The question framing this RG-Discussion is inspired by a recent enriching collaboration I participated in, and which I invite you to read in full and share (see the link to the full article, below):
- “Mentor relationships are crucial to retention, success, and wellbeing of women and underrepresented minority (URM) scientists in academia. Effective mentorship requires a unique personal relationship between individuals at different career stages, and this cannot always be achieved in the traditional dyadic mentor-mentee relationships. Further on, this model of mentoring does not overcome the obstacles that women and URMs face during their academic careers, especially their declined representation at later stages in the career path which increases the burden on the available mentors even more. Here we suggest that institutions should focus their efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) differently, adding effort to mentoring strategies to increase DEI and promoting multi-mentor programs. A network of diverse mentors may support achieving long-term career goals, advancement, and retention of both mentors and mentees, thus enhancing DEI initiatives. This network distribution of mentors breaks the pyramidal structure toward less representation of women and URMs in senior positions and increases collective performance by magnifying resources. By diversifying the academic community with which mentors and mentees actively engage, scientific advancement can be achieved in a nurturing environment, consequently having a positive impact on productivity. Therefore, fostering mentorship networks through policy changes and active implementation of programs should be a high priority for any academic institution undertaking DEI efforts. Healthier work environments, more inclusive science training, and better outcomes for professionals from all backgrounds would ideally ensue as successful program implementation broadens, creating a virtuous cycle of enriched mentoring for future generations.”
Although our publication refers specifically to Academic Mentoring Networks, I invite you to wonder about and examine our/your Academic Networks in general. Please share your experience and thoughts.
Ale
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Source: Community voices: the importance of diverse networks in academic mentoring. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-28667-0
Article Community voices: the importance of diverse networks in acad...
In our University, we have a strong mentoring program not only for students but also the academic and non-teaching staff. We get to choose our own mentor. In fact, mentoring is included in the performance appraisal. Regular training on mentoring is also included in the organization's training curriculum. As a professor and a management consultant, I am also involved in several professional organizations where I get the opportunity to network with colleagues in the profession. In fact 3 of these organizations decided to set up a mentoring program in which I was a member of the organizing committee. Sustainability of course is a challenge, especially for organizations with members who work for free. But to answer the issue of DEI, I think this should already be considered when designing the mentoring program as you answer design issues such as criteria for mentees and mentors, main purpose of the program, mentor-mentee matching, process to be followed, evaluation criteria, etc.
Not much. It is vital to be interrelated with people with a wide range of experience and backgrounds, different insights, and diverse networks of their own. Diversity enhance social development and help lead a global and diverse workforce. It could also open doors for professional opportunities individuals would not have otherwise considered.
Alejandro Bortolus I strongly believe that Academic networks play a significant role in one's scholarly development. Having the support of a qualified network will boost the productivity of a researcher in various areas such as publications, conferences, projects etc. It will also provide a major assistance in creativity and intellectual capability. I do not believe the same is valid for researchers that are isolated and/or don't enjoy the support of a good network. Thus, in overall networks make a serious difference. The more diverse the network is, the merrier. Therefore, scholars should not underestimate the importance and impact of scholarly networks.
Thank you for this inquisitve question.
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