Applications sought for the CASES Professional Development and Mentoring Programme

The CASES Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group (EDI AG) is pleased to announce the second cohort of the Professional Development and Mentoring Programme (PDMP) after its successful launch in 2023. The EDI AG was established in 2020 to help drive the Association’s commitment to EDI. Through annual diversity monitoring of membership, the organisation has recognised the need to enhance diversity, particularly at senior level, and to provide greater support for underrepresented groups in their career progression. As such, the PDMP was created. The aims of the programme are to:

• Retain and increase the number of members from underrepresented groups within CASES.
• Develop those members from underrepresented groups.
• Support and prepare those members from underrepresented groups into/for leadership positions (i.e. on the Board, Committees, Advisory Groups, etc).
  

Applicants can range from recent MSc graduate, post graduate researchers, researchers on fixed- term contracts, laboratory technicians, or early career academics (within two years of appointment to their first academic post). The six successful recipients in Cohort 2 of the of PDMP will be grouped and assigned a dedicated mentor. Beginning 5 January 2026, the six successful recipients of the PDMP will be grouped and assigned a dedicated mentor. The mentor and mentee will work together for nine months (ending 30 September 2026) to enhance the mentee’s skills across their applied work, research development as well as navigating sport and exercise as a member of an underrepresented group.

Mentees will engage in regular check-ins, goal setting sessions and reflective discussions, to track their progress and development. They will also have the opportunity to attend the CASES Conference 2026 (two-day registration covered) and submit a reflection of their experiences to The Sport and Exercise Scientist. (Please see TSES Issue 82 (Winter 2024, pp. 22-23), where Cohort 1 mentees provided their reflections and insights).

Criteria:

All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Individuals who identify as belonging to underrepresented groups, including (but not limited to) women, people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people living with disabilities, individuals from religious or culturally distinct communities, and those with caring responsibilities — as well as those who experience intersections of these identities.
• Be a student, graduate or professional member of CASES.
• Have a strong commitment to CASES, sport and exercise sciences generally, and can comment on how they live CASES values.
  
  

Required materials for application:

• Application: The application form will need to be submitted online. You will also need to attach your CV and cover letter. The information to apply is generally standard (i.e. name, contact details, current organisation, educational organisations, etc.). You will be asked which underrepresented group you belong to. This is necessary for the application but be assured that your data will be remain confidential and held in a GDPR compliant manner.
• Curriculum vitae (CV): here you present yourself professionally and include your academic achievements, educational history, professional development activities and other key information you deem necessary to your application.
• Personal Statement: this document should describe your commitment to CASES, your career goals, your applied/research/academic interests, your career professional development activities to date, and why you should be part of Cohort 2 on the PDMP programme. You should make particular reference to the aims and values of CASES.
• Consideration of circumstances: Please include any details relevant to career interruptions (e.g. parental leave, injury, or illness), caring responsibilities (for children, elderly relatives, or others living with disabilities), health or medical conditions (temporary or ongoing), part-time or flexible work arrangements, non-traditional career paths, personal trauma, unforeseen life events, or any other factors that have significantly influenced your professional development.

• References: two references must be directly submitted to the CASES office by the referees. Suitable referees include line managers, academic supervisors, or other academic staff who are familiar with you and your work/study. This is the Guidance for Referees.
  
  

Key timelines:

• 1 December 2025; deadline for applications.
• 5 January 2026; launch of the PDMP Cohort 2.
• June 2026; CASES conference attendance (3 – 4 June 2026), including mentee presentations (poster/oral) within the EDI AG Satellite session on the afternoon of Tuesday 2 June 2026.
• 31 September 2026; end of PDMP Cohort 2; Final full cohort meeting; mentees receive certificate; TSES article prepared for Spring 2027 edition.
  

Closing date for applications is 9am on 1 December 2025. All applications will then be reviewed by the EDI AG, and all applications will be informed of the outcome by 12 December 2025.

The EDI AG is composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive evaluation of all submissions. For more information about the programme, please contact CASES CEO, Ian Wilson. If you require support in completing your application, please contact Dr Laura Johnson MCASES or Dr Tori Sprung, both of whom are members of the EDI AG. The application form can be found here.

Guidance for referees