Experimental Mentorship Programme
The IGL Experimental Mentorship Programme is a new pilot initiative designed to support early-career researchers working on experimental ideas in science, innovation, productivity, and strategy.
With a community of over 180 PhD students, the programme connects selected mentees with experienced researchers who have expertise in designing and implementing experiments. The aim is to foster the next generation of experimental scholarship through focused, flexible, and high-quality mentorship.
This is an experimental (pilot) programme, and we expect timelines and engagement formats to remain flexible based on participant needs.
About the Programme
The mentorship programme runs over a six-month period starting in June 2026 and includes:
- Carefully matched mentor-mentee pairings based on research interests, methods, and availability
- Light-touch guidance and supporting materials
- Flexible scheduling of mentoring sessions based
- Optional check-ins and support from the IGL team throughout the programme
The programme culminates in a virtual closing event in December 2026, where participants will share progress and reflect on their work.
What Mentees Will Gain
Selected PhD mentees will benefit from:
- Individual guidance on experimental design and research development
- Feedback on early-stage ideas, methods, and analysis strategies
- Exposure to cutting-edge approaches across disciplines
- Intellectual exchange with experienced researchers in the field
- Support in refining, developing and communicating experimental work
Each mentee will be paired with one on a 1-1 or group format depending on fit and availability.
Programme Timeline
- June 2026: Mentee applications open and cohort selection
- Late June 2026: Mentor-mentee matching and introductions
- July–November 2026: Mentorship period (flexible meetings)
- Autumn 2026: Optional check-in with programme coordinators
- December 2nd, 2026 (4pm CET): Virtual closing event and final showcase
At the closing event, mentors and mentees will come together to share progress. Each pairing will present a 3-minute pitch of their experimental ideas, designs, or results.
Our Mentors
We are grateful to the researchers who have agreed to take part in the pilot programme.
Join the Programme
If you are a PhD student working on experimental research in science, innovation, or strategy, and would like to join the programme please complete the form below by June 20th.
For any questions about the programme, please contact [email protected].