We are delighted to announce that the 2026 Equator Mentoring Network will run from April to August 2026.
This work is led by Dr Natasha Dowey (Sheffield Hallam) and Prof Sam Giles (University of Birmingham) with oversight from the Equator Steering Committee. It is funded by a network of NERC Doctoral Landscape Award holding universities.
What is the 2026 Equator Mentoring Network?
This mentoring network is ringfenced for ethnic minority students, and aims to increase retention into postgraduate environmental* research by improving student experience and sense of belonging.
Successful applicants will be matched with two mentors (with the aim of one academic and one non-academic professional mentor). Mentoring will take place in online discussions, with 8 sessions across the 4 month period.
Participation in the Equator 2026 mentoring network is fully funded, with all mentors and mentees offered remuneration for their time. We also have limited funding available to support travel costs for an in-person meeting between the mentee and each of their mentors.
Applications to join our mentoring network are now open for students studying environmental topics.
Please apply by 23:59 on Monday 13th April 2026.
*In Equator’s work, “Environmental research” includes physical geography, earth science, environmental science, ecology, and related multidisciplinary subjects aligned with the UK Natural Environment Research Council areas of interest. Equator is unfortunately not able to support those working purely in human/social disciplines.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants who want to apply to be mentees must:
- self-identify as being from an ethnic minority background
- be 18 or older
- be undertaking, considering, or a graduate of undergraduate or postgraduate degree studies related to environmental research.
- have a UK bank account
Previous participants in Equator interventions are welcome to apply.
International students currently studying in the UK are eligible to apply, but please note that a certain percentage of places are reserved for home students.
Applicants who want to apply to be mentors must:
- be 18 or older
- not currently be students
- have personal or professional experience related to environmental research
- be based in the UK
- have a UK bank account
How do I apply?
If you are interested in being part of the mentoring network:
1. Read the information sheet:
2. Complete the application form by 23:59 on Monday 13th April. The same form is used for both mentor and mentee applications:
Places on the Mentoring Network will be allocated by mid April 2026. You can find out more about our past Mentoring Networks here. For enquiries, please contact EquatorResearchGroup@gmail.com.
Spread the word! Download our 2026 Mentoring Network Flyer here: