A troubling feature of South Africa's research landscape is the ageing profile of the top researchers, which highlights the need for the transfer of skills to a new generation. Meanwhile, inexperienced young scientists are struggling in an increasingly competitive environment.

To address this problem, the University of Cape Town implemented in 2003 an institution-wide mentoring programme, called the Emerging Researcher Programme (ERP). Junior faculty members are paired up, for a defined time, with retired colleagues chosen for their outstanding research record and proven mentoring skills.

Open to all permanent staff, the ERP began with 46 self-identified 'emerging researchers'. Within three years, that number has grown to 170, about one-third of whom are scientists.

The idea is that, with appropriate mentoring, inexperienced staff will develop the skills and self-confidence to become mature researchers, capable of doing sustained, high-quality work.

The participants get an appropriate mentor for assistance with specific tasks — preparing an article for publication, for example. Meetings take place approximately twice a month until the task is complete.

In addition to the individual sessions, our mentors offer a series of seminars covering topics such as writing grant proposals, project management, writing for publication, and career planning.

The university also provides an annual budget of 1 million rand (US$157,000) for enlisted emerging researchers, guaranteeing modest funding for up to three years. The award process is competitive, requiring well-crafted proposals and committee evaluation, with post-award monitoring.

Unlike many mentoring situations, the ERP is structured and needs-driven. Formalizing the programme ensures that all participants have access to the same quality of mentoring, and makes it easy to monitor progress. Details of the participation level of both mentor and protégé, along with ensuing research output, are recorded in a database from which regular reports are generated.

The success of the ERP is measured against a set of key performance indicators, including peer-review publication, successful external funding proposals and promotions of the participating young researchers. Early indications are that the programme is achieving its goal. For example, in 2005 there were 17 promotions and a significant increase in publications.