Asia-Pacific Academic Mentoring Program

Applicants must be Early Career researchers (ECRs). ECRs are defined as students enrolled in a PhD program and researchers who are up to 5 years post-PhD (or other research higher degree), excluding career interruptions and irrespective of their professional appointment. 

The applicant should have an excellent track record of research aspiration and dedication to progress their career within academia as well as be able to demonstrate strong local and/or regional connections and leadership experience. The applicant must demonstrate their involvement in local networks and leadership activities, showcasing their commitment to pursuing a professional career in their home country. We welcome applications from ECRs in any field of academic study (eg STEM, Engineering and Medicine to Social Science, Education and Humanities). 

Pacific stream: We welcome applications from ECRs from Pacific Islands nationals domiciled in Pacific Island nations. Pacific stream applicants must both reside in a Pacific Islands nation and be enrolled in or employed by an institute in the Pacific Islands.  

Asia stream: We welcome applications from ECRs who are Vietnam, Thailand or Philippine  nationals domiciled in those countries. Asia stream applicants must both reside in and be enrolled in or employed by an institute in Vietnam, Thailand or the Philippines.  

Applications from candidates who have completed a degree, part of their degree or a joint degree through a university in higher income countries (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the US) will be excluded due to the understanding they already hold strong professional and academic networks to a region outside of their home country. 

The following fields are eligible: STEM, Social Science, Education, Humanities, Engineering, or Medicine. 

Mentors must reside anywhere in Australia and/or be affiliated with an Australian institute. They will have a track record of leading research, acquiring and managing grants, publishing scientific papers and mentoring early- and mid-career researchers at home and abroad. We also welcome mentors who are scientists in industry, technologists or STEM professionals. The role is voluntary and offers a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, support early career researchers and contribute to the Asia-Pacific academic community. 

The following fields are eligible: STEM, Social Science, Education, Humanities, Engineering, or Medicine. 

Successful candidates will have demonstrated strengths across the assessment criteria, with particular attention given to diversity and inclusion, which will be actively considered throughout the selection process. 

1. Engagement with local community and networks 
2. Commitment and willingness to share your knowledge and experience with others, including peers, students, or the broader community 
3. Leadership experience 

Matches are made based on academic interests and fields of expertise indicated in the application to ensure compatibility and to maximize the benefits of the mentor-mentee relationship. While mentees may include specific requests, fulfillment cannot be guaranteed. Artificial Intelligence may be used in the matching process with all reference to personal data removed. 

Round two of the program will run from September 2025 for 12 months, with an expectation of monthly one-hour, one-to-one online meetings. Both mentor and mentee will need to dedicate some time to prepare for these meetings to ensure the most productive outcomes. 

Participants will take part in an initial in-person launch event at Australia’s premiere science event, Science at the Shine Dome in Canberra, Australia from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 September 2025. The cost of travel and accommodation will be funded by the ISC RFP-AP. This is a great opportunity for mentors and mentees to meet in-person prior to starting the online sessions, as well as meeting with the other participants. It will also provide an opportunity to network with the wider scientific community in Australia. 

Mentees are expected to actively participate in any online workshops and online gatherings that may be provided during the Program, as well as fulfill their reporting requirements. 

Mentees can build on their professional capabilities and networks by working closely with a well-known and respected academic in their field of research, who can also provide guidance to progress their careers in academia.  

Being a mentor is an opportunity to support future science leaders in the discipline or area of interest, and to build a network of research collaborators in Asia and the Pacific. 

Successful mentee applicants will receive a grant-in-aid of the amount of AUD 2615 per person to cover costs of travel to Australia for the launch event in Canberra.  

A funding agreement must be executed before any grant funds are released. Participants are responsible for making their own travel, visa and insurance arrangements. Dependents may accompany participants at their own cost. 

Mentors will also receive travel, accommodation and registration to cover the costs of their attendance of Science at the Shine Dome.  

In addition to the award to help the participants attend the launch event, they will receive continuous support from the mentoring program Project Officer, including regular check-ins and feedback opportunities. 

Mentee Expectations: 

• Commit to actively participating in mentoring relationships. 
• Be open to feedback and willing to implement suggestions. 
• Come prepared to each session with updates, questions, or topics for discussion. 
• Respect the mentor’s time by being punctual and prepared for meetings. 
• Be proactive in setting goals and taking action to achieve them. 
• Understand that this is a mentoring relationship, not a supervisor or coach 

Mentor Expectations: 

• Provide guidance, support, and constructive feedback. 
• Share knowledge, resources, and experiences that can help the mentee grow. 
• Be available for regular, virtual meetings as agreed. 
• Maintain confidentiality and trust in the mentoring relationship. 
• Encourage and motivate the mentee to reach their full potential. 

The Asia Pacific Academic Mentoring Program is exclusively a mentoring initiative and does not provide scholarships, research grants, or employment opportunities. 

The mentees are expected to  

1. Write a post-program report and answer a mid-program survey
2. Write a social media post 
3. Write a joint piece, together with their mentor, to be published on the ISC website  

Success will be evaluated through mid-program and end-of-program feedback surveys, along with regular, personal check-ins to ensure that the mentoring program goals are being met. 

The mentoring program will adopt known best practice in programme delivery and will always endeavour to ensure all participants feel safe and welcome. To do so, we ask that all participants agree to adhere to the Australian Academy of Science Code of Conduct. 

Submit an online application on the Academy’s grant portal by Sunday 25 May 2025 7:00 UTC / 17:00 AEST. Please attach the following documents to your application. 

Mentees: 

• Brief CV (max 2 pages) 
• Professional photo 
• A letter of recommendation (max 1 page) 
• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria (max 1 page) 

Mentors: 

• Professional bio 
• Professional photo 

Mentees and mentors will be notified of the selection by end June 2025. All applicants will be informed of a decision. 

For further information please contact Nina Maher, Project Officer, ISC RFP-AP at [email protected].