Asia-Pacific Academic Mentoring Program

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The Asia-Pacific Academic Mentoring Program connects early-career researchers (ECRs) from Asia and the Pacific with senior scientists and scientific leaders from across Australia. The program aims to guide young scientists to become future leaders in academia within their home region.

Background

The Asia-Pacific Academic Mentoring Program is run by the International Science Council’s Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific (RFP-AP), which is hosted by the Australian Academy of Science (the Academy). The ISC-RFP-AP is dedicated to ensuring that the priorities and perspectives of Asia and the Pacific are meaningfully represented in global scientific dialogue and collaboration.

Program highlights

In-person attendance at the 2026 Science at the Shine Dome in Canberra, Australia.
Monthly online mentor meetings throughout the program period
Tailored online workshops for mentees, including personalised training and peer networking opportunities
Opportunity for mentors to support future science leaders and build research connections across Asia and the Pacific.

About the 2026-2027 program

The Asia-Pacific Academic Mentoring Program is now open for applications for the third round in 2026.

Thi is a one year program commencing in September 2026.

The program will begin with an in-person launch event at Science at the Shine Dome, to be held in Canberra, Australia, from Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 September 2026, providing opportunities for mentors and mentees to connect and engage with the broader scientific community in Australia.

The ISC RFP-AP will support successful participants to attend the launch event in Canberra. This includes travel and accommodation support in line with the program guidelines.

Following the launch event, mentors and mentees will participate in monthly one-hour online mentoring sessions, scheduled by mutual agreement across the program period. Participants will also be expected to engage in any additional workshops or program activities offered as part of the Mentoring program.

More details about the application process can be found here.

Applications close at 23:59 Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on 28 April 2026.