Mentor Role and Contribution

Mentors play a central role in the success of inSPIRe. Each mentor will be assigned as a primary mentor or a contributing mentor.

All mentors are expected to contribute to the inSPIRe program by delivering a 30–45 minute presentation during the program week. Mentors will be asked to:

  • Confirm the title and brief outline of their session in advance to support program planning

  • Deliver a session that is appropriate for early-career researchers and clinician scientists, with opportunities for discussion and questions

Role of Primary Mentors

Primary Mentors are the main point of academic mentorship for an assigned participant group throughout the inSPIRe program. They provide continuity, guidance, and structured support to help participants develop their research ideas and engage effectively with the program.

Primary Mentors are expected to:

  • Serve as the primary academic mentor for their assigned group

  • Guide participants in refining research questions, study design, and analytic approaches

  • Facilitate regular group discussions and provide constructive, timely feedback

  • Support participants in preparing and delivering presentations during the program

  • Encourage collaborative, inclusive, and respectful group dynamics

Role of Contributing Mentors

Contributing Mentors support the inSPIRe program by sharing their expertise across multiple participant groups, rather than being assigned to a single group. They provide additional perspectives, specialist knowledge, and methodological input that enrich group discussions and learning.

Contributing Mentors may:

  • Participate in selected program sessions, workshops, or discussions

  • Offer targeted advice on specific research methods, datasets, or topic areas

  • Provide constructive feedback on participant presentations or draft ideas

  • Support Primary Mentors by contributing expertise where needed

  • Engage informally with participants to broaden their exposure to the interRAI network