Mentorship for a changing and complex industry 

Scholarly publishing continues to evolve — new technologies, shifting policies, and growing expectations are reshaping a complex system where both experience and fresh thinking are essential. 

STM’s Mentorship Program, developed by the STM Early Career Publishers Committee (ECPC), helps people at different career stages navigate this landscape. It offers a practical way for early-career professionals to learn from experienced colleagues, and for mentors to gain insight from the next generation. A meaningful two-way exchange — one of STM’s more popular programs year over year.  

Applications are now open for 2026 

STM’s Mentorship Program is ready for both mentors and mentees to apply – and, new for 2026, the program will be supported by Mentorloop, mentoring software designed to smoothly facilitate and manage mentoring programs.

Open to all staff at STM member organizations, the program runs for 12 months and supports professional development through one-to-one mentoring relationships across companies, roles, and regions. 

Mentees take the lead in setting goals and shaping the conversation. Mentors support that process by offering guidance, sharing experience, and providing space for reflection and discussion. Regular contact is expected, but how it works — and what’s covered — is up to each pair. 

“There is so much change that we are undergoing as an industry and it is groups like this that prove invaluable – in connecting people and allowing us to learn from each other.”
– STM Mentorship Participant

New to the ECPC? 

The Early Career Publishers Committee brings together professionals from STM member organizations who are typically in their first ten years in the industry. Their focus is on practical efforts that support career development, mentoring, outreach, and entry into publishing. The mentorship program is one of several initiatives they run to connect people and encourage knowledge-sharing across the sector.  

Why It Matters  

In a global and increasingly interconnected industry, mentorship is one of the most effective ways to share knowledge across roles, organizations, and generations. It supports continuity, fosters innovation, and helps people find their place — and purpose — in a complex system. This is how we build a stronger, more connected publishing community. 

 Applications are now open — with responses due by Dec 12, 2026.  

APPLY HERE

“Whilst going into the scheme with key goals in mind, I’ve learnt far more than I could have imagined as both a mentor and a mentee.”
– STM Mentorship Participant