LA-DOHaD Mentoring Program for Women in Science
The mentoring program is grounded in the core values of gender equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), as well as active listening, aiming to build a more just and collaborative scientific ecosystem.
The LA-DOHaD Mentoring Program is an initiative comprising two main components: the training of women scientists as mentors (who will deliver the mentoring) and the implementation of mentoring activities for mentees (who will receive the mentoring)
Selection of Mentors for the LA-DOHaD Mentoring Program
The DOHaD Mentoring Program of the Latin American DOHaD Regional Society is designed to offer a mentoring training course for women scientists in the DOHaD field across Latin America, enabling them to guide and support early-career researchers (mentees).
Objectives
1
To share evidence-based mentoring methodologies that can later be replicated by mentees.
2
To develop self-confidence and leadership skills among early-career women researchers.
Eligibility Criteria
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Identify as a woman
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Be a member of LA-DOHaD
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Have at least 7 years of research experience after completing a PhD
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Have prior experience supervising students, postdoctoral fellows, or junior researchers (or equivalent experience)
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Availability to dedicate time (e.g., minimum of 3 hours per week)
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Commitment to participate throughout the program (approx. 9–12 months)
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Strong communication and listening skills
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Openness to diversity, inclusion, and different scientific career paths (academia, industry, policy, etc.)
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Respect for confidentiality and professionalism
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Motivation to become a mentor and support women in STEM in Latin America
Mentor Training Includes
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Online course (on-demand, available 24/7)
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Live online sessions reinforcing course content
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12 personalized mentoring sessions with 3 mentees
Obligations and Responsibilities
In the first phase, selected mentors must complete a 3-month training
(April–June 2026), including:
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Completion of a MOOC on mentoring fundamentals
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Participation in synchronous workshops:
Tuesday, April 7: British Council reoresentative – Dr. Elena Zambrano: Bias and Discrimination; Challenges faced by women in STEM
Tuesday, April 28: Dr. Mina Konigsberg – Intersectionality, Bias,
and Mentor–Mentee Relationship
Tuesday, May 19: Dr. Loraine Ledón – Mentoring Skills
Tuesday, June 9: Dr. Cristiane Matté – Use of tools in the mentoring process
Tuesday, June 23: Dr. Consuelo Lomas-Soria – How to start mentoring
Estimated commitment:
~3 hours per week.
In the second phase, mentors will
support 3 mentees for up
to 6 months (July–December 2026):
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Total estimated time: ~36 hours
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Biweekly meetings with each mentee
Selection of Mentees for the LA-DOHaD Mentoring Program
The DOHaD Mentoring Program of the Latin American DOHaD Regional Society is designed to support early-career women scientists in the DOHaD field across Latin America by providing structured mentoring, guidance, and professional development opportunities, helping them advance their academic and career trajectories.
Objectives
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Support personalized career goals
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Foster networking and collaboration
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Develop skills to address gender inequality and discrimination
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Strengthen scientific integration and recognition
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Expand access to funding opportunities
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Promote diversity in science
Mentee Training Includes
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Online course (on-demand)
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Introductory session
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12 one-hour mentoring sessions with mentor
Eligibility Criteria
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Active member of LA-DOHaD
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Identify as a woman
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Be a postgraduate student, postdoctoral researcher, resident, or early-career professional
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Availability of at least 2 hours per week
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Commitment for ~6 months
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Openness to diversity and inclusion
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Respect for confidentiality and professionalism
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
How to Apply:
At the time of application, have ready:
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Proof of active membership in the DOHaD International Society (screenshot from member page)
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One of the following:
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Academic degree/enrollment proof
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Recommendation letter from the thesis supervisor
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Proof of employment
Organization:
Dr. Elena Zambrano (Coordinator)
Dr. Cristiane Matté (Deputy Coordinator)
Dr. Consuelo Lomas-Soria
Dr. Graziela Ceravolo
Promoted by:
Latin American DOHaD Regional Society
