IMNIS Engage is a national industry-led mentoring program that partners PhD students in STEM with an influential, high-profile industry leader. The program is open to STEM 2nd and 3rd year PhD students, as well as early career researchers (up to 5 years post-PhD) who are seeking support to connect with industry, collaborate across the sector and enhance their career opportunities.

Industry Mentoring Network in STEM (IMNIS) Engage Program

The IMNIS Engage program is a national industry-led initiative designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry for STEM researchers. This innovative one-year mentoring program pairs PhD students and early career researchers with influential industry leaders, offering unique mentoring and professional development opportunities.

Key features of IMNIS Engage include:

• Targeted mentorship: Open to 2^nd and 3^rd year PhD students and early career researchers (up to 5 years post-PhD) in STEM fields.
• Industry connections: Participants gain direct access to experienced industry professionals, expanding their networks beyond the academic world.
• Career development: Through mentoring and industry-led events, researchers develop crucial industry skills, business expertise, and awareness of diverse career paths.
• Holistic learning: The program fosters understanding of research translation, innovation, and commercialisation alongside fundamental research.
• Exclusive opportunities: Mentees are invited to professional development workshops and networking events.

Facilitated and fully funded by the Researcher Development Academy (RDA), Deakin University as part of the research training program, IMNIS Engage is an invaluable resource for researchers considering careers in industry. It provides a platform to gain insights, build connections, and explore opportunities beyond traditional academic paths.

For more information and to apply, interested candidates should visit the IMNIS website and contact phdxtra@deakin.edu.au.

Program Success

The 2022-2023 IMNIS Engage program involved 17 participating organisations across five states. The program's impact report highlights key statistics demonstrating its significant positive effect on participants' career outlook, industry awareness, networking abilities, and practical skills development:

• Career confidence: 96% of mentees feel more positively about themselves and their career after participating.
• Industry understanding: 94% of mentees gained a better understanding of careers available beyond academia.
• Networking skills: 98% of mentees reported a better understanding of the value of networking.
• Skill development: 80% of mentees gained skills to engage and collaborate with industry.

For more detailed information and additional statistics, view the full IMNIS Impact Report 2022-2023.

In the latest IMNIS program, three PhD candidates from Deakin who participated in IMNIS Engage have been selected to join the 16 IMNIS Catalysts for 2024 by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE)! The IMNIS Catalyst program supports inspiring leaders in STEM to become ambassadors for their professions through unique professional development and networking opportunities. They will receive training to build their public profiles, hone their science communication skills, develop their leadership voices, and communicate with influence.

How to apply

How to apply

The IMNIS initiative is expanding strategically to meet the evolving needs of the STEM sector. Deakin University students can participate in the new IMNIS program starting in 2025, with nominations opening in September 2024. This adjustment aims to provide a richer experience for all participants and better align with university activities.

If you're interested in the IMNIS Engage program, you can register your interest by contacting phdxtra@deakin.edu.au. An information session for Deakin students will be organized in September, followed by the submission of an Expression of Interest form for selection.

Keep an eye out for further details, which will be posted once confirmed.