EVOLVE Mentoring Program in Action: Insights from the first cohort

As we launch the second call of the EVOLVE Mentoring Program, we are delighted to share a short video that captures the true spirit of mentorship within the Euro-BioImaging community. Featuring Fabrice Cordelières (France-BioImaging Node) and Iva Svecova (Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy Node Prague), a mentoring pair from the first cohort. 

In this video Fabrice reflects on his experience as a mentor and highlights how meaningful and mutually beneficial these relationships can be. Iva also shares her point of view on the programme and how important it was to advance her career.

Watch the video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/BNZGlonBmBE

What Other Participants Say?

The first cohort brought together 14 mentoring pairs from across Euro-BioImaging and the Global BioImaging network. Participants represented a diverse range of facilities, scientific backgrounds, and career stages, creating a rich environment for mutual learning.

Two mentoring pairs generously shared their insights. Explore their interviews:

Patrícia Rodrigues (PPBI) & Ann Wheeler (UK Node)

Harish Poptani (UK Node) & Mette Hauge Lauritzen (DBI Node)

“I enjoyed every second spent with my mentor, especially learning key image analysis workflows and new features of confocal microscopy.” Amudatu Ambali Adedokun (Nigeria, Global BioImaging, Mentee)

“We talked about strategic development and communication with institutional leadership and had meaningful discussions that opened new perspectives for both of us.” Clara Prats (Danish BioImaging Node, Mentor)

Main Thematic Areas Covered

Although each mentoring relationship was unique, several consistent themes emerged across the 14 pairs:

• Core facility management & leadership
• User training, documentation, and service design
• Career development and strategic planning
• Communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics
• Image analysis workflows and technical microscopy topics
• Project management and building collaboration
• Navigating institutional structures and leadership engagement
• Networking across Nodes and developing international partnerships

These themes reflect the real needs of imaging professionals and the value of a structured mentoring program.

Apply to the second call!

The second call of the EVOLVE Mentoring Program is now open! We invite all imaging core facility staff from Euro-BioImaging Nodes and the Global BioImaging network to apply as mentors or mentees.

Mentoring pairs are carefully matched based on skills, experience, and the professional development goals indicated in the application. The program runs for six months, with virtual meetings at least once per month.Submit your application by January 19th, 2026 here.