míde mentor programme

The míde research consortium is launching a mentoring initiative to strengthen the pipeline of women researchers into senior academic and research leadership roles in sport and exercise science. Funded by the HEA through the theme of Enhancing the Role of Males as ‘Champions of Change’ in and through Sport initiative the programme aims to foster cross-institutional collaboration, gender equity awareness, and leadership development among early career academics.

Context

Mentoring is ultimately about supporting people.  It involves a relationship where a more experienced individual (the mentor) supports the learning, growth, and career progression of a less experienced colleague (the mentee). It involves asking good questions, listening and being in someone’s corner. Mentoring starts with self-awareness, where through trust and rapport, a mentor supports a mentee to develop autonomy, agency and confidence in their own personal and professional development.  Within academia, mentoring is recognised as a key enabler of professional development, confidence building, and leadership readiness — particularly for early career researchers navigating complex institutional and disciplinary environments.

Engaging in mentoring offers benefits for both mentors and mentees.

• For mentees, it provides access to mentors who can support, question and listen to help them find their own solutions and path.

• For mentors, it provides an opportunity to take early career researchers/academics forward and develop skills that they already have in their work environment.

A good mentoring relationship is based on authenticity, trust, openness, and curiosity. It involves both mentors and mentees committing to developing a relationship where good mentoring skills can have a positive impact. On some occasions, a mentor and mentee may not be a good fit for each other and in these instances, it is important to acknowledge this and reassess the mentoring arrangement.

Programme Aims

• To promote gender equality and inclusive leadership in sport and exercise science among current and future academics and researchers.

• To engage senior male and female leaders as mentors who can act as champions of change.

• To provide mentorship opportunities that support early career women and men researchers and academics in developing their professional trajectories.

• To create a platform for reflection and dialogue on barriers and enablers to women’s progression in higher education and research.

Programme Structure

Opening Masterclass

A specialist-led session introducing participants to the basics of mentoring, including the development of self-awareness, how to mentor, developing trust and rapport, questioning and listening skills, and ultimately giving participants the confidence to engage in mentoring.

Mentoring Phase

Participants:

• Mentors: 10-12 senior (Dean/HoD/Professor/Senior Lecturer/Mid-Late Career Researcher) male and female leaders from higher education institutions (HEIs) across the island of Ireland.

• Mentees: 10-12 early career women and men researchers or academics (including members of the míde postgraduate network).

Format:

4-6 one-to-one conversations tailored to mentees’ development goals.

Optional peer reflection sessions and networking opportunities facilitated by the míde research consortium.

Closing Masterclass & Reflection Session

A concluding event to share learning, highlight outcomes, and celebrate participant contributions.

Evaluation and Outputs

The programme will be evaluated using pre- and post-programme online data collection, exploring:

• Initial expectations and perceived outcomes.

• Post-programme experiences and reflections of mentors and mentees.

• Specific insights from male mentors and mentees regarding challenges faced by women in HEIs.

Outputs will include:

• A short video narrative documenting the programme.

• A publication outlining key findings and recommendations.

Application

Mentors can apply here: míde mentoring programme - mentor expression of interest form  – Fill in form

Mentees can apply here: míde mentoring programme - mentee expression of interest – Fill in form

Closing date for applications is December 19th at 8pm