Application period for the next cycle 2025/26 is 11 June to 3 July 2025!
Advancing Careers of Early-Stage Imaging Scientists in Academia
Navigating the early stages of an academic career can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re uncertain about your future or approaching a key transition in your professional path, personalized guidance can make a real difference. This mentoring programme supports early-career imaging scientists who are ready to take initiative in shaping their academic careers.
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 to six 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 from 11 June to 3 July 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
- You are an early career imaging scientists in academia (final year PhD to 3rd year postDoc)
- You are a member of the ESMI
How to apply
The following documents need to be The filled application form (download template below) needs to be sent within the application period to Doris via office@e-smi.eu. The application form includes:
- Short bio
- Motivation letter
- (max of one page, this should outline your need for mentoring, current work/life situation, expectations on mentoring, challenges you are facing,…)
- The most important areas in which the mentoring programme could be helpful for you.
- Your research background and career path so far incl. list of publications.
- Details on your preferred choice of mentor:
Submit your application documents via email to Doris via 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 individual life contexts and skills.
- Individual support and inspiration for the strategic development and effective realization of their scientific and academic careers.
- Insights into the formal and informal “rules of the game” in science and academia, along with access to valuable networks and resources.
- Guidance in identifying and reflecting on personal skills, strengths, and competencies.
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
- Daniele Bertoglio, Antwerp
- Dario Longo, Torino
- Laura Mezzanotte, Rotterdam
- Beatriz Salinas, Madrid
- Margret Schottelius, Lausanne