Mentorship Programme

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Co-leads

Prof. Josef-Peter Schöggl

Dr Małgorzata Pusz

ISDRS

Mentorship Programme

Our main goal is to create meaningful connections between senior academics (mentors) and junior academics (mentees), fostering mutual benefits and building stronger relationships within the ISDRS community as a whole.

The purpose of this programme is to match mentors with mentees to enable the following

Extra support and advice for junior researchers from experienced senior researchers. This support will complement the supervision provided by a supervisor/adviser during the mentee's research project. Informal conversations with a regular frequency (e.g., four times a year electronically). These discussions will cover various topics, such as academic work/research, career guidance, work-life balance, setting and pursuing life and career goals, and expanding professional networks.
Informal conversations with a regular frequency (e.g., four times a year electronically). These discussions will cover various topics, such as academic work/research, career guidance, work-life balance, setting and pursuing life and career goals, and expanding professional networks.

Why become a mentor?

If you are a senior researcher within ISDRS (PhD required), such as a university professor, topic group leader, board member, or experienced member, being a mentor offers a range of benefits:

Share the knowledge you've accumulated over the years, strengthening your own understanding in the process.

Gain fresh perspectives by interacting with the next generation of professionals and learning about their hopes and expectations.

Expand your professional and personal networks by connecting with other experts in your field

Excel your listening skills while providing valuable guidance to mentees.

Why become a mentee?

As a mentee, you can be a master’s student, PhD candidate, postdoctoral researcher, or junior researcher on a short-term contract. By participating in the Programme, you can:

Set and commit to personal goals while involving your mentor in a constructive and thoughtful way.

Ask thoughtful questions and stay curious about your field of study.

Take charge of your own development and growth.

Receive valuable feedback and gain new perspectives from your mentor.

What will interactions look like?

The new edition of the Mentorship Programme will begin in April 2026, and mentor-mentee pairs will have the opportunity to meet at a virtual kick-off workshop. The communication can be 100% online, but there will be a chance to meet at the annual ISDRS conference.

The Programme will include regular online feedback, as well as an in-person session during the annual ISDRS conference for those present.

In addition, throughout the year, participants will be invited to attend inspirational events featuring academics from various disciplines who will share their career journeys, challenges, rewarding experiences, and successful strategies.

Who is eligible to participate in the program?

This Programme is primarily aimed at ISDRS members (paying the conference registration fee automatically grants you an ISDRS membership for one year). However, we will also consider other individuals upon request. Participants from last year’s Mentorship Programme are welcome to participate again in the 2026/2027 edition.

How to apply?

The Mentorship Programme has been organised by the New Professionals Group at ISDRS since 2020. To indicate your interest in the 2026/2027 edition, please register by completing this form by March 20th, 2026: Registration form

Feel free to contact Josef-Peter Schöggl (josef.schoeggl@uni-graz.at) with any queries you may have.

Stay updated on social media for future editions and associated events of the Programme!

Our Co-leads

Prof. Josef-Peter Schöggl

Josef-Peter Schöggl is an Assistant Professor of Sustainability Assessment and Management at the University of Graz. He holds a PhD in Environmental Systems Sciences from the University of Graz and has worked as a Full Professor of Sustainability Analytics at Modul University Vienna and as a postdoctoral researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and the University of Graz. His research focuses on the digital circular economy, sustainability and circularity assessment, sustainable product development, inter- and intra-organizational collaboration, and the utilization of digital technologies to advance sustainability-related decision-support methods.

Dr Małgorzata Pusz

Dr Małgorzata Pusz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management at Kozminski University, a Warsaw-based business school. She holds a PhD from the University of Hull, where she worked as a Research Fellow (CRESTING project), focusing on circular economy, networks, and social entrepreneurship in the UK, Chile, and Austria. She also earned an MSc in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM) from Lund University, Central European University, and the University of Manchester, as well as an MA in Geography and Hispanic Studies from the University of Aberdeen. Her research focuses on extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, circular entrepreneurship, social innovation, food systems, socio-spatial networks, and rural–urban linkages.