The Research Careers Campus Graz showcases people and networks which shape our research environment here in Graz - towards a more collegial, friendly and diverse academia, where all research talents can thrive.
Today, we are proud to showcase super-supervisor and structural biologist Tea Pavkov-Keller, who won the 2025 Seraphine Puchleitner Award for Thesis Supervision (read more about her mission with PhD supervision here).
Here are her three answers to three questions!
1) How do you support younger researchers and why do you do it?
I believe that good supervision is not only about scientific excellence but also about personal growth. My approach combines structured guidance with individual mentoring. I encourage doctoral researchers to develop and implement their own ideas, critically reflect on data, and engage in peer learning with more experienced colleagues.
Additionally, each doctoral researcher in my group mentors a junior colleague, which reinforces responsibility and team spirit. I support participation in conferences, exchange fellowships, and international collaborations which broadens their scientific horizon and networks. Structured career planning sessions and skills workshops are an integral part of preparing them for life beyond the PhD.
Why do I do this? I do this because research is also about people. Young researchers need a supportive and respectful environment to thrive, both scientifically and personally. When they do well, we all benefit and grow together.
2) What do you personally get out of your engagement as a mentor and supervisor?
For me, it’s incredibly rewarding to see doctoral researchers evolve into confident, independent scientists. Their development over the years, intellectually, emotionally, and professionally, is the most fulfilling part of my work. Mentoring allows me to contribute to a culture of care in academia, where mistakes are part of learning and personal needs are respected. Through my ongoing training in psychosocial counseling, I’ve deepened my understanding of how important it is to listen, recognize individual resources, and support realistic goal-setting. I continue to learn from my mentees every day. Their perspectives, curiosity, and resilience inspire me. Their success is my success, just as mine is theirs.
3) What would you recommend to colleagues who want to take first steps towards mentorship?
Start by creating a space where your mentees feel safe to express ideas, questions, or doubts. Clearly express your own needs and expectations, invite them to share theirs, and listen carefuly, taking their perspective seriously. Mentorship doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means walking alongside someone on their journey, asking the right questions, and encouraging reflection.
Set clear structures but allow flexibility. Celebrate small achievements, not just big results. And above all, see the whole person, not just the scientist. A supportive relationship can have a lasting impact on someone’s career and wellbeing. Also, don’t hesitate to seek guidance yourself, whether through training, peer exchange, or counseling approaches. As mentors, we grow with our mentees.
Thanks a lot, Tea Pavkov-Keller, for giving us this insight, and for the great collaboration always!
Interview: Johanna Stadlbauer, RCC, 16.6.2025
Picture credit: Uni Graz / Schweiger
