Creating connections: developing an online space for cross-regional mentorship and network building in the dementia research field

Background Effective development and retention of talented early-career researchers (ECRs) is essential to the continued success biomedical science research fields. To this end, formal mentorship programmes (where are paired with one or more mentors beyond their direct manager) have proven be successful in providing support expanding career opportunities. However, many limited pools mentees within institute geographical area, highlighting that cross-regional connections may a missed opportunity schemes. Methods Here, we aimed address limitation through our pilot scheme, creating reciprocal mentor-mentee pairings between two pre-established networks Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) Network-associated researchers. We carefully created 21 Scotland University College London (UCL) 2021, surveys conducted assess mentor/mentee satisfaction programme. Results Participants reported very high nature mentors’ contribution mentees; majority also scheme increased outside home network. Our assessment programme it supports utility schemes for ECR development. At same time, highlight limitations recommend areas improvement future programmes, including greater consideration minoritized groups need additional training mentors. Conclusions In conclusion, generated novel across pre-existing networks; both which pairings, personal development, formation new cross-network connections. This serve as model other researchers, where existing medical charities can act scaffold build opportunities researchers.