13 Feb 2023On 27 January 2023, the ARC Early Career Researchers (ECR) Network held a “Predoctoral Speed Mentoring” breakfast to support predoctoral professionals and students to learn more about careers in research in health and social care.
The morning included a breakfast, a speed mentoring session, information about next steps, and further networking time. Mentees were asked to come prepared with questions or ideas they wanted to explore in the session, such as feedback on their research ideas, or the transition from other careers into research. Mentors included current PhD students and early career researchers and academics, allowing for an informal atmosphere. Mentors sat around the room, and mentees circulated between them in 6 8-minute long conversation pairings.
Feedback from the event was very positive; both mentees and mentors felt welcomed and enjoyed the opportunity to meet different people and discuss their future research plans. There were several calls for more time in the future for both mentor sessions and networking.
Find out more about the event here.
The ARC ECR Network is a pan-London network of early career applied health researchers and health and care professionals across the ARC and partner Trusts/organisations. The network was established to provide a supportive and inclusive space for peer support for researchers, students, health and care professionals and those working in applied health research, and provide an opportunity for members to develop wider academic skills and networks. Find out more about the Network and its activities here.