Inspiring scientists across borders: A transformative experience through the EVOLVE Mentoring and Job Shadowing Programme

The EVOLVE project showcases how structured mentoring and immersive job shadowing can empower researchers to learn, connect and share expertise across borders, strengthening a collaborative bioimaging community throughout Europe.

The recent experience of Patrícia Rodrigues, from the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) in Lisbon, part of the Portuguese Platform of BioImaging (PPBI), perfectly illustrates the program’s far-reaching impact. Hosted by her mentor Ann Wheeler at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer in Edinburgh, within UK BioImaging, Patrícia spent an intensive week immersed in advanced microscopy and image analysis, an experience that surpassed all expectations.

This opportunity allowed me to explore new microscopy techniques I had never used before, such as FLIM, FRET, dOPM, and SRS Raman. It was fascinating to see how these technologies can uncover new layers of biological information. It was incredibly useful to test and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different systems.

Patrícia Rodrigues, PPBI

Throughout her visit, Patrícia engaged in insightful discussions on clearing protocols and lightsheet imaging, gaining valuable input from experts at the forefront of the field. On the image analysis side, she observed how the Edinburgh team manages analysis requests within their imaging unit and participated in a QuPath Workshop led by Peter Bankhead’s lab, further strengthening her analytical expertise. The experience also offered a valuable opportunity to assess new imaging equipment that her home unit may consider acquiring in the future.

Having Patrícia visit was a real pleasure. The wider BioImaging team greatly enjoyed hosting her and exchanging experiences about the similarities and differences in core facility work between Edinburgh and Lisbon.

Ann Wheeler, Advanced BioImaging Facility

Patrícia and Ann first connected through the EVOLVE Mentoring Program, making this job shadowing placement a natural continuation of their collaboration. The visit was exceptionally well-organized and highly productive, enabling Patrícia to cover an impressive range of activities in just one week.

Reflecting on her experience, Patrícia emphasized how the program strengthened both her technical skills and her international professional network:

The EVOLVE Job Shadowing Program far exceeded my expectations. It gave me the chance to learn from leading experts, exchange ideas, and bring new knowledge back to my team in Lisbon. I’m excited to continue collaborating with the colleagues I met.