Peer Mentoring Program for Early Career Researchers

The Peer Mentoring Program for Early Career Researchers offers PhD students and early postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to connect with peers, exchange experiences, and support each other in their academic development.

The program is hosted by the Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH) and is open to Early Career Researchers from University Medical Center Mainz (UMC) and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) in life sciences.

What is Peer Mentoring?

Peer mentoring is a collaborative process in which researchers at similar career stages support each other through regular exchange, reflection, and discussion. Participants work together to share experiences, explore challenges, and develop new perspectives on their academic and professional paths.

What to Expect

Participants will take part in small peer mentoring groups that meet regularly throughout the program. The program offers:

  • Regular small group meetings with matched peers (every 6-8 weeks)
  • A supportive and confidential environment to discuss research progress, challenges, and career development
  • Opportunities for networking and community building
  • A kick-off event including a 4-hour workshop introducing practical peer-mentoring tools

Why participate

  • Reduce feelings of isolation during early research careers
  • Gain new perspectives from peers facing similar challenges
  • Strengthen professional and personal development
  • Build lasting academic connections and networks

Program Details

  • Duration: 1 year
  • Target Group: PhD students and early postdoctoral researchers in life sciences from UMC and JGU
  • Format: small peer mentoring groups
  • Tools: peer-mentoring tools will be introduced during a 4h workshop at the kick-off event (e.g., cooperative consultation, active listening, reflective questioning techniques)

Registration + Start of the program

  • Information Event (30 min; not mandatory): 17.03. and 31.03.2026 at 10:00; join following this LINK
  • Registration for the program: fill out this FORM (PDF 354,4 KB)and return by April 12 (details provided in form)
  • Kick-Off Event (for registered persons only): 23.04.2026 including a 4h workshop where peer mentoring tools will be introduced