It takes a lot of sacrifice and hard work to thrive in the challenging but rewarding journey of becoming a scientist. Nowadays, there are many challenges that trainees face that could impact their performance and mental well-being: a complex and competitive job market, challenges in transitioning to non-academic career paths, raising a family while pursuing an academic career, immigration challenges for international scientists, and feelings of alienation and detachment. With this in mind, I truly believe that growth and success happen in a climate where everyone feels supported in achieving their goals.

As a mentor, I seek to create a creative and stimulating research environment that promotes scientific excellence, and in which trainees at all stages will develop the necessary technical and professional skills to accomplish their specific goals. To achieve this, I commit to :

• Work together and identify the best way to inspire each person to do their best science while supporting their individual needs. 
• Prioritize building strong team relationships, fostering equitable collaborations across diverse projects, regardless of titles, to ensure everyone feels valued and empowered in their contributions.
• Create an open environment where being part of a team also means feeling safe to give constructive feedback to improve each other and the team. 
• Promote an environment of respect and inclusiveness where everyone can thrive.
• Encourage mental health and personal well-being. 

Finally, I recognize my own limitations; therefore, I support trainees in seeking external peer mentoring while continuing to improve my own leadership and team management skills. Overall, I my goal is to lead by example and instill my scientific integrity and passion for science to future generations.

Daniel Blanco-Melo