BAP Education: Mentoring Scheme
Mentoring scheme convener – Dr Paula Moran
Administration (BAP office) – Mrs Lynne Harmer
The BAP is currently running the popular and successful mentoring scheme, announcements about how to apply for the next round will be made in January 2013. The scheme is aimed at pre-clinical training members of the BAP, and seeks to support early career psychopharmacologists in the discipline.
In common with many scientific disciplines, we are losing a significant number of young scientists particularly at early career stage. Effective and directly relevant mentoring schemes are one way of trying to address this. Most institutions provide formal mentors but this is often not tailored, particularly to psychopharmacology, and many feel that they do not benefit from schemes that are not tailored to their research interests. Most learned society schemes in existence are aimed specifically at female scientists, the BAP scheme is open to all. Mentors are drawn from experienced BAP membership. We hope the support from BAP members, as mentors will provide crucial guidance and support to the young guardians of the future of psychopharmacology.
How To Get Involved
Priority is given to those BAP training members (along with mentees) registering interest in participating in the mentoring scheme who are able to attend the BAP summer meeting. They are invited to attend a training session at the meeting at which mentors and mentees meet. This session introduces the scheme and trains mentees and mentors in the mentoring process.
What are the benefits of having a mentor?
- Increased self-awareness and self-discipline.
- Insight into the pros and cons of various career options and paths.
- An expanded personal network.
- Support in the transition to a new role or location.
- A sounding board for testing ideas and plans.
- Positive and constructive feedback on professional and personal development areas.
- Accelerated training and development.
How will the partnership be set up and what will it involve?
The mentoring scheme partnership comprises a pairing of training members with an experienced BAP mentor working specifically in their field of expertise. They meet at a dedicated session during the BAP summer meeting and at other times outside the BAP meeting by arrangement. The success of the scheme relies upon the goodwill of experienced BAP scientists. Mentoring throughout the scheme usually takes place as either a face to face meeting and/or email/telephone call exchange and can be formal or informal. We have collaborated with the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science Engineering and Technology (UKRC), as they have wide experience in establishing and running this mentoring scheme. Their trained staff are on hand to provide mentors and mentees with advice and support as the relationship develops.
How to apply and eligibility for the scheme
- Applicants must be BAP pre-clinical training members.
- Mentee places are restricted on a first-come-first-served basis.
- Mentee applicants must complete the online application form and upload a current CV to assist with the pairing.
- If your application is successful you will receive confirmation, and a mentor will be allocated to you after careful matching has been carried out
MENTOR APPLICANTS (BAP FULL MEMBERS)
The mentors application form can be downloaded here (MS Word). Once completed please return, along with a current CV, to Lynne@bap.org.uk.
The application deadline for the next round will be set in early 2013. Successful applicants for a mentee place will be informed once the application is received and further information will be sent out.
All enquiries regarding the mentoring scheme should be directed to Lynne@bap.org.uk
(Dr Paula Moran and Prof Nicol Ferrier)
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