Who is eligible to participate in this program?

• Membership in a full FASEB society is not required to participate in LEAD; however, individuals who are members of full FASEB societies will be given priority
• FASEB or member society employee

What is a reverse mentor?
A reverse mentor is at a more junior educational and/or career stage than their reverse mentee.  Candidates may include:

• Early career researchers (e.g., Assistant or Associate Professors)
• Postdocs
• Graduate students
• Managers
• Analysts
• Coordinators

What is a reverse mentee?
A reverse mentee is at a more established career stage than their reverse mentor.  Candidates may include:

• Deans, Provosts, Vice-Presidents, or Presidents
• Department chairs/Head of Division chiefs
• Professors
• Executive Directors

When is the application period?

The application period is May 6 - June 14, 2024.

Can I apply outside of the application period?
We only accept application forms during the open application period.  However, if the application period is closed, you can express your interest by contacting diversity@faseb.org.  We will keep your name on file and inform you when we are accepting new applicants.


How are matches made?
The LEAD subcommittee will evaluate each mentee’s goals with the pool of potential mentors.  Since the primary goal of the matching process is to ensure that each pair is well-suited to establish a mutually beneficial relationship, it is possible that not all applicants will be matched immediately. Those who are not paired with a mentor or mentee will be placed in a future matching pool.  

The LEAD subcommittee will also pay close attention to any potential conflicts of interest that may arise during the matching process.

Acceptance into the program is based on the compatibility of pairs, including professional development goals, location, and time zone.

How and when are the pairs notified of their matches?
Pairs will receive an email containing the following:

• Name of their mentor or mentee
• Partnership Agreement to be acknowledged by both parties

Once I am matched, what happens next?
The pairs will be invited to attend an orientation session, hosted by the LEAD subcommittee.  During this orientation, pairs will learn more about the program, including expectations and role and responsibilities of the pairs.  You will have the opportunity to ask any questions not addressed here.


What is the best way to ease some of the awkwardness during the initial meetings and beyond?
Reverse mentoring is an interesting concept but having a conversation with someone you don’t know can be awkward.  One way to reduce awkwardness is to use the first meeting to get to know each other by sharing background and personal interests.  After the initial meeting, pairs will be provided with a list of topics for future discussions.  While these topics are not mandatory, they serve as catalysts for initiating discussions.


How long is the mentoring relationship?
Pairs commit to a one-year relationship.


What happens at the end of the 12-month relationship? 
Program participants will complete an exit survey and have one of the following options:

• Continue their relationship with their mentor or mentee outside of the formal LEAD program
• Remain in the program and get rematched to gain another experience
• Leave the program altogether

What is required to be matched with a new mentor or mentee?
Participants who want to remain in the program to gain a new experience will need to submit an updated application.


What should I do if the relationship is not working?
There can be many reasons why a mentoring relationship is not working for one partner or both.  It could be due to a lack of chemistry, confidentiality breaches and other issues.  If you have concerns about your relationship, including harassment and/or inappropriate conduct, please contact FASEB’s DEAI Program Team at diversity@faseb.org, and they will support you and any challenges that you may experience.


More questions? Contact diversity@faseb.org.