![Sample our Education journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5932/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Education.jpg"})
Abstract
In this article, we discuss a study of a pilot mentoring program for early career female researchers at a university that addressed the under-representation of female researchers in senior academic positions. Embracing a grounded theory approach, we draw on a design comprising an ex-ante and an ex-post evaluation. We disclose that development mentoring was at play. Benefits for the mentees consisted of guidance to career planning, competence awareness, establishment of networks, navigating in the research environment, and moral support. In our study we also show that the mentor–mentee relationship was reciprocal, as also mentors benefited. Benefits for the mentors comprised professional development, institutional recognition, and personal satisfaction. We conclude with an inventory of benefits, including for the institution in terms of a strengthened research environment.
Notes
1. The mentoring program was implemented and evaluated in the framework of a European project, Women's careers hitting the target: Gender management in scientific and technological research (WHIST), funded by the European Commission’s 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. For more information on the WHIST project and the deliverables to the European Commission see http://cordis.europa.eu/result/rcn/86595_en.html.
2. Postdoc researchers and assistant professors in Denmark are similar non-permanent positions.
3. Based on the experiences and outcome of this evaluation, the mentoring program was implemented at all faculties at the higher education institution.