What is it?
The RethinkBlue COST Action program matches senior researchers (mentors) with early career researchers (mentees) to foster professional development and international connections in the blue economy sector.
Purpose
The program aims to facilitate knowledge transfer and mutual learning. Mentors can help mentees in areas such as professional choices, research methodologies, project management, publication processes, and specific topics within the blue economy. This initiative allows mentees to gain insights from experienced researchers, while mentors can refine their teaching and leadership skills.
Who can participate?
Any member of the RethinkBlue COST Action interested in participating as a mentor or mentee can join the program.
How to participate?
Fill out the application form here.
Application Deadline: October 31th
Program Structure
- Orientation Session: An initial orientation session will be held for mentors and mentees to explain the program’s goals, expectations, and guidelines.
- Mentoring Agreement: Mentors and mentees will complete and sign the “Mentoring Agreement”.
- Meetings: Mentors and mentees commit to meeting at least 4-5 times, virtually or face-to-face (e.g., during conferences or events).
- Final Meeting: The program ends with a joint virtual meeting in May to share insights, feedback, and evaluate the program.
- End-of-Program Evaluation: A comprehensive evaluation and report will be conducted at the end of the program.
- Certification: Certificates of participation will be awarded to mentors and mentees who complete the program.
Timeline
- Application Deadline: October 31th
- Matching Process: November-December
- First 1:1 Meeting: Before the end of January
- Program Duration: Approx.? 6 months
- Program Evaluation: June
Matching Process
The program committee will match mentors and mentees based on their expressed interests and research fields. To facilitate this, mentors should provide a “mentor profile” including:
- A brief professional background
- Key areas of expertise
- Previous and current research projects
- Specific topics of interest for mentoring
With the aim of promoting internationalization and the creation of European networks, we will try to ensure that mentor-mentee pairs are not from the same country.
Mentors and mentees can suggest specific matches, but it is not guaranteed.
Mentors and mentees may request a change of partner if there is no communication within the first month, and they will be assigned a new mentor/mentee if that is possible.
Benefits
- Topic Discussions: Tailored to the mentor-mentee pair’s learning needs and goals.
- Guidance and Development: Personalized guidance on professional development, career questions, research methodologies, project execution, and academic writing.
- Mutual Learning: Exchange of ideas fostering a collaborative learning environment.
- Networking: Build valuable international connections within the RethinkBlue community.
1:1 Mentor-Mentee Programme Organizing Team 2025-2026:
- Lluis Miret Pastor
- Sanja Bozic
Contact for Questions
Luis Miret Pastor: luimipas@upv.es
