The IEEE Signal Processing Mentorship Academy (SigMA) steering committee invites you to join the fifth edition of our mentoring program as a Research Mentor. The goal of SigMA is to attract and retain undergraduate and graduate researchers within the signal processing community. The program pairs young researchers with established experts to collaborate on a 9-month research project of mutual interest.

Why Participate?

• Past participants note that SigMA fundamentally changed their view of academia and opened paths to pursuing a PhD.
• Selected students receive travel funds to attend ICASSP 2028 and, optionally, to visit your laboratory.
• Projects culminate in a joint research paper submitted to ICASSP 2028 and presented at an exclusive event for current and past cohorts.

How the Matching Process Works

1. Register: Complete the mentor registration form. Your research interests will be listed on the SigMA website. Deadline: 30 September 2026.
2. Connect: Prospective students will reach out to you directly based on your profile. You will also be invited to take part in an online connecting event in mid-September 2026.
3. Propose: Once you select a mentee, you will co-write a 2-page research plan and submit it by 15 October 2026.

Program Requirements & Eligibility

• Mentors and mentees must be from different institutions (preferably different countries).
• Mentor and student will co-author and submit a brief, maximum 2-page project proposal for committee review.

*Each individual may submit only one project proposal.

Key Dates & Timeline

Please review the detailed program description and full timeline here.

Join Us

As a highly respected researcher within the IEEE SPS organization, your mentorship will provide lasting benefits to the next generation and the broader global signal processing community.

Click Here to Complete the Mentor Registration Form  - Deadline: 30 September 2026

If you have questions, please contact the SigMA steering committee using the following e-mail address: sp-sigma@listserv.ieee.org

IEEE SPS SigMA Committee

Dr. Maurício do V. M. da Costa (Chair)

Dr. Ruchi Pandey

Dr. Ryan M. Corey

Dr. Odette Scharenborg

Dr. Tirza Routtenberg

Eduardo Alves da Silva

Dr. Lucas Thomaz (ex-officio member)