Mentoring Programme

Advancing Careers of Early-Stage Imaging Scientists in Academia

made by and for early career imaging scientists

Application period for the cycle 2023/24 is 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 who aspire a career in academia – 
3rd year PhD to 3rd year postDoc

Duration

One year of arranged mentoring (August 2023 to August 2024)

Group Size

Five seats per year are available

Main Pillars
  • Mentee-Mentor Tandem*
  • Mentee Peer-Group
  • Centrally organized Workshop

Application Documents

Applications for the term (2023/24) were accepted between 13 June and 11 July 2023.

  • 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)
  • 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):
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.
young ESMI Groups
yESMInar Webinar Series
Mentoring
yESMI Events
Apéro by FINYS
Mentoring Tree
Timeline 2023/2024

Application period
13 June – 11 July 2023

Interviews
CW 31 (1 & 3 August 2023)

Introductory Workshop for Mentees
28 August 2023

Matching Process finalised
August 2023

Introductory Workshop for Mentors
September 2023

First Tandem Meeting 
September 2023

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
  • Marlene Wiart, Lyon – ESMI Board
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