Call for mentors still open: Apply for the "Transitioning from academia to industry" mentoring programme
Have you successfully moved from academia to an industry role? The Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) invites MCAA members in industry to mentor the next generation of researchers through our upcoming six-month MCAA Academy programme. Mentee applications for the programme have already closed.
| Applications close: | 6 November 2026 |
| Programme duration: | 6 months (Dec 2026/Jan 2027 – May/June 2027) |
| Commitment: | Minimum 4 sessions over 6 months |
| Cost: | Free (exclusive to MCAA members) |
Why become a mentor?
Mentorship is a two-way street. While you’ll be helping early-career researchers navigate hiring processes, workplace culture, and industry expectations, taking part as a mentor is also a great way to:
- Sharpen your leadership skills: Coaching someone through a career shift is a practical way to develop management and strategic advisory skills that build your professional profile.
- Contribute to your career development: Access curated courses, webinars, and events to support your professional growth.
- Expand your network: Get the chance to connect with researchers and industry professionals across a vast range of fields, from tech and biotech to sustainability, pharma, and consulting.
- Stay connected to new talent: Exchanging ideas with emerging researchers gives you a fresh perspective on academic innovation and diverse research backgrounds.
- Gain official recognition: Receive a certificate acknowledging your contribution to the programme.
Who can apply
To qualify as a mentor, you must:
- Be an MCAA member. If you are eligible but haven’t yet joined the MCAA, you can do so here.
- Have at least one year of experience in an industry or industry-facing role.
- Be available for a mandatory onboarding meeting and a minimum of four one-on-one sessions over six months.
- Have strong communication and active listening skills, with a desire to foster an inclusive research and innovation ecosystem.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the MCAA Academy platform. Because access is restricted to verified MCAA members, please follow the relevant path below:
Step 1: Register on the MCAA Academy Platform
If you are not yet registered on the platform, start here. Platform registration is free and will be verified by our team within a few business days.
Step 2: Apply as a mentor
If you already have an account on the MCAA Academy platform, log in directly to complete your application.
Important note: You may only apply as a mentor. Submitting applications for both mentor and mentee roles will result in disqualification.
For any questions or issues about the programme or MCAA membership, please contact us at [email protected].
About the MCAA
The MCAA is a global network of researchers who have benefited from or are benefiting from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). The MCAA supports and contributes to advancing knowledge for a global, diverse, and informed society. Its primary focus is to support its members’ career development, offer networking opportunities, and contribute to shaping research and innovation policies in the EU. Currently, the MCAA has over 25,000 members from 160+ countries, at all career stages and from diverse research fields.