Eligibility:
Our STBBI mentorship program is intended for ECPs within 7 years of their last degree including senior PhD students, postdoctoral scientists, clinical researchers, and research associates. Assistant professors who are within 3 years of their first academic appointment are also eligible. Priority will be given to individuals who are at key transition phases in their careers and are able to attend the pre-conference symposium in Spring 2027.

The Process:
Candidates applying to the mentorship program will indicate their current position, career goals, interest in the program, and identify suggested mentors. Mentors will be established STI researchers working in Canada, with a strong record of supervising trainees and evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Successful applicants will be matched with one of their suggested mentors for a one-year mentorship program. Each pair will form their own relationship focussed on the needs of the mentee, which may include mentorship for funding applications, teaching, career trajectory, work-life balance and more. Pairs are recommended to meet virtually every two months and will be encouraged to attend two group virtual meetings with all mentor-mentee pairs to monitor progress and facilitate network building. Mentor-mentee pairs will be encouraged to continue their mentorship relationship beyond the one-year program. 

Program Benefits:
Mentee-mentor pairs will be featured on the IUSTI-Canada website. Mentees will have the opportunity to present a seminar for the IUSTI-Canada Webinar series, which will be moderated by their mentor. In addition, mentees and their mentors will be invited to attend an IUSTI-Canada STI Pre-Conference Symposium held at a Canadian STI Meeting in Spring-Summer 2027. Funding support for mentees to attend the Pre-Conference Symposium will be provided by IUSTI-Canada (up to $2000 per mentee). This in-person event will provide mentees with opportunities for in-person engagement with their mentor, networking with other STBBI researchers and exposure to educational content that advances their professional development. At the symposium, mentees will participate in an ECR research showcase to present their work.