Shortcut to funding and better research
The ESR programme offers, among other things, mentoring for young researchers.
Young researchers can get a shortcut to both funding and better research. Researchers at Örebro University can now apply for the second year of the Early Stage Researcher Mentorship project, within the framework of the NEOLAiA collaboration.
"Participation in the NEOLAiA ESR Mentorship Programme equipped me with practical tools to design more competitive, cross-disciplinary research projects and to identify and pursue appropriate funding opportunities," says Annalena Kamm, who was Örebro University's participant in last year's programme.
The ESR programme offers mentoring for young researchers, workshops and new networks at the nine European universities participating in the NEOLEiA alliance.
The programme is aimed at researchers at the beginning of their careers, mainly doctoral students and postdocs.
The application must be submitted 15/2 and the person who is accepted will be notified no later than 1/3. The program starts 1/4 2026 and runs until 30/9 2027.
"ESR strengthened my research profile by refining my strategies for career development and enhancing research visibility, while providing a valuable platform for networking with fellow researchers", says Annalena Kamm.
Programme period: 1 April 2026 – 30 September 2027 (18 months)
The NEOLAiA Alliance invites Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) and senior researchers from NEOLAiA universities (and associated partners) to participate in the second round of the NEOLAiA ESR Mentorship Programme (MP 2).
The Programme brings together motivated ESRs and experienced academic mentors across the Alliance to support structured career development, international networking, and professional growth within and beyond academia.
Application and Nomination Procedure
For mentees
Each NEOLAiA university nominates one ESR. Nominations must be submitted by the university.
Indicative timeline (MP2):
Nomination deadline: Nominees sent to Maria Arnborg (maria.arnborg@oru.se) latest on the 15th of February 2026
Confirmation of selection will be sent out not later than 1st of March 2026.
Programme start: 1 April 2026
Contact: For questions regarding nominations or the Programme: magnus.kristoffersson@oru.se