Strengthening Imaging Standards Across Nodes: Mohesh Moothanchery’s EVOLVE Job Shadowing Experience

The EVOLVE Job Shadowing Program continues to enable hands-on knowledge exchange across the Euro-BioImaging network. In this interview, Dr. Mohesh Moothanchery from the UK Node reflects on his job shadowing visit to the Center for Advanced Preclinical Imaging (CAPI) Node in Prague, where he focused on Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI), optical imaging standardisation, and Doppler ultrasound workflows.

Could you briefly introduce yourself?

I am Dr. Mohesh Moothanchery, a biomedical imaging specialist with experience across both preclinical and clinical research. I hold a PhD in Optical Engineering and an Integrated Master’s in Photonics, and I have previously worked at institutes such as the HiLASE Centre in the Czech Republic, Nanyang Technological University, and A*STAR in Singapore.
I am currently the Centre Manager at the University of Liverpool’s Centre for Preclinical Imaging, where I support a wide range of imaging technologies, including photoacoustic, ultrasound, optical imaging, and PET/SPECT/CT, enabling high-quality biomedical research.

What motivated you to join the EVOLVE Job Shadowing Program?

The programme offered a structured opportunity to gain targeted experience directly relevant to my role. Together with the host institution, we developed a training plan covering project management, ethical approval processes, imaging standardisation, optical imaging, and Magnetic Particle Imaging.
By observing how an established Euro-BioImaging node operates in these areas, I aimed to strengthen our internal workflows in Liverpool and bring back best practices that improve both efficiency and service quality.

How did the matchmaking and preparation process work for you?

Although I did not initially have a specific host in mind, early communication with CAPI allowed us to clearly define objectives and align expectations. Several exchanges ahead of the visit helped refine the agenda and ensure that the visit was well structured and focused on shared priorities.

What were the main activities and outcomes of your visit?

The job shadowing visit took place from 25–29 August 2025 and focused on cross-system correlation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) using MPI. During the visit, three SPION samples with varying concentrations were successfully scanned at CAPI. These same samples will be measured at the University of Liverpool, enabling direct comparison between MPI systems across nodes

In addition to MPI, I gained hands-on experience with:

• Standardisation and calibration strategies in optical imaging
• Advanced Doppler ultrasound techniques for blood-flow analysis
• Multi-vendor imaging workflows, supporting harmonisation and benchmarking efforts

These insights will directly contribute to improving data quality and user support at our home node.

Did you face any unexpected challenges?

The visit was very well organised overall. A minor challenge arose from differences in MPI system configurations between the two centres, which limited direct one-to-one comparison under identical acquisition settings. However, this highlighted an important lesson: system-specific optimisation is essential when designing comparative or multicentre MPI studies.

How did the visit contribute to collaboration across the network?

Beyond technical training, the visit strengthened collaboration between the UK and Czech nodes. It opened opportunities for follow-up comparative studies, joint benchmarking initiatives, and potential engagement with industrial partners around imaging standardisation and data analysis.

Would you recommend the EVOLVE Job Shadowing Programme?

Absolutely! The EVOLVE Job Shadowing Programme is an excellent opportunity for professional development, network building, and strengthening the Euro-BioImaging community as a whole.

 My advice to future participants would be to come with clear goals, engage actively with the host, and remain open to different operational approaches.