Mentorship in the research setting
- Author:
Joon-Wah Mak
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Research mentors, endpoint measurements, successful mentorship
- From:International e-Journal of Science, Medicine and Education
2012;6(1):11-14
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Abstract: The research mentorship programme is
unique in that it is a planned journey undertaken by
the mentor and mentee, preferably with well-defined
milestones along the journey. During the journey,
familiar landmarks will be pointed out by the mentor.
In path-finding situations the experience and wisdom of
the mentor and the critical appraisal of both mentor and
mentee will contribute to learning from the encounter.
In most mentor-mentee partnerships, a formal
acceptance to the relationship, well-defined landmarks
measuring progress in the journey, regular appraisal of
the skills developed and acquired, and phased, judicious
modification in the individual roles of that relationship
will be required. Although there is no consensus on
the elements of mentorship, there are some strategies
which can contribute to the success of the relationship.
Critical success factors include convergence of the
research area within the broad expertise of the research
mentor. The research mentor should have a proven
research track record and is committed to serve in that
official capacity. The research mentoring process is
dynamic and characteristics of both mentor and mentee
contribute to the robustness of that relationship. The
mentee would have identified some attributes of the
mentor that are desirable and is willing to work hard to
achieve, build on, and improve upon. In the research
setting endpoint measurements of success will be based
on recognition of the research standing of the mentee,
measurable outcomes such as number of papers in
top tier journals, citation indices, etc. consultancies
attracted as well as invitations to deliver plenaries in
scientific conferences, patents filed and research findings
translated and applied, and other measures of research
productivity. In the pursuit of research excellence the
mentee would have imbibed values of professionalism
and ethics in research and would have constantly kept
in mind that to be successful, the mentee would be able
to excel beyond his mentor and that the next generation
of researchers will seek mentorship from him.
- Full text:W020150928546737323654.pdf
