SPEED MENTORING for Science!

By Lynn Pulliam

The ISNV Junior Scientists and Women in Neuroscience committees jointly sponsored a Speed Mentoring session this year in San Diego at the 13th International Symposium on NeuroVirology.

The goal of the event was to provide protected time for junior scientists seeking advice from mentors established in the field of neurovirology on how to develop their careers. Reminiscent of speed dating, the speed mentoring session allowed each mentee to spend approximately five minutes each with up to six mentors of their choosing. The event featured 18 mentors who made themselves available to chat with nearly 40 participating mentees. A reception following the session provided a perfect opportunity for mentees and mentors to continue discussions, make connections, and plan for future interactions.

Speed Mentoring was a huge success! Several long-term mentor-mentee relationships have developed from this special session! Here’s what some of the mentees said about this new feature of the Symposium:

“Relaxed environment with protected time for a chat.”

“The format led to expanded discussions at the reception afterwards. Thanks!”

“ISNV’s speed mentoring session was outstanding! I found the one-on-one mentoring with leaders in our field to be beneficial for providing global guidance in research and career development that is quintessential for navigating the world of academia as an early career investigator.”

For those mentors who set aside their evening to provide highly valuable and greatly appreciated career advice, THANK YOU! For those who weren’t there, one mentee’s comment sets the bar for future Speed Mentoring sessions:

“We needed more mentors!”