Mentoring program for cancer researchers

Next application: 12.12.2022 – 12.01.2023

Researchers focusing on cancer research from both clinical and basic research groups can apply for the mentoring program.

Apply by filling in the electronic form (link below). In the application form, you must tell about yourself and characterize and describe the person you would like to be your mentoring partner. In addition, you can suggest 1–3 people with justification, whom you would like as your mentoring pair. You don’t have to contact the people by yourself. Based on the application, the working group gets a picture of you, your interests, and what you expect from the mentoring program. A CV (.pdf/.doc/.docx) is saved as an attachment to the application form.

When registering, please note that participation in the 2023 program requires participation in the opening seminar on February 8, the intermediate seminar on May 3, and the closing seminar on September 12, as well as active interaction with your mentoring partner (usually 5-6 meetings during the program).

>> Link to the application form

The questions on the application form are in English. The answers to the form and the CV can be written in either Finnish or English. The form asks separately about readiness to participate in the mentoring program in English and/or Finnish.

The stages of mentoring

The application for the 2023 mentoring program for cancer researchers is open from 12.12.2022 to 12.1.2023 (application form). The pairs will be matched in January 2023, and those participating in the program will receive information about their pair at the end of January.

The program will start in February 2023 with an introductory seminar for mentor pairs. In the introductory seminar the focus will be on getting to know your pair, agree on common rules for mentoring and get some ideas for a successful mentoring process. The pairs receive a mentoring guide to support their work, which contains activating tips and other information about mentoring. The structure of the mentoring program for cancer researchers differs from the traditional mentor-actor type of mentoring. In this program, pairs of equal experience are formed, one from the basic research side and the other from the clinical research side.

Together, the mentor pair searches for topics and themes that both want to address during the process and together they create a plan for their work. At the very beginning, it is especially important to discuss the goals of mentoring for both parties. The process is supported all the way by the mentoring expert of the University of Turku and the support team of the FICAN West.

Over the course of six months, the mentor pairs arrange regular one-on-one meetings on their own, and discuss the themes they agree on together.

At the end of the mentoring cycle, the entire program is reflected. The duration of the mentoring program is about half a year. The mentor pair can, of course, continue meeting each other outside the program if they wish.

The mentoring program includes at least three seminars common to all, which are attended by all pairs and coordinators participating in the program:

Opening seminar (instructions for the mentoring program and getting to know the couple)

Intermediate seminar (Exchange of affiliations and peer support from other couples)

Closing seminar (reflecting on the entire process and gathering ideas together)

In addition to these meetings, theme seminars can be organized according to the wishes of the participants.

Meetings of mentoring pairs

Between the joint seminars, the mentoring pairs meet each other regularly.

In order to get enough benefit from mentoring, we recommend that couples meet at least five times. On average, mentoring pairs meet 5-6 times during the program. Couples agree on their meeting schedule independently. It’s best to agree on times well in advance, even at the first meeting.

It is worth sticking to the agreed meetings, as constant cancellations can weaken the motivation of the parties to maintain the mentoring relationship. Mentoring is based on a bilateral interaction relationship, the cornerstones of which are mutual openness, trust and commitment.

Mentoring pairs are allowed to shape their way of meeting and working, and choose the meeting place that suits them best. It has been found to be a good practice, for example, to wrap the conversation around certain themes at each meeting.

You should also reserve enough time for the meetings, about one and a half to two hours. The most common meeting places have been at either’s workplace, cafeteria and university’s general facilities, but the framework of the meetings is limited only by imagination.

Mentoring pairs can also visit each other’s units or even combine meetings around a common interest unrelated to research and work, such as fishing, cycling or a walk.

Mentoring is a voluntary activity where working experts share their experiences and support each other in thinking about working life and professional development.

Peer mentoring is based on an equal interaction relationship, where the mentor pair shares knowledge and experiences from work. The goal is to support learning at work and strengthen well-being at work. In the mentoring program for cancer researchers, it is also central that one of the pairs comes from the clinical and the other from the basic research group. Here the goal is to get tacit knowledge forward and used, develop research work practices and make different work cultures familiar. A mentoring relationship is built on mutual openness, trust and commitment.

Mentoring pairs:

• encourage and support each other in relation to working life, the future or skill development.
• develop their own interaction and cooperation skills.
• share their knowledge and experiences from working life.
• support the couple in creating networks.
• ask questions and give their partner space for their own reflection and handling of issues.
• give constructive feedback and present their own point of view.
• are interested in learning new things.

At its best, mentoring gives you:

• in matters related to the interlocutor’s work and working life.
• a clearer picture of your own work and competence.
• increases work motivation.
• feel good about supporting another.
• new information and fresh perspectives on your own work.
• new networks.
• new interaction, control and management skills.
• a good connection to the regional cancer research network

How much time does participating take?

Each mentoring pair plans their meeting program independently.

According to our experience

• mentoring pairs meet 5-6 times during the mentoring program.
• the duration of meetings is usually approx. 1.5 hours.
• some of the meetings can be replaced by e.g. phone or Skype conversations.

The mentoring program includes three seminars common to all participants, the duration of which is 1-2 hours.

The rules of the game are one of the most important things that the mentoring pair should agree upon right at the beginning of the process.

With the help of the rules, the parties know what the other expects and requires, and how to act in different situations. Both also know their own responsibilities, duties and tasks in the process.

Agree on at least these:

• Meetings: How often do we meet? How long at a time? Where shall we meet?
• Themes: Are the themes of the meetings agreed together in advance or do you choose the themes in turn and announce them before each meeting?
• Communication: How do you communicate with each other between meetings?
• Roles: The roles and responsibilities of the parties in the mentoring relationship.

Mentoring, UTU