The FABI mentorship programme has reached an exciting milestone in 2025, welcoming a record-breaking 30 undergraduate students. Active for over 20 years, this long-standing initiative continues to provide students with hands-on research experience while fostering a passion for science and postgraduate study. Under the leadership of Dr Markus Wilken, and with the dedicated support of PhD candidates Melandré van Lill and Nicole van Vuuren, the programme has become a cornerstone of developing emerging talent at FABI.

The programme invites second and third-year students from the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, and, for the first time, the Department of Physics, to apply. After a rigorous selection process, the chosen mentees are paired with postgraduate mentors from FABI, who play a key role in guiding them through their research journeys. This year, FABI’s postgraduate community stepped forward in record numbers to support the initiative, reinforcing the Institute’s strong culture of mentorship and collaboration.

The new cohort was officially welcomed by FABI Director Prof. Bernard Slippers at a gathering in the FABI courtyard on 26 February. During this informal event the students were also introduced to their mentors, providing an opportunity for students and mentors to connect over pizza while discussing their plans for the year.

The impact of FABI’s mentorship programme is evident in the number of former mentees who have continued into postgraduate studies, with many remaining part of the FABI community. Over the years, the programme has played a key role in shaping research careers, with some mentees now being members of the academic staff. This highlights the importance of mentorship in developing the next generation of scientists.