PEP-CV, a platform for narrative CVs
The Peer Exchange Platform for Narrative-style CVs (PEP-CV) is a resource for the research and innovation community to collaboratively create narrative-style CVs. PEP-CV has been developed in partnership between the MCAA, like-minded associations, funding agencies, and researchers.
PEP-CV is a platform for everyone in research and innovation to engage in simple peer mentoring exchanges about the diverse range of experiences, achievements, and career paths included in narrative CVs, which foster a holistic view of researchers and their contributions.
At PEP-CV, we support the principles of international initiatives that advance research evaluation and an inclusive research culture, such as the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). In addition, our platform provides mentoring opportunities to people across geographical boundaries and contributes to increased equity and diversity of who and what is valued in the international research and innovation (R&I) sector.
Moreover, PEP-CV users can connect their profiles to ORCID, enabling mentors and mentees to receive validated recognition for their mentorship contributions. Read more about the integration at the bottom of this page.
Access PEP-CV
What is a narrative CV?
A narrative CV describes a researcher’s contributions and achievements more broadly than the traditional academic CV. It recognises a broad range of relevant skills and experiences in a person’s career and reduces the focus on traditional academic metrics like journal-based indicators. Narrative CVs aim to shift the mindset in career evaluation from quantity to quality.
Why should you use a narrative CV?
There are multiple reasons for drafting and using narrative-style CVs:
- It allows you to tell your story: Go beyond bullet points and showcase your unique journey that led you to where you are.
- It helps you stand out: In a sea of traditional CVs, a narrative CV can capture the attention of evaluators and hiring managers.
- You get access to community support: Our platform is built on the principle of collaboration. Get feedback, insights, and inspiration from a network that understands the value of diverse experiences and achievements.
How can you use PEP-CV?
Depending on where you are in your narrative CV journey, you can join PEP-CV as a mentor or a mentee.
Becoming a PEP-CV mentor
Have you guided others through hiring, promotion, or narrative CV processes? Do you have experience discussing diverse achievements and career journeys in evaluation contexts? If so, join us as a PEP-CV mentor and share your insights with our community. Help others grow while strengthening your own mentoring and leadership skills!
Being a mentor will enrich your pool of experiences and enhance your profile by evidencing your contributions to the development of the R&I community. In addition, you will support innovation in research assessment, eventually improving research culture. The PEP-CV platform can also serve as an opportunity for networking and peer-to-peer collaboration.
Becoming a PEP-CV mentee
Are you seeking support, guidance, and confidence to present your unique experiences and achievements more effectively? If so, join us as a PEP-CV mentee and learn from experienced mentors in our community!
Being a mentee will support you in communicating your broad range of experiences and achievements and help you evidence your contributions to diverse sectors. In addition, by signing up on PEP-CV, you will have the opportunity to expand your national and international network and your experiences around what is recognised in research and innovation.
Find the right match for your narrative CV needs
Whether you are looking for guidance on structuring your narrative CV or want feedback from someone experienced in research assessment, PEP-CV can connect you with the right mentor. Our mentors come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and can help you navigate your professional story with clarity and confidence. Follow this guide to find your mentor and begin your mentoring journey today.
Showcase your PEP-CV mentorship experiences on ORCID
ORCID is a community-driven, non-profit organisation operating within an open, trusted, and inclusive framework accessible to researchers worldwide. It provides a globally recognised, permanent identifier that connects researchers to their contributions, affiliations, and professional activities.
The MCAA and PEP-CV collaborate with ORCID, given our closely aligned values of visibility, recognition, and researcher assessment reform. By linking PEP-CV mentorship activities with ORCID, we enable mentors and mentees to receive validated recognition for their mentorship contributions, marking one of the first initiatives globally to visibly acknowledge “soft” mentoring skills through a trusted, open identifier.