A limited number of focused mentoring sessions are offered each month for students preparing PhD applications.

The aim is not to provide generic advice, but to clarify how applications are evaluated, and how to position your work, interests, and trajectory within that process.

Most PhD applications are evaluated very differently from how applicants assume.

This gap is rarely made explicit, but it is often where strong applications get rejected.

This initiative offers structured evaluation and feedback on PhD applications, grounded in the realities of academic selection.

PhD Application Strategy & Mentoring

What this includes:

  • Detailed, feedback on your personal statement and CV

  • Guidance on how to position your research direction

  • Insight into how applications are actually evaluated

  • Optional mock interview with structured, panel-style feedback

  • Strategic discussion tailored to your goals and constraints

Who this is for:

  • Final-year undergraduate or MSc students

  • Early-stage PhD applicants

  • Candidates applying to competitive programmes

  • Applicants seeking structured, experience-based feedback

How it works:

  1. Using the following online form, experss your interest

  2. Selected applicants will be contacted

  3. A session will be scheduled (online)

  4. You receive structured feedback and discussion

  5. If needed, a mock interview will be offered.

A limited number of places are currently offered as part of a pilot phase. Priority is given to applicants where this support can have meaningful impact. A small number of sessions are provided without cost for students facing significant barriers to access.

Support for Scholars in Contexts of Disruption

Particular attention is given to applicants navigating academic pathways under conditions of war, displacement, or significant humanitarian constraint.

A number of sessions are offered each month without cost as part of a commitment to academic continuity and equitable access.

Early Feedback & Testimonials

What participants take away from the programme

“This was genuinely one of the most valuable conversations I’ve had throughout my job search.”

Nazanin F -- Early Career Researcher

For the first time, I understood how a recruiter actually reads a CV. I had been writing in general terms, thinking brevity was a virtue — not realising I was burying the very experiences that made my profile strong.

Seven years of translational research, a national patient registry in Inborn Errors of Immunity, international fellowships, and published systematic reviews — all there, but hidden beneath language that could have belonged to anyone.

I also realised a cover letter is not a formality — it is the one place to connect your background to a specific role, in your own voice.

After many rejections, I had started to feel something was fundamentally wrong with me. Understanding that this is a structurally difficult market — not a personal failure — meant more than I can express. I now approach applications strategically, with real intent and proper tailoring.

“Having my application reviewed by two PhD-level experts who truly understand academia made a huge difference.”

Bita M — PhD Applicant

It was an incredibly valuable opportunity to receive expert feedback on my application materials. The feedback was thorough—both in writing and during our follow-up discussion—and highlighted important aspects I hadn’t fully considered before.

I found the guidance on structuring my CV particularly helpful, from the order of sections to presenting details more clearly and effectively.

The advice on the supporting statement was equally valuable, especially in understanding how to present different parts of my application in a more logical and strategic way, and how to balance scientific detail with broader accessibility. Overall, this will make a significant difference in strengthening my application.

“This is exactly the kind of guidance I wish I had when applying”.

-BS PhD Applicant

“Very thoughtful and much-needed initiative”.

- Academic Colleague

“I’ve applied to more than 300 positions in Europe with no success yet. I’m facing challenges in my job applications, as I rarely receive responses and have only had three interviews so far—two were not aligned with my background, and the competition in Europe is extremely high“.

-NF Early Career Researcher

“Professional, clear, honest and incredibly helpful feedback, thank you”.

TM PhD Applicant

Apply For a Mentoring Session

If you would like your application and research direction to be considered, submit your expression of interest below.

Not Ready Yet?

If you would like to stay informed about mentoring opportunities, as well as selected webinars and resources, you can join the mailing list.