The program brings together Ukrainian scientists with experienced mentors from all over the world — for career support, inspiration and development during and after the war.
Mentoring is more than advice. It is support based on mutual respect, experience, and the desire to help.
Why this program?
- To help Ukrainian scientists find new professional directions
- To expand access to global scientific networks and opportunities
- To support those who work in Ukraine during the war
- To strengthen cooperation between Ukrainian and international researchers
How does it work?
The program is run twice a year (in September and February), lasts 3 months and takes place in the format of online meetings. Mentor and mentee work together on career goals, research skills development, and increasing professional confidence.
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You choose your role (mentor or mentee) and fill out the form
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The program team finds you the ideal match at the start of the program (twice a year)
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At the start, the mentor and mentee create an individual action plan: choose goals, format, and pace of interaction.
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You regularly meet 1-2 times a month online over the course of 3 months
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Completion — feedback and assessment of the results of collaboration.
The next iteration starts in September 2025
Want to join?
Follow the updates or fill in the preliminary form:
Pilot program results
| 90 mentee applications | 11 mentor-mentee pairs | 8 countries | 3 months of interaction | 4 scientific articles published | 4 academic exchange applications | 4 CVs updated to EU standards | 1 international cooperation agreement |
We are proud of our mentees
Our mentors
Yevheniia Bushman
Iryna Chernysh
Feedback
Borys Prydalnyi
The mentor gave specific advice on how to prepare applications for participation in international program competitions. The mentor reviewed the application and the CV. An application was submitted for academic exchange at universities in France.
Yuliia Shapoval
I received consultations for preparing a Fulbright application, specifically regarding: completing the application: recommendations on structuring responses, formulating motivation and research goals; choosing a research topic: ensuring relevance, applied nature, and alignment with the U.S. academic context; developing an internship plan: regarding its structure; finding a host institution in the U.S.: tips for finding contacts, and the mentor organized a meeting with Professor Yurii Gorodnichenko; CV: advice on adapting the CV to international academic standards; practical aspects of participating in the Fulbright program: regarding everyday and organizational matters of the internship, as well as expectations from program alumni.
Anna Vykliuk
Choosing Oksana Yarema as my mentor turned out to be as successful as a student could imagine. We had meaningful conversations about different aspects of my PhD thesis. We discussed various approaches to my topic. Ms. Yarema shared her invaluable experience with me, opening new perspectives on my research that I had not noticed before. Most importantly, our meetings inspired me to continue my academic work. Honestly, before that I felt somewhat lost and thought I was missing something. These meetings became the gentle push and inspiration I truly needed.
Ivanna Prylutska
Over the past few months, I had the opportunity to work under the mentorship of Yelyzaveta Horodetska from OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Oncology Research (Germany). In my case, the mentorship led to a concrete result – I received a research fellowship from FEBS to undergo an internship in one of the leading international laboratories in the Czech Republic!
FAQ
Who can participate in the program as a mentee?
Any Ukrainian researcher working or studying in Ukraine who needs professional support: PhD students, scientists, lecturers, researchers at universities or institutes.
Who can become a mentor?
A mentor can be a Ukrainian scholar living or working abroad, with experience in science, international cooperation, project writing, grants, publications, and who is ready to share knowledge and support colleagues from Ukraine.
What is the duration of the program?
Each cycle lasts 3 months. The program takes place twice a year. The next iteration will start in September 2025.
How often should meetings take place?
It is recommended to have 1–2 online meetings per month. The schedule and format are agreed upon individually between the mentor and mentee.
Is there a fixed schedule or training modules?
No. The program is based on an individual approach. The mentor–mentee pair defines the goals and format of interaction based on the mentee’s real needs.
What topics can be discussed during mentorship?
Publication preparation, academic writing, grant applications, career development, mobility, international cooperation, course development, participation in conferences, etc.
Can I participate again?
Yes. If the previous cycle was helpful, you can apply again. We will take your previous experience into account when forming new pairs.