NAS pairs 25 young Nigerian researchers with senior scientists in new mentorship programme

The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has launched a six-month mentorship programme that will pair 25 early-career Nigerian researchers with 25 established scientists to strengthen research capacity and develop the country’s next generation of scientific leaders.

The Research Leaders Mentorship (ReLM) Programme is designed to give young scientists access to experienced researchers, professional guidance, research networks and opportunities for collaboration.

The academy said the programme will support Nigerian postgraduate students and post-doctoral researchers within seven years of completing their terminal degrees.

The programme officially began with an orientation workshop on 7 September, according to a statement signed by Abubakar Sambo, President of NAS.

How the programme will work

Under the initiative, mentees will be matched with established researchers based on their research interests, career goals and areas of discipline.

The six-month engagement will allow participants to discuss their research progress, career development, challenges and professional goals with their mentors.

The programme will also include interactive sessions on developing competitive research proposals, communicating scientific findings, navigating research careers and building professional networks.

Addressing research gaps

The academy said the initiative was developed in response to challenges faced by early-career researchers, including limited access to experienced mentors, professional guidance, research networks and opportunities for collaboration.

Through the programme, NAS said it hopes to strengthen young researchers’ capacity to produce quality, society-relevant research and build meaningful collaborations.

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The academy described mentorship as a strategic tool for strengthening Nigeria’s scientific community and supporting the development of future research leaders.

NAS is the foremost independent scientific body in Nigeria. The academy is uniquely positioned to bring scientific knowledge to bear on the country’s policies and strategic direction, and it is also dedicated to developing and advancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) in Nigeria.