Learn from the expert in your scientific field!

The ECSS is excited to introduce the Mentoring Programme for Early Career Researchers (ECR) designed to connect young researchers with our experienced ECSS Fellow and Member community who will take on the role of mentors.

The programme aims to support your career path by offering you the opportunity to discuss any challenge you may face in your field and your career planning, to provide advice on publication strategies or any other suitable topic you may think of. Along the way, the programme will help you build international connections, understand the complex demands in the academic system and learn more about conflict management.

How to apply

The programme is open to ECRs who are ECSS members and PhD and post-doctoral candidates, recent Master graduates or individuals very early in their career.

ECRs keen to be a part of the programme should send their application via email to mentoring@sport-science.org no later than 30 January 2026 (24:00 CET).

The Mentoring Programme aims at an 18 to 24 months collaboration between the mentee and mentor with the option of extension upon the agreement of both parties. While the programme was kicked off during the 30th ECSS Annual Congress, submissions will be called every year around the first week of December for the formal mentee-mentor meeting to be organised during the following Congress. Further information on this meeting will be shared separately with all confirmed participants prior to the Congress.

Your application should outline:

Curriculum Vitae: To receive a short overview of the mentee’s career and qualifications.

Motivation: Why do I want to be part of the Mentoring Programme?

Topics: What do I want to discuss with my mentor?

Goals: Which goals do I want to achieve within the Mentoring Programme?

Names of preferred mentors (optional): Senior ECSS Members, including ECSS Fellows

This is your chance to navigate your career with support from your mentors who are renowned in their fields.

For more information, please refer to the FAQs below. The ECSS Mentoring Programme Guidelines are available for members to download within their ECSS account under the ‘myMembership & Benefits’ section.