Presentation at the HERA 2025 Conference
From Hierarchy to Partnership: Reflecting on Our Presentation at HERA 2025
We recently had the privilege of presenting our research at the Higher Education Research Association (HERA) 2025 Conference, hosted by The University of Hong Kong. Dr. Prerna Panda from the Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad, and I from the College for Social Sciences and Humanities at UA Ruhr, Technische Universität Dortmund, shared our paper titled "From Hierarchy to Partnership: Exploring Facilitators and Challenges of Reverse Mentoring in PhD Supervision."
Reimagining Doctoral Supervision
Our research delves into a fascinating shift happening in academic mentorship: how traditional, hierarchical supervisory relationships in doctoral education can evolve into more reciprocal, collaborative partnerships. We explored the institutional and interpersonal factors that either facilitate or challenge this transformation toward reverse mentoring models. The concept of reverse mentoring in PhD supervision represents a significant departure from conventional academic hierarchies. Rather than maintaining rigid supervisor-student dynamics, this approach recognizes that doctoral candidates bring valuable perspectives, fresh insights, and contemporary knowledge that can enrich the supervisory relationship for both parties.
A Rich Conference Experience
Our session was part of a dynamic and thought-provoking program that featured inspiring keynotes and numerous high-quality panel sessions. The conference provided an excellent platform not only to share our findings but also to engage with fellow researchers exploring similar questions about the future of higher education. Beyond our own contribution, the HERA 2025 conference offered invaluable insights into the vibrant developments reshaping Higher Education across East Asia. We learned about cutting-edge innovations in teaching and learning methodologies, emerging approaches to student empowerment, and the region's increasingly influential voice in global academic discourse.
Looking Forward
The collegial environment fostered by the HERA community and The University of Hong Kong created the perfect setting for meaningful academic exchange. The conversations sparked during the conference have left us energized and eager to continue exploring how we can make doctoral education more collaborative, inclusive, and mutually beneficial. As higher education continues to evolve, research like ours contributes to important discussions about power dynamics, mentorship models, and the future of academic relationships.