ECCOMAS Mentor Award

Honoring Exceptional Mentorship in Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering

ECCOMAS is proud to introduce the ECCOMAS Mentor Award, a new recognition dedicated to celebrating the crucial role of mentorship in shaping the future of computational mechanics. While ECCOMAS has a long history of honoring scientific excellence, we recognize that behind every great researcher stands a great mentor—someone who has guided, supported, and empowered the next generation of scientists.

With this award, ECCOMAS places a spotlight on mentorship as an essential responsibility in our scientific community. A strong mentoring culture is key to fostering independent and innovative young researchers, ensuring the long-term development of our field. Many of us owe our careers to dedicated mentors who have not only taught research methodologies but have also provided invaluable guidance on navigating academia and professional challenges.

The ECCOMAS Mentor Award celebrates those who go beyond formal teaching to actively shape the careers and aspirations of their mentees. It honors individuals who invest their time and energy in fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering research environment, guiding young scientists at all stages of their careers.

Eligibility.

Nominees must be active members of the ECCOMAS community and must not have received the award previously. Nominations must be submitted by former mentees (academic or industry, mentorship in any career stage), including at least one PhD student previously supervised by the nominee.

Frequency.

The ECCOMAS Mentor Award is presented every two years at the opening ceremony of the ECCOMAS Congress.

Nominations.

Each nomination must be coordinated by one mentee and submitted as a single PDF package. The nomination must include:

  • Cover Letter (max 2 pages)
    • Brief introduction and biography of the nominee
    • General description of mentorship impact and leadership style
    • Duration and type of mentorship for all nominators and their current position
    • Description of mentorship environment (mentor/mentee relationship, funding situation)
    • May include additional supporting signatures from former mentees (note: quantity of signatures does not influence evaluation)
  • Four Personal Impact Statements (max 1 page each)
    • Individual experiences with the mentor
    • Description of mentor’s impact on academic/professional development
    • Key aspects that influenced professional and personal growth
    • Distinctive qualities that set the nominee apart as an outstanding mentor
    • The statement could answer questions such as: What makes this mentor exceptional and sets them apart? What specific guidance and support impacted your development? Which aspects of their mentorship are you particularly grateful for? How has this mentor inspired you to become a better mentor yourself?

Evaluation Criteria.

Nominations will be evaluated based on the mentor’s impact in the following areas:

Fosters Professional Development and Research Training. A great mentor shares knowledge while balancing guidance and independence. Through regular meetings and open communication, they guide research development and inspire scientific thinking. Always accessible, they help develop academic skills from paper writing to grant applications, providing constructive support for first academic steps.

Promotes Research Independence and Provides Career Support. A great mentor fosters independence by gradually transferring responsibilities and giving mentees opportunities to shine. They provide support in grant applications and project acquisition while remaining a trusted advisor. Understanding both academia and industry, they actively connect mentees to professional networks at European and international levels, maintaining support beyond formal mentorship.

Builds an Inclusive and Collaborative Environment. A great mentor creates an inclusive space where everyone thrives, respecting individual circumstances and needs. They build bridges across research groups, disciplines, and sectors while fostering positive team spirit. Through active alumni networks and lasting relationships, they maintain a supportive community that extends beyond formal mentorship periods.

Role Model Function. A great mentor demonstrates scientific integrity and ethical conduct while making their decision-making process transparent. They champion open science and good scientific practice. By supporting young researchers beyond their immediate group and sharing knowledge across Europe, they help shape the next generation of mentors in the scientific community.

Selection Process.

The selection is carried out by a committee composed of members of the ECCOMAS Young Investigators Committee and senior ECCOMAS representatives. All members must confirm absence of conflicts of interest with respect to the nominees.

Call for Nominations

Opens: 1 November 2025

Submission Deadline: 28 Febraury 2026

Submission Email:

Award Presentation: July 2026 at WCCM-ECCOMAS Congress in Munich

For more information or questions, please contact the ECCOMAS Young Investigators Committee at .