Learn from the expert in your scientific field!
The ECSS is excited to introduce the Mentoring Programme for Early Career Researchers (ECR) designed to connect young researchers with our experienced ECSS Fellow and Member community who will take on the role of mentors.
The programme aims to support your career path by offering you the opportunity to discuss any challenge you may face in your field and your career planning, to provide advice on publication strategies or any other suitable topic you may think of. Along the way, the programme will help you build international connections, understand the complex demands in the academic system and learn more about conflict management.
How to apply
The programme is open to ECRs who are ECSS members and PhD and post-doctoral candidates, recent Master graduates or individuals very early in their career.
ECRs keen to be a part of the programme should send their application via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than 30 January 2026 (24:00 CET).
The Mentoring Programme aims at an 18 to 24 months collaboration between the mentee and mentor with the option of extension upon the agreement of both parties. While the programme was kicked off during the 30th ECSS Annual Congress, submissions will be called every year around the first week of December for the formal mentee-mentor meeting to be organised during the following Congress. Further information on this meeting will be shared separately with all confirmed participants prior to the Congress.
Your application should outline:
Curriculum Vitae: To receive a short overview of the mentee’s career and qualifications.
Motivation: Why do I want to be part of the Mentoring Programme?
Topics: What do I want to discuss with my mentor?
Goals: Which goals do I want to achieve within the Mentoring Programme?
Names of preferred mentors (optional): Senior ECSS Members, including ECSS Fellows
This is your chance to navigate your career with support from your mentors who are renowned in their fields.
For more information, please refer to the FAQs below. The ECSS Mentoring Programme Guidelines are available for members to download within their ECSS account under the ‘myMembership & Benefits’ section.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What is the ECSS Mentoring Programme?
This programme connects Early Career Researchers (ECRs) with experienced mentors such as ECSS Fellows and senior ECSS members to provide guidance on professional development along with networking opportunities within the field of sport science.
Who is eligible to apply?The programme is open to ECRs who are ECSS members and PhD and post-doctoral candidates, recent Master graduates or individuals very early in their career.
What are the benefits of participating?Mentees will receive personalised advice, gain insights into their career path and address various issues and challenges they are facing in their career. Mentors, thus, will contribute to the development of the next generation of sport scientists and enhance their leadership and mentoring skills.
How does the programme help mentors?Mentors will contribute to the development of the next generation of sport scientists while enhancing their leadership and mentoring skills. Mentors get the opportunity to reflect upon their own career pathway, gaining insights into new challenges and developing new ideas and networks. Mentors participating in the ECSS ECR Mentoring Programme receive recognition for their contribution to developing future leaders in sport science. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.
What are the responsibilities of a mentor?Mentors are expected to provide guidance on career development and offer advice on research and professional opportunities. However, the discussions are not intended to include advice on the ECR’s scientific qualification process (e.g., Masters or Doctoral project/thesis), as the mentor is not part of the ECR’s qualification and final evaluation process.
How does an ECR apply?ECRs should send their application via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than 30 January to start the Mentoring Programme at the ECSS Annual Congress in the respective year.
What documents form a part of the application process?The application should outline their CV, motivation for the Mentoring Programme, topics to be addressed and goals to be achieved. This will help ECSS identify a mentor who aligns with the academic and professional interests required to mentor.
Does an ECR need to propose a preferred mentor in the application?Proposing a mentor is optional. If the applicant has a specific ECSS member in mind as mentor, it may be included in the application. However, it is not mandatory. The programme will assist in finding a suitable match based on the topic for programme, availability of the mentor, as well as applicant and the mentor’s profile.
How can an ECR know if someone is an ECSS member?While the full ECSS membership list is not publicly available, the Fellows are listed here. Alternatively, one can identify likely members through their participation in the ECSS Congresses, involvement in ECSS activities or other affiliations. If an applicant is unsure, it may be mentioned in the application.
What happens if a suggested mentor is not an ECSS member?If a proposed mentor is not an ECSS member, ECSS will identify a suitable mentor within the ECSS community.
How are mentors assigned if an ECR does not propose one?Mentors will be assigned based on the mentee’s research profile and career goals. The ECSS Mentoring Programme team will ensure a good match within the ECSS community.
What is expected of a mentee?Mentees are expected to engage actively in the mentorship relationship, participate in scheduled meetings and attend the kick-off session at the ECSS Congress.
How long does the mentorship last?The formal mentorship period typically lasts between 18 and 24 months, but the duration and structure can be adjusted based on mutual agreement between the mentor and mentee.
Will there be an official meeting to start the programme?The programme will begin with a kick-off meeting during the ECSS Annual Congress. The mentor and mentee will receive an email invitation before the Congress with the complete details. This meeting will include an introduction to the programme and an opportunity for mentors and mentees to meet.
What if an ECR or mentor cannot attend the kick-off meeting in person?While attending the kick-off meeting is highly encouraged, alternative arrangements can be made to ensure the mentee and mentor are fully included in the programme.
Why should ECRs be a part of the ECSS Mentoring Programme instead of approaching potential mentors directly?While ECRs are free to build personal connections, the ECSS Mentoring Programme offers unique benefits:
- Structured process: The ECSS guides mentees through matching with suitable mentors and provide resources, including mentoring guidelines for fostering an effective mentorship.
- ECSS affiliation and recognition: Mentorships established through the Mentoring Programme receive official recognition throughout the ECSS community via our digital channels such as website, newsletter and social media. Mentors approached independently by individuals may not have the same support or recognition within the ECSS community as they would within the official framework.
When will applicants know if they have been matched with a mentor?Applicants will be informed about their mentor match towards the end of March. This timeline ensures they have enough time to plan their attendance at the kick-off meeting during the ECSS Annual Congress, including arranging travel and benefiting from the early bird registration deadline.
What if applicants have more questions?For additional queries, applicants can write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
