A friendly conversation can be a useful first step. Elemental connects early-career researchers with colleagues across our network to share experience, explore ideas and make connections.
You might want to talk through a research challenge, hear about working in another sector, get a fresh perspective on your career, or simply find out how someone else approached a similar problem. You don’t need a formal mentoring plan, and there’s no expectation that one conversation becomes a long-term commitment.
Find someone to talk to
Browse our directory of colleagues willing to share their experience. You can search by topic, expertise, sector or type of experience. Choose someone whose background looks relevant to your question and ask for a coffee or a short online conversation.
If you’re not sure who to contact, or would prefer an introduction, tell the Elemental team what you’d like to discuss and we’ll try to suggest a colleague.
Browse the directory
Ask Elemental for an introduction
What to expect
A first conversation could be 30-60 minutes, online or in person. You decide together what would be useful to discuss. It can be a one-off exchange; if you both want to speak again, you can arrange that directly.
To help make the most of the time, come with one or two questions. There’s no paperwork or formal agreement required for a one-off conversation.
Interested in a longer-term connection?
Some people may want more regular support. If you and your colleague are both interested, you can agree to meet again over a few months. Elemental can offer light-touch guidance and help with an introduction, while you decide the pace and focus together.
This is an informal option, not a promise of a fixed number of meetings or a formal mentor–mentee match.
Visiting bursaries
Where meeting in person would make a useful difference, Elemental may be able to offer a small travel bursary to help with a visit to a colleague or partner organisation. Support will depend on available funds and the purpose of the visit.
Who can take part?
The offer is for early-career researchers at Elemental partner organisations, including postdoctoral researchers and other early-career staff. Colleagues from across the Elemental network, including academic and industry partners, can volunteer to be listed in the directory.
Want to take part?
- Find a colleague: Browse the directory
- Offer your experience: Join the directory
- Need help or an introduction? Contact elementalmetalhub@kent.ac.uk.
