The CSFK Mentoring Program was launched in 2023 as part of the Gender Equality Plan (GEP) of the Research Centre, building upon the experiences from the research assistant program of Konkoly Observatory. The first step of the program has involved recruiting mentors to set up a formal mentoring list, which can be browsed by interested mentees. Everyone at the CSFK is welcome to become a mentor and offer support to their younger colleagues in terms of advice and guidance on, for example, career choices, grant applications, work-life balance, writing a reviewing papers, etc.
The program was considered beneficial within the GEP because mentoring in general, and especially on the topic of grant applications and coming back to work after a leave, supports not only female researchers, but also the whole research center. It was also indicated as priority within a survey of employees. Mentoring is planned to be addressed in a dedicated strategy, with a set of achievable short and long term goals, including a clear and efficient communication of responsibilities and opportunities.
Professional Development
The Observatory organised a Professional Development Workshop for interested early-career researchers on 8 March 2024. The video is an edited recording of the presentation given by Dr. Meridith Joyce.
