Crescam: MSHS Peer Development Groups

The story behind Crescam

Crescam takes its name from the University of Melbourne motto, Postera crescam laude—“I shall grow in the esteem of future generations.”

Inspired by the University's symbol of Nike, the goddess of victory, the Crescam logo uses an abstract wing form to represent growth, aspiration and momentum. Its upward movement reflects the journey of emerging researchers and academics, while the interaction between its forms represents the reciprocal nature of peer mentoring: we grow by connecting, sharing experience and learning from one another.

Crescam therefore brings together two ideas at the heart of the University’s identity—aspiration and contribution—and reframes them through a contemporary peer mentoring lens: not simply striving to succeed but helping one another grow and contribute.

Overview

Crescam is a year long peer development program for early‑ and mid‑career academics who are undertaking or interested in undertaking research in the Melbourne School of Health Sciences. It uses small, peer‑led groups with structured onboarding and a light‑touch monthly curriculum organised around four pillars to:

  • build research capability
  • support career navigation
  • strengthen collaboration and
  • promote wellbeing and belonging.

Crescam combines monthly peer meetings, a shared resource library, and periodic facilitated check‑ins to support group functioning and sustainable peer networks.

Expected outcomes for staff

Participants who complete Crescam will typically:

  • Increase confidence and capability in research, translating their skills and ideas into clearer, stronger research outputs, including manuscripts, grant applications, and research profiles.
  • Strengthen career development and researcher leadership through purposeful mentoring relationships, career planning, and progression strategies.
  • Build stronger peer and interdisciplinary networks, creating opportunities to exchange expertise, collaborate across disciplines and share research opportunities.
  • Strengthen belonging, resilience and wellbeing, reducing professional isolation and developing strategies for sustained engagement and success in research.

Who it’s for

  • Staff across all academic work focus categories (participants will ideally be grouped by career stage and work focus – pending applications).
  • Early‑ and mid‑career academics, grouped by academic level [A-C].
  • Staff who can commit to participating in Crescam over the calendar year (February  - December 2027 ).

Overview

  • Duration: 1 year.
  • Group size: 4–8 participants per peer group.
  • Orientation and goal setting: Peer orientation in Month 1 (February) covering purpose, expectations, psychological safety, inclusive facilitation and group dynamics.
  • Monthly peer meetings: Monthly peer‑led hybrid meetings with rotating facilitation and shared agenda setting organised around four interconnected pillars:
    • Building research capability
    • Navigating academic careers
    • Connecting and collaborating
    • Supporting wellbeing, belonging and resilience.

Each month has a primary focus on one pillar, with all four pillars revisited throughout the year. Sessions combine peer exchange, reflection and opportunities to share knowledge, experience and resources.

  • Facilitated support: Research Mentoring Champion provides check‑ins at Months 2 (March), 6 (July) and 10 (November) to strengthen group functioning, troubleshoot issues and signpost resources.
  • Resources: Living resource library with meeting templates, facilitation guides, Group Charter templates, and discussion prompts for monthly meetings.
  • Evaluation and monitoring: Baseline and end‑of‑pilot surveys, mid‑pilot qualitative feedback via check‑ins.

Important dates

  • Applications Close: 20th November, 2026
  • Selection notifications: Early December 2026
  • Program acceptance: Due mid December 2026
  • Crescam orientation (pre‑start): Early February (email)
  • Crescam start (Month 1 / orientation & goal setting): February – date tbc
  • Research Mentoring Champion check‑ins: ~Month 2 (March), Month 6 (July), Month 10 (November)
  • Final reflection & review meeting: December

How to apply for Crescam 2027

  1. Complete the Application form by 20th November
  2. Commitment: Participants should be able to attend monthly meetings (1.5 hrs) and engage in the year-long cycle and program evaluation.
  3. Selection: Participants will be grouped based on workforce category, academic level, and individual priorities.

Participation expectations and support

  • Establish 2–3 concrete development goals at commencement and revisit these monthly.
  • Attend group orientation, monthly meetings, and check-ins with the Research Mentoring Champion.
  • Uphold a shared Group Charter that establishes the group’s expectations, values, and ways of working.
  • Share rotating facilitation responsibilities within the group.
  • Access additional support and escalation pathways via the Research Mentoring Champion if required.
  • Participate in evaluation activities including pre‑ and post‑surveys and mid‑pilot qualitative feedback to inform continuous improvement.

Contact

Program lead: Professor Sarah Wise sarah.wise@unibelb.edu.au

SHS Director of Research: Professor Bang Bui bvb@unimelb.edu.au