iCHORDS Mentorship Program 2024
iCHORDS is pleased to announce the launch of the third iteration of the mentorship program. After two successful cohorts of mentor/mentee pairs and wonderful feedback from those involved in the program, iCHORDS is eager to launch in 2024!
What is the Mentorship Program?
The iCHORDS mentorship program aims to provide opportunities for the mentorship of early career researchers, students, and young professionals in the field of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and social and behavioural sciences. The goal of the program is to support the development of the next generation of NTD professionals. iCHORDS will do this by connecting mentees with experienced mentors in the field of NTDs, integrating various academic and professional institutions from around the world. One mentee from an earlier cohort shared:
“I now feel confident in developing a grant proposal and continuing my journey as an implementation scientist but with a renewed spirit.”
The mentorship program also serves as a valuable opportunity for existing NTD professionals to share their experiences and expertise with aspiring professionals in the field. One mentor shared:
“This opportunity gave me the chance to share what I had learned. In my career, I didn’t always have a mentor. So I felt this was an opportunity to give back and help the community.”
The program will follow the same structure as previous years. The program runs for 6 months. We are seeking applications from both mentors and mentees to join the cohort which will run from April 22nd through to October 28th 2024.
Who Should Apply?
Mentees can be early career professionals, Master’s students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, or junior staff from the Ministry of Health or implementation programs with an interest in NTDs and social and behavioural sciences.
Mentors should have several years of experience in NTDs and social and behavioural sciences. Mentors are encouraged to apply from across the different social science discipline areas (e.g. anthropology, sociology, economics, etc).
Interested mentor and mentee applicants will be selected and matched based on the information provided in their applications.
How Will it Work?
Once selected, the pairs will be given suggestions to guide hour-long monthly meetings which will take place either in person or virtually. During the first meeting, the pair will select their focus for the program. The focus will differ across pairs as needs and expertise vary.
Both mentees and mentors will be invited to join iCHORDS as members, participate in iCHORDS focus area meetings, and serve as future mentors in the iCHORDS mentorship program. Mentees will also be provided with insight into different NTD professional opportunities and allow participants to expand their networks. Mentees and mentors will receive a certificate on completion of the program.
How Do I Apply?
If you are interested in being a mentee or mentor, please fill out the application linked below.
Tips for a successful application: please be specific in what you as a mentee want to gain from the mentor. E.g. input on a new grant application, advice for article publication, revising a resume, planning a program assessment, developing qualitative research tools, new professional network opportunities, among others.
And for mentors, please be specific about what you can offer mentees. This will help the committee in making the best pairs.
The application deadline is March 25th, 2024 at 23:59 (EST) and any questions about the program can be sent to info.ichords@gmail.com
We look forward to hearing from you!
