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Mentorship

A novel and important aspect of the KRESCENT program is a built-in mentoring system that facilitates career development. Trainees meet with the Program Director, Curriculum Chair and invited senior scientists at biannual workshops where they interact in a career development workshop setting. Additionally, at the discretion of New Investigator trainees, the KRESCENT Program will facilitate establishment and provide ongoing support of formal “level-specific” mentorship with a Program Mentor, identified by the trainee.

It is expected that Program Mentors will interact with trainees at least twice a year, providing counsel with regards to the provision of conditions/resources required to establish and sustain a successful independent career in research including:
 
  1. Reviewing the percentage of protected time dedicated to research
  2. Reviewing the resources available to the candidate to develop their research program
  3. Helping the candidate evaluate the quality of the research environment and suggesting possible changes (if required), including the development of collaborative relationships that might foster knowledge translation
  4. Providing assistance and guidance on grant writing, the preparation of manuscripts and future directions for their research

By design, program mentorship does not conflict with the research supervisor’s important mentorship role during the fellowship period. As Program Mentors receive progress reports on individual trainees from both supervisors and the Program Steering Committee, the roles of the mentor and supervisor are distinct and complementary for fellowship-level trainees:
  • The research supervisor directs the trainee’s research work and is considered the lead mentor.
  • The Program Mentors evaluate the trainee’s progress with respect to the KRESCENT program, and
    • ensure the goals of the KRESCENT program are being met;
    • facilitate changes (if required) to optimize training, and;
    • facilitate career transition counselling, the negotiation of academic appointments, advise on the consideration of options for faculty positions, etc.