GIANT: YAG Academic Mentor Program

The GIANT program is a mentor program designed to support early career researchers (ECRs) in navigating the challenges of academia. At its core, the program pairs ECRs (such as postdocs and assistant professors) with more advanced faculty members (associate and full professors) who provide valuable guidance on various aspects of academic life, including career development, leadership, networking, and balancing academic responsibilities.

Standing on the shoulders of giants - Isaac Newton

Why does the GIANT Program exist?

Early career researchers face numerous challenges as they navigate the academic landscape, from managing the demands of research and teaching to building professional networks and carving out a sustainable career path. While many institutions provide support for PhD candidates, there has often been a gap for postdoctoral researchers and assistant professors—particularly those new to the University of Groningen (RUG). This is where GIANT comes in, filling that gap with a flexible and tailored mentoring scheme that helps ECRs thrive.

What does the GIANT Program do?

Through the GIANT program, early career researchers are paired with mentors who provide personalized support. Mentoring sessions can cover a wide range of topics, such as strategies for career progression, networking, leadership development, and managing work-life balance. This mentorship relationship not only benefits mentees, but also empowers mentors to enhance their own leadership and mentoring skills while contributing to the academic community.

Our approach is designed to be sustainable. As mentees progress in their careers, they can step into mentoring roles, ensuring that future generations of academics continue to benefit from a robust support system. The program is supported by Young Academy Groningen (YAG), which offers training, resources, and coordination to ensure the success of these mentoring relationships.

How can I sign-up as a mentee?

We are currently in the process of organizing the mentoring program. Potential mentors are now signing up for mentor training, which will take place in March and April. Following this, we will host a matchmaking event to pair mentees with mentors, likely in May. After that, the mentoring will begin.

Interested in being matched? Please express your interest by filling out this form:

How can I sign-up as a mentor?

Do you have an interest in mentoring early career researchers? Join our Academic Mentor Training and develop your mentoring skills in an interactive and practical workshop!

After this workshop, you will be well-prepared to join the YAG’s mentoring program and make a meaningful impact on the career development of early career researchers.

Workshop Details
Dates & Locations (you only have to choose one of the following options):

●      Monday 31 March (13:00-17:00) – Rölin building, Lokinzaal (Faculty of Law)
●      Tuesday 1 April (13:00-17:00) – Feringa Building, room 5616.0152 (FSE)
●      Thursday 3 April (13:00-17:00) – Aweg 30, room 227 (Educational building close to Westerhaven)

Who is it for?
Experienced assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors who want to mentor postdocs and early-career assistant professors.

Why Join?
This training will help you professionalize your mentoring skills by exploring what mentoring truly entails and practicing essential techniques in an interactive setting.

 What You Will Learn
✔ What is mentoring (and what is it not)?
✔ Essential mentoring mindsets and skills
✔ Setting clear expectations and agreements
✔ Balancing sharing experiences vs. guiding mentees

You will engage in real mentoring conversations with peers in a small, interactive group setting. This ensures a hands-on learning experience with plenty of opportunities for discussion and practice

Trainer: Sander Trooster

After the Workshop
Following the workshop, the Young Academy Groningen (YAG) will organize a matching event (in April-May) to connect mentors with early career researchers (mentees).

Already completed a mentoring training and want to stay informed about the matching event? Please indicate your interest by emailing Michelle Bruijn (l.m.bruijn@rug.nl).

Questions about the GIANT project? Contact Michelle Bruijn at l.m.bruijn@rug.nl

The GIANT mentoring program is initiated by:
Antonija Grubisic-Cabo
Frank Harbers
Maeve McKeown
Manoela  Carpenedo
Michelle Bruijn