Tri-School Catalyst Mentoring Programme
We are pleased to announce that a new mentoring programme for the schools of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, Infection & Immunity, and Cancer Sciences is now open for new mentors and mentees. We will pilot our programme between June and December 2025.
This new 6-month mentoring programme is sponsored by Prof Will Fuller (Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health), Prof Stephen Tait (Cancer Sciences) and Prof Jonathan Cavanagh (Infection & Immunity). It is designed specifically to induct, develop and empower Research Staff and is founded on the principles of collegiality and collaboration. The programme supports University of Glasgow’s commitment to the Researcher Concordat, as well as taking a collaborative, creative approach to career development, as outlined in our University of Glasgow Research Strategy.
Our programme will be based on the tested and successful central Catalyst Mentoring programme (~70 pairs completed to date), which brings value for mentees and mentors alike achieving tangible career benefits, for around a 6h time investment (including orientation training, and all paperwork), over 6 months.
Our programme will take a focus on ensuring quality mentoring conversations, not a superficial process, and the designer of Catalyst (Dr Kay Guccione) is supporting us personally with this new affiliated version for Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, Infection & Immunity, and Cancer Sciences.
What is required?
Mentoring conversations introduce you to new people in different areas of the university and give you the time and space to be listened to and think creatively.
They can support mentees to understand what is expected of you and resolve snags during your transition to a new role or responsibility. They can help you to set and achieve small goals, rekindling a feeling of motivation and enthusiasm in your work. They can help you to consider future career options and a 'best fit' for you. And they can support you to understand how you work best, and how to get the best from others around you.
Mentors gain and improved understanding of how to support and develop people, including their own staff and Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs). They gain an increased awareness of the work-life issues of others. They develop a greater sense of purpose in their role and a more detailed awareness of how they influence the research culture. And they get a better understanding of how they themselves navigate challenges and barriers to progress.
What will I gain?
Participation starts with a 2-hour on campus Welcome Workshop for all participants – choose your session on the sign-up forms below. Through this we enable both mentors and mentees to explore how mentoring works, and how to make the most of a mentoring partnership. Having knowledge of what mentoring offers will help you to articulate the kind of support you are looking for and allow us to make a great match for you.
Applications for the 2025 Programme are now closed.
Tri-School Catalyst Programme FAQs
Can I be both a mentor and a mentee?
Yes, you can be both a mentor and a mentee.
Am I guaranteed a place?
The pilot will be able to accommodate a maximum of 24 pairs. Mentee places will prioritise those who have closer contract end dates.
What if I don’t get a place?
We aim to run the programme again in early 2026, once we have the results of the pilot. If you applied in cycle one and didn’t get a place you will be prioritised for cycle two. Additionally, we can support you to seek a mentor through other channels if you have an urgent request.
Who are the mentors?
Academic Staff on R&T, LTS, and Clinical pathways, and Research Fellows.
Who are the mentees?
Research Associates, Research Assistants, and Research Fellows.
Shouldn’t my line manager be supporting me?
Working with a mentor complements the support and guidance you receive from your PI or Line Manager. It also works in complement with any other mentoring or other staff development opportunities you may be involved in.
Additionally it works in complement with other sources of 1:1 support like coaching, counselling, or trade union case work.
Can I nominate my Researcher for this?
No, we do not take referrals. But please do talk to them about why this would be a good opportunity for them to sign up to.
I already have a mentor, can I join?
Yes you can. Working with a multiple mentors is a great way to develop your career.
Who will I be matched with?
The mentor you are matched with will be purposefully outside your School in order that the partnership can provide some professional distance and encourage more open conversations. You will be able to specify a couple of objectives for the programme, and we will hand match you with a mentor who can support them.
Is this confidential?
Yes, your mentoring discussions are confidential. Additionally, we don't publish lists of who has joined the programme or report into your line manager, PDR, promotion or probation paperwork. You will be able to tell us who your line manager is on the booking form, so that if you both sign up we can put you in different Welcome Workshop sessions.
Who will see my application?
Kay Guccione and Elaine Gourlay from Research Services will see all details of the applications. Additionally, the mentor/mentee we match you with will see your application, by way of an introduction. You will receive theirs too.
I’ve already been trained as a mentor, do I have to attend the Welcome Workshop?
Yes please. All programmes are different, and this will be as much about meeting your cohort, hearing from others, and working through expectations together, as it will be about delivered content.
I am not sure if I’ll be a good mentor
If you care to give someone the benefit of your attention and support, listen to them as they work through challenges, and be a sounding board for their ideas, you will be great. Mentors don’t need to ‘have all the answers’ and in fact shouldn’t be giving a great deal of advice anyway.
I am not sure if I have time
No problem, please join at a time you can give mentoring the attention and engagement that will help you make the most of it.
Does it work?
Our previous participants tell us yes, they experience a range of benefits.
The Catalyst Outstanding Mentor gallery gives you a flavour of what goes on in this type of mentoring, in the mentee’s words. An equivalent programme by the same designer won the European Mentoring and Coaching Council Award for Best Mentoring programme in 2022.
How are mentors supported?
The Welcome Workshop helps to set boundaries and signpost to other support. Additionally, programme designer and experienced programme leader Kay Guccione will support you with any issues arising.
Is this an inclusive programme?
Will this unduly burden women or other minoritised groups as mentors?
No, we are keeping a close eye on who volunteers, and will address imbalances.
How are mentors rewarded?
The University of Glasgow recognises ‘collegiality’ as important as hence it is part of how we assess academic promotions. Mentoring is a form of collegiality.