Become an SEB Mentor: Join Our Mentoring Scheme for 2027

The SEB Mentoring Scheme is open to members at all career stages. Sign up by 31 October 2026 to access our recorded training and discover how you can support fellow researchers as a mentor or benefit from a mentoring partnership.

Share your experience and support the next generation of scientists

Are you looking for an opportunity to share your experience, support fellow researchers and contribute to the scientific community? The Society for Experimental Biology (SEB) Mentoring Scheme is welcoming members who would like to take part in its 2027 programme.

Whether you are an experienced researcher interested in becoming a mentor or looking for guidance to support your own professional development, the scheme offers an opportunity to build meaningful connections with other members of the SEB community.

There is still time to join! Although the live briefing sessions took place on 8 and 9 October, SEB members can still register for the recorded training option until 31 October 2026.

Why take part in the SEB Mentoring Scheme?

Mentoring can benefit both mentors and mentees, helping participants to:

Build and sustain effective working relationships.
Support their own professional development and the growth of others.
Better understand their personal strengths and identify strategies for future success.
Share knowledge, experience and perspectives with fellow researchers.

For mentors in particular, the scheme offers an opportunity to share valuable experience, help other scientists navigate their careers and contribute to the development of the wider research community.

Previous participants have highlighted the benefits of learning from colleagues at different career stages and building lasting professional relationships. As one mentor explained:

“It was interesting to get perspectives of early career researchers about their lives and their research.”

Mentoring can also be a rewarding way to support others while developing your own skills and confidence.
One previous mentor shared:

“[I gained] feeling of community, professional development.”

For mentees, the experience can provide practical advice, fresh perspectives and encouragement at important moments in their careers. Previous participants described the value of having someone to turn to for guidance:

“Our brief conversation was encouraging. It helped reinforce the idea that many people struggle to find their path and I'm not alone in that.”

Others highlighted the impact of mentoring on their career development, with one mentee saying:

“Really appreciated the opportunity, it came just at the right time to help me move forwards in my career.”

How does the scheme work?

The programme begins with a briefing and training session led by Jo Collins, Coaching Programmes Lead and Consultant Researcher at The Research Coach.

The training introduces participants to the scheme, explores the skills and practices needed for successful mentoring partnerships, and provides tools to help participants approach mentoring with confidence.

If you were unable to attend either of the live sessions, you can still take part by selecting the recorded session option when booking. You will receive access to the recording by email, allowing you to complete the training at a time that suits you.

After watching the recording, you will be asked to complete a form outlining your interests and relevant topic areas. This information will help the SEB team match participants with a suitable mentor or mentee.

Watch the Mentoring Scheme briefing recording now

Register by 31 October 2026

The SEB Mentoring Scheme is free for SEB members and open to researchers at all career stages.

To take part, visit the Mentoring Scheme Briefing 2027 page, log in to your SEB account and select the recorded session option when booking.

Don't miss this opportunity to develop your skills, connect with fellow scientists and help strengthen the experimental biology community.

Whether you want to share your experience, gain career advice or build connections across the research community, the experiences of previous participants show how valuable a mentoring partnership can be.

Ready to get involved?
Find out more and register for the recorded training.

We hope to see you there,
The SEB Team