Program for Junior Researchers provides participants with practical research skills and the opportunity to engage in all phases of a research project. We launched the Program in 2021 to support and encourage young researchers in their scientific work.

Program for Junior Researchers:

Mentorship Support – Students choose a research area and topic based on their interests and participate in all phases of the research process with the guidance of LIRA Lab researchers.

Training Sessions - Through thematic workshops, participants gain additional research knowledge and skills.

1. The LIRA Lab is open for the inclusion of third- and fourth-year undergraduate students and master’s students (Participants).

2. Participants join the Program at the beginning of the fall semester.

3. The Program lasts for two semester, and may be extended by agreement, depending on the preferences and availability of both mentors and participants.

4. The Program for Junior Researchers consists of the following:

a. Work with mentors – At the beginning of the fall semester, registered participants are paired with mentors. Depending on the needs, a mentor can work with one or more participants. However, participants can apply to work with only one mentor. The mentor and participant define the goals to be achieved over the two-semester period.

b. One meeting with the the coordinators of the Program for Junior Researchers during each semester (the schedule is defined in agreement with the Program coordinators).

c. Four thematic training sessions/workshops. The topics are chosen by LIRA Lab members at the beginning of the fall semester based on the availability of members to conduct training and the identified participants’ needs.

d. Evaluation of the Program for Junior Researchers at the end of the spring semester.

e. Presentation of the Program for Junior Researchers results:
i. Informal presentation – at the end of the fall semester during a meeting.
ii. Formal presentation – at the end of the spring semester with official presentations.

5. Participants are required to take part in all aspects of the Program for Junior Researchers. Their progress is monitored by mentors and Program coordinators. If a participant fails to meet agreed-upon obligations, they will receive a warning from their mentor and the Program coordinators. If, even after the warning, they continue to struggle with adhering to their commitments, LIRA will exclude them from the Program for Junior Researchers.

6. Upon successfully completing the Program, each participant will receive a written certificate, and the engagement hours may be recognized in the diploma supplement.

7. Mentors are required to define goals with participants that should be achieved during the Program and to provide continuous support in achieving these goals. Additionally, mentors must attend meetings with the Program coordinators, which are organized as needed.

8. At the conclusion of the spring semester, coordinators conduct a Program evaluation involving both participants and mentors. The results of this evaluation are then shared with LIRA Lab members.

9. The Program for Junior Researchers coordinators are elected at the beginning of the fall semester every four years. The term lasts four years, with the possibility of re-election.

10. For students in the research module participation in the Program for Junior Researchers can be recognized as an internship. Participants who wish to take advantage of this opportunity must indicate this at the beginning of the Program so that the content can be adjusted and the total workload aligned with 180 hours, equivalent to 6 ECTS credits.

Guidelines of the Program for Junior Researchers