Peer-mentoring for cancer researchers 

Next application call: 10.6.2026 – 31.8.2026 

Researchers focusing on cancer research from both clinical and basic/translational research groups can apply for the mentoring program. You can apply for the mentoring program even if you are not currently doing research yourself. Then, an interest in research and a willingness to share your knowledge and learn from others are required. 

Apply by filling in the electronic form (link below). In the application form, you will tell about yourself and characterize and describe the person of which kind you would wish your mentoring partner to be. Based on the application, the program organizer gets an idea of you, your interests, and what you expect from the mentoring program. The organizer team willl take efforts to find you a suitable pair among the other applicants or externally. A CV (.pdf) is saved as an attachment to the application form. 

There will be a maximum of 6 pairs for this round of the mentoring program, so not all applicants will necessarily be accepted. If you do not make it, you are welcome to apply again next time. 

Please note when registering that participation in the program requires attendance at the opening seminar, interim group meeting and closing meeting on the dates mentioned above, as well as active interaction with your mentoring partner (usually 5-6 meetings during the program).

>>  Link to the application form 

The questions on the application form are in English. The answers to the form and the CV can be written in either Finnish or English. The form asks separately about the preference to participate in the mentoring program in English and/or Finnish.

The stages of mentoring

The application call for the 2026 mentoring program for cancer researchers is open from 10.6.2026 – 31.8.2026 (application form). The pairs will be matched in September 2026, and those participating in the program will receive information about their pair about two weeks before the opening seminar.

The program will start on September 29, 2026 with an introductory seminar for mentor pairs. In the introductory seminar the focus will be on getting to know your pair, agree on common rules for mentoring and get some ideas for a successful mentoring process. The pairs receive a mentoring guide to support their work, which contains activating tips and other information about mentoring. The structure of the mentoring program for cancer researchers differs from the traditional mentor-actor type of mentoring. In this program, pairs of equal experience are formed, one from the basic or translational research and the other from the clinical research background.

Together, the mentor pair searches for topics and themes that both want to address during the process and together they create a plan for their work. At the very beginning, it is especially important to discuss the goals of mentoring for both parties. The pair works independently but the process is supported all the way by the support team of the FICAN West. 

Over the course of six or seven months, each mentoring pair arranges regular one-on-one meetings independently. During these meetings, they discuss the themes and topics they have agreed on together. 

At the end of the mentoring cycle, the program’s key insights and experiences are brought together and reflected on. When the program is over, mentor pairs are encouraged to continue meeting each other.  

The mentoring program includes at least three meetings common to all, which are attended by all pairs and coordinators participating in the program: 

Opening meeting (instructions for the mentoring program and getting to know the pair)

Interim get-together meeting (exchange of experiences and peer support from other pairs) 

Closing meeting (reflecting on the entire process and gathering ideas together)

In addition to these meetings, theme seminars can be organized according to the wishes of the participants. 

One-to-one meetings of mentoring pairs

Between the joint seminars, the mentoring pairs meet regularly. To gain sufficient benefit from the process, we recommend arranging at least five meetings; on average, pairs meet 5–6 times during the program. Each pair agrees on its own schedule independently, and it is advisable to set the meeting times already at the beginning of the process. 

Keeping to the agreed schedule is important, as repeated cancellations can weaken the motivation and continuity of the mentoring relationship. Mentoring is built on bilateral interaction, with openness, trust, and commitment forming its foundation. 

The pairs are free to choose the meeting format and location that suit them best. Many find it helpful to focus each meeting around a specific theme agreed in advance. Meetings should be given sufficient time—typically between 1.5 and 2 hours. Common meeting places have included workplaces, cafés, and university facilities, but the setting can be as informal or imaginative as the pair prefers. 

Pairs may also visit each other’s units or combine their meetings with a shared interest outside work, such as walking, cycling, or another relaxing activity.

Mentoring is a voluntary activity where working experts share their experiences and support each other in thinking about working life and professional development. 

Peer-mentoring is based on an equal, reciprocal relationship in which both participants share their knowledge and experience. Its aim is to support professional learning and strengthen well-being at work.
In the mentoring program for cancer researchers, each pair brings together two complementary perspectives: one participant comes from a clinical background and the other from a basic research group. This creates opportunities to share tacit knowledge, improve research practices, and increase understanding of different research cultures.

A successful mentoring relationship is built on mutual openness, trust, and commitment.

Mentoring pairs: 

• encourage and support each other in relation to working life, the future or skill development. 

• develop their own interaction and cooperation skills.

• share their knowledge and experiences from working life. 

• support the couple in creating networks. 

• ask questions and give their partner space for their own reflection and handling of issues. 

• give constructive feedback and present their own point of view. 

• are interested in learning new things. 

At its best, mentoring gives you: 

• in matters related to the interlocutor’s work and working life.

• a clearer understanding of your own work and competence.

• increases work motivation. 

• feel good about supporting another.

• new information and fresh perspectives on your own work.

• new networks. 

• new interaction, control and management skills.

• better connection to the regional cancer research network.

How much time does participating take? 

Each mentoring pair plans their meeting program independently. According to our experience:

• mentoring pairs meet 5-6 times during the mentoring program. 

• the duration of meetings is usually approx. 1.5 hours. 

• some of the meetings can be replaced by e.g. phone or on-line conversations.. 

The mentoring program includes three seminars common to all participants, the duration of which is 1-2 hours. 

The rules of the game are one of the most important things that the mentoring pair should agree upon right at the beginning of the process. 

With the help of the rules, the parties know what the other expects and requires, and how to act in different situations. Both also know their own responsibilities, duties and tasks in the process. 

Agree at least on these: 

• Meetings: How often do we meet? How long at a time? Where shall we meet? 

• Themes: Are the themes of the meetings agreed together in advance or do you choose the themes in turn and announce them before each meeting?

• Communication: How do you communicate with each other between meetings?
• Roles: The roles and responsibilities of the parties in the mentoring relationship.

Mentoring at UTU

Contact email: ficanwest@varha.fi