Following the excellent reception of its first edition, the equality committees of CSIC research institutes in the Valencian Community are launching the second edition of WoMent, a pioneering mentoring programme specifically designed to support the academic and professional development of female doctoral researchers. This initiative aims to inspire scientific careers, strengthen the academic and professional skills of future female PhD holders, promote leadership and help reduce the gender gap across scientific disciplines.
The programme is based on a one-to-one mentoring model that seeks to inspire young female scientists through the experience of established researchers. Participating female doctoral researchers will receive personalised guidance, offering support, advice and role models to help them navigate the challenges of a research career. Each mentoring partnership will involve three sessions lasting approximately one hour each, held in person, online or in a hybrid format, depending on participants’ availability, followed by a final group session bringing together everyone enrolled in the programme.
The programme welcomes both mentors and female doctoral researchers (mentees) affiliated with CSIC centres or joint centres (CSIC–University/Valencian Regional Government) in the Valencian Community. Established researchers, Ramón y Cajal researchers, postdoctoral researchers and innovation professionals may volunteer as mentors to support the career development of young female doctoral researchers. Guidelines and materials will be provided to help them throughout the mentoring process.
Mentees must be female doctoral researchers in the final or penultimate year of their PhD. Their participation will enable them to receive personalised, specialist advice aimed at strengthening their skills and exploring new opportunities in academia, science and technology.
The registration form is available at https://forms.gle/sGUgJr15F2A9zenB7, and interested participants may apply until 31 October 2026. The organisers will then match mentors with mentees. Following publication of the final list of participants, mentoring sessions will run from January to June 2027.
Through WoMent, CSIC in the Valencian Community reaffirms its commitment to equality and the advancement of female talent, providing a space for intergenerational exchange where participants can share experiences, find role models and foster innovative solutions that contribute to a more diverse and equitable scientific community.
Full information is available on the WoMent-CSIC programme website.
For questions or enquiries, please contact womentcsic@gmail.com.
