The Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), as coordinator of EURAXESS Spain, has launched the fifth edition of the REBECA (REsearchers BEyond aCAdemia) mentoring programme. REBECA 2026 aims to support early‑career researchers in exploring professional opportunities beyond academic research.
This new edition adopts a national format and has received strong interest, with more than 490 applications from mentors and mentees. Ultimately, 112 mentoring pairs were formed, connecting early‑career researchers with professionals from diverse sectors such as research and innovation, science communication, management, public administration, and NGOs.
During the kick-off meeting on 13–14 January, participants were introduced to the structure and calendar of training activities, networking events, and talks that will take place over the next six months. Matches were made based on the researchers’ interests, the mentors’ current expertise, and shared professional experience.
The programme includes up to six mentoring sessions per pair, focused on discussing career expectations, job possibilities, and the steps needed to pursue careers beyond academia.
In this edition, 61.47% of mentees are women, and most participants come from the Life Sciences (50.46%), followed by Natural Sciences & Engineering (32.11%), and Social Sciences & Humanities (17.43%). Mentor participation is gender-balanced, with equal representation of women and men. Their professional backgrounds span the private R\&D\&I sector (53.77%), the public science and technology sector (23.59%), non‑R\&D private organizations (14.15%), NGOs (6.60%), and the public non‑science sector (1.89%).
Through REBECA 2026, the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities—via FECYT—reinforces its commitment to supporting researchers’ professional development and promoting talent transfer to various sectors of society.