Recognising the importance and impact of Imaging Scientists: Global guidelines for establishing career paths within core facilities.

Wright GD, Thompson KA, Reis Y, Bischof J, Hockberger PE, Itano MS, Yen L, Adelodun ST, Bialy N, Brown CM, Chaabane L, Chew TL, Chitty AI, Cordelières FP, De Niz M, Ellenberg J, Engelbrecht L, Fabian-Morales E, Fazeli E, Fernandez-Rodriguez J, Ferrando-May E, Fletcher G, Galloway GJ, Guerrero A, Guimarães JM, Jacobs CA, Jayasinghe S, Kable E, Kitten GT, Komoto S, Ma X, Marques JA, Millis BA, Miranda K, JohnO'Toole P, Olatunji SY, Paina F, Pollak CN, Prats C, Pylvänäinen JW, Rahmoon MA, Reiche MA, Riches JD, Rossi AH, Salamero J, Thiriet C, Terjung S, Vasconcelos ADS, Keppler A

J Microsc 294 (3) 397-410 [2024-06-00; online 2024-05-01]

In the dynamic landscape of scientific research, imaging core facilities are vital hubs propelling collaboration and innovation at the technology development and dissemination frontier. Here, we present a collaborative effort led by Global BioImaging (GBI), introducing international recommendations geared towards elevating the careers of Imaging Scientists in core facilities. Despite the critical role of Imaging Scientists in modern research ecosystems, challenges persist in recognising their value, aligning performance metrics and providing avenues for career progression and job security. The challenges encompass a mismatch between classic academic career paths and service-oriented roles, resulting in a lack of understanding regarding the value and impact of Imaging Scientists and core facilities and how to evaluate them properly. They further include challenges around sustainability, dedicated training opportunities and the recruitment and retention of talent. Structured across these interrelated sections, the recommendations within this publication aim to propose globally applicable solutions to navigate these challenges. These recommendations apply equally to colleagues working in other core facilities and research institutions through which access to technologies is facilitated and supported. This publication emphasises the pivotal role of Imaging Scientists in advancing research programs and presents a blueprint for fostering their career progression within institutions all around the world.

Integrated Microscopy Technologies Gothenburg [Service]

PubMed 38691400

DOI 10.1111/jmi.13307

Crossref 10.1111/jmi.13307