Ethics Podcasts in Research: Mentorship

Mentorship of a less experienced researcher is a pivotal responsibility of all scientists. This partnership establishes independent researchers, aiding with the professional evolution of the mentee. Success in research, however, does not always equate to good mentorship. These relationships often exist on a spectrum, ranging from the overly friendly mentor that creates boundary issues, to the mentor hyper-focused on their own work, offering vague direction to their dependent. Problems easily coalesce.

This podcast discusses the ethical dimensions of the mentor-mentee relationship, offering solutions to navigate this potentially problematic situation. This includes:

  • The primary objective of the relationship
  • The primary ethical feature of the advisor/mentor’s responsibility or role
  • Positive and negative mentor traits
  • Issues of concern in the mentor-mentee relationship
  • A curriculum for mentors
  • A skill set for mentees
  • Ways an institution can support positive mentor-mentee relationships

The podcast features opinions of faculty from the Atlanta Clinical & Translational Science Institute (ACTSI) as well as guest faculty. The opinions they express are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Emory University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, or Morehouse School of Medicine. Also, this podcast is not intended to provide legal advice.

Our Podcasters for this Segment on Mentorship

  • John Banja, PhD, professor at the Center for Ethics at Emory University and director of the ACTSI ethics program
  • Jason Borenstein, PhD, director of the Graduate Research Ethics Programs and associate director of the Center for Ethics and Technology at the Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Mary Delong, PhD, assistant dean, Office of Postdoctoral Education and director, Post-Doctoral Ethics Course, Emory University School of Medicine

This podcast is copyrighted by Emory University 2016 and made possible by grant UL1TR000454 from the National Center for Advancing Translational Science of the National Institutes of Health.

Listen to Part 1 & 2