Association of doctoral researchers (ItäVä)
Doctoral researchers at UEF have their own association called ItäVä, which operates on both campuses.
Peer mentoring training and supportive groups
In peer mentoring, doctoral researchers share their experiences and knowledge in a committed small group. Peer mentoring groups comprise of equal members: There is no experienced mentor and a novice actor but rather, colleagues supporting each other reciprocally.
You can participate in the peer mentoring activity at any phase of your doctoral journey. Peer mentoring has been found to be rewarding for everyone involved, and it supports well-being, sense of inclusion, and professional growth. The small groups meet regularly to discuss matters related to research and researcher competence development as a holistic experience, i.e., topics that participants find important. We support organising groups both in the campus cities and online in Finnish and in English.
Peer mentors are trained in the fall and the peer mentoring groups start in the spring. The training is offered as a course on the Researcher Training Services’ (ReTS) (former: Doctoral School) curriculum: “Peer Mentoring and Collegial Relationships 1” (course offered in the autumn semester). The course consists of three training meetings and self-study all conducted online (1 ECT). After, you can join “Peer Mentoring and Collegial Relationships 2,” which is you mentoring your own peer group for five or more meetings (part 1 is required to participate in part 2). You receive 2 ECTS in total. In addition, Dr Ira Virtanen hosts regular, voluntary follow-up sessions for peer mentors where you receive support for your peer mentoring. Peer mentoring gives you valuable experience on collegial relationship-building, community wellbeing, personal benefits of being for others –you included!–, and study credits.
Call for peer group participants
When new groups are offered for potential group participants in December 2025, you can find the registration forms in advertisements on the ReTS Newsletter and Viva Engage (channel UEF Doctoral Education). More information from University Lecturer Ira Virtanen (ira.virtanen@uef.fi).