Following the excellent reception of its first edition, the Equality Committees of CSIC research institutes in the Valencian Community are launching the second edition of ‘WoMent’, a pioneering mentoring programme specifically designed to support the academic and professional development of predoctoral women researchers. The initiative aims to inspire scientific vocations, strengthen the academic and professional skills of future female PhD holders, promote leadership, and help reduce the gender gap that persists across different scientific disciplines.

The programme is based on an individual mentoring model that seeks to inspire young women scientists through the experience of established researchers. Participating PhD candidates will receive personalised guidance and support, as well as access to role models who can help them navigate the challenges and demands of a research career. Each mentoring relationship will consist of three sessions lasting approximately one hour each, which may be held in person, online or in a hybrid format, depending on participants’ availability. The programme will conclude with a group session involving everyone enrolled.

The programme is open to both mentors and predoctoral women researchers (mentees) affiliated with CSIC centres or joint centres (CSIC-university/Valencian Regional Government) in the Valencian Community. Mentors may include established researchers, Ramón y Cajal programme researchers, postdoctoral researchers and innovation professionals who wish to volunteer their time to support the career development of young female PhD candidates. To facilitate their role, they will be provided with guidelines and materials to help them throughout the mentoring process.

Mentees must be PhD candidates in the final or penultimate year of their doctoral thesis. Participation will give them access to personalised, specialised guidance aimed at strengthening their skills and helping them explore new opportunities in the academic, scientific and technological fields.

The registration form is available at the following link: https://forms.gle/sGUgJr15F2A9zenB7. Interested applicants can complete the form until 31 October 2026. The organising team will then match mentors with mentees. Following publication of the final list of participants, the mentoring sessions will take place from January to June 2027.

Through ‘WoMent’, CSIC in the Valencian Community reaffirms its commitment to equality and the promotion of female talent. The programme also provides an intergenerational meeting space where participants can share experiences, develop role models and foster innovative solutions that contribute to a more diverse and equitable scientific system.

Further information is available on the WoMent-CSIC programme website.

For enquiries, please contact: womentcsic@gmail.com.