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You can’t be what you can’t see. Mothers face unique challenges in the STEMM sector, including isolation and a lack of role models. Mothers in STEMM are often ‘invisible’ because they need to hide motherhood to avoid career penalties due to bias and assumptions.

The aim of this mentoring scheme is to empower and inspire women in STEMM to continue pursuing their career aspirations after having children, by connecting them with inspirational role models who can provide career guidance and support. This is the only mentoring program dedicated exclusively to mothers in STEMM.

Mentors are mothers in STEMM with experience and strong expertise in their STEMM field who have overcome the challenges of combining motherhood and a demanding career in a typically male-dominated sector. Mentees are mothers in STEMM at earlier career stages who are searching for support and guidance from a like-minded peer.

We have closed the mentee applications for the 2025 Mentoring Program cohort but you can still apply as a mentor!

 

Who can be a mentor?

Mentors are established mothers in STEMM working in any STEMM field–including outside academia and social sciences and humanities–with strong expertise and significant work experience (and preferably mentoring experience, including informal mentoring). 

A mentor can provide tools, guidance, support and constructive feedback to help a more junior colleague thrive in their career. Being a mentor can be incredibly rewarding and has many benefits, including developing leadership skills, expanding your professional network, gaining a new perspective and sometimes even building long-lasting friendships. Note: Mentors in this program need to have a PhD or equivalent working experience.

 
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Mentors may support their mentees on several topics:

  • Returning to career after parental leave or career break

  • Transitioning from academia to industry and vice versa

  • Motivation and building confidence

  • Career planning after motherhood

  • Building a professional network

  • Overcoming mom guilt

  • Solo parenting

  • Mothers from underrepresented groups


Mentors and mentees will be matched based on several criteria and then connect to set goals and define an action plan to move forward.