Advancing Careers of Early-Stage Imaging Scientists in Academia
Application period for the next cycle 2025/26 is 11 June to 3 July 2025!
The Concept
The ESMI Mentoring Programme is based on a self-organized one-to-one mentoring (see Tandem* below) accompanied by ESMI-organized actions involving the mentee-peer-group and certain workshops.
Target Group
Early career imaging scientists in academia who aspire a career in academia –
Final year PhD to 3rd year postDoc
Duration
One year of arranged mentoring (August to August)
Group Size
Five seats per cycle are available
Main Pillars
- Mentee-Mentor Tandem*
- Mentee Peer-Group
- Centrally organized Workshop
Application Documents
Applications for the term (2025/26) will be accepted between 11 June and 3 July 2025.
- You are an early career imaging scientists in academia (final year PhD to 3rd year postDoc)
- You are a member of the ESMI
The following documents need to be provided within the application period:
- Short bio (tabular CV)
- Motivation letter
(max. one page, this can include e.g. expressing the need for mentoring, current work/life situation, reflections/thoughts on future career path, possible hurdles, addressing initial questions,…) - List of publications so far
- The filled application form (template):
Submit your application documents via email to Annette @ office@e-smi.eu.
Mentee-Mentor Tandem
A Tandem is defined as an independent and confidential professional alliance free of hierarchy between an early-stage imaging scientist (Mentee) and the more experienced person (Mentor). This alliance forms a one-to-one partnership with a specific mandate (e.g. define aims and decision-making processes, develop a career strategy, set up a research group, transfer faculty-specific knowledge and skills).
Milestones & Concept
The Mentee receives primarily
- Feedback and advice on career planning in academia taking into account the individual life context and skills.
- Individual support and inspiration with respect to the strategic development and effective realization of her/his scientific, academic career.
- Knowledge, contacts, and formal as well as informal rules of the game with respect to working in science and academia.
- Support in reflecting on personal skills/competences and strengths.
Mentoring Tree
Timeline 2025/2026
Application period
11 June – 3 July 2025
Interviews
CW 31
Introductory Workshop for Mentees
End of August 2025
Matching Process finalised
August 2025
Introductory Workshop for Mentors
September 2025
First Tandem Meeting
September 2025
Opportunities for Mentees
- Analysis of current career and future perspectives in academia
- Self-reflection and self-confidence
- Confidence in decision making processes
- Visibility and positioning in the scientific community
- Raising awareness for structural barriers
- Access to information and career-relevant networks
Opportunities for Mentors
- Transfer of knowledge and experience
- Reflection of own career path
- Improvement of advisory skills and competence
- Positive experience of role as leader
- Enlargement of network also through Mentor-Group
- Add-on to CV
ESMI Coordinating Committee
- Frauke Alves, Göttingen – Chair
- Doris Kracht – ESMI Executive Director
- Dario Longo, Torino – ESMI Board
- Sophy Poty, Montpellier – French youngESMI
- Beatriz Salinas, Madrid – Spanish youngESMI
- Roger Schibli, Zurich/Villigen – ESMI Board
- Nadja van Camp, Fontenay aux Roses – ESMI Board