Analysis of mentoring practices in science

  In the context of rapid changes and uncertainty, the task of preparing students who are capable of systemic and critical thinking, solving complex problems, and quickly adapting to a changing environment becomes particularly relevant. Scientific work opens up vast opportunities for the development of such skills – not only for professional but also for personal growth. Therefore, it is essential to construct a system of scientific mentorship at universities that addresses multiple objectives: effectively ensuring the reproduction of personnel within the academic and university science system; enhancing the level of scientifi c culture in society; assisting students in the comprehensive realization of their potential.  The aim of this article, presented as a case study, is to describe the experience of organizing student science and scientific mentorship at Petrozavodsk State University (PetrSU), identify the strengths and weaknesses of the existing model, and propose pathways for its transformation.  The empirical foundation of the article consists of the results of a mass survey conducted among students and faculty in October 2023, which involved 1,192 students and 345 faculty members from all institutes and fi elds of study at PetrSU. The analysis of the existing model of scientifi c mentorship at PetrSU (the central element of which is the student scientifi c society) and the survey of students and faculty allowed the authors to identify the limitations of the current model. The authors also proposed a new (restructured) model that would address the contemporary challenges faced by the university, along with a comprehensive set of measures to cultivate leaders in student science within the framework of the “professor – graduate student – master’s student – senior undergraduate student – first-year student†chain. The described case of Petrozavodsk State University may be benefi cial for organizing scientific mentorship and the activities of student scientifi c societies in other higher education institutions.