Conference Reflections

#MentorshipConference #MentoringMatters

Mentorship is a foundational element of workforce development  in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine). The recent Broadening Biomedical Research Workforce Participation Through Culturally Responsive Mentorship conference reaffirmed this truth, bringing together mentees, administrators/staff, researchers, mentors, policymakers to explore innovative, asset-based mentorship approaches that prioritize mentorship. “This conference provided an incredible opportunity for attendees to deepen their understanding of culturally responsive mentorship, explore key challenges in fostering mentorship, and provided a platform for networking and future collaborations.  A key takeaway from the conference was the emphasized importance of institutional commitment of mentorship as key to a sustainable workforce development, which fosters both individual success and collective progress in STEMM. We are currently working on a resource that will share these valuable lessons learned from the conference, which we plan to distribute nationwide in the future. We are incredibly grateful to NIH, HSC and everyone who contributed to making this conference a success.” – said Dr. Javier, Principal Investigator for the R13 conference and Associate Director for Research Training Programs, Institute for Health Disparities. 

Exploring Asset-Based Mentorship Approaches

The conference opened with a compelling session from Dr. Lawrence Tabak, Principal Deputy Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), who emphasized the importance of grit, flexibility, and mentorship. “Mentorship is not merely a support system- it is a catalyst for change,” Dr. Tabak stated, reflecting on his tenure as acting NIH Director. He underscored the power of mentorship in shaping an empowered biomedical workforce. This sentiment resonated throughout the conference, particularly in the session Asset-Based and Culturally Responsive Mentorship Approached in STEMM Research. Attendees explored the importance of mentorship in the biomedical research space and the transformative potential of asset-based frameworks. Interactive roundtable discussions encouraged participants to share best practices and strategies for implementing culturally responsive mentorship within their own institutions. “The opportunity and call to action for campus leaders to advance cultures of mentorship was one of my biggest takeaways,” shared one attendee, highlighting the event’s most salient learning.

Breakout Sessions: Practical Applications for Mentorship

Breakout sessions provided hands-on for integrating effective mentorship strategies. Implementing Culturally Responsive Mentorship Approaches Across Various Facets allowed attendees to engage in targeted discussions on specialized topics. In Mentorship and Coaching for Grantsmanship Development, early-career researchers gained insights into securing funding and building sustainable careers. “The importance of mentorship and continuing to build on it at all levels stood out to me-its about lifting others as we climb,” an attendee remarked. Another session focused on networking and virtual mentorship, exploring how digital platforms can expand opportunities and break down barriers such as geography and institutional limitations to expand mentorship networks of individuals. One attendee, who is a mentor,  reflected, “So many of us wouldn’t be where we are today without someone who believed in us and pushed us to keep going.”

A Culture of Mentorship and Collaboration

A recurring theme throughout the conference was persistence- the driving force behind both mentorship and professional growth. “Keep pushing,” one participant said simply, a message that echoed in every session. Whether through structured mentorship programs, informal peer support, or virtual mentorship networks, the collective wisdom shared emphasized that mentorship is not a single act but an ongoing journey that requires embracing mentorship from many levels, including from an organizational level. Beyond the sessions, the conference buzzed with an energy that was both inspiring and actionable. Attendees expressed enthusiasm about returning to their institutions with new ideas and collaborations. “The momentum here is undeniable- we’re not just talking about mentorship; we’re creating a movement.” noted one mentor. 

The second day of the conference reinforced the necessity of institutionalizing mentorship to foster sustainable change. Dr. Christine Pfund emphasized that persistence and gaining commitment from the highest levels of leadership at your organization are essential to driving meaningful institutional transformation. She urged attendees to actively advocate for mentorship policies and resources for their own organizations. Dr. Akshay Sood illustrated the profound impact of a strong mentorship culture through compelling data sets, demonstrating the measurable benefits when institutions fully embrace this approach. He challenged participants to assess their institutional data and identify opportunities to embed mentorship more deeply. Dr. Barbara Naranjo further highlighted the importance of persistence, coupled with robust cultural collateral, in sustaining and assessing mentorship initiatives, encouraging attendees to implement evidence-based strategies to track progress and outcomes. Through these expert insights and actionable recommendations, attendees were left equipped with the tools to cultivate mentorship-rich environments, strengthen networks, and drive collaborative efforts that support the long term success of underrepresented scholars in biomedical research. 

By the close of the event, one thing was clear: mentorship is not just about guidance- it is about empowerment, perseverance, and a shared commitment to lifting the next generation of STEMM professionals. The 2025 conference set the stage for a lasting culture of mentorship, one that will continue to shape the future of biomedical research for years to come.

The conference is supported by the National Institute Of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health Award Number R13GM155997. The views expressed as part of this conference and by speakers, panelists, and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of NIH; nor does mention by trade names, commercial practices or organizations imply  endorsement of the U.S. government.