The EPSS Diversity Committee is happy to announce the launch of our mentoring program. This initiative builds on the success of this scheme by the LGBTQ+ group in previous years.

The EPSS Mentoring Program is a new initiative designed  to develop a new network of contacts within the EPSS community.  Our mentoring program is designed to support professional development, foster connections across career stages, and strengthen our community. By pairing mentees with experienced mentors, the program aims to provide guidance, advice, and encouragement throughout the year. The mentoring program is described in detail below in the Frequently Asked Questions.

Please note: The 2026 application deadline is March 31, with the goal of finalizing the matchings in April. The inaugural mentorship program will run from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027.

If you are interested in joining our program either as a mentor or mentee (or both), please fill out our survey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is eligible to participate as a mentee?

The program is open to all EPSS members. Anyone may register as a mentee regardless of seniority, with the assurance that each mentee will be matched with a mentor at the same or a more advanced career stage.

Who can serve as a mentor?

The program is open to all EPSS members. Anyone may register as a mentor regardless of seniority, with the assurance that each mentee will be matched with a mentor at the same or a more advanced career stage.

Can I apply as both a mentee and a mentor?

Yes. If you wish to do so, please complete the survey twice—once selecting the mentee role and once selecting the mentor role at the beginning of the survey.

How will mentor–mentee assignments be determined?

All participants are asked to complete the mentorship program survey. Assignments will then be made using an algorithmic matching process, ensuring that the best possible pairings are identified based on survey responses from both mentees and mentors.

What criteria will be used for matching?

Matches are based on the information participants provide in the mentorship program survey. The algorithm takes into account career stage, research interests, and the areas where mentees seek guidance and mentors can provide support. Preferences for mentoring format, availability, and experience with specific groups are also considered to help ensure well-fitting pairings.

How many mentees will each mentor be assigned?

By default, each mentor is paired with one mentee. However, mentors may indicate a willingness to work with two mentees.

When will participants be informed about their mentor–mentee match?

Assignments will be communicated in late April via email.

How long does the program run?

The program is designed as a one-year commitment, from May 2026 through April 2027. However, we hope that mentor-mentee pairs will find it valuable to continue their exchange informally beyond the official program period.

What is the expected time commitment?

Mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet at least twice a year (approximately one hour each).

What are the responsibilities of mentees?

• Complete the mentorship program survey carefully to support good matching
• Initiate or help coordinate meetings with the mentor
• Be open to feedback, advice, and professional guidance

What are the responsibilities of mentors?

• Complete the mentorship program survey carefully to support good matching
• Commit to the one-year mentoring relationship
• Provide guidance, feedback, and support tailored to the mentee’s needs

What happens if a mentor–mentee match does not work out?

Matches will be announced to mentees first, who will then have one week to raise any concerns or oppose their assigned mentor.

If any issues arise later in the mentoring relationship, please contact the EPSS Diversity Committee at diversity@epssnet.org. The committee will work with you to resolve issues and, if necessary, explore rematching options.

Will everyone be matched?

For mentees, we will make every reasonable effort to provide a suitable match based on the information submitted in the annual mentorship survey. While we cannot guarantee a match in all cases, especially when highly specific preferences are indicated, our goal is to match all mentees.

For mentors, we aim to assign at least one mentee to everyone who volunteers to serve. However, actual assignments depend on the balance between mentor availability and mentee demand in a given year, so matches cannot be guaranteed.

How will my data be stored and used?

All data collected through the mentorship program survey will be handled in accordance with the data protection policy that mentor and mentee candidates agree to when starting the mentorship program survey.

Survey responses will be stored securely and used exclusively for administering the mentoring program, including matching mentors and mentees. Access to the data is restricted to members of the EPSS Diversity Committee. Data will be retained only for as long as necessary to complete the matching process and manage the current program cycle, after which it will be deleted.

Participants may revoke their consent to data processing at any time. To do so, please contact the EPSS Diversity Committee at diversity@epssnet.org. Revocation will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal but may limit our ability to include you in the program.

Contact

To get in touch with the EPSS Diversity Committee, please visit the Diversity Committee webpage or contact us directly at diversity@epssnet.org.