For 15 years, the SelmaMeyerMentoring program at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf has been a cornerstone for supporting early-career academics in their professional journeys. With over 500 mentees participating to date, the program equips doctoral candidates, postdocs, and senior researchers with key skills, development opportunities, and robust professional networks. As the program evolved, so did the need for a streamlined and future-proof infrastructure.
In 2019, the university partnered with CHEMISTREE to launch a custom Matching & Community platform. Powered by #goodAI, the platform facilitates efficient mentor-mentee pairing, leveraging both preferences and personality traits for optimal outcomes.
Academic Mentoring: Digital Transformation and Networking
Heinrich Heine University approached us with the need to digitally redesign the SelmaMeyerMentoring program. The SelmaMeyerMentoring Program at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf supports young female academics in planning and developing their careers. It consists of three modules: Mentoring, skill workshops and network building. The processes relating to applications, tandem formation, events and community management needed to be digitalized and run via a web application that is location-independent and GDPR-compliant. Virtual networking is needed as part of the platform in order to effectively retain alumnae and promote exchange between active participants.
Ekaterina Masetkina explained that with the Matching & Community platform, they offer mentees, mentors, and SelmaMeyerMentoring alumni a more extensive and consistent opportunity for networking. Thanks to the algorithm-based matching process, they have already been able to form well-functioning tandems. They also expressed particular admiration for the continuous development of the platform and its ability to respond to their needs and requirements.
Ekaterina Masetkina I Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf , Program Director SelmaMeyerMentoring
Our Solution: A Customized Matching Platform
The seamless integration of algorithmic and manual matching ensures optimal pairings while preserving the expertise and input of program coordinators. This approach enables better scheduling and significantly accelerates the matching phase. Notifications are standardised and partially automated, streamlining communication and reducing administrative effort.
The SelmaMeyerMentoring program has established the online platform as an equally integral pillar alongside on-campus activities. Alumni remain actively engaged within the online community and are increasingly willing to return as mentors. This robust digital solution strengthens connections, enhances efficiency, and extends the program’s reach and impact.
The Path: A Step-by-Step Digital Transformation
The existing program structures were implemented digitally with the matching platform: applicants are first asked about their basic motivation and qualifications in a two-stage online questionnaire. Once they have been successfully accepted, mentees and mentors provide all the criteria that are required to create the perfect tandem. The matches identified can be checked by the program managers before they are announced. Networking, which is independent of this, is specifically guided by segments and visibility settings.
“SelmaMeyerMentoring meets the needs of the times with its online portal. No lengthy and complicated processes, just a few clicks to the goal: create a representative profile that allows you to find and network with each other. The newsfeed provides quick and clear information on workshops and events – and with two clicks you are registered. In my busy everyday laboratory life, I manage to stay on the ball with SelmaMeyerMentoring despite having limited time and attention.”
Participant’s opinion about the platform developed and implemented by CHEMISTREE, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
