Opportunity: Become a Mentor for Displaced Academics

The International Science Council (ISC), in partnership with the Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF), has launched the Mentorship Initiative for Displaced Academics (MIDA) and is inviting experienced academics and researchers to become mentors.

MIDA aims to support scholars whose academic careers have been disrupted by conflict, persecution, intimidation, or other forms of instability. By pairing displaced researchers with experienced mentors, the initiative seeks to help participants navigate new academic systems, expand professional networks, reconnect with international research communities, and rebuild sustainable research careers.

Mentors will play an important role in strengthening global scientific collaboration while supporting the long-term integration of displaced scholars into the international research community.

The programme timeline includes:

• June–August 2026: Call for mentors and onboarding
• October–December 2026: Scholar-mentor matching and training
• January–June 2027: Mentoring, workshops and peer exchange activities
• July–September 2027: Programme evaluation and future planning

The call for mentors is open until 14 August 2026.

FAIS encourages experienced members of the African immunology community to consider contributing their expertise to this important initiative and help support colleagues whose scientific careers have been affected by conflict and instability.

Learn more and register your interest by visiting the ISC website HERE.