“When I grow up… I want to work in a Core Facility.”

With this bold and playful opening, the Career Paths in Focus session set the tone for an energising conversation about the future of imaging scientists, held during ELMI2025’s Core Facility Day.

Co-organised by Yara Reis (Global BioImaging-EMBL), Elisa d’Este (MaxBI/GerBI), and Stefan Terjung (EMBL/GerBI), the session shone a light on the evolving roles of imaging professionals and how we can collectively push for more sustainable, visible, and rewarding career paths.

Talks and panel discussions spanned personal journeys and global survey data, including insights from GBI, RMS, ABIC, MaxBI, and AMMS. Topics ranged from mentorship and mobility to HR perspectives on “moving on” rather than just “moving up.” Institutions and networks across continents shared their experiences and practical strategies.

The session closed with a moving tribute to Spencer Shorte, a pioneer whose legacy continues to inspire the global imaging community.

👉 A growing list of resources, mentoring programs, and community initiatives is now available [HERE].
📩 Want to contribute? Share your programs, tools, or success stories by emailing: [email protected]

Read the full ELMI2025 recap on Euro-BioImaging’s News!