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.
Rules of participation
Participation in the mentorship program requires active, responsible, and ethical engagement between mentors and mentees throughout the entire program cycle.
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Who can be a mentor | A mentor can be an experienced professional or researcher working in an academic or professional environment outside Ukraine, with relevant expertise and a willingness to support the professional development of Ukrainian scientists. |
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Who can be a mentee | Mentees can be Ukrainian scientists based in Ukraine who seek professional support, career guidance, research skills development, assistance with publications, grant applications, or international collaboration. |
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Principles of participation |
Participation in the program is based on:
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Expectations of mentors |
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Expectations of mentees |
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In case of changes or difficulties | If a planned meeting cannot take place, the party canceling the meeting should inform the other party in advance and agree on a new time. If any communication or interaction difficulties arise during participation in the program, participants may contact the program coordinators for support. |
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Important | The mentorship program does not guarantee employment, funding, or any other specific outcomes, but it creates opportunities for professional development, new connections, and international collaboration. |
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Read more details | More detailed recommendations for mentors and mentees are available in the program guide. Guide for mentors and mentees |
The next phase of the program will begin in September 2026.
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
Bogdan Kapatsila
ORCID
Assistant Professor
Earth and related environmental sciences, Sociology, Other social sciences
United States of America
Ivan Kozyatnyk
ORCID
Chemist, researcher
Chemical sciences, Earth and related environmental sciences, Environmental engineering
Sweden
Oleksandr Melnyk
ORCID
Computer and information sciences, Earth and related environmental sciences, Mechanical engineering
Finland
Albina Mikhraliieva
Valentyn Mohylyuk
Taras Oleksyk
ORCID
Computer and information sciences, Biological sciences, Other natural sciences
United States of America
Anton Tkachuk
Yulia Vorobkevych
Creative Studio
Economics and business, Social and economic geography, Media and communication
Switzerland
Oksana Yarema
Andriy Zhugayevych
ORCID
Visiting researcher
Physical sciences and astronomy, Chemical sciences, Materials engineering
Germany
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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!
Evelina Matsko
During the mentoring program, I was able to understand the aspects and subtleties of writing scientific texts, in particular articles. Meetings with the mentor were held regularly and as efficiently as possible. During the program, I was able to compare theoretical information regarding article writing with practical application. Under the guidance of my mentor, I was able to write the best possible draft of the article. In the future, I plan to continue to cooperate with my mentor.
Liubov Krotova
Throughout the program, I was able to better understand the types of grants that suit my profile and explore reliable resources for finding them. I also made an initial attempt to apply for a grant and, although I eventually realized it was not the right fit and stepped back from the process, this experience helped me clarify my priorities and next steps. Additionally, the mentorship support allowed me to significantly improve my CV.
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.
What is the mentee selection procedure?
Mentee selection is based on a completed application form where participants describe their scientific experience, professional development needs, and program expectations. After analyzing the applications, the program team creates a list of recommended candidates and conducts selection according to mentor profiles. Priority is given to Ukrainian scientists who continue to work in Ukraine during the war and need support for their research career development.
How does mentor-mentee pairing work?
After collecting applications and basic assessment of mentee needs, coordinators perform manual pairing, considering shared scientific interests, mentor experience, and stated mentee goals. Each pair receives an individual cooperation plan (Mentoring Action Plan) that defines goals, meeting frequency, and key development areas – from publications and grants to expanding international collaboration.
What is expected from a mentor?
A mentor is expected to actively participate in the program, be willing to share experience and support the mentee in professional development. The mentor helps define goals, provides advice on writing scientific articles, participating in conferences, preparing grant applications, and facilitates networking with international scientific colleagues. The mentor maintains a friendly, equal atmosphere and informs organizers of any difficulties.
What is expected from a mentee?
A mentee should take responsibility for program participation, actively participate in meetings, implement agreed steps from their Mentoring Action Plan, and be open to advice. It's important to come to meetings prepared, formulate questions, follow the schedule, and demonstrate initiative in personal professional development.
What can participation in the program provide?
Program participation provides Ukrainian scientists with the opportunity to receive individual support, improve academic writing skills, grant preparation, international communication, and career planning. Mentors, in turn, gain experience in international mentoring, develop leadership and communication skills, and have the opportunity to contribute to the restoration of Ukrainian science through knowledge sharing.
What is the algorithm for involving mentors and mentees?
1. Announcement of mentor and mentee recruitment on the official website and program social networks.
2. Submission of applications specifying scientific interests, experience, and expectations.
3. Application analysis and manual pairing by program coordinators.
4. Conducting an orientation session for mentors and mentees.
5. Formation of a Mentoring Action Plan for each pair.
6. Regular online meetings (1-2 times every two weeks).
7. Participation in Career Advice Sessions and completion of short feedback surveys.
8. Program completion with final self-assessment and future recommendations.
2. Submission of applications specifying scientific interests, experience, and expectations.
3. Application analysis and manual pairing by program coordinators.
4. Conducting an orientation session for mentors and mentees.
5. Formation of a Mentoring Action Plan for each pair.
6. Regular online meetings (1-2 times every two weeks).
7. Participation in Career Advice Sessions and completion of short feedback surveys.
8. Program completion with final self-assessment and future recommendations.
How does the program address issues of academic integrity, copyright, and conflict of interest?
The program adheres to principles of academic integrity that ensure honesty, transparency, and respect for intellectual work. Mentors and mentees receive recommendations on proper citation, avoiding plagiarism, and respecting copyrights. All materials created within the collaboration remain the intellectual property of their authors. Regarding conflict of interest, participants are encouraged to be open and transparent: they should report any circumstances that may affect the objectivity or independence of collaboration. If such situations arise, program coordinators help find optimal solutions. The program is based on mutual trust, respect, and transparency, and all ethical aspects are regulated through open communication between participants and coordinators.