Effective mentoring is essential to the future of science
Mentoring:
Should encompass ethical discussions about best research practices including authorship, collaboration, conflicts of interest, data management and more.
By senior researchers passes informal and often unwritten standards from one generation of scientists to the next.
Many excellent resources are available to learn about guidelines, best practices, and recommendations for effective mentoring (e.g., Swazey and Anderson, 1996; NAS, 1997; University of Michigan, 2010, 2011).
Importance of Mentoring
The importance of mentoring for training in the responsible conduct of research has been recognized in both research studies (Anderson et al., 1994; Swazey and Anderson, 1996; Douglas-Vidas et al., 2001; Wright et al., 2008) and national reports on the integrity of research (Institute of Medicine, 1989; NAS, 1997).
For example, the Institute of Medicine (1989) noted the importance of mentors and specifically recommended that departments and research units should monitor the supervision and training of young scientists to ensure that it is adequate (Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, 2000).
Need for Multiple Mentors
Some students, particularly those working in large laboratories and institutions, find it difficult to develop a close relationship with their faculty adviser or laboratory director.
They might have to find their mentor elsewhere - perhaps a fellow student, another faculty member, a wise friend, or another person with experience who offers continuing guidance and support.
Additionally, widely ranging needs at different stages of a career are not likely to be met by a single mentor, and few established scientists can offer the requisite time, knowledge, and interest to the full range of issues likely to confront a mentee.
Seek out mentees whose personality aligns with yours
Model good skills and behavior
Mentee Responsibilities
Seek out as many mentors as needed, each of whom can provide the expertise and experience to help fulfill your needs
Seek out a mentor whose personality aligns with yours
Act based on your own values, goals, and experience
Discussion
Discussion Questions
Questions for mentors
Discuss the role of mentoring in promoting the responsible conduct of research.
What are the roles and responsibilities of principal investigators in promoting effective mentoring relationships?
About which aspects of your career path did you feel least prepared?
What mentors have you had in the past that have helped you get where you currently are?
What are the characteristics of an effective mentor? What similarities and differences characterize mentors and supervisors?
What do you currently do well as a mentor?
What do you think you could improve upon as a mentor?
Do you think that any of the items listed for “Effective Mentorship” are outside your responsibility? Why or why not?
Questions for mentees
Discuss the role of mentoring in promoting the responsible conduct of research.
What are the roles and responsibilities of mentees in promoting effective mentoring relationships?
About which aspects of your career path do you feel least prepared? Who, or what kinds of people would be best positioned to help fill your needs? How might you initiate or promote a role for one of these people as your mentor?
What are the characteristics of an effective mentor? What similarities and differences characterize mentors and supervisors?
What guidelines or programs are in place to promote mentoring in your institution?
What does your current mentor(s) do well? What could your current mentor(s) improve upon?
Where else could you look to receive mentoring?
Case Studies
Resources
Anderson MS, Louis KS, Earle J (1994): Disciplinary and departmental effects on observations of faculty and graduate student misconduct. Journal of Higher Education 65: 331-350.
Brown S, Kalichman MW (1998): Effects of training in the responsible conduct of research: A survey of graduate students in experimental science. Science and Engineering Ethics 4: 487-498.
Swazey JP, Anderson MS (1996): Mentors, advisors, and role models in graduate and professional education. Association of Academic Health Centers, Washington, DC.