Nordic Nerds: A Reading Group for Learning, Networking, and Mentorship Are you looking for a supportive space to engage with the latest research, connect with like-minded scholars, and receive mentorship from experienced academics and professionals? Nordic Nerds is an interdisciplinary reading group where mentorship is at the core. Whether you're a PhD student, postdoc, or tenured professor, we foster a space for engaging discussions on culture, technology, and digital rights, while also building meaningful connections through networking and mentorship. The first iteration of the group, started by Cory Robinson (personal site<https://coryrobinson.se/> | LinkedIn profile<https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephencoryrobinson/>), began in 2023. This initiative grew out of a recognized need for deeper mentorship in academia. Too often, graduate students and early-career researchers navigate their careers without the guidance they need. Having personally experienced the complexities of academic relationships and career development, I wanted to create a space where scholars can openly discuss their challenges and support one another. This group isn’t meant to replace graduate supervision—it’s a safe and informal environment where colleagues can ask questions about mentorship, networking, and academic life in a way that fosters real growth and collaboration. Mentorship can be a defining factor in long-term academic success. As we open our second round of competitive applications, are you—or someone you know—interested in joining? 🔹 Looking for a supportive space to engage with cutting-edge research? 🔹 Seeking mentorship and career insights from experienced academics and industry leaders? 🔹 Want to network with professionals in AI, ethics, and digital rights? Now in its second iteration, Nordic Nerds is forming a small, tight-knit community of academics and industry experts. This group is designed to help graduate students and early-career researchers refine their ideas, practice conference presentations, and build meaningful professional relationships. 📅 How It Works: ✔️ Biweekly virtual meetings ✔️ Readings curated by members ✔️ Opportunities to present and get feedback ✔️ A collaborative, supportive mentorship space Interested? Apply by filling out this short form<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOrijQD4jIZAinNn3uZvizdkh2GFiiYeqc4GUZn5C7ZmPyYw/viewform?usp=sharing>. We keep the group intentionally small to foster close connections, so spots are limited! Meetings are scheduled in Central European Time (CET), so participation may be easier for those based in Europe. If you or someone you know could benefit from this opportunity, we’d love to hear from you! Best, Cory Robinson ---- Former Associate Professor in Communication Design & Information Systems at Linköping University E: me@coryrobinson.se<mailto:me@coryrobinson.se> https://coryrobinson.se LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephencoryrobinson/