Enroll as a Mentee

Introduction

The ISBER Mentoring Program is designed to connect individuals seeking guidance with mentors in the biobanking community able to provide first-hand, practical experience. Engagement is offered at no cost to the participant and is intended to provide a limited, short-term opportunity to learn from recognized experts in a variety of topics related to biobanking and biorepository management. 

As a mentee, you will be required to ask about a specific question to allow the best possible match with a mentor. 

It is important to ask a good question to match to the right mentor. Your question should:
⦁ define the biobanking area such as: operations, sustainability quality management, informatics,, biobanking career development and training, etc.,.
⦁ when seeking mentoring in multiple, unrelated biobanking areas of expertise, submit separate requests.
⦁ ask a specific question as clearly defined as possible (not a long narrative)
⦁ be within the scope of the mentoring program: it is not meant to be a long-term consulting service.

Upon registration, mentees can search for a mentor within the ISBER membership with the qualifications and experience they desire based on biobanking sector, area of expertise of the question being asked, institutional experience, and/or geographical location.  Once a potential mentor is identified, a request is sent to that mentor who must agree, and then the connection can begin. 

Personalized biobank mentoring is provided by one-on-one interactions with the selected mentor and could be one time or a series of discussions based on the mentor/mentee need to address the question and provide information (ISBER tools, publications, other resources on the web, webinars, etc.).

After a mentoring relationship has completed (approx. 2 months) you will be required to fill out a feedback survey on your mentoring experience and your mentor. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7Q65W7X. After submission, you may enter the “Find a Mentor” portal and ask another question and be matched with a mentor on that specific question.  

Instructions

On the next question, you'll be asked to Describe the topic/question you would like to discuss with a mentor. Questions should:
• define the biobanking area such as: operations, sustainability quality management, informatics, biobanking career development and training, etc.
• ask a specific question (or questions), as clearly defined as possible (not a long narrative)
• be within the scope of the mentoring program: it is not meant to be a long-term consulting service.

Examples of good questions:
❖ How to
 • optimize data management in a biorepository, including security, workflows, etc.
 • streamline biobank operations?
 • develop informed consent for pediatric patients?
 • implement a biorepository management system to improve quality and for accreditation?
 • use AI in biobank operations? 
 • start a biobank?
 • measure utilization of a biobank?
❖ Biobanking tools:
 • What are some existing sustainability tools, especially for not-for-profit organizations?
 • Sustainability tools applicable to low resource setting
❖ Biobanking careers:
 • Training opportunities
 • Participate in ISBER work

In return for my participation in the ISBER Mentorship Program I hereby agree as follows:
1. I hereby release and holds harmless the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) and its directors, officers, employees, volunteer mentors, agents, successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from my participation in the Program.
2. I understand and acknowledge that this agreement discharges ISBER and the mentors from any liability for present and future claims of any kind that I may have against ISBER or the mentors. This includes, without limitation, any and all claims for bodily Injury, personal injury, illness, death, loss, or property damage that may result from or during my participation in the Program.
3.Neither ISBER nor the mentors assume any responsibility for the advice, acts or omissions of mentors participating in the program.
4. I convey to ISBER all right, title, and interest in any and all photographs, images, video, or audio recordings of my likeness or voice made by ISBER in connection with my participation in the Program (collectively, “media”). I acknowledge that ISBER may freely use such media on its website and in connection with marketing of the Program.
5. This agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Illinois and shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Illinois. In the event any clause or provision of this agreement is deemed invalid, the enforceability of the remaining provisions of this agreement shall not be affected.

I acknowledge that I have carefully reviewed the terms of this waiver and release agreement and photo consent and I enter it willingly and voluntarily and agree to be bound to all the terms and conditions set forth herein.