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Mentoringový program Biologického centra AV ČR

Individual mentoring for PhD students and postdocs at the Biological Centre, focused on career development, goal setting, and connections with experienced mentors from the Czech Republic and abroad.

Who is it for?

PhD students and postdoctoral researchers at the Biological Centre

About the program

The Mentoring Program of the Biological Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences provides long-term, individual support to early-career researchers through experienced mentors from the Biological Centre or other research institutions in the Czech Republic and Europe. Its aim is to accelerate professional development, assist with career planning, and offer independent feedback and professional contacts.

Who it's for

The program is primarily intended for active PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working at the Biological Centre, but its principles are also useful for other early-career researchers in the biological sciences.

How the program runs

Introductory workshop led by experts (e.g., from the Institute of Psychology of the Czech Academy of Sciences) to identify and set personal and professional goals.
Mentor selection: the mentee can find a mentor independently or receive help from organizers with matching; mentors may be internal or external (Czech Republic and abroad).
Mentoring: regular meetings in person or online, and email or phone communication as needed and agreed by both parties.
Mobility options: with foreign mentors, work visits can be planned; travel costs may be covered from project funds (e.g., in connection with the ABERA program).
Final evaluation: a joint meeting to assess achievement of the goals set at the introductory workshop.

Benefits

For mentees: gain experience, faster orientation in an academic career, clear goal setting, motivation, impartial feedback and expanded professional contacts.
For mentors: expand professional contacts, participate in developing a new generation of scientists, reflect on their own practice and improve communication skills.

Practical information

The program is highly individual, typically runs for the duration of employment at the Biological Centre, and the frequency of contact is agreed between mentor and mentee. Support materials are available, such as handbooks for mentees and mentors, a career development plan, a list of mentors and annual reports. The program is part of the Biological Centre's activities and is co-financed from project funds aimed at increasing the excellence of the research and innovation environment.