By the end of the first three years following their PhD, many female postdoctoral researchers are certain that they are aiming for a professorship or a permanent leadership role in academia; they may even be on the verge of their first appointment and need encouragement and advice for the next step in their career. Junior lecturers, early-career research group leaders and tenure-track lecturers have already come very close to their goal, having successfully completed an appointment or selection procedure, and now seek support in fulfilling their numerous – and in some cases new – responsibilities.

The ‘Progressio: Successfully Shaping Leading Roles in Academia’ programme is aimed at female academics who are at a crucial juncture in their professional development – some are on the verge of making the leap to the top, whilst others are just past it but have not quite reached their destination yet.

Experienced guidance can help them to reaffirm their own decision and then find their ‘footing’. The one-to-one mentoring relationship forms the core and driving force of their development over the twelve-month programme. It is carefully prepared and tailored entirely to the mentees’ needs. For this reason, the mentees themselves carry out the selection of individuals best suited to them. When making initial contact, they are supported by the Vice-President and the coordinator if they so wish.

This core element is complemented by a supporting programme that enables the mentees to reflect on their individual mentoring relationship and personal development with their peers and with a professional trainer. The supporting programme comprises a preparatory workshop, a mid-programme workshop and a final workshop, as well as the opportunity to take part in one-to-one coaching sessions with the trainer.

In addition, workshops, discussion evenings or talks – organised in line with the mentees’ wishes – provide an opportunity to acquire supplementary interdisciplinary knowledge and to network with one another.

Both mentees and mentors receive a certificate upon completion of the mentoring programme.

The programme coordinator is happy to answer any questions and provide advice to interested mentees and mentors.

* The following text refers to all individuals who identify as female researchers. The term ‘female researchers*’ used here explicitly includes trans*, inter* and non-binary people who identify as women. Female researchers* with a chronic illness or other disability will be given priority in the selection procedure. The terms ‘mentor’ and ‘mentor’ are also used to refer to all people who wish to take on this role, regardless of their gender identity.