By Marius George Linguraru

For students and early-career researchers, networking, mentorship and financial support can positively impact a career in a significant way. Startup companies also benefit in the journey from early community engagement and support. That is why the MICCAI Society’s Career Advancement Working Group (WG) was created.

 “Our goal is to initiate and support activities that will nurture the careers of MICCAI Society Members”, says Marius George Linguraru, WG Chair. “In collaboration with the MICCAI Student Board, Women in MICCAI, RISE-MICCAI, MICCAI Diversity WG and MICCAI Society Awards, we are excited about the many initiatives that are already underway or are being planned for MICCAI 2023.”

Mentorship Program: The MICCAI Society Mentorship program connects early-career researchers with peers and experts in their field of expertise. By sharing their experience in academia, industry or entrepreneurship, mentors help to develop the next generation of MICCAI leaders and innovators. Since the program began in 2018, Marius George Linguraru and Antonio Porras matched over 240 mentors and mentees.

In the past, applications were received and matches confirmed once a year before the MICCAI conference. This year, the WG is expanding the program to be able to facilitate matches year-round. Watch for news in the June e-newsletter on how to get involved, either as a mentee or mentor.

Start-Up Village: For the fourth consecutive year, the MICCAI Society Start-Up Village will take place at MICCAI 2023. Organized by the MICCAI 2023 Young Investigators Chairs with the support of the Career Advancement WG and chaired by Archana Venkataraman and Nicola Rieke, six participants will present their start-up company to a jury of experts in an exciting live pitch competition. Participants have the opportunity to access mentors and gain visibility for their start-up. Three presentations will be selected for awards: the MICCAI Start-up Village Award, the Real-time Solution Award and the Audience Favourite Award.

Do you have a start-up that you would like to showcase in the Start-Up Village? A call for applications will be issued in the coming months so please stay tuned for more details.

NIH Participation Awards: The Career Advancement WG has secured travel awards for US-based students and early career investigators to attend MICCAI 2023. Funding for these awards was made possible by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (grant R13EB32243, PIs Linguraru and Porras). These awards will be offered to increase participation from underrepresented populations and promote scientific excellence. Application details will be provided in the coming months.

For more information about the Career Advancement Working Group, contact Marius George Linguraru at MLingura@childrensnational.org