Flipping the Script:
Reverse Mentoring for Inclusive Research Cultures
Mentorship is often seen as a one-way street, with knowledge flowing from senior to junior researchers. But what if we flipped the script? Reverse mentoring is a powerful tool for fostering inclusive research cultures, breaking down hierarchies, and ensuring that diverse perspectives support research careers.
This 1.5-hour interactive workshop will explore the different types of relationships that benefit from reverse mentoring—from traditional senior-junior models to innovative approaches, including peer-level mentoring, where colleagues at the same career stage learn from each other’s expertise and lived experiences.
The workshop will be structured as follows:
- Introduction to reverse mentoring (20 minutes) – Understanding key concepts and impact
- Exploring different reverse mentoring models and contexts (20 minutes) – Identifying effective approaches
- Reverse mentoring in action (30 minutes) – Engaging in scenarios and role play activities
- Making it a real exchange (20 minutes) – Practical takeaways for implementation
Designed to be engaging and thought-provoking, this workshop will encourage participants to challenge assumptions, share experiences, and critically evaluate how reverse mentoring can be leveraged to create more inclusive and equitable research environments.
Dr. Alice Matimba is the Head of Training and Global Capacity at Wellcome Connecting Science, where she leads strategic programmes to advance genomics expertise and strengthen global capacity. She spearheads innovations in education and professional training, developing and implementing tools that drive best practices in training, leadership development, and genomics capacity. Committed to advancing equity in science, she actively works to create inclusive training opportunities that support scientists from diverse backgrounds and regions. She holds a PhD in Human Genetics from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, completed postdoctoral research at the Mayo Clinic, USA, and served as a lecturer and research scientist at the University of Zimbabwe. Dr. Matimba has a distinguished career in life sciences and clinical research, having mentored postgraduate students, led high-impact research initiatives, and authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications. Her research focused on the genomics of African populations, functional pharmacogenomics, public health interventions for non-communicable diseases, and ethical considerations in genomics. Beyond her scientific contributions, she is the Executive Producer of Your Digital Mentor Podcast, a series that explores mentoring and career development through real-world experiences and expert insights.