News
African Academy of Sciences is looking for mentors
The African Academy of Sciences (The AAS) has set up a mentorship scheme to match early and mid-career scientists with experienced scientists and professionals.
The AAS is looking to build up a large database of potential mentors from across the globe. Experienced scientists and other professionals from across the globe are invited to sign up to become a mentor.
The AAS Mentorship Scheme will initially cater for The AAS Affiliates and Future Leaders – African Independent Research (FLAIR) postdoctoral Fellows but will be extended to early and mid-career scientists across the continent in due course. These mentees are drawn from a wide range of disciplines and will receive web based or distance support to develop or sharpen a wide range of skills over an initial period of two years.
This is to meet a growing need of mentors in a continent where inadequate mentorship in higher education and research institutions means that most Africa-based early and mid-career postdoctoral scientists are less likely to receive support and guidance in grant writing, making career decisions, attaining a job, joining research networks, publishing, engaging the publics, among other essential career development needs.
Mentors will gain new skills and competences, re-energise their careers, as well as gain recognition among their peers. They will also join the ever-expanding network of AAS-affiliated science leaders who drive the scientific excellence to transform lives on the African continent. Furthermore, mentorship will enable mentors learn first-hand of the challenges encountered by early and mid-career researchers in Africa.
