Mentoring is the social foundation of research. Without it the trainee is deigned to traverse the labyrinth of professional development in the research enterprise as a solitary soul, making it all but impossible to reach full potential. It is the mentor who draws the best from the junior person by acting as an adviser, teacher, role model, motivational friend and supportive advocate. It is certainly the ideal way to pass scrupulous ethical values to the generation following, and yet most research organizations neglect it as a core responsibility. Institutions that commit themselves to long term development and progress cannot afford to forsake the cultivation of an encouraging, jointly supportive environment, and a keystone element in that cultivation process is the mutually respectful and mindful mentor/trainee relationship. It can be the cornerstone for creating a solid, ethical foundation.

Please click here to access the Columbia University RCR Mentoring page. Review the material provided, then return and proceed to the next page to answer questions.