EASD ECA Mentorship Programme - First Hand Feedback

To date, the EASD Early Career Academy Mentorship Programme has successfully completed two rounds, pairing a total of 20 mentees with mentors. As the first round draws to a close, we have reached out to participants for their feedback on the programme.

Several mentees kindly wrote summaries to share their experiences with their mentors. May their story inspire you to apply for upcoming rounds of our Mentorship Programme.

I am a medical resident in Internal Medicine at Uppsala University Hospital and PhD student at Uppsala University. My research interests are the role of the brain in glucose homeostasis and the impact of obesity surgery on the brain and the endocrine system. Research is the more exciting and fruitful the more people are involved in a project.

The challenge that motivated me to look for a mentor was the strive to create collaboration networks outside of my research group. From a mentor, I expected inspiration and motivation to face new research challenges.

I met my mentor, Prof. Martin Heni, online. We have not met in person yet but we plan to do it, both at the EASD Annual Meeting and at his institution. With my mentor, we are considering new research questions and ways to tackle them to cast light on the role of the brain in insulin resistance. He helps me think out of my box and become independent as a researcher.

The EASD Early Career Academy Mentorship programme provided the possibility to create a new research collaboration and the opportunity to start thinking as an independent researcher.

I am a Resident in Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease at the Catholic University of Rome, with a strong interest in diabetes pathophysiology, beta-cell function, and the relationship between exocrine and endocrine function.

One of the main challenges I faced in my career was gaining a deeper understanding of basic science and how to apply it to resolve clinical questions. This challenge inspired me to seek a mentor who could introduce me to the world of basic science, particularly regarding diabetes and its pathophysiology.

I had the opportunity to work in Prof. Heiko Lickert's laboratory at the Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research. This allowed me to collaborate directly with expert scientists in the field and to develop a translational project that I am currently carrying on.

My mentor's support has been crucial for my scientific and professional development. He provided me with the opportunity to work side by side with experts in his lab, offering invaluable practical and educational experience. Additionally, thanks to the EASD Early Career Academy Mentorship Programme, I had the chance to work in an international environment, which has greatly enriched my training and perspectives.

I am currently a PhD candidate at the Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, where my research focuses on diabetes, diabetes complications (especially liver), and cardiovascular risk.

As an early-career researcher, I have faced several challenges, including navigating the complexities of securing research funding, publishing in high-impact journals, and establishing a robust professional network. I sought a mentor to gain insights into overcoming these obstacles and to receive guidance on strategic career planning, including grant writing, manuscript preparation, and effective networking within the scientific community.

I connected with my mentor, Prof. Jan Gojda, through the EASD Early Career Academy. Our interactions were primarily conducted through online meetings, which proved to be flexible and efficient. Additionally, we had the opportunity to meet in person when I started a three-month stay at Charles University in Prague in February 2024, further strengthening our professional relationship.

My mentor provided invaluable support in several areas. He offered critical feedback on my research proposals and manuscripts, significantly improving the quality and impact of my work. He also shared his experiences and strategies for successful grant applications and introduced me to key figures in the field, thereby expanding my professional network. His mentorship included advice on balancing research with other professional responsibilities, which has been instrumental in my career development.

The structured yet flexible nature of the programme allowed me to address specific challenges and develop a clear, strategic plan for my professional growth. The opportunity to discuss my progress and receive constructive feedback regularly was incredibly valuable and contributed to a productive and enriching experience.

I am a medical doctor specialized in diabetology. Throughout my academic and professional career, I primarily worked in a diabetology unit in my hometown, learning from mentors at my local university. Before applying to the EASD Early Career Academy Mentorship Programme, I was fortunate to engage in international collaborations on two research projects, which significantly enriched my scientific perspective.

Seeking further growth, I applied to the Mentorship Programme to observe and learn from an established scientist’s career, aiming to broaden my understanding of future opportunities and better navigate my clinical and scientific career paths. At the time of application, I faced challenges such as limited insight into the career paths of colleagues in different countries and health care systems, expectations to secure funding for well-defined research, and balancing a clinical career with academic and research responsibilities.

Upon being selected for the Programme, I chose Dr. Claudia Cavelti-Weder as my mentor. Her experience as a medical doctor who seamlessly integrates academic and research commitments made her an ideal mentor. Although we mostly communicated online, we met in person at the EASD Annual Meeting 2023 in Hamburg.

The Mentorship Programme is ongoing, but it has already offered me valuable insights into her career path, working style, and work-life balance. Moreover, Dr. Cavelti-Weder assured me that it is worth following the chosen scientific path, because the effects, even if they come slowly, ultimately make us move forward.

Want to learn more about the EASD Early Career Academy Mentorship Programme? Have a look at the programme outline and upcoming application deadlines:

Mentorship Programme