Advancing Careers of Early-Stage Imaging Scientists in Academia
made by and for early career imaging scientists
Applications for 2022/23 are closed – sorry!
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 –
3rd year PhD to 3rd year postDoc
Duration
One year of arranged mentoring + a certain time for pre-arrangements like introductory workshop
Group Size
Five seats per year are available
Main Pillars
- Mentee-Mentor Tandem*
- Mentee peer-group
- Centrally organized workshop/events
Application
Applications for the term (2022-2023) were accepted between 27 June and 5 July 2022.
You are an early career imaging scientists in academia (3rd 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)
- List of publications so far
- Motivation letter (max. one page)
- The filled application form (template)
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).
The Mentee receives primarily
- Feedback on career planning in line with the plans for her/his life
- Individual support and inspiration with respect to the strategic development and effective realization of her/his scientific career
- Knowledge, contacts, and formal as well as informal rules of the game with respect to working in science
- Support with the contemplation of personal skills/competencies and strengths
Mentoring Tree

Timeline 2022
Application period
27 June – 5 July 2022
Selection & Interviews
CW 32 (8-12 Aug. 2022)
Introductory Workshop for Mentees
End of August
Matching Process finalised
August/September 2022
First Tandem Meeting
September 2022
ESMI Coordinating Committee
- Frauke Alves, Göttingen – Chair and ESMI Past President
- Doris Kracht – ESMI Management Office
- Dario Longo, Torino – ESMI Board
- Sophy Poty, Montpellier – French youngESMI
- Beatriz Salinas, Madrid – Spanish youngESMI
- Roger Schibli, Zurich/Villingen – ESMI Board
- Marlene Wiart, Lyon – ESMI Board
Opportunities for Mentees
- Analysis of current career and future perspectives
- 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