Call for Mentors: ACU Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort 2021

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is seeking experienced, climate-focused academics from ACU member universities, including CUHK, to mentor a cohort of rising-star climate and environment researchers of the Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort from April to December 2021. In partnership with the British Council, the initiative provides a platform for researchers to bring multidisciplinary knowledge and expertise to a global stage and influence on issues of climate and environment in the lead up to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).

Being a mentor is a great opportunity for academics to hone their mentorship skills, raise the visibility of CUHK, and support the development and retainment of invaluable talent in the field of climate and environment. Mentors will also have access to webinars and events run by the ACU and its climate and environment partners, and gain exposure to an international network of like-minded talents.

Role of a mentor

• Provide encouragement and constructive feedback on work produced for the programme, instilling self-belief in the members of the cohort
• Provide new perspectives and act as a sounding board for ideas
• Share own experience and learning in the field of research and research to action
• Provide advice to challenge and empower the researchers during the programme
• Be actively engaged in discussions with the researchers throughout the project, including meeting virtually once per month from April to June 2021, and then once per fortnight from July to October 2021. Mentors are expected to review and provide feedback on drafts and materials developed by their mentees in relation to the programme

It is not expected that mentors will need to travel to undertake their mentorship, but they will be expected to meet with their assigned researchers and the ACU team via a virtual platform.

Required skills and experience
Mentors are expected to have:

• A strong track record of supporting early career researchers
• Strong research skills and academic publishing track record
• Experience in communicating research to non-academic audiences

Application
Interested parties should submit an up-to-date CV and a cover letter with required information to mark.ashe@acu.ac.uk by 15 March, 17:00 UTC. Please also send a copy of your application to the Office of Academic Links (c/o Ms. LAI Ching Yee; chingyee@cuhk.edu.hk) for record.

Enquiries
Further information can be found from ACU’s webpage. For enquiries, please send an email to Mark Ashe of ACU.