Under-Represented Student Mentorship (URSM)
Senior-to-junior student mentorship for Masters students from under-represented groups, who are considering applying for PhD studies in Neuroscience at UCL
What is URSM?
The URSM initiative organises senior-to-junior student mentorship for Masters students from under-represented groups, who are considering applying for PhD studies in Neuroscience at UCL
What does Under-Represented mean?
Under-represented refers to anyone who faces barriers to opportunities due to mental health issues, physical health/disability, neurodivergence, socio-economic background, and those from the LGBTQIA+, and Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. Although this definition is already broad, we leave to each person the self-identification as a member of an under-represented group.
We aim to:
- Improve diversity and representation across neuroscience departments. In particular, this programme has been promoted by the Wellcome Centre for Human Imaging (WCHN) but aims to include the broader community of UCL neuroscience.
We are currently recruiting mentors!
We are looking for researchers from second-year PhD programmes or early-career research fellows willing to become mentors. As a mentor, you will provide support to up to two mentees who are considering undertaking a PhD in Neuroscience or related disciplines. Your duties will be:
- Provide advice on graduate programs and research opportunities tailored to the student needs
- Provide feedback on written submissions throughout the application process
- Provide guidance and support for funding applications
- Prepare mock interviews and feedback via online video calls
Are you interested to be a mentee?
If you are a final year neuroscience master student at UCL who is insufficiently or inadequately represented and is looking to have an academic career, we are happy to help you.
What we can help you with:
- General advice in pursuing a career in academia
- Advice on how to research and find schemes
- Feedbacks on application preparation and submission
- Mock interviews
If you are interested to know more about URSM, either as a mentor or a mentee, get in touch.
Get in touch!
Interested in getting involved?
Just want to learn more about the scheme?