Mentoring Program
The Franklin Women Inclusive Leadership Mentoring Program supports the career progression of mid-career women while developing the inclusive leadership capabilities of sector leaders of all genders.
This Mentoring Program was introduced by Franklin Women in 2017 in response to the under-representation of women in leadership roles across the health and medical research ecosystem. It is a cross-organisational initiative which means organisations within the sector nominate their staff and/or students who will take part in the 6-month professionally facilitated program.
In 2025, the Franklin Women Mentoring Program will be delivered in NSW, ACT and VIC (refer below for program flyers).
“It was great to see my mentee flourish and gain skills that facilitated improvements in career development that I don’t think would have happened in the absence of the program.”
“Participating in this program has been a complete game changer. My mentor has been perfect and exactly what I needed. I have learnt and gained so much which has invigorated my passion for my role!”
“Having a leader I respect take time out of their life to listen to me and to act as a voice in rooms that I could not be in. That is invaluable.”
Demonstrated impact
A formal impact evaluation of the program published in 2021 highlighted the tangible benefits that participation has on mentees, mentors and their organisations.
Franklin Women is proud to deliver an initiative that is having such a positive impact, not only on individuals but also the wider culture of the health and medical research ecosystem.
What sets it apart?
Cross-organisation program
The program connects mentees with mentors from diverse organisations within the health and medical research ecosystem, including research institutes, universities, health care organisations, industry and government.
Thorough matching process
Mentees and mentors are matched using a rigorous matching process-considering mentee goals and mentor experience, which enables a successful mentoring partnership.
Fully supported experience
In addition to informal mentoring, our program includes workshops for both mentees and mentors facilitated by leadership experts. Participants are also supported by an online mentoring platform.
How to participate
The Franklin Women Mentoring Program is unique in that organisations sign up to participate and then nominate staff/students who will take part as mentees and mentors (refer to eligibility criteria below). Franklin Women also sponsors several mentee places for women who are from non-participating organisations.
Since its inaugural year in 2017, the Franklin Women Mentoring Program has connected more than 710 mentees and mentors from over 30 different organisations across the health and medical research ecosystem in NSW and the ACT. In 2025, we are also delivering a pilot program in Victoria.
Refer to the 2025 Mentoring Program flyers below for each program schedule.
If you are an organisation looking for more information on how to take part, or an individual interested in applying for a Franklin Women sponsored place in either program in 2025, please click on the relevant tabs below.
Eligibility criteria
The mentee and mentor eligibility criteria are outlined below:
MENTEES
An individual who identifies as a woman* whose work contributes to improving health outcomes. This can be in academic or non-academic capacity and in any discipline (e.g. laboratory, public health, clinical research, health technology, medical engineering etc).
A minimum of 8–10 years professional experience (not limited to professional experience post-PhD acknowledging many individuals commence post-graduate study after working in the sector). This typically equates to University levelC (or research scale equivalent). It is at this career stage that the participation and progression of women stagnates or decline, resulting in the under-representation of women in leadership within the sector.
Has the capacity, availability and commitment to work with a mentor for the entirety of the program. Flyers with key dates are available above.
*Please note: while Franklin Women and its initiatives are built around the experiences of women, we welcome the participation of mentees who identify as non-binary acknowledging they experience unique and extensive barriers to career progression and participation. It is important to discuss the aims of this program with potential non-binary mentees to ensure they are comfortable and feel supported in their participation. Mentors in the program are of any gender.
MENTORS
An individual of any gender who has demonstrated significant experience in the health and medical research ecosystem at a leadership level, either in a research, academic or executive capacity.
A minimum of 15 years professional experience and currently in a leadership role (in research or other role in the sector).
Has the capacity, availability and commitment to work with a mentee for the entirety of the program. Flyers with key dates are available above.
Previous participating organisations
