Research Impact Mentoring Programme Pilot
The Research Culture and Research Impact teams in RIS are delighted to announce the launch of the Pilot Research Impact Mentoring Programme. Running alongside the ECR development programme from Autumn 2026, it will also support leadership development among mid- and senior-career researchers.
The Research Impact Mentoring Programme at the University of St Andrews is designed to support researchers in developing, articulating, and achieving meaningful impact from their research. By pairing those with significant experience of delivering high-quality research impact with mentees at different career stages, the programme fosters a collaborative environment where knowledge, strategies, and best practice can be shared.
Participants benefit from structured guidance on identifying impact opportunities, engaging with non-academic stakeholders, and strengthening research impact. The programme will also create a supportive community that encourages reflection, confidence, and innovation in impact activities.
Open to both mentors and mentees across disciplines, the initiative recognises the diverse pathways to impact and the value of peer learning. Ultimately, it aims to build capacity across the University, ensuring that research not only advances knowledge but also contributes positively to society, policy, and practice.
How are mentors and mentees selected?
Mentors can submit an expression of interest here by 5pm 30th July 2026.
Mentees can be submit an expression of interest here by 5pm 30th July 2026.
For this pilot programme, numbers are limited to 10 x mentors and 10 x mentees (20 in total).
There is no guarantee that we will be able to pair you with a suitable mentor/mentee and we will inform successful matches by the beginning of August.
Should it not be possible to participate in this pilot programme, we will keep your details for any future iterations of the programme.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Mentors – you must be a permanent mid-senior research staff member at the University of St Andres with sustained experience and evidence of impact and/or engagement in research or significant experience developing research impact case studies for REF.
Mentees – you must be an ECR or mid-career researcher with evidence of research outputs and a research impact idea or potential pathway.
How will the programme measure success?
We will evaluate success through two online surveys and a focus group. We will also follow up with mentees after the programme on how the mentoring programme has informed the development of research impact case studies/pathways.
The programme will run from the 12th October 2026 to the 5th February 2027.
A programme timetable is featured below:
Month Activity
1 (Oct ‘26) Launch & matching mentors/mentees (The Coaching Catalysts)
2 Initial mentor–mentee meeting
3–5 Monthly mentor-mentee meetings and mentoring workshops delivered by The Coaching Catalysts)
3 Masterclass: Introduction to REF Impact Case Studies (Head of Research Impact) – Open to mentors and mentees
4 Peer Impact Surgery (early-career researcher cohort – mentees)
5 Masterclass: Working with Stakeholders & Evaluating Impact (external providers from industry, third sector and funders) – Open to mentors and mentees
Break for November/December exam diet and Christmas and New Year
6 Monthly mentor-mentee meetings and mentoring workshops (delivered by The Coaching Catalysts)
7 Final session: Draft Impact Pathway or mini case study
8 (Feb’27) Closing event and evaluation
What next?
Complete the submission of interest form above before the 30th July.
Places are limited to a maximum of 10 mentors and 10 mentees, and early application is advised. Applications close at 5pm on the 30th July.
Mentors and mentees who have been successfully matched will be contacted at the beginning of August with information about who they have been matched with.
If you have any questions please contact [email protected]