Mentorship program
Information for mentors
We’re seeking researchers who are passionate about growing the field of wild animal welfare science, inspiring new researchers, and developing their own leadership skills to serve as mentors.
By providing individualized guidance on research projects or careers in wild animal welfare, you’ll grow as a leader and support researchers who are new to the field. Our dedicated mentor training will help you deepen your knowledge and ability as a research leader. You’ll network with other experienced wild animal welfare researchers at mentor mixer events, and share your experiences of mentoring and wild animal welfare research via peer-to-peer learning.
Eligibility
Mentors should have a strong interest in wild animal welfare science, a desire to contribute to the wild animal welfare community, and a drive to support the next generation of wild animal welfare researchers.
Mentors may be at various career stages, ranging from graduate students to established researchers. The matching process will ensure that all mentors are further along in their career path than their respective mentees. Researchers who have completed projects funded by a Wild Animal Initiative grant are especially encouraged to apply.
Effective mentors will have strong communication skills, excel at time management, display intercultural fluency, demonstrate good self-awareness, and be willing to adapt to the needs of their mentee.
Selection
Mentors should have experience conducting research in wild animal welfare science. You must be able to meet virtually with your mentee for at least 1 hour per month from February to May 2027. Actual time spent meeting with your mentee will vary based on agreements you make with each other, meaning some mentor and mentee pairs may meet more or less frequently. You will also need to attend or watch recordings of two mentor training events on January 20 and March 17, 2027.
How to apply
Applications will close at the end of the day on Friday, December 11, 2026. Apply to participate as a mentor by completing this application form.