EVOLVE Mentoring – Building Bridges in Biomedical Imaging with Harish Poptani and Mette Hauge Lauritzen

As part of Euro-BioImaging’s EVOLVE project, the mentorship initiative connects imaging professionals across Europe to share expertise, foster collaboration, and strengthen research. In this interview, Harish Poptani (University of Liverpool, UK Node) and Mette Hauge Lauritzen (Technical University of Denmark, Danish Bioimaging Node) discuss their experiences as mentor and mentee, reflecting on what they learned from one another and how the program shaped their professional growth.

Euro-BioImaging: Thank you for joining us today. Could you briefly introduce yourselves and your current work?

Mette: I’m the lab manager for a new radioisotope pre-clinical imaging facility at the Technical University of Denmark. I’m currently designing, building, and equipping the lab, everything from purchasing instruments to setting up workflows. My background is in pre-clinical imaging, but this is my first time managing a facility. Talking to someone who has gone through the full process of establishing and running such a lab has been very beneficial.

Harish: I’m Professor and Chair of the Centre for Pre-clinical Imaging at the University of Liverpool, which is part of the UK Node of Euro-BioImaging through UK BioImaging. Our multi-modal facility covers a wide range of technologies — MRI, PET, SPECT, CT, ultrasound, photoacoustics, MPI, and light microscopy — supporting researchers across disciplines.

Euro-BioImaging: Mette, what drew you to participate in EVOLVE mentorship?

Mette: At our institution, there aren’t many people with experience in this specific type of facility, so I sometimes felt like I needed support in the process of setting up our new lab. I wanted to connect with someone outside my local environment who could offer guidance based on real experience. I was also curious about Euro-BioImaging’s wider network and wanted to learn from colleagues across Europe. This was actually my first experience having a mentor, so I was excited to take part.

Euro-BioImaging: What motivated you to become a mentor, Harish?

Harish: This was my first time formally mentoring a peer from another institution. I found the structured nature of the programme, with feedback forms, set objectives, and organized meetings, very helpful. And I must say, having Mette as my mentee made the experience smooth; she was extremely well prepared, always coming with clear goals and updates from our previous discussions. It became a two-way exchange. While I was sharing my experience, I also learned about how things are done in Denmark, which was refreshing and insightful.

Euro-BioImaging: Was there a pivotal moment in your mentoring journey — a point where things really clicked?

Mette: Yes, when we discussed how to define success for a new lab. I had some ideas, but Harish helped me think more strategically. For example, tracking not just the number of users but how many use the facility to apply for grants, or how their projects translate into impact. That conversation gave me a completely new way to measure and plan success. It was also really helpful to talk about my role and responsibilities, things like how to manage disagreements or balance leadership expectations. Having someone outside my institution to discuss these topics with was invaluable.

Harish: I’d agree. One key takeaway was our discussion about managing expectations; whether between mentor and mentee, lab manager and supervisor, or facility and users. Clear communication of responsibilities and cultural awareness is essential. I also appreciated seeing how things are organized in another country as it gave me a broader understanding of different institutional approaches.

Euro-BioImaging: What impact did this mentorship have on your work and your new facility, Mette?

Mette: It had a direct impact. Harish shared practical advice on lab design, safety procedures, and user communication. For example, he showed me how their team structures SOPs and communicates regulations, which helped me refine my own documentation. We also discussed roles and responsibilities within the lab; what I should handle myself and what could be delegated. That helped me better plan for future staff and resources. I’m sure the insights from this mentorship will shape how our facility develops in the years ahead.

Euro-BioImaging: Harish, what did you personally gain from the experience of being a Mentor?

Harish: I realized that mentorship is always a learning process; even for the mentor! Mette’s structured approach actually helped me become more organized myself. Beyond that, it reinforced how valuable cross-border exchanges are. Science thrives on collaboration, and the mentoring programme is an excellent way to build that culture within Euro-BioImaging.

Euro-BioImaging: looking forward to our upcoming call for the second Mentoring cohort (late 2025), what advice would you both give to future participants in EVOLVE mentoring?

Harish: I’d absolutely recommend the programme to anyone considering it. It’s a very constructive experience, both for mentors and mentees. For future mentees, my key piece of advice would be; come prepared. Having a clear agenda or list of goals helps the mentor guide the conversation and ensures the mentee gains the most from each session. It’s also important to set expectations early, that makes the entire process smoother and more rewarding.

Mette: I’d also recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone thinking of applying. Having a theme or topic in mind beforehand, in my case the set-up of the lab, really helped me to plan and structure each session. That preparation made our meetings focused and productive. Another tip is not to be shy about asking difficult questions; such as what challenges your Mentor has faced. The point isn’t just to hear success stories, it’s to learn from each other’s mistakes too. Honest, open discussions are where real learning happens.

Euro-BioImaging: any final thoughts on EVOLVE mentoring?

Harish: It’s a fantastic initiative, and I’d be happy to remain involved in future rounds.

Mette: It’s been a great experience, both professionally and personally. Having a mentor who understands my field and can offer advice from real-world practice has been incredibly helpful in general and in setting up the lab. If all goes well, it will be fully operational by January, which feels like a wonderful way to start the new year!