What we do
POMS combines one-to-one mentoring with online and in-person sessions aimed at leadership development. Activities are designed to help members build professional relationships, share experience and explore the challenges of working across disciplines, sectors and regions.
1:1 mentoring
Each mentee is paired with an experienced researcher outside their direct line management and usually based at a different institution. Mentors and mentees agree the focus and frequency of their meetings, and the relationship provides a confidential space to reflect on professional development, discuss challenges and learn from another researcher’s experience.
Online sessions
Group and peer mentoring
Our online mentoring sessions extend this supportive environment into small-group settings, creating space for open, reflective discussion. Peer sessions are led by early career members and focus on common experiences and challenges, while group sessions bring in mentor perspectives to help identify sustainable approaches. Sessions have explored different aspects of One Health careers, including structural barriers, work-life balance, working with industry, stakeholder and policy engagement, co-authorship and funding landscapes.
Research showcases
POMS Research Showcases provide a space for members to present their work and discuss different approaches to One Health research. Past presentations have covered members’ expertise in antimicrobial resistance, pathogen genomics, livestock production, disease surveillance, biosecurity, vaccination and interdisciplinary approaches to disease control.
Leadership coaching
In addition, early career members have participated in an IVVN-supported research leadership programme, exploring areas including confidence, professional identity, communication, influence and leadership practice.
In-person events
Subject to funding availability, POMS also aim to brings members together through selected in-person events, creating more intensive opportunities for networking, interdisciplinary learning and collaborative work. So far, our events have included the launch of the first cohort in Vienna and a regional grant development workshop at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi.