Early Career Mentoring Program

1. About the Program
Purpose, scope, eligibility criteria, and program structure

2. Principles and Expectations
Ethics, confidentiality, and the scope of mentorship (what it is and is not)

3. Application
Mentor application button, mentee application button

4. FAQ

1.      ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Program Objective

The TAOM Early Career Mentorship Program aims to:

·         Support the academic development of early-career researchers,

·         Facilitate meaningful engagement with experienced scholars,

·         Promote ethical and safe mentor–mentee relationships,

·         Strengthen participants’ academic and professional networks,

·         Provide guidance on publication, research design, career planning, and academic orientation. 

Who Can Apply?

For Mentee Applications

The program is open to:

• Researchers currently pursuing a PhD,

• Researchers who have completed their PhD within the last 10 years.

For Mentor Applications

Mentor candidates are expected to:

• Have substantial experience in their academic field,

• Preferably hold the title of Associate Professor or higher,

• Possess the academic competence and ethical awareness required to guide early-career researchers.

The final evaluation is conducted by the TAOM Mentor-Mentee Selection and Matching Committee.

How the Program Works

The program may be conducted in either one-on-one or group mentoring formats.

Matching is carried out based on:

·         research areas,

·         academic interests,

·         development needs,

·         expectations from mentoring,

·         areas of potential contribution

Meetings may be held online and/or in person. The program duration is approximately one year, with the possibility of extension upon justified request.

Topics Covered Within the Program:

Mentoring sessions may include the following topics:

·         Research planning

·         Methodological discussions

·         Academic writing and publication strategies

·         Academic career planning

·         Networking and academic visibility

·         Project development and research direction

·         Peer review processes, journal selection, and publication procedures

2.      PRINCIPLES AND EXPECTATIONS

Core Principles of the Program

The TAOM Early Career Mentoring Program is based on the following principles:

·         Ethical and professional communication

·         Mutual respect

·         Voluntary participation

·         Structured and goal-oriented meetings

·         Confidentiality and protection of personal data

·         Transparent matching and evaluation processes

What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is a structured development relationship in which an experienced academic provides guidance to an early-career researcher in areas such as academic orientation, intellectual development, publication strategy, and career planning.

What Mentoring Is Not?

This program:

·         Does not replace thesis supervision

·         Does not guarantee employment, scholarships, or funding

·         Does not include a commitment to co-authoring publications

·         Does not offer promises of evaluation, appointment, or tenure promises

·         Does not constitute psychological or legal counseling services

Responsibilities of Mentors

Mentors are expected to:

·         Sharing their experience and knowledge

·         Provide constructive academic guidance

·         Maintain regular and professional communication

·         Act in accordance with ethical standards

·         Participation in program – related evaluation process

Mentors are not obligated to secure funding, scholarships, or employment opportunities for mentees.

Responsibilities of Mentees

Mentees are expected to:

·         Actively participate in the program

·         Organize and follow up on meetings

·         Set clear and realistic goals

·         Come prepared to meetings

Comply with the program’s ethical and confidentiality principles

Monitoring and Evaluation

The program is monitored through feedback collected from both mentors and mentees at mid-term and upon completion. Re-matching may be conducted where deemed necessary.

Ethics, Confidentiality, and Protection of Personal Data

Personal data shared within the scope of the program is processed solely for the purposes of application, matching, communication, and coordination. All data will be protected in accordance with applicable legislation and based on explicit consent principles. All participants are responsible for maintaining confidentiality and respecting professional boundaries throughout the program.

Complaints and Dispute Mechanism

Any ethical violations, inappropriate conduct, or process-related concerns may be submitted in writing to the TAOM Mentor–Mentee Selection and Matching Committee. All submissions will be reviewed and evaluated in accordance with the applicable procedures.

3.      APPLICATION

Applications for the TAOM Early Career Mentoring Program are now open.
To apply as a mentor or mentee, please complete the relevant application form below.

4.      FAQ (THIS IS THE FOURTH MAIN SECTION, FOLLOWING THE APPLICATION SECTION)

·         How long does the program last?

The program duration is approximately one year. Extensions may be requested if deemed necessary and appropriate.

·         How often are mentoring sessions held?

The frequency of meetings is determined jointly by the mentor and mentee. Meetings are expected to be conducted on a regular basis.

·         Is the program conducted online?

The program can be conducted online and/or in person.

·         Is acceptance into the program guaranteed?

No. Applications are evaluated based on availability, eligibility, and matching criteria.

·         Will the mentor provide me with a publication, job, or scholarship?

No. The program is designed to provide guidance and academic development support. It does not guarantee employment, funding, scholarships, or publication outcomes.