EVOLVE Mentoring Masterclass: A FAIR vision on imaging core facilities from Sylvia E. Le Dévédec

As part of the EVOLVE Mentoring Masterclass series, Euro-BioImaging was proud to host Dr. Sylvia E. Le Dévédec on June 23, 2025, to share her insights on Image Data Management & FAIR Core Facilities. Dr. Le Dévédec, Assistant Professor at Leiden University and Manager of the High-Content Imaging Facility at the Leiden Cell Observatory, offered an insightful look into the realities and opportunities of making imaging data truly FAIR.

Imaging data: more than storage

In this session, Dr. Le Dévédec reminded us that managing imaging data is not just a technical challenge, it’s a cultural one. From the acquisition of raw images to long-term archiving, she emphasized the importance of thinking across the entire data lifecycle, incorporating metadata, storage, accessibility, and interoperability.

OMERO and the FAIR ecosystem

As a key leader in the implementation of OMERO software across Leiden University, Sylvia shared how imaging facilities can become active players in data stewardship. OMERO enables structured, secure storage of microscopy data and is now part of the university’s institutional FAIR data strategy.

She also spoke about the central role Leiden University had in the origin of the FAIR Principles (first published in 2016) and how the university continues to innovate in Open Science. 

Working with IT: from friction to partnership

One of the most relatable moments of the session came during the discussion of working with institutional IT departments. Sylvia encouraged participants to build bridges, not walls, and to communicate across disciplines to align infrastructure, security, and research needs.

Culture shift starts with training

Dr. Le Dévédec also highlighted the importance of embedding data literacy in every level of education. From bachelor’s students to postdocs, she advocates for training that empowers researchers to treat data as a valuable scientific asset and not just an afterthought.

Download the full Masterclass Guide

The session is now summarized in a downloadable EVOLVE Masterclass Guide, featuring key messages, practical examples, and take-home insights.