Connect, Discuss, Inspire – Across Borders
Bringing together Early-career imaging scientists from Germany (D), Austria (A), and Switzerland (CH)
The young ESMI Groups from Germany and Switzerland, and Austria invite you to Munich for a vibrant forum of discussion, networking, and inspiration in the exciting field of imaging science.
WHEN? 15-16 October 2026
WHERE? Technical University Munich (TUM) – Lecture Hall Department of Pathology, Trogerstraße 18, Munich
WHO? The event is primarily designed for early-career investigators, but participation is in no way limited.
WHY?
- Engage with peers, strengthen, and expand your network – also beyond borders.
- Enjoy interaction and talks by senior PIs.
- Join a workshop.
- Participate in Industry Speed Networking
- …and present your work!
Meet the Invited Speakers
Franz Schilling, Munich
Department of Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, TUM
Franz Schilling’s research focuses on the development of novel methods in the area of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Together with his group he characterises and validates imaging biomarkers. Interdisciplinarity is an essential characteristic of this area of research which combines the development of physical methods, the chemical characterization and synthesis of molecular sensors, as well as the investigation of biological and medical research questions.
Miguel Pleitez, Munich
Translational Optoacoustics at TUM / Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz, Munich
The goal of Miguel Pleitez’s team in Translational Optoacoustic is to advance biological and biomedical research by achieving non-destructive live-cell chemical microscopy with label-free biomolecular sensitivity using molecule-specific mid-infrared excitation and highly-sensitive optoacoustic and optothermal detection. The technologies developed in his lab hold great promise for live-cell metabolic microscopy, fast analytical histology, and non-invasive sensing of metabolites.
Chrysoula Vraka, Vienna
Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (Clinical Division of Nuclear Medicine)
Chrysoula Vraka’s research focuses on radiotracer pharmacokinetics and translational PET imaging to advance drug development in neuroscience and cancer, with particular emphasis on the blood–brain barrier. Her current work combines whole-body PET, molecular biology, and innovative imaging approaches such as radioFlow to investigate how chronic stress affects immune surveillance, tumour metabolism, tissue microenvironments, and response to immunotherapy, with the aim of identifying novel biomarkers and underlying disease mechanisms.
Oliver Bruns, Dresden
Department Functional Imaging in Surgical Oncology, NCT Dresden
Oliver Bruns’ research focuses on developing advanced biomedical imaging technologies, including novel targeted contrast agents and innovative imaging modalities for personalized and high-precision therapies. A particular emphasis is on short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging, which offers low tissue autofluorescence, reduced light scattering, and improved tissue transparency, enabling new preclinical and clinical imaging applications that were previously not feasible with conventional optical imaging techniques.
Julie Bolcaen, Zurich
Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Paul Scherrer Institute, Zurich
Julie Bolcaen is a biomedical and translational scientist with more than thirteen years experience spanning pre-clinical research, clinical trial, molecular imaging and radiopharmaceutical development in oncology. She is currently a Tenure-Track Scientist at the Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Paul Scherrer Institute, focusing on radiobiology to advance this exciting field of targeted radionuclide therapy.
Schedule
Who we are and why you should join
The German and Swiss young ESMI Groups together with the Austrian ESMI community bring together early-career researchers working in the broad and multidisciplinary field of molecular imaging. Our goal is to foster networking, exchange, and collaboration among MSc/PhD students, and postDocs providing an informal platform to connect with the wider ESMI community.
We offer an easy and welcoming entry point into the international imaging science community, creating opportunities to meet fellow researchers, exchange ideas and life stories, and build connections across disciplines and borders.
Contact
GyMICLeadership
GyMIC(at)esmi-insight.eu
SwyMICLeadership
SwyMIC(at)esmi-insight.eu
Deadlines
- 10 September: Deadline Abstract Submission
- 28 September: Notification to Presenter
- 1 October: Early Bird Registration Deadline
Thanks for your support!
Organisers
- Silvester Bartsch, Munich
- Helene Koch, Lausanne,
- Christian Koeder, Leipzig
- Govinda Babu Kotipalli, Würzburg
- Alexandra Litvinenko, Lausanne
- Rahaf Mihyar, Aachen
- Saskia Mühlig, Würzburg
- Eirinarios Pilatis, Bern
- Riccardo Scodellaro, Göttingen
- Sophie Stotz, Copenhagen
- Lennard Wendlinger, Tübingen