The SDN Mentorship Scheme seeks to establish a supportive research network for postgraduate and early career researchers (up to 7 years post-PhD) by connecting them with mid- and late-career scholars. Details of how to apply to join the scheme can be found below.
This network will enhance the Society’s provision of a lively forum and fruitful cooperation between researchers working on similar topics or using similar methods in their research on French and Francophone studies in the long nineteenth century (1789-1914). Furthermore, it fosters dynamic relationships between institutions, broadening the academic networks of everyone involved. Connecting early career scholars as mentees with more senior colleagues in different institutions will provide our PGR and ECR community with practical advice on research skills, publication, preparing and delivering papers, creating teaching resources, and grant applications. Working as a mentor will be beneficial and rewarding for more senior scholars by connecting them into the SDN’s international network of scholars, providing new opportunities for collaborations and the exchange of knowledge.
The mentorship scheme is not designed to replace PGR supervision, nor is it to become an onerous commitment of time and resources. Instead, it should be a mutually interesting and beneficial exchange, which supports junior colleagues; enhances and develops research; and advances the study of the nineteenth century.
Role of the mentee:
- Keep in contact with your mentor
- Ask for advice and arrange meetings
- Remember that your mentor acts in a voluntary capacity, and be respectful of their time
Role of the mentor:
- Listen, encourage, and ask questions
- Advise and guide within areas of expertise
- Be supportive and offer friendly advice where appropriate
In joining the scheme, mentors and mentees agree to adhere to a Code of Ethics, which can be found here: https://uksdn.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SDN-Code-of-Ethics.pdf
The application process:
- Fill in the Expression of Interest form.
- On receipt of your application, the SDN will be in touch with a proposed mentee/mentor pairing, and a copy of the Code of Ethics which you must read and accept to participate in the scheme. Please note that the pairing process may take some time and is dependent on there being a suitable match for your research interests and needs.
- Once you have been matched within the scheme, introduce yourself to your new mentor/mentee as soon as possible! Please arrange a virtual or face-to-face conversation to discuss your mutual expectations and come to a clear agreement on how the mentoring relationship should work.
- If you are happy with your pairing, and wish to proceed with the Scheme, please email the Postgraduate and Early Career Researcher Representative, copying each other in, confirming your participation in the Scheme.
Applications will open in the Autumn of each calendar year. Mentorships will by default last one year, starting from January of the following calendar year. If mentors and mentees wish to continue the mentorship, then they may note this in their application for the following year. The mentorship may be dissolved mid-year with the consent of both the mentor and the mentee, on notification of the Postgraduate and Early Career Researcher Representative. Please note this is a high-demand scheme, and we may not be able to assign everyone a mentor. If you can no longer participate in the scheme, please let us know as soon as possible. Preference will be given to ECR colleagues who no longer benefit from formal supervisory arrangements. We would encourage you to let us know how the scheme is going for you, and to inform us of any issues that may arise in the relationship. Mentees should reapply each Autumn – if you would like to continue with the same mentor, please inform us of this in your application.
Participation in the Mentorship Scheme is contingent on membership of SDN. To become a member of the Society, please visit the Membership section of the website.