Young Women Researchers and Teachers
The University of Warsaw conducts mentoring activities aimed at young female researchers, a group requiring support during entry and adaptation to the academic environment. These activities aim to strengthen women’s participation in scientific research and counteract structural barriers that emerge in the early stages of an academic career.
The “Young Researchers and Teachers” programme is a university-wide development programme at the University of Warsaw, aimed at young female researchers employed under an employment contract who have earned their doctoral degree no more than seven years before the recruitment period begins. Designed to counteract the loss of women’s engagement early in their academic careers and support the development of their research and teaching paths, the program is part of the University of Warsaw’s broader efforts to promote gender equality in science and is consistent with the Gender Equality Plan and the Inclusive Gender Equality Plan for the University of Warsaw.
Why participate?
The program combines individual mentoring and coaching support with a practical training package (scientific, personal, and leadership), grant consulting, and development tools. This allows participants to gain specific skills (grant writing, publications, career planning), a network of contacts, and support in balancing research and personal life. Participant feedback highlights the particular value of working with mentors and exchanging experiences with peers.
What does the program include?
- Mentoring (mandatory): mentorship (10–24 teaching hours) focused on an Individual Research Plan—prioritizing support for scientific development and networking.
- Coaching (optional): up to 12 hours of sessions—working on motivation, work-life balance, assertiveness, and action strategies.
- Individual career/grant counseling: short advisory sessions.
- Training program (three blocks): research training (e.g., preparation for habilitation, grant writing), personal competency development (time management, assertiveness, occupational health, public speaking), and leadership competencies (team building, leadership styles, motivation). Participants are required to complete a specified number of hours.
For whom and for how long?
The program is implemented in two-year cycles and funded under the Excellence Initiative – Research University (IDUB). Participants are female researchers employed at the University of Warsaw, meeting the criterion of a maximum of seven years of work after completing their doctorate. Previous editions have included dozens of female researchers from various disciplines, and the conclusions from evaluations and consultations with participants indicate the program’s high value, both in terms of content and community. Participants emphasize the importance of mentoring relationships, peer-to-peer experience sharing, and practical support in the areas of grants and academic career planning.
How to join / Contact
The program is implemented with the support of IDUB, and the next round of applications is planned depending on funding availability. Interested individuals are asked to contact us by email: badacze_i_badaczki.szkolenia@uw.edu.pl.
Program Coordinator:
Katarzyna Wileńska-Moody, M.A. — Senior Specialist for Employee Competency Development
k.wilenska@uw.edu.pl, tel.: (+48) 22 55 24249.