Ocean and Society

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2976-0925

Commentary | Open Access

From Surviving to Thriving: The Role of Informal Mentorship for Early Career Inter and Transdisciplinary Researchers

  • Chris Cvitanovic Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales – Sydney, Australia / School of Business, University of New South Wales – Canberra, Australia
  • Mary Mackay Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, Australia / Centre for Marine Sociology, University of Tasmania, Australia
  • Rachel Kelly Centre for Marine Sociology, University of Tasmania, Australia
  • Matthew Andreotta Independent Researcher, Australia
  • Shannon McLaughlin Environmental Policy Group, Wageningen University, The Netherlands
  • Nicole Malinconico Global Water Institute, University of New South Wales – Sydney, Australia
  • Lobke H. Jurrius School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Australia
  • Geoff Allan Independent Researcher, Australia
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Abstract:  Early career researchers (ECRs) are the future of inter and transdisciplinary research, yet they face unique challenges—from navigating divergent disciplinary norms to working within precarious academic environments—that can affect their personal and professional well‐being and career success. While formal supervision plays a critical role in their development and success, we posit that informal mentorship offers a complementary form of support that can significantly improve the trajectory and well‐being of ECRs. The value of informal mentorship, however, is often overlooked, with many ECRs not aware that it is available to them and the benefits it offers. Drawing on our lived experiences, this commentary describes the untapped value of informal mentorship for both the mentee and mentor. We share practical advice for finding and choosing an informal mentor, and building and managing successful mentor–mentee relationships. We conclude by arguing that informal mentorship is not transactional, but part of a gift economy that strengthens the fabric of academic life for ECRs and senior researchers alike, making it more accessible, inclusive, and rewarding for all.

Keywords:  early career researchers; interdisciplinary; marine science; mentorship; PhD support; transdisciplinary

Published:  

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17645/oas.12089

Issue:   Vol 3 (2026): Tides of Change: Reflective and Practical Skills for the Next Generation of Marine Researchers (In Progress)


© Chris Cvitanovic, Mary Mackay, Rachel Kelly, Matthew Andreotta, Shannon McLaughlin, Nicole Malinconico, Lobke Jurrius, Geoff Allan. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits any use, distribution, and reproduction of the work without further permission provided the original author(s) and source are credited.

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