program Univerzity Pardubice focuses on supporting the professional and personal development of doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers and early-stage academic and research staff. Its aims are to strengthen research potential, creativity and motivation, boost confidence in addressing professional challenges, and assist with career planning in science and research.

Forms of support

Individual mentoring – one-on-one consultations with an experienced mentor focused on career goals, research and teaching practice, administrative or interpersonal issues, stays abroad or building professional contacts.
Peer mentoring – less formal support among colleagues, for example experienced doctoral students advising newcomers or help adapting to a research group.
Group training events – seminars, lectures and workshops mainly aimed at developing soft skills and sharing experiences among participants.

What participants gain

systematic support for planning a research career and setting goals;
practical advice on research and teaching activities;
tools for managing administrative and interpersonal situations in a research environment;
opportunities to build professional contacts and share experiences with colleagues;
options to develop soft skills through workshops and seminars.

Organization and continuity

The program was established as part of the university's HR development strategy and continues to provide systematic support to early-career researchers. It runs during the academic year (usually from October to June) and each cycle begins with an introductory workshop to help define areas of work and expectations between mentee and mentor. Mentors may come from various departments or faculties or be professionals outside the university; the university maintains an overview of available mentors.

Why join

The program offers a structured and flexible support framework tailored to the needs of early-career researchers — from individual orientation to collective skills development. It is suitable for those who want to improve academic performance, expand professional networks or gain practical tools for balancing work and personal life.