Supporting research careers and building research capacity across dietetics
Research is a key part of strengthening our profession, but developing a research career doesn't always have to be a solo journey.
We are developing a new Research Mentoring Scheme to connect BDA members who are interested in developing their research skills and careers with experienced researchers who can offer guidance, support and a new perspective.
The scheme is currently in development, and we are gathering expressions of interest from potential mentors and mentees to help us understand the level of interest, the areas of research expertise available and what members would value from a research mentoring scheme.
What is research mentoring?
Research mentoring is a developmental relationship between a mentor and mentee, where the mentor shares their knowledge, experience and perspective to support the mentee's research development.
A research mentor does not need to be a line manager, supervisor or formal academic supervisor. Instead, they can provide an independent sounding board to help a mentee explore their research interests, navigate challenges, identify opportunities and work towards their research goals.
Mentoring can take different forms depending on the needs of the individuals involved. A mentor could be someone further along in their research career, someone with specific expertise or experience that the mentee would like to develop, or someone working in a different setting who can offer a fresh perspective.
Who could benefit?
Research mentoring could be valuable for members at different stages of their research journey, including those who are:
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Developing an interest in research and unsure where to start
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Undertaking or considering a research project
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Developing their research skills alongside clinical or professional practice
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Considering postgraduate or doctoral study
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Developing a research or clinical academic career
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Looking to develop their experience in research leadership
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Exploring research funding, fellowship or grant opportunities
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Looking to develop their publication, dissemination or research collaboration experience
We also want the scheme to support experienced researchers who would like to share their knowledge, develop their mentoring skills and contribute to building research capacity within the profession.
Who can be a mentor?
We are interested in hearing from BDA members with research knowledge, skills or experience who would be willing to support another member's research development.
You might be an experienced researcher, academic, clinical academic or practitioner with research experience. You do not need to have formal mentoring experience to register your interest, as the scheme will consider how best to support mentors as part of its development.
What could mentoring support?
The focus of each mentoring relationship would be shaped by the mentee's needs and goals. Potential areas of discussion could include:
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Developing research skills and confidence
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Exploring research career pathways
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Developing research ideas or projects
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Identifying research and funding opportunities
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Preparing funding or fellowship applications
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Developing publication and dissemination skills
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Building research networks and collaborations
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Navigating postgraduate or doctoral study
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Developing research leadership skills
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Balancing research with clinical or other professional responsibilities
Mentoring would be intended to complement, rather than replace, formal research supervision, academic supervision or line management.
Our vision
Our vision is to create a supportive research community where dietitians can learn from one another, share experience and develop their research careers, regardless of their career stage, workplace or access to research expertise within their own organisation.
By connecting members across organisations, sectors and areas of practice, we hope to create opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration and networking, while helping to strengthen research capacity across the dietetic profession.
The scheme will be designed around the needs of our members, and we are currently exploring the most effective way to deliver it, including how mentors and mentees could be matched and how technology and existing BDA systems could support the scheme.
Help us shape the scheme
We are keen to hear from members who may be interested in getting involved.
Whether you are an experienced researcher with knowledge and experience you would like to share, or you are interested in developing your own research skills and career, you can register your interest below.
At this stage, registering your interest does not commit you to participating in the scheme. The information provided will help us understand member interest, the research expertise available across our membership and what members would value from the scheme.
Interested in becoming a mentor or mentee?
Complete our Research Mentoring Expression of Interest Form to tell us a little about yourself, your research interests and whether you are interested in becoming a mentor, mentee or either.