Are you a mid-career researcher (MCR) who would benefit from having a mentor from outside of your normal network?  Read on for details and apply as a mentee by 4 December 2026.

Are you an experienced research leader who could support an MCR at another institution as part of a reciprocal arrangement? Read on for details and apply as a mentor by 4 December 2026.

The cross-institutional Mid-Career Researcher (MCR) mentoring scheme is led by Manchester Met, in collaboration with the Universities of Lancaster, Sheffield Hallam, Manchester, Salford, Leeds Beckett, Huddersfield, Reading, Exeter, and Surrey. The scheme opens up opportunities for mid-career or ‘established’ researchers (see definition below*) to develop and explore new possibilities for their career and professional development. Whereas Early Career Researchers already have access to a number of funding, fellowship and development opportunities designed specifically for them, the MCR group are often overlooked and we have designed this scheme specifically to fill this gap. The scheme has run for several years and received excellent feedback from both mentors and mentees.

How it works

If selected for the scheme, MCR mentees will be matched with an experienced ‘senior’ researcher or research leader from another partner institution. Places are reciprocal so the number of mentee places available to each institution is dependent on the number of mentors who applied from that University.

The mentoring is light-touch with roughly 3-4 virtual meetings over 4-6 months, starting in February. Mentors and mentees will have access to optional introductory and development sessions where they can develop and share their mentoring practice and meet others taking part in the scheme.

Mentees 

If you are a mid-career ‘established’ researcher, please apply to be a Mentee using this form. Deadline for applications: 11:59 pm Friday 4 December 2026.

At Sheffield Hallam MCRs are likely to be e.g. Senior Lecturers, Senior Research Fellows, Readers, Associate Professors or Principal Research Fellows.

There is an online info session for prospective Mentees on 3 November 2026 11am-12pm which provides further information about the scheme if you would like to attend before applying.

Please note:

  • If you apply we cannot guarantee you will be matched with a mentor; the number of available mentee places depends on how many colleagues from your institution sign up as mentors; and also on whether there is someone available who can support you with the areas you wish to develop.
  • Priority will be given to those that have previously applied to the scheme but have not previously been matched
  • We will not accept email applications, you must complete the form. This is essential as the forms collect information to help us to match mentors and mentees.
  • While we allow applicants to the scheme to self-define as MCRs, we ask that you read the definition* carefully before applying and do not sign up to the scheme if this does not apply to you.

Mentors 

If you are an experienced ‘senior’ researcher/research leader who feels comfortable mentoring mid-career researchers, please register as a Mentor using this form
Deadline for applications: 11:59 pm Friday 4 December 2026.

At Sheffield Hallam, Mentors are likely to be e.g. Professors, RIKE Leads, Heads or Deputy Heads of School/Institute, Associate Deans or Deans (and in some cases Associate Professors or Principal Research Fellows).

Online support is provided, and you will have the opportunity to meet senior colleagues at other participating institutions at an optional Mentoring Masterclass. There is also an online info session for prospective Mentors on 4 November 2026 12-1pm which provides further information about the scheme if you would like to attend before registering.

*Definition of MCR for the purposes of this scheme:

  • ‘Mid-career’ or ‘established’ researchers tend to be those who have developed an independent research reputation, have likely been promoted, but still have a long active career ahead. They are no longer early career researchers (ECRs). An ECR is usually defined as someone who is no more than 5-8 years post-PhD (dependent on discipline) or up to 10 years with career breaks or has equivalent experience.
  • At Sheffield Hallam MCRs are likely to be e.g. Senior Lecturers, Senior Research Fellows, Readers, Associate Professors, Associate Heads or Principal Research Fellows. For the purposes of this scheme, MCR does not generally include colleagues who are mid-career chronologically, having started their career beyond academic research, but still early in their research career.

The value of these cross institutional partnerships and relationships is well documented. Successful mentees will have the opportunity to access support from beyond their existing networks, achieve a broader perspective on their development and career path, and increase their networking opportunities.   

Testimonials

“Very helpful! It gave me confidence to get a perspective on my work and my research plans from someone outside of my university.” (Mentee, Sheffield Hallam)

“It allowed a level of independence and examination that wouldn’t have been possible with a mentor at the same institution. Reflecting on how different institutions operate was really useful.” (Mentee, Sheffield Hallam)

“It is always more productive having a cross-institutional pairing, the pair of mentor-mentee can still have an honest series of meetings and conversations whilst also experiencing different processes and policies in different HE institutions. That is useful and beneficial for both the mentee and the mentor, too.” (Mentor, Sheffield Hallam)

Contact

Please contact Dr Elizabeth Scanlon via rida@shu.ac.uk if you have any questions about the scheme.