Become an AuthorAID mentor

Make a difference - sign up to become an AuthorAID mentor

Many early-career researchers struggle as they make their way through the submission and peer review process the first time. The process can be especially difficult if no guidance is available nearby, or if the submission isn't in the researcher's native language. This is where an AuthorAID mentor can really help make a difference.

What sort of mentors are AuthorAID looking for?

We're looking for experienced researchers with a strong track record of publications. We're also seeking editors who have helped researchers write journal articles and proposals. Potential mentors should be diplomatic, enthusiastic, and committed. They should be able to guide and encourage early-career researchers, and they should be ready to focus on furthering the mentee's career, not their own.

What skills do mentors need?

We need mentors who can provide help with some or all of the following:

• Using appropriate research methods and performing data analysis
• Choosing appropriate journals for submitting manuscripts
• Preparing manuscripts
• Refining writing style
• Understanding the peer review process and responding to reviewers' comments
• Preparing presentations and posters
• Preparing grant proposals
• Otherwise communicating about research

What does mentoring involve?

Mentoring involves communicating regularly with your mentee—for example, responding to queries or requests within agreed timeframes. It entails patience and mutual respect for each other's time and ideas. More details appear in our Quick Guidelines for Mentors (PDF, 23K)

How does the mentoring process work?

The first step is to register online with AuthorAID. During registration, you can create a short profile about your research interests and publications or about your editorial experience.

Then you can either (1) search for potential mentees who are already AuthorAID members or (2) wait to be contacted by potential mentees who feel that your background could meet their needs. This is all done via AuthorAID's messaging system, which sends emails directly to AuthorAID members' own email accounts.

Once you are in contact with a potential mentee, you can swap CVs or resumes and start discussions (for example, via the AuthorAID messaging system or more informally via instant messaging, e-mail, telephone calls, or Skype calls). If both members agree to start a mentoring relationship, you can decide whether to set up a formal learning agreement.

Want more information?

For a general example of how AuthorAID works, follow Rahim on his Mentoring Journey, or read Learning from Experience (PDF, 287K), a real-world case study.