FLMF Mentor Information & Eligibility

Oct. 9, 2023

Become a Guiding Force in the Microbial Sciences

Mentor at FLMF 2023 Symposium
Source: American Society of Microbiology
As a professional with a rich background in microbial sciences, you might be eager to guide the next generation but find yourself grappling with 2 major concerns: finding the right platform and wondering if you are qualified to mentor. The truth is, your experience and insights are invaluable, and a community is waiting to benefit from your guidance.

The ASM Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship (FLMF) helps you confidently step into the role of a mentor, fostering a space where you can guide future leaders in your field while also evolving and learning alongside them.

Important Dates:

  • Application Opens: Nov 1, 2024.
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 17, 2025, 11:59 a.m. ET.
  • Disposition Letters: March 5, 2025.

Further Mentor Details

Mentor Benefits
  • Leadership and mentoring skill enhancement: Enhance your abilities through a variety of platforms and experiences. Promote student success while you build your global mentoring profile.
  • Portfolio building and networking opportunities at ASM events: Invitation to attend the ASM FLMF Symposium, networking and mentoring lunches and the ASM Joint Reception at ASM Microbe 2025.
  • Foster collaborative and safe spaces: Take the lead in creating environments where mentors and fellows can collaborate, share innovative ideas and promote student success.
  • Become a voice in your field: Serve as a facilitator or speaker at various ASM events, sharing your knowledge and insights through webinars, symposiums and conferences.

*ASM FLMF does not provide travel support to mentors attending ASM Microbe 2025.


Mentor Role & Responsibilities

What to Expect Year 1: Mentorship (Professional Development & Career Exploration)

  • Be assigned to a mentoring group based on geographic location.
  • Convene with mentors in one’s designated group to prepare, plan and facilitate discussion on various professional and career development topics.

What to Expect Year 2: Mentorship (Career & Leadership Training)

  • Be assigned to a mentoring group based on geographic location.
  • Convene with mentors in one’s designated group to prepare, plan and facilitate discussion on various professional and career development topics.

What to Expect After the Fellowship:

  • Propose and/or provide leadership opportunities and resources for Future Leaders cohort.
  • Serve as an ambassador to the FLMF program and encourage participation from colleagues and students.

Mentor Eligibility

Mentors must meet the following requirements when applying for the ASM FLMF Program:

  • Be a postdoctoral scientist, research scientist, faculty or administrator in any employment sector (e.g., government, industry, entrepreneurship, science policy, consulting, nonprofit, etc.).
  • Be a master's and/or doctoral graduate student.
  • Be U.S. citizen, permanent resident or international mentor.
  • Demonstrate strong mentoring record.
  • Commit to a 2-year collaboration with mentoring relationships of current and incoming cohorts.