Mentor’s Role
We require commitment from the mentor at the host Institution that they will follow MSRI mentoring guidelines. The mentor must agree to designate a weekly meeting, at which some or all of the following items will be discussed:
Establishing a research plan:
- A discussion at the beginning of the semester on the project(s) the PD is pursuing and ideas on how to choose projects
- Introductions to senior researchers
- Advice on how to write a paper well (point to literature on this subject); give feedback on paper drafts
- Advice about publication (e.g. how quickly to publish a thesis, choosing and dealing with journals, etc.)
- Grant proposal writing; feedback on proposal drafts, from beginning to submission
- Assistance with forming reading or working groups at the beginning of the semester
Planning for professional development:
- Advice on writing a CV and research, teaching and EDI statements
- Advice on preparing for interviews
- Advice on how to give a good talk
- Critique talks given by the PD; also advise on giving talks at national meetings
- Discussion on how to address the various aspects of an academic career (proportion of research/teaching/service at various stages of one’s career; etc.)
We ask for a mid-program report from mentor and PD on their experience and progress addressing these points.