BMIC meets Flanders BioImaging

In May 2026, the Belgian Molecular Imaging Community (BMIC) and Flanders BioImaging joined forces in Ghent for a two-day community event that brought together early-career researchers, imaging experts, and infrastructure representatives from across Belgium. Supported through the EVOLVE project’s second call for event proposals, an initiative designed to strengthen Euro-BioImaging Nodes and raise awareness of the opportunities available through our research infrastructure. The event highlighted the strength of the Belgian imaging community and showcased the opportunities created through collaboration within the Euro-BioImaging network. Jiri Funda, EU Project Manager at the Euro-BioImaging Statutory Seat, attended the event and presented the benefits and opportunities that EVOLVE creates for Node staff and, in particular, for early-career researchers.

An opportunity for two communities to meet

Flanders BioImaging became an official Euro-BioImaging Node in 2024, bringing together nine excellent imaging facilities from five Flemish universities. Covering both biomedical imaging and microscopy, the Node enriches the Euro-BioImaging family with extensive expertise, cutting-edge technologies, and vibrant scientific communities.

BMIC, the Belgian Molecular Imaging Community, is the first Young ESMI Group, established in 2015 as a bottom-up initiative by and for early-career researchers. BMIC aims to strengthen connections among Belgian imaging scientists while providing pathways into the wider international imaging community.

The event, “BMIC meets Flanders BioImaging 2026”, took place on 20–21 May in Ghent and offered participants a unique combination of hands-on training, scientific exchange, and networking opportunities.

BMIC meets FlaBI

Hands on sessions and workshops

The programme began with a full-day workshop hosted by Core ARTH INFINITY at Ghent University Hospital. Guided by experienced researchers, participants gained practical experience with preclinical imaging technologies, including optical imaging, small animal radiotherapy, PET/SPECT, CT, and MRI. The workshop also covered best practices in data acquisition and analysis, as well as approaches to FAIR data management, providing valuable training for the next generation of imaging scientists.

On the second day, the community gathered at the historic St Peter’s Abbey for a scientific conference with outstanding scientific presentations, poster sessions, and networking activities. Sebastian Munck (KU Leuven) introduced Flanders BioImaging, highlighting the Node’s mission, services, and role within the Euro-BioImaging network.

A compelling scientific programme

The scientific programme featured three thematic sessions covering oncology and theranostics, artificial intelligence and image reconstruction methods, and imaging approaches for neurological, infectious, and systemic diseases. Participants also took part in a poster session and a scientific speed-networking activity, creating opportunities for new collaborations and knowledge exchange across disciplines and imaging modalities.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards for the best oral and poster presentations, followed by a closing reception that celebrated two days of scientific excellence, community building, and collaboration.

Congratulations to Flanders BioImaging and BMIC for organising a highly successful event that strengthened connections within the Belgian imaging community and showcased the value of collaborative research infrastructures in supporting imaging scientists at all career stages.