FNP Mentoring

The programme aims to help early-career researchers working in Poland build connections and mentoring relationships with more experienced scholars (mentors). These relationships are meant to support the mentees in making informed decisions about their professional development and strengthen the skills they need to navigate the research and R&D environment effectively.

The programme also promotes knowledge sharing and fosters the development of interpersonal skills for both mentees and mentors. Another important goal is to strengthen the sense of community among FNP awardees.

An individual may become a mentee if they meet both of the following criteria:

1.     They have received the START scholarship within two years since applying for the programme;

2.     They are conducting research in Poland, meaning they meet at least one of the following conditions:
• They are employed by an institution based in Poland whose statutory objectives include conducting scientific research or development work;
• They have completed doctoral school, and no more than 12 months have passed since they were awarded their doctoral degree;
• They are currently enrolled in a doctoral programme in Poland.

Mentors in the programme are awardees of FNP programmes (in particular: FIRST TEAM, TEAM, TEAM TECH, MAB, Monographs, MPD, Welcome, FNP Prize, MASTER, Ideas for Poland, Homing, and Kolumb).

A mentor does not need to be an active researcher – they may bring other types of experience, such as in business or research commercialization.

The mentoring relationship within the programme takes place outside the hierarchical structures typical of academic institutions. Participation – both for the mentor and the mentee – is entirely voluntary and based on mutual independence. The relationship is meant to encourage open, honest dialogue, free from elements such as evaluation, supervision, or disciplinary authority that often characterize formal relationships between supervisors and subordinates, or between early-career researchers and their academic advisors.

In this context, mentoring can cover a wide range of career-related topics. It may involve choosing a research focus or location, taking on new challenges, managing a research project or team, developing a supportive work environment, and more. The programme can help mentees explore new scientific fields or research areas different from those they have previously worked in. It can also support those considering a career path outside academia.

Mentoring may center on achieving a specific professional goal or serve as a tool for broader career development – often encompassing both aspects.

Defining the specific goals of the mentoring relationship is the responsibility of both the mentor and the mentee.

Currently, the Foundation is running a pilot edition of the programme, which will include up to 15 mentoring pairs. The mentoring process may last from 9 to 12 months. Each pair is expected to meet at least 4 times, but no more than 10 times throughout the programme. Most meetings will likely take place remotely; however, in-person meetings are strongly encouraged as part of the mentoring experience.

The Foundation offers financial support for up to two in-person meetings, covering travel and accommodation costs for the participant who needs to travel within Poland.

Both mentors and mentees will participate in an introductory training focused on skills relevant to building effective mentoring relationships. The Foundation will also provide access to an external expert who can offer supervision and support when needed during the mentoring process.

At the end of the collaboration, each pair will be asked to prepare a summary of their work together. Participants will also be invited to actively contribute to the programme’s evaluation.

To participate in the programme as a mentor, candidates must complete an application form providing information about themselves, their achievements, and interests. Mentee candidates apply by filling out an application form and indicating their mentor preferences based on available mentor profiles.

The Foundation does not evaluate candidates on substantive grounds, leaving the decision to enter into a mentoring relationship to the mentors and mentee applicants themselves.

In the pilot edition, FNP will select up to 15 mentoring pairs. The Foundation’s Board will decide which pairs qualify for the programme, but only after receiving applications from at least 10 mentoring pairs. If fewer than 10 mentoring pair applications arrive by the deadline, the Board may decide not to launch the programme or to postpone its start until the Foundation receives at least 10 applications.

Before beginning the mentoring relationship, participants must sign an agreement that enables reimbursement of certain meeting-related costs.

The first step involves the mentor and mentee developing a collaboration plan, which they must submit to the Foundation.

At the end of the programme, both mentees and mentors will provide summaries outlining, among other things, the outcomes of the mentoring and the extent to which the goals were achieved.

The mentor recruitment for the pilot edition has now closed.  The Foundation will announce dates for future calls after the pilot edition of the programme.