The Elevate & Connect Mentorship Program is a flagship initiative of the 2026 Early and Mid-Career Researcher Conference at the University of Wollongong, designed to give participants access to sustained, high-quality mentoring from experienced academics.
Through a dedicated conference workshop, mentees are matched with senior researchers based on shared interests and goals. These mentoring partnerships then continue over 6–12 months, providing personalised guidance on key areas such as research strategy, career progression, grant writing, and industry engagement.
More than networking, this is a structured, goal-focused mentoring experience - supporting you to clarify your direction, build capability, and take the next steps in your academic career.
We also invite experienced academics to contribute as mentors, sharing their expertise and supporting the development of the next generation of researchers.
Be part of a national mentoring network that extends beyond the conference - and supports your growth long after it ends.