The INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute promotes the professional development of research staff as a strategic pillar for scientific excellence, the retention of talent and knowledge transfer.
It is within this context that the Research Mentoring Programme has been launched, an annual initiative aimed at early-career researchers (R1 in their third year and beyond) with the aim of providing support at a key stage in their careers: the transition to the postdoctoral stage.
The programme connects early-career researchers with more senior professionals (R2–R4), creating a space for guidance, learning and growth. Inspired by leading models such as the CSIC’s CAMINO Programme and the best practices of the REBECA Mentoring Toolkit initiative (EURAXESS/FECYT), the programme combines structured one-to-one mentoring with opportunities for strategic reflection, skills development and the expansion of professional networks.
Over the course of nine months, participants will be able to draw on the experience, knowledge and vision of their mentors to explore new opportunities, define their career path and strengthen the skills needed to advance their research careers.
The programme is based on a voluntary mentoring relationship, within an environment of respect, confidentiality and mutual commitment, with the aim of supporting the next generation of researchers in shaping their professional future.
- Professional category: R2b, R3, R4.
- A well-established research track record and leadership skills.
- A genuine motivation to support professional development.
- A commitment to confidentiality and the mentoring approach (not supervision).
Role of the mentor:
- To support, guide and facilitate reflection.
- To share experiences and best practice.
- To help identify opportunities and areas for improvement.
- The mentor does not evaluate or supervise in a hierarchical capacity.
Mentors 2026–2027
Mentoring towards a career as a Clinician-Researcher
Dr David Martí Aguado
Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk Study Group
Doctor of Medicine and recipient of the Doctoral Award from the Royal National Academy of Medicine of Spain. Hepatologist in the Department of Gastroenterology at the University Clinical Hospital of Valencia. R2 (emerging) researcher in the Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk Study Group.
Dr Maria Pilar Ballester Ferré
Neurological Degeneration Research Group
Doctor of Medicine.
Specialist clinician in the Department of Gastroenterology at the University Clinical Hospital of Valencia and R2 (emerging) researcher in the Neurological Degeneration Research Group.
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Dr Juan Miguel Cejalvo Andújar
Breast Cancer Biology Research Group
Doctor of Medicine and Biomedicine.
Specialist clinician in the Department of Medical Oncology, R2 (emerging) researcher and Principal Investigator (PI) of the Breast Cancer Biology Research Group.
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Mentoring towards a career as an experimental researcher
Dr Raquel Cortés
Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk Study Group
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Doctor of Biology.
R3 researcher and co-Principal Investigator of the Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk Study Group.
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Dr Javier Hernández Gil
Colorectal Cancer and New Therapeutic Developments in Solid Tumours Research Group – InDeST
Doctor of Chemistry and Bachelor of Biochemistry.
R3 Researcher at the Colorectal Cancer and New Therapeutic Developments in Solid Tumours Research Group – InDeST.
Mentoring towards a career as a research manager
Dr Irene Cañigral Cárcel
Management of Scientific and Technological Platforms and Services
PhD in Biotechnology.
Leads the Management of Scientific and Technological Platforms and Services at INCLIVA.
Mentoring towards entrepreneurship in the scientific and healthcare sector
Dr José Luis García Giménez
Research Group on Epigenomics and Translational Epigenetics.
Founder of EpiDisease S.L.
PhD in Chemistry. Assistant Lecturer at the University of Valencia.
R3 Researcher and Principal Investigator (PI) of the Translational Epigenomics and Epigenetics Group and Head of the Mass Spectrometry Platform.
Founder of EpiDisease S.L. (a spin-off from CIBER and ISCIII).
In this first edition, staff meeting the following criteria may be considered for mentoring:
- Affiliation as an R1 researcher from the third year of their contract onwards, or currently enrolled in a PhD programme with INCLIVA.
- An interest in planning their research and professional career.
- High motivation and commitment to the mentoring process.
- A willingness to participate in the planned sessions and activities.
Role of the mentee:
- Define personal and professional objectives.
- Prepare for the sessions.
- Carry out the agreed actions.
- Evaluate the process.
If you wish to take part as a mentee, register by 31 July 2026
