ISC Mentorship Initiative for Displaced Academics 2026
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Apply to become a mentor through the International Science Council (ISC) Mentorship Initiative for Displaced Academics (MIDA), in partnership with the Institute of International Education's Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF). Support displaced scholars as they rebuild their academic careers, professional networks, and connections with research communities in their host countries and regions.
Join a global community of experienced academics and researchers committed to strengthening a more connected and resilient scientific community.
Quick Highlights
| Opportunity Name | ISC Mentorship Initiative for Displaced Academics 2026 |
|---|---|
| Organisations | International Science Council (ISC) & IIE-SRF |
| Programme | Mentorship Initiative for Displaced Academics (MIDA) |
| Role | Mentor to Displaced Academics |
| Eligibility | Experienced Academics, Researchers & Professionals |
| Disciplines | All Disciplines |
| Training | 6 One-Hour Sessions (Mid-Aug – Oct 2026) |
| Mentoring Period | 9–12 Months (Starting October 2026) |
| Commitment | ~1 Hour/Month |
| Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
Opportunity Overview
| Host Organisation | International Science Council (ISC) |
|---|---|
| Partner Organisation | Institute of International Education Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) |
| Programme Name | Mentorship Initiative for Displaced Academics (MIDA) |
| Opportunity Type | Mentorship Programme |
| Role | Mentor to Displaced Academics |
| Eligibility | Experienced Academics, Researchers & Professionals |
| Disciplines | All Disciplines |
| Location | International / Host-Country and Regional |
| Application Mode | Online Application |
About the Programme
The Mentorship Initiative for Displaced Academics (MIDA) was developed in response to the growing challenges faced by academics whose careers have been disrupted by conflict, intimidation, persecution, and other forms of instability. Although emergency relocation programmes and fellowship opportunities can provide immediate protection and financial or institutional support, displaced academics may continue to experience difficulties rebuilding their careers after relocation.
These challenges can include:
Limited access to professional networks
Unfamiliar academic environments
Difficulty reconnecting with research communities
Barriers to establishing sustainable long-term academic trajectories
MIDA seeks to address these challenges through structured mentorship, connecting displaced scholars who are IIE-SRF grantees with experienced colleagues in their host countries or regions.
Who Can Become a Mentor?
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Professional Status | Experienced academics, researchers, and professionals |
| Disciplinary Background | All disciplines welcome |
| Geographic Diversity | Professionals from diverse regions |
| Experience | Knowledge and experience to assist a displaced scholar |
| Skills | Professional experience, academic knowledge, career guidance, or institutional insights |
Application Information Required:
| Information | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Career Stage & Years of Experience | Required |
| Disciplinary Background | Required |
| Professional Affiliation | Required |
| Country of Residence & Nationality | Required |
| Spoken Languages | Required |
| Gender | Required |
| Motivation for Participation | Required |
| CV | Required |
| LinkedIn Profile/Personal Website | Optional |
Mentorship Commitment
| Phase | Duration | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Training Phase | 6 One-Hour Sessions (Mid-Aug – Oct 2026) | Preparation for mentoring responsibilities |
| Mentoring Phase | 9–12 Months (Starting October 2026) | ~1 hour of mentoring per month |
| Ongoing | Throughout Programme | Feedback surveys and occasional check-ins |
What Mentors Will Gain
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Tailored Training | Training designed to prepare for mentoring responsibilities |
| Leadership Skills | Development of leadership abilities |
| Coaching Skills | Strengthen coaching capabilities |
| Professional Mentoring | Experience in professional mentoring |
| Cross-Cultural Communication | Enhanced intercultural communication skills |
| Academic Networking | Interaction with academics outside existing networks |
| International Engagement | Global academic community connections |
| Contribution | Support for stronger connections between displaced scholars and global research communities |
Why the Initiative Matters
For academics forced to leave their institutions or countries, relocation can involve much more than finding a new place to work. Professional networks, research collaborations, institutional knowledge, and career pathways can all be disrupted. Even highly accomplished researchers may need assistance understanding new academic systems and rebuilding relationships within their fields.
MIDA aims to provide this additional layer of professional support by:
Connecting displaced scholars with experienced colleagues
Creating opportunities for knowledge exchange
Facilitating professional integration
Supporting renewed participation in academic and research communities
Building a more connected and resilient global scientific community
Application Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the ISC official application form |
| 2 | Provide personal and professional information |
| 3 | Explain motivation for participating |
| 4 | Describe experience and knowledge to offer |
| 5 | Upload CV |
| 6 | Submit before 31 August 2026 |
Important Notes:
Registration does not guarantee placement with a scholar
Matching is based on needs and compatibility
Important Dates / Timeline
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| Training Sessions | Mid-August – October 2026 |
| Mentoring Start | October 2026 |
| Mentoring Duration | 9–12 Months |
Important Links
| Description | Official Link |
|---|---|
| ISC Official Website | |
| Apply Now |
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the programme? | Mentorship Initiative for Displaced Academics (MIDA) |
| Who can become a mentor? | Experienced academics, researchers, and professionals from all disciplines |
| What is the commitment? | 6 training sessions + ~1 hour/month mentoring for 9–12 months |
| When does the programme start? | October 2026 |
| Is there a cost to apply? | No application fee is indicated |
| What documents are required? | CV (required), LinkedIn/personal website (optional) |
| What training is provided? | Six one-hour sessions preparing for mentoring responsibilities |
| What skills can I gain? | Leadership, coaching, cross-cultural communication, networking |
| What is the application deadline? | 31 August 2026 |
| Does registration guarantee placement? | No, registration does not guarantee matching with a scholar |
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The International Science Council Mentorship Initiative for Displaced Academics offers a meaningful opportunity for experienced academics and researchers to support colleagues whose careers have been disrupted by conflict and instability. The structured programme—with training sessions followed by 9–12 months of mentoring—allows mentors to contribute without requiring a full-time commitment.
The initiative responds to a critical gap in support for displaced scholars: while emergency relocation programmes and fellowships provide immediate protection, the long-term challenges of rebuilding professional networks and academic careers often remain unaddressed. MIDA fills this gap by connecting displaced scholars with experienced mentors who can provide professional guidance, institutional insights, and career support.
For mentors, the programme offers professional development through tailored training, cross-cultural engagement, and international networking. The opportunity to contribute to a more connected and resilient global scientific community adds meaningful purpose to the commitment.
Best Opportunity For
| Category | Suitable |
|---|---|
| Experienced Academics | ✓ |
| Senior Researchers | ✓ |
| Established Professionals | ✓ |
| All Disciplines | ✓ |
| International Professionals | ✓ |
| Mentorship Enthusiasts | ✓ |
| Early-Career Academics | ✗ (Experienced required) |
Competition Level
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall Competition | Moderate to High |
| Selection Difficulty | Moderate |
| Application Complexity | Low to Moderate |
CareerFlora Recommendation
| Recommendation Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ |
| Career Impact | High |
| Networking | Excellent |
| Application Difficulty | Low to Moderate |
| Time Commitment | Moderate (~1 Hour/Month) |
| Professional Development | Excellent |
This opportunity is highly recommended for experienced academics and researchers seeking to make a meaningful contribution to the global scientific community while developing leadership, coaching, and cross-cultural communication skills. The structured training and reasonable time commitment make this accessible for busy professionals.
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Final Call-to-Action
Visit the official International Science Council website to register your interest in the Mentorship Initiative for Displaced Academics. Complete the application form, upload your CV, and explain your motivation for supporting displaced scholars. Submit before the 31 August 2026 deadline.
🔗 Apply Now: https://council.science/news/call-mida/
🏛️ Organisation Website: https://council.science
