Mentoring isn't a program. It's people.
At some point in our lives, we all find ourselves in situations where the most valuable support comes from talking to someone who has been through a similar experience. That is the essence of mentoring – a safe space for sharing experience, offering support, and navigating important moments in one’s professional life.
Returning to academic research after parental leave is about much more than paperwork or time management. Often, what makes the greatest difference is something much simpler – the opportunity to talk to someone who has already been through a similar experience. This is the essence of mentoring: creating a safe space for sharing experience, mutual support, and building confidence.
At the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, we decided to introduce mentoring where it could have an immediate and meaningful impact – supporting researchers in balancing parenthood with an academic career. Thanks to the ESF+ project, we were able to design the mentoring framework and lay the foundations for a programme that can later be expanded to support other groups of employees.
The response confirmed that this support was genuinely needed. Shortly after the programme was launched, the first two expectant mothers came forward, looking for someone they could openly talk to about balancing parenthood with the continuation of their research careers. Within a short time, we also found the first two mentors, who generously offered their time, experience, and willingness to support them through this important stage of their lives.
Mentee:
"It was incredibly valuable to talk to someone from our own academic environment who had gone through a similar experience not so long ago. My mentor's openness and willingness to discuss these topics meant a great deal to me, and I am truly grateful for her support."
Mentor:
"My mentee shared her experiences, concerns, and expectations about balancing parenthood with working in her research team. Our conversations reminded me that many researchers still encounter stereotypes and have their abilities questioned because they become parents. More than anything, I felt she needed someone who would listen, understand, and reassure her that her concerns were valid."
We believe this is just the beginning. Mentoring has the potential to support colleagues in many other situations as well – from early-career researchers to newly appointed team leaders.
The success of programmes like this does not depend on guidelines or procedures alone. It depends on people who are willing to share their experience, offer their time, and support others. That is why we would be delighted to welcome more colleagues to join our community of mentors.
If you would like to help make the Faculty of Science a place where people support one another through important professional and life transitions, we would love to hear from you. Join us in building a culture where experience is shared, support is natural, and no one has to face major career transitions alone.
