In 2025, we launched the first-ever WISER mentorship and peer-support initiative, and we are very pleased with how it went! This initiative was spearheaded by Steering Committee member and incoming Vice-Chair, Bregje van Veelen.
We had over 20 folks participate, across three different continents. We asked the cohort to complete a short survey on their experience — we had a very high response rate, and the vast majority of the respondents found the initiative helpful!
Here’s some feedback from participants:
“As a first-time mentor, I had a very positive experience with the initiative and found it genuinely valuable. I would really encourage others not to feel that they need to be “far ahead” in their careers to take part as mentors. Even being a few steps further along can make a difference and the exchange is rewarding for mentors as well. I hope this encourages more members to consider getting involved in future calls.”
“It was a real pleasure getting to know my mentee and supporting them in this small way. And while I certainly have lots of (un)learning to do myself, I've benefited from incredible mentorship, and I hope I can do the same for others. It's wonderful and vital that WISER can offer this initiative, especially in such difficult times (political attacks on EDI, and it seems evermore challenging institutional contexts, job markets, etc.)”
We are excited to announce that the mentorship and peer-support initiative will return in 2026. Apply to be a mentor or a mentee at the link here (due March 20th).
