Mentoring programmes
Career paths are rarely linear. New opportunities emerge, unexpected challenges arise, and plans sometimes take an unforeseen turn. Our mentoring programmes support you in navigating these transitions.
If you would like to explore career opportunities within and beyond academia, ProViae helps you clarify your options and develop your next career steps. If your goal is an academic career, ProScience supports you in strategically preparing for a professorship.
ProViae supports advanced doctoral researchers1 and postdoctoral researchers1 in exploring and developing career paths within and beyond academia.
The programme provides an opportunity to reflect on your goals, explore different career options, and develop strategies for your next career steps. A central element is the regular exchange with an experienced mentor working in your desired professional field. The mentoring relationship is supported through dedicated workshops and complemented by additional professional development and networking opportunities tailored to your needs.
The programme runs over a period of 18 months and requires active participation throughout. If you require childcare during programme events, please contact us as early as possible. The programme is offered in English, while the mentoring relationship as well as individual coaching and professional development opportunities may also take place in German. A participation fee of €25 must be paid at the start of the programme.
1The mentoring programmes are funded by the German federal and state governments as part of their efforts to increase the representation of women in academia. In our implementation, we recognize diverse gender identities. We therefore welcome applications from all individuals who identify as woman and/or beyond binary gender categories. Intersectional dimensions of diversity will be considered in the selection process.
MANDATORY CONTENTS
OPENING: You will get to know the other mentees and gain an overview of different career opportunities within and beyond academia.
CAREER PLANNING: Reflect on your values, skills, and personal circumstances in relation to different career opportunities. Building on this, a workshop on strategic career planning will help you develop individual goals and next steps, which you will further refine in an individual coaching session.
MENTORING: A workshop prepares you for the mentoring relationship and supports you in defining your mentoring goals. Based on your goals and interests, suitable mentors are identified and approached. Following an initial meeting, mentee and mentor decide whether they are a good match. Together, you will reflect on your career planning, gain new perspectives, and discuss individual questions and challenges related to your professional development.
PEER GROUPS: Throughout the programme, you will meet regularly with other mentees. Reflection, peer exchange, and mutual support foster personal development and encourage networking across disciplines and career paths.
CLOSING: Reflect on your development throughout the mentoring programme, exchange experiences with other mentees, and look ahead to the next steps in your career.
OPTIONAL CONTENTS
CONTINUING EDUCATION OFFERS: A variety of workshops and events offered at Leuphana provide opportunities to further develop your skills, gain new perspectives on your career planning, and connect with researchers from different disciplines. >> Open Programme <<
SUMMER SCHOOL: The summer school provides an opportunity to reflect on career development from diversity and intersectional equality perspectives. The summer school is organised in cooperation with the Graduate School. >> Summer School <<
INDIVIDUAL COACHING: If needed, an additional coaching session can help you reflect on personal concerns, navigate decision-making processes, and address current professional challenges.
ProScience supports advanced postdoctoral researchers1 and junior professors1 in further developing their academic careers and strategically preparing for a professorship.
The programme provides an opportunity to reflect on the requirements and expectations associated with academic careers in general and a professorship in particular, strengthen your position within the academic system, and develop strategies for your next career steps. A central element is the regular exchange with an experienced mentor from your own or a closely related academic discipline. The mentoring relationship is supported through dedicated workshops and complemented by additional professional development and networking opportunities tailored to your needs.
The programme runs over a period of 18 months and requires active participation throughout. If you require childcare during programme events, please contact us as early as possible. The programme is offered in English, while the mentoring relationship as well as individual coaching and professional development opportunities may also take place in German. A participation fee of €25 must be paid at the start of the programme.
1The mentoring programmes are funded by the German federal and state governments as part of their efforts to increase the representation of women in academia. In our implementation, we recognize diverse gender identities. We therefore welcome applications from all individuals who identify as woman and/or beyond binary gender categories. Intersectional dimensions of diversity will be considered in the selection process.
MANDATORY CONTENTS
OPENING: You will get to know the other mentees and explore different academic career paths as well as key requirements on the path towards a professorship.
CAREER PLANNING: Reflect on your values, skills, and personal circumstances in relation to academic career paths and discuss them with other mentees in peer groups. Building on this, a workshop on strategic career planning will help you develop individual goals and concrete next steps, which you will further refine in an individual coaching session.
MENTORING: A workshop prepares you for the mentoring relationship and supports you in defining your mentoring goals. Based on your mentoring goals, suitable mentors are identified and approached. Following an initial meeting, mentee and mentor decide whether they are a good match. Together, you will reflect on your academic work and discuss individual questions and challenges related to your academic career.
APPOINTMENT TRAINING: This workshop provides insights into the process and requirements of appointment procedures, reflect on common challenges, and develop strategies for presenting your academic profile effectively. If needed, appointment simulations can be arranged in preparation for upcoming applications.
CLOSING: Reflect on your development throughout the mentoring programme, exchange experiences with other mentees, and look ahead to the next steps in your career.
OPTIONAL CONTENTS
PEER GROUPS: After completing the career planning phase, peer groups may continue on a voluntary basis. These meetings provide opportunities for peer exchange, mutual support, and reflection on current challenges in academic career development.
CONTINUING EDUCATION OFFERS: A variety of workshops and events offered at Leuphana provide opportunities to further develop your skills, gain new perspectives on your career planning, and connect with researchers from different disciplines. >> Open Programme <<
SUMMER SCHOOL: The summer school provides an opportunity to reflect on career development from diversity and intersectional equality perspectives. The summer school is organised in cooperation with the Graduate School. >> Summer School <<
INDIVIDUAL COACHING: If needed, an additional coaching session can help you reflect on personal concerns, navigate decision-making processes, and address current professional challenges.
Apply by 15 September 2026 for the new mentoring cohorts starting in fall 2026.
Any interviews conducted as part of the selection process, as well as final decisions regarding participation will take place by 5 October 2026.
To apply, please submit the following documents:
- completed application form
- letter of motivation (max. 1 page)
- current CV (max. 2 pages)
Please combine all application documents into a single PDF file and send it by email with the subject line “Application mentoring programme” to:
- ProViae: proviae@leuphana.de
- ProScience: proscience@leuphana.de
Eligibility
The mentoring programmes are open to individuals who identify as women and/or beyond binary gender categories.
Applicants must be affiliated with Leuphana University of Lüneburg at the start of the mentoring programme. If your affiliation with Leuphana is expected to end during the programme period, please contact us before submitting your application.
Team Mentoring
Leuphana University of Lüneburg
Office for Equal Opportunities
Universitätsallee 1
21335 Lüneburg
Building 7, 3rd floor, room 324
ProViae: proscience@leuphana.de
ProScience: proviae@leuphana.de