Introduction to effective mentorship for early-career research scientists

Area of Science:

• Science Education
• Workforce Development
• Mentorship

Background:

• Diversifying the scientific workforce is a national priority due to underrepresentation in STEM.
• Quality mentoring is key to research success, recruitment, and retention of underrepresented groups.
• Effective mentorship strategies are needed for early-career researchers from diverse backgrounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide key takeaways from the 2019 NIH-ASCB Accomplishing Career Transition (ACT) workshop on effective mentorship.
• To share strategies and best practices for enhancing STEM mentoring for early-career researchers.
• To offer practical applications for diverse mentoring relationships across disciplines and career stages.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Entering Mentoring training curriculum framework.
• Synopsis of a workshop attended by 30 senior postdoctoral and early-career faculty researchers.
• Focused on researchers from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Main Results:

• Key takeaways and effective strategies for STEM mentorship were identified.
• The workshop provided practical applications for diverse mentoring relationships.
• Enhanced understanding of mentorship's role in supporting underrepresented scientists.

Conclusions:

• Effective mentorship is vital for diversifying the scientific workforce.
• Implementing evidence-based mentoring strategies can improve recruitment and retention.
• The workshop offered valuable insights for fostering inclusive and successful STEM mentoring relationships.