Nature Awards for Mentoring in Science

Introduction

Of all the activities that take place in the lab, perhaps the least remarked upon and the least rewarded is that of the mentorship of young researchers. This is why in 2005 Nature launched its annual awards for outstanding scientific mentorship. The awards focus on a specific country or countries each year.

The 2008 awards – Germany

This year two prizes of €10,000 will be awarded – one for mid-career and one for life-time achievement – for exceptional mentors resident in Germany. Nominations have now closed, and the winners will be announced in October 2008. Visit the 2008 Awards page.

Eligibility and nomination process

Candidates may work in any discipline within the natural sciences. They may nominate themselves or be nominated by colleagues and ex-colleagues. Nominations for a candidate must include independent testimonials by at least five researchers mentored by their nominee, not all over the same period.

There is no simple definition of what good mentoring is. Some talented young scientists might not need conscious mentoring. They might be stimulated simply by day-to-day interaction with a more experienced researcher, or one who is complementary in his or her thinking - but may still benefit from advice from time to time, whether on lab practice or in channeling their energies. Other equally talented individuals might need systematic attention from a lab head to achieve their creative potential. Our nomination forms do not therefore specify criteria, but allow nominators to describe what makes good mentorship in their own terms.

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2008 awards

This year Nature invites nominations for exceptional mentors resident in Germany. Nominations have now closed, and the winners will be announced in October 2008.

2008 award page

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Previous awards

2007 Awards – South Africa
Lifetime achievement: Professor Barry Fabian (University of the Witwatersrand)
Mid-career award: Professor Charles de Koning (University of the Witwatersrand)
2007 award page
Nature coverage

2006 Awards – United Kingdom and Australasia

United Kingdom
Lifetime achievement (joint winners): Andrew McMichael (Wetherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford) and Godfrey Hewitt (University of East Anglia)
Mid-career award: Steve Watson (University of Birmingham)
2006 (UK) award page
Nature coverage

Australasia
Lifetime achievement: Professor Tom Healy (University of Melbourne)
Mid-career award: Professor Rachel Webster (University of Melbourne)
2006 (Australasia) award page
Nature coverage

2005 Awards – United Kingdom
Lifetime achievement: Tom Kibble (Imperial College, London)
Mid-career award: Innes Cuthill (University of Bristol)
2005 award page
Nature coverage

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Related Articles

Mentoring and networking: how to make it work

Nature Immunology 9, 3–5 (2008) doi:10.1038/ni0108-3


Nature's guide for mentors

Adrian Lee, Carina Dennis & Philip Campbell

Nature 447, 881 (2007) doi:10.1038/447791a


In search of the super–mentor

Gene Russo

Nature 447, 791 (2007) doi:10.1038/nj7146-881a


Mentoring mismatch

Nature 440, 964–965 (2006) doi:10.1038/nj7086-964a


Learning to mentor

Nature 436, 436–437 (2005) doi:10.1038/nj7049-436a


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Related links

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Contact

If you have any queries, please contact mentor@nature.com.

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