In this feature, we are pleased to spotlight the members of the MICCAI Career Advancement Working Group and their impactful work to strengthen and support the broader MICCAI Society community.

Career Growth and Innovation: The MICCAI Career Advancement Working Group

The MICCAI Society Board’s Career Advancement Working Group is dedicated to supporting the professional growth of students and early-career scientists in the MICCAI community. Working in collaboration with the MICCAI Student Board (MSB), Women in MICCAI (WiM), RISE-MICCAI, and other Society initiatives, the Working Group leads initiatives that foster career development, innovation, and professional connections. 

Active members include co-chairs, Antonio Porras and Spyridon Bakas, in addition to MICCAI Board members Nicola Rieke and Matina Giannarou, and ad-hoc members Anees Kazi, Bella Specktor, Maria Ledesma-Carbayo, Udunna Anazodo,  Naren Akash (MSB), Tanya Akumu (WiM), Esther Puyol-Antón (RISE-MICCAI).

MICCAI Society Mentorship Program

One of the group's flagship initiatives is the MICCAI Society Mentorship Program. Established in 2018 by Marius Linguraru and Antonio Porras, and facilitated by Anees Kazi and Naren Akash, the program connects early-career researchers with experienced mentors from academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. Through these relationships, participants gain valuable guidance on career planning, networking, and professional development. Since its launch, the Mentorship Program has facilitated more than 40 mentor-mentee matches with a total of 105 registered participants, creating lasting connections across the global MICCAI network. Applications from both mentors and mentees are invited year-round.

The Working Group also supports and coordinates with mentorship initiatives led by other Society groups. Together, these efforts create a robust ecosystem of mentorship and peer support that helps junior scientists navigate career transitions, expand their networks, and thrive within the global MICCAI community.

Grants and Awards

Another important initiative is the creation of the MICCAI Society Membership Grants, introduced at MICCAI 2025 and led by Stamatia (Matina) Giannarou. Created to foster inclusivity and broaden participation across the global MICCAI community, 100 grants are awarded annually, providing a one-year MICCAI Society membership to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including those from low- and middle-income countries and diverse gender and ethnic groups. By removing financial barriers, the program enables students, early-career researchers, and clinicians to participate more fully in MICCAI Society activities and initiatives. 

The Career Advancement Working Group also works to secure external funding that expands access to MICCAI opportunities. Through support from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) made possible for seven consecutive years by Antonio Porras and Marius George Linguraru, NIH-supported MICCAI Registration Grants are available to USA-based students and early-career scientists. The grants cover full in-person conference registration, including the main conference and satellite events, as well as a complimentary one-year MICCAI Society membership.

MICCAI Society Startup Village

The Career Advancement Working Group is also expanding opportunities for innovation and startups through the MICCAI Society Startup Village. Established in 2020 and led by Nicola Rieke and Bella Specktor, this initiative aims to encourage the next generation of technologies and ventures emerging from the MICCAI community. Up to ten startups are invited to participate in a virtual pitch competition, showcasing their solutions to a panel of industry leaders. At the virtual pitch competition, five startups will be shortlisted through a combined vote by the audience and judging panel. Following an in-depth evaluation by the judges, the top three startups will be selected and invited to present their ventures in person at MICCAI 2026 in a dedicated space within the exhibition area. In addition to valuable industry connections, winners receive free conference registration and one-year MICCAI Society memberships with the overall winner receiving a $1,000 travel award to attend the MICCAI conference.

By investing in mentorship, inclusion, and innovation, the Career Advancement Working Group is helping ensure that students and early-career researchers have the support, connections, and opportunities they need to thrive and shape the future of the MICCAI scientific community.