Supporting research

For a mentee, mentoring is likely to assist the establishment of their research profile by:

• Provide support and encouragement
• Draw on the mentor's expertise to assist the mentee to develop a personal research plan and objectives
• Help the mentee to monitor the achievement of objectives and outcomes
• Provide constructive feedback on, and act as a sounding board to explore ideas and issues arising from, the research being carried out
• Read and comment on draft papers for publication and offering advice and guidance on suitable journals in which to publish
• Provide guidance on funding opportunities and collaborators as appropriate
• Comment on draft grant applications
• Provide guidance on supervising research students
• Develop a career plan, understanding promotions criteria and indicators of national and international esteem

Skills and behaviours needed

Many aspects of mentoring will depend on the particular subject discipline and the area of research of the individual. However, typical aspects could include:

• Focussing on a manageable research agenda
• Advice on their publication strategy and suitable outlets for research outputs
• Transform research ideas into projects that could attract external research funding
• Advice on funding sources
• Planning a longer term research agenda
• Ensuring the mentee is aware of support within the department and the University for making grant applications
• Suggesting internal and external contacts/potential collaborators
• Encouragement to attend key conferences in order to gain new research ideas and make new contacts

A primary role of a mentor is to provide encouragement for the mentee's research plans and activities. It is important for mentors to assist their mentee with time planning and management, suggesting timescales for achieving agreed objectives and checking that these are met. New lecturers on probation should have specific research objectives to achieve during their probationary period, for example, gaining an externally funded research award, publishing two articles etc. It may help to break down higher level objectives into a number of more detailed objectives with agreed timescales.

Mentors should have, and be willing to make available, appropriate time to meet with their Mentee and to read draft written work or grant proposals as appropriate. They can also assist the mentee in connecting with other colleagues who may be able to provide assistance.