As part of FIDELIS’ training and support strategy, two open calls will run dedicated to the ‘peer-to-peer Mentoring Programme’. This novel support format will focus on connecting individuals in the repository landscape to each other to facilitate knowledge sharing and peer learning. Learn more about this support format before the first call launches on 27 February 2026.
The main goals of the peer-to-peer mentoring programme are to build capacity and to lay the foundation of the peer-to-peer support ethos that the FIDELIS Network will thrive on. The programme brings together knowledgeable mentors with mentees who are interested in upskilling in a certain topic to foster collaborative approaches to tackling common challenges in a hands-on manner that can tailor to the participants.
What does the peer-to-peer mentoring programme look like?
FIDELIS identifies a set of topics areas related to TTRAM Activities and Functions that repositories often face challenges in. For each of these topics, external mentors will be identified through an open call. Working together with FIDELIS mentors, this group of peers co-designs a support programme to facilitate capacity building and overcoming challenges on the topic. This programme is delivered to a group of selected mentees who will be able to use the expertise of the group of mentors to advance on the topic and learn from others.
What does the role of ‘mentor’ mean?
You do not need to be an expert to take part as a mentor for a given support topic. You just need to have some relevant experience(s) to share. We welcome a broad range of experience from external mentors for each of the support activity topics. This might be hands-on experience of using particular tools or approaches; practical experience in the development and implementation of relevant policies; or to share examples of good practice with their peers. You might also want to share information about difficulties or challenges you encountered to help others avoid common pitfalls.
Up to five successful applicants to the open call for mentors will work together with FIDELIS mentors to co-design a short and focused support programme for the specific topic area. Together, you will determine the number and timing of the virtual meetings and/or workshops that will facilitate knowledge exchange. Mentors will receive financial support up to 5,000 Euros to carry out their work and receive pedagogical training from FIDELIS to improve their skills as a mentor. FIDELIS will support all technical and logistical aspects of the programme. Peer exchange with the other mentors will also be part of the programme, facilitating new connections and further improvements of mentoring skills.
What do I need to know before the open call launches?
- Your application must make clear what practical skills, experience or knowledge you have in relation to the specific support topic (e.g., trustworthy digital repositories). Remember we also welcome the sharing of challenges and pitfalls as these can be as useful, if not more, than simply sharing successes.
- The support activities will be delivered within a 5 month time frame (between June and October 2026). You will work together with the FIDELIS and other external mentors for your support activity to define the programme.
- The support activity will result in the publication of an Implementation Story which will be co-authored between the FIDELIS and external mentors and the mentees. The story will be published to our Zenodo community and displayed on our website.
- There will be an opportunity to share the content of the Implementation Story via a virtual webinar coordinated by FIDELIS after the programme’s conclusion.
How can I join the programme as a mentee?
At the same time of the open call for mentors, interested individuals will be able to express their interest to become a mentee to one of the support topics. Based on the development of the mentoring support programme after the selection of the external mentors, a certain number of mentees will be invited to join the programme in the period of June-October 2026.
Learn more about the upcoming open call by joining the virtual info session. All information about the call and its logistics will also be published on the website.