IEEE Mentorium 2025: Building Blocks for Researchers

The goal of the workshop

The Mentorium aims to support early-career researchers by providing mentorship, guidance on voluntary roles such as reviewing and organizing events in conferences, and advice on securing grants. It also facilitates collaboration with senior professionals to enhance both research and career development.

Workshop theme

The Mentorium focuses on the vital development of early-career researchers by fostering mentorship, networking, and professional growth. It emphasizes the importance of engaging in voluntary roles like reviewing and organizing events, while also providing guidance on securing research funding. By facilitating collaboration with senior professionals, the Mentorium aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and connections to enhance their academic careers
and leadership potential.

Scope of the workshop

We invite students, PhD candidates, post-doctoral researchers, and young professionals to participate in a series of activities designed to enhance their academic and professional trajectories. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Collaboration with the Student Research Symposium (SRS)
We hope to collaborate with the SRS and other COMPSAC initiatives to jointly host sessions. This collaboration will enhance networking opportunities, provide a broader platform for presenting work, and create a unified experience for early-career researchers.

Panel Discussion with Senior COMPSAC Volunteers
The symposium will host a panel featuring experienced COMPSAC volunteers, including Dr Sorel Reisman and Dr Sheikh Iqbal Ahamed They will share their history with COMPSAC, IEEE Computer Society, and volunteering, offering insights and advice to participants on professional development and the benefits of volunteering.

Junior Discussant Program
Participants will have the opportunity to act as junior discussants by identifying papers, symposia, or workshops in their areas of interest and preparing questions or comments in advance. This initiative encourages active engagement and enriches conference discussions.

Training and Mentoring Sessions
We will provide training sessions focused on presentation skills, academic paper writing, and volunteering within IEEE and COMPSAC. These sessions will be led by experienced professionals, including Prof Dave Towey, designed to enhance participants’ skills and confidence.

Demo and Poster Sessions
Participants can showcase their projects and prototypes during demo and poster sessions. These sessions will take place during coffee breaks, providing opportunities for informal discussions and direct engagement with presenters.

Guidance on Grants and Funding
We will offer guidance on securing grants and financial assistance, possibly through information sessions or by connecting participants with potential sponsors and funding bodies.

Incorporate Senior Researchers
Involve senior professionals and their labs in future panel discussions and academic mentoring, creating an ongoing cycle of support for the next generation of researchers.

Mentorship Programs
We will facilitate mentorship and career development by pairing participants with experienced professionals based on their interests. Structured mentor matching, workshops, and post-conference follow-up will support ongoing professional development.

First-Day Networking Luncheon/Dinner
An optional lunchtime or dinnertime activity on the first day of the conference will be organized to help participants connect with peers and mentors. This informal setting facilitates early networking opportunities and eases participants into the conference environment. (cost not covered by COMPSAC)

Workshop organizer(s)

Silvio Meneguzzo
University of Turin, Brunel University of London
Email: silvio.meneguzzo@unito.it

Geeta Mahala
University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
Email: gm168@uowmail.edu.au

Workshop Advisor(s)

Prof. Dave Towey
University of Nottingham in Ningbo, China
Email: dave.towey@nottingham.edu.cn

Program Committee

Silvio Meneguzzo
University of Turin, Brunel University of London
Email: silvio.meneguzzo@brunel.ac.uk

Claudio Schifanella
University of Turin, Italy
Email: claudio.schifanella@unito.it

Alfredo Favenza
Research Center Links Foundation, Italy
Email: alfredo.favenza@linksfoundation.com

Aaron Pereira
University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
Email: app850@uowmail.edu.au