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Mentors in Science (Mentoras en la Ciencia) was a capacity-building initiative to address the ¡°leaky pipeline¡± among Mexican STEM researchers, implemented from 2021 to 2024 by the British Council Mexico in two phases with the support of the UK Government's grant-in-aid. The first phase sought to train female scientists and researchers affiliated with Mexico's prestigious network of researchers (SNII) as mentors and provide them with tools to accompany young female researchers in their professional careers and share good practices that allow them to reach leadership positions and access financial support for their research projects. The second phase consisted of offering guidance to alumni mentors interested in establishing mentoring schemes within their higher education institutions, thereby extending the initiative¡¯s impact, and promoting sustainable mentoring practices in 25 HEIs, including public and private universities, as well as top research centres.

This project has impacted more than 1600 women and contributed to enhancing professional competencies, self-confidence, agency, and employability among mentors and mentees. The project succeeded in raising awareness, dismantling gender stereotypes, and identifying gender biases and discrimination. Participants have reported an increase in the publication of research articles and project leadership roles post-project participation. The initiative played a crucial role in fostering networking and cultivating a sense of community and support.

Contributed by: M¨®nica Angulo Mi?arro, British Council Mexico, Mexico,and ?ngeles Dom¨ªnguez, Tecnol¨®gico de Monterrey, Mexico