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.
Top of page2008 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.
Top of pagePrevious 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
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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Contact
If you have any queries, please contact mentor@nature.com.