The BSI mentoring scheme is an important part of our career development offer for members and fulfils one of our key aims: to support and develop the next generation of world leading immunologists.
The BSI mentoring scheme is a professional relationship where an experienced person (the mentor) supports an early career individual (the mentee) through a process of developing and enhancing their career and personal growth. Mentees and mentors are paired from different institutions and sectors based on overlapping needs and expertise and work together over a 12-month period with the mentor supporting the mentee in making decisions relevant to their career path and providing them with independent support and advice.
The scheme launched in 2018 and since then has supported 188 mentees. Mentors have offered support in areas such as:
- Career planning and development
- Changing sector of work
- Networking
- Setting up collaborations
- Working with supervisors and co-workers
- Gaining new skills, e.g. leadership, management
- Finding the right work–life balance
- Grant applications
- Writing and publishing scientific papers
Both mentees and mentors also take part in a training session delivered by a professional coaching and mentoring trainer to help them to develop techniques, learn best practice and discuss the opportunities and challenges of a mentoring relationship.
In March 2026, the BSI undertook impact evaluation of the first six years of the scheme; with all mentees finishing their 12 months in the scheme at least two years ago, this provided an excellent opportunity to assess the impact the scheme has had thus far.
The impact of the first six years of the BSI mentoring scheme is incredibly positive, and a summary of the results is shown below. Respondents to the impact survey indicated that they valued the support the scheme provided and that is has had a lasting effect on their career and how they approach it.
Results
- 46% are still in touch with the mentor
- 88% achieved the goals they had at the start of the BSI Mentoring Scheme
- 73% still use the knowledge, skills and experience they gained through taking part in the scheme
- 62% said it changed their approach to their career progression
‘What did you gain from being part of the BSI mentoring scheme?’
- “A mentor for life.”
- “Without the support at a difficult time, I would have left research that year.”
- “I saw a lot of empathy which was so much needed. I saw support in trying to understand what I could do beyond academia.”
- “It helped me tremendously and mainly made me believe in myself to pursue a different career.”
- “A wonderful mentor who helped me a great deal. He gave me the confidence to apply for an MRC NIRG which I was subsequently awarded.”
- “Unbiased views on careers development options and when and where to submit work for publication from someone who has no vested interest in my success.”
26 respondents (of 137 mentees, 86 of which are still members with available contact details) BSI mentoring s2018–2023
The BSI mentoring scheme applications are now open for the 2027 scheme. More information on how to apply, eligibility requirements and further guidance can be found here.
If you have questions about the scheme or would like to know more, please get in touch with careers@immunology.org.
Chris Snowden-Smith