The International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers (STM) has opened applications for its 2026 Mentorship Program, which supports knowledge-sharing and professional development across the scholarly publishing sector.
The scholarly publishing environment continues to shift as new technologies, evolving policies, and rising expectations reshape the industry. These changes have highlighted the need for both established expertise and new perspectives. STM’s Mentorship Program, developed by the Early Career Publishers Committee (ECPC), is designed to help professionals at different stages of their careers navigate this environment through structured, cross-organizational knowledge exchange. The program has remained one of STM’s consistently well-used initiatives, offering benefits for both mentors and mentees.
Applications for the 2026 cycle are now open, and this year the program will incorporate Mentorloop, a mentoring software intended to streamline pairing, communication, and program management. Open to all staff at STM member organizations, the 12-month program supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that span companies, roles, and geographic regions.
Mentees guide the direction of each interaction by setting goals and deciding on focus areas, while mentors provide guidance, share experience, and create space for reflection. Program participants have indicated that structured peer connections can be especially valuable as the industry undergoes significant change, helping individuals learn from one another and adapt more effectively. Regular contact is expected, though the format and topics vary based on each mentoring pair’s preferences.
The ECPC represents professionals within the first decade of their publishing careers across STM member organizations. Its work centers on career development, mentoring initiatives, outreach activities, and supporting pathways into scholarly publishing. The mentorship program is one of several efforts aimed at strengthening connections and facilitating knowledge-sharing across the sector.
Mentorship has been recognized as an effective way to transfer knowledge across roles, organizations, and generations in an increasingly interconnected industry. Participants have noted that the program often yields learning outcomes that extend beyond initial expectations, both for mentors and mentees. By supporting continuity and fostering new ideas, the initiative contributes to a more connected and resilient publishing community.
Applications are open now, with responses due by December 12, 2026.
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