Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What does signing up mean?
Signing up simply indicates that you are open to mentoring a student from a developing country once the program officially launches. There’s no commitment at this stage—just an expression of willingness to help.
- What is expected from me as a mentor?
Mentors provide guidance, advice, and scientific expertise to students already working on research projects. This can be as simple as answering questions, reviewing research progress, or suggesting improvements. You can choose how much time to dedicate.
- How much time do I need to commit?
It’s completely flexible—you mentor at your convenience. Even an hour a month can have a huge impact on a student’s development.
- How will mentoring sessions take place?
Mentoring can happen via email, chat, or video calls on the platform. We provide an easy-to-use system where you can interact with your mentee on your own schedule.
- What kind of students will I be mentoring?
Students in the program are from developing countries and already leading their own research projects but need expert guidance. The projects you will mentor are carefully selected, focusing on serious local issues that need urgent scientific intervention. This gives you a unique chance to drive change from afar in desperate communities, where your expertise can have a direct impact on real-world problems.
- Will I be responsible for funding or providing lab resources?
No, your role is purely academic mentorship, and you are not expected to provide financial or material support. However, if you own high-throughput equipment or have access to specialized resources, you are free to help students as you see fit—for instance, by analyzing their samples if they can send them to your lab. This is completely voluntary and at your discretion.
- What do I gain from being a mentor?
Aside from the fulfillment of shaping future scientists and impacting real-world challenges, mentorship in this program is designed to be mutually beneficial:
✔ Co-authorship in scientific publications – The ultimate goal of most mentored projects is publication in international journals, where you will be a co-author or even the last author based on your level of involvement.
✔ Recognition as a mentor driving global scientific progress – Your mentorship can open doors to global collaborations, conference invitations, and institutional partnerships.
✔ A unique opportunity to engage with innovative, problem-solving research that tackles real issues at the grassroots level.
- How do I officially become a mentor when the program launches?
Once the program is live, we will send you a confirmation email with simple steps to onboard as a mentor. You’ll then be able to select a student and start mentoring.
- Can I opt out later if needed?
Yes! If at any point you are unable to continue, you can pause or withdraw from mentoring with no obligation.
- How do I sign up?
Just fill out the early sign-up form on this page. You’ll be notified when the program launches and will get early access to choose a mentee.