Pharmacy Research UK (PRUK) is calling on novice researchers and potential mentors to sign up online to a new mentoring scheme.

The free scheme will see experienced researches matched with those who wish to develop research skills within the field of pharmacy practice and health services research.

As well as helping mentees to navigate the early stages of their research career, the scheme promises to provide mentors with a rewarding experience and develop a wider network of researchers, PRUK says.

PRUK executive director Dr Rachel Joynes said: “Building the capacity of pharmacy professionals in research is a core aspect of PRUK’s strategy. We are thrilled to offer this additional service to researchers working within pharmacy and hope that this support will enable early career researchers to achieve their full potential.”

PRUK researcher Helen Chang commented on the role mentoring has played in her career: “My mentors have each been extremely helpful in providing me with focus, and have supported me through some challenging situations, such as compiling research funding applications, but also with basic questions, for example what’s the best referencing software to use. They have made me think differently and taught me to step outside my comfort zone. This has really helped me to develop my skills and experiences as a novice researcher.”