How to find out more and apply

Imperial is running a first pilot of Peer Mentoring Circles during the first semester of 2026. Based on this experience, we may open a new call for applications during the summer. All news will be posted here and shared by email. 

For more information, contact Dr Magdalena Jara, Cornerstone Programme Lead.

Welcome to Research Supervisor Peer Mentoring Circles! 

Mentoring and Mentoring Circles are shown to:

  • bring supervisors together for focused conversations to develop supervisory skills and practice
  • allow sharing of experiences, tackling real issues
  • challenge each other’s thinking
  • build confidence in supervisory approaches
  • develop supportive relationships with other supervisors
  • enhance understanding, confidence and practices regarding supervision of PhDs.

Mentoring also aligns with national priorities, including the R&D People and Culture Strategy, the New Deal for Postgraduate Research, and the focus on People, Culture and Environment in the 2029 Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Peer mentoring circles at Imperial 2025-26

Since 2024, Imperial has been a Practitioner Partner in the national project Next Generation Research Supervision Project (RSVP).

During 2025-26, we will be piloting the Supervisor Peer Mentoring Circle Programme (among other initiatives) as part of our role in the RSVP project. This will offer Imperial supervisors the opportunity to explore how peer mentoring can help supervisors reflect on their experiences and approaches, develop supportive relationships with other supervisors and enhance their understanding, confidence and practices.

Who is it for?

​This programme is for doctoral supervisors (Main, Co-, Assistant) at any stage of their career looking for a collaborative and discussion-based approach to improving supervisory practice.

How does it work?
  • Duration: Six (60 to 90 minute) sessions over a six-month period (January to June) with a consistent group of 6 – 8 participants from various departments.
  • Format: Participants collectively decide on session topics from the outset.
  • Facilitation: Experienced facilitator(s) lead each session, ensuring objectives are met and everyone has the opportunity to contribute. These can be self-selected or rotated among the members of the group.
  • Support: In the initial meeting, participants set up an agreement on how they will work together and prioritise the discussion themes. All participants receive basic professional development support in mentoring skills.
What are the benefits of taking part?
  • Onboarding of new supervisors - structured and reflective conversations help new supervisors transition into their roles.
  • Improving supervisory practices - supervisors from different disciplines and varying experience levels benefit from reflecting on their approaches and sharing insights.
  • Adopting a mentoring and coaching style approach to supervision -give an additional tool for effective supervision, to guide PGRs with a tailored supportive approach.

Participants will also forge new relationships, increase their understanding of the wider university context and build their knowledge and confidence as supervisors and academics.

This initiative takes you out of your day-to-day activities to allow you to prioritise your own development and the development of others. Mentoring and mentoring circles can significantly contribute to culture change as they become self-sustaining and widespread.

How to find out more and apply

Imperial is running a first pilot of Peer Mentoring Circles during the first semester of 2026. Based on this experience, we may open a new call for applications during the summer. All news will be posted here and shared by email. 

If you would like more information about peer mentoring circles, contact Dr Magdalena Jara, Cornerstone Programme Lead.