Global Mentorship Programme

ICMGP 2026 Global Mentorship Programme:

Based on the recommendations provided by the ECR and Networking Committee, The ICMGP 2026 starts this Global Mentorship Programme that aims to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and career development across the global mercury research community.

The programme connects researchers at different career stages and allows participants to serve as mentors, mentees, or both. This initiative supports PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, early-career scientists, and senior professionals in building long-term professional networks.

Mentorship Pathway

The programme follows a tiered mentorship model, enabling knowledge transfer across generations of scientists.

Senior Scientist / Professor

Mentors early-career researchers and provides guidance on leadership, research strategy, and global collaborations.

Early Career Faculty (Tenure-track / Assistant Professor)

Receives mentorship from senior scientists while mentoring postdoctoral researchers.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Receives career advice and mentoring while supporting PhD students

PhD Student

Receives mentorship on research development, career planning, and international collaboration.

This cascading structure enables participants to be both mentors and mentees simultaneously.

Proposed Mentorship Events at the Conference:

1. Mentorship Breakfast

• Format: Informal networking session

• Participants will be seated in small groups (6–8 people) including:

• Senior scientists

• Early career faculty

• Postdoctoral researchers

• PhD students

• Topics may include:

• Academic career development

• Grant writing strategies

• Publishing in leading journals

• Field research challenges

• Building international collaborations

2. Speed Mentoring

• Format: Rapid one-to-one mentoring discussions.

• Participants rotate every 8–10 minutes to meet different mentors.

• Possible discussions:

• Securing postdoctoral positions

• Transitioning to faculty roles

• Publishing and peer review

• Research funding opportunities

• Global research collaborations

This session allows participants to gain diverse perspectives within a short time. when: need to be discussed

3. Career Roundtables

Participants join thematic mentoring tables with experts. Possible roundtable topics include:

1. Academic Careers: Guidance on building a research group and academic leadership

2. Postdoc to Faculty Transition: Advice on tenure-track positions and independence

3. Environmental Policy and Global Agreements: Careers related to environmental governance and international treaties.

4. Industry and Environmental Consulting: Career pathways outside academia.

When: TBD

Participation Options:
During conference registration, participants may choose to participate as:

• Mentor: Experienced researchers providing career guidance and mentorship.

• Mentee: Early-career researchers seeking advice and career support.

• Mentor and Mentee: Participants who mentor junior researchers while receiving mentorship from senior scientists.