ADVANCE Circles

A mentoring circle is a format in which peers come together with mentors to engage in developmental conversations, an opportunity to discuss different topics that are relevant for their personal and professional development.

ADVANCE circles provide a platform for Doctoral candidates to connect with accomplished researchers, who will lend an attentive ear and offer valuable guidance and advice. Moreover, the circles are designed to facilitate the exchange of support among peers. The circles are a space built on trust, with the goal of not only listening but also supporting doctoral candidates to reach their full potential.

Apply now for 2025 Circles Summer Call

The call for the next ADVANCE Circles circles is open, the circles will be mentored by:

Catherine Jones (FHSE/Uni.lu)
Silvia Allegrezza (FDEF/Uni.lu)
Carole Linster (LCSB/Uni.lu)

The programme has a duration of 2.5 months (May 2025 – July 2025) and includes 4 mentoring sessions to be held on the following Tuesdays from 13.00-14.30:

13 May: Welcome to Circles (Belval)
20 May: Carole Linster (Belval)
10 June: Silvia Allegrezza (Weicker-Kirchberg)
1 July: Catherine Jones (Belval)

In addition, there will be online peer-mentoring sessions, on Wednesdays from 13-14h:

4 June
18 June
2 July

The summer call is open to all doctoral candidates, regardless of their gender identity.

Eligibility criteria

Doctoral candidates registered at the University of Luxembourg and/or conducting research in one of the participating research institutes.
Valid student registration or work contract for the duration of the programme (i.e. until 15 July 2025).
Willingness to learn and to engage in developmental conversations.
Commit to participate in the scheduled activities.

Application process

To apply please fill out and submit the following form, there are up to 10 places available.

If you have questions or are interested in the format but cannot join the next cohort please send an email to: ines.crisostomo@uni.lu

Application deadline: 28 April 2025.

Application form

Testimonials from past participants

^MENTEE “It was one of the rarest opportunities to finally ask questions that were only in my heart related to life as a female researcher and professor. Topics including career, family, and struggles specific to women were all valuable discussions, and learned a lot from the mentors’ and peers’ experiences.”

^MENTEE “The diverse perspectives and experiences of both the mentors and fellow participants enriched our discussions, enabling me to challenge my assumptions. The circle with female professor mentors fostered a supportive and empowering environment for aspiring researchers like me.”

^MENTEE “The circles are a unique welcoming and supportive space to share and listen to both female peers’ and leaders’ experiences in their careers. It was very interesting to hear the female perspective of an academic career, about which I unfortunately hadn’t heard before.”

^MENTEE “ADVANCE circles have been a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend participating. I learned so much from the mentors and my peers and am leaving feeling more confident and prepared for the PhD years ahead!”

^MENTOR “As a mentor, I was glad to be able to ‘give forward’ in a space created by the university (or more specifically, the Gender Equality Office). I had informal mentees before, but this always required more planning. The circle created a group atmosphere where support and input were not only coming from the mentors but also from the peers themselves, which I found very valuable.”

Past editions

In the Summer 2024 the ADVANCE circles were mentored by Prof. Sarah Gelper (FDEF/Uni.lu); Prof. Karin Melnick (FSTM/Uni.lu) and Prof. Sonja Kmec (FHSE/Uni.lu).

Ten doctoral candidates participated in this edition, all from the University of Luxembourg (2 FDEF, 4 FHSE, 1 FSTM, 1 SnT, 1 LCSB and 1 C2DH).

In their feedback, participants, mentors, and mentees describe the experience as ‘worthwhile,’ mentioning as strengths the ‘safe environment,’ ‘possibility to ask questions,’ and ‘variety of backgrounds.’ Here are some testimonials:

“The experience was wonderful. Listening to and learning from other female leaders in academia was incredibly inspiring. The circle offers a unique opportunity to connect with mentors and mentees from diverse fields while providing a safe space for open, honest discussions.”

“The circles covered a wide range of topics, from career navigation to balancing research and family. It offers a unique opportunity for fresh PhDs to gain insights into the multifaceted aspects of academic life.”

In the Summer 2024 the ADVANCE circles were mentored by Prof. Claudine Kirsch (Uni.lu/FHSE), Prof. Diane Pierret (Uni.lu/FDEF), and Dr. Sophie Pilleron (LIH).

Nine doctoral candidates participated in this edition, 1 from LISER and 8 from the University of Luxembourg (1 FDEF, 3 FHSE, 1 FSTM, 2 SnT, 1 LCSB).

All participants were highly positive about their participation, here are some testimonials:

“It was a great experience. Entering the academic world, there are many things we still need to learn. And what better way than to ask the questions to successful women who have done this path before? I learned a few things I will take into consideration in the future..”

“I really appreciated the circles. Besides being inspired by the successful women (Mentors) in different career domains, the common difficulties shared by the mentees helped me to understand that I am not alone and not the only one facing challenges and fears about the next steps after the PhD.”

In the Winter 2024 the ADVANCE circles were mentored by Prof. Aurélia Chenu (FSTM), Prof. Christina Siry (FHSE), and Dr. Eva Sierminska (LISER).

Eleven doctoral candidates participated in this edition, all from the University of Luxembourg (1 C²DH, 2 FDEF, 3 FHSE, 4 FSTM, 1 SnT).

All participants were highly positive about their participation, giving it an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5.

“The circle really encouraged me to trust my gut, feel confident in my skills and goals and to recognise the contributions that I bring (and can bring) to my field. It was also so lovely to have an open space to talk with professors and PhDs about our challenges and aspirations.”

The first and pilot edition for ADVANCE circles took place in the Summer Semester of 2023, with Professors Anja Leist (FHSE), Susanne Siebentritt (FSTM), and Joana Mendes (FDEF) serving as mentors.

Ten doctoral candidates participated in this 1st edition, 9 from the University of Luxembourg and 1 from the LIH (1 FDEF, 1 C2DH, 2 FHSE, 3 LCSB, 2 SnT).

All participants highly recommended the programme, giving it an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5.