STSMs will strategically contribute to the Action’s scientific aim of maximizing image-based research outputs by enabling

1) collaborations on innovative image analysis methods,

2) access to big data analysis technology and image analysis tools for scientists lacking them locally,

and

3) knowledge transfer to support careers and regional development.

These actions will help boosting career path of image analysts, by detecting early career vocations and increasing skills and know-how of analysts.

These Missions are aimed at supporting individual mobility, strengthening the existing networks and fostering collaborations by allowing

(i) Early Career Investigators (ECIs)

and also

(ii) Experienced BioImage Analysts

to visit an institution, laboratory or industry in another participating COST Country or an approved non-COST country institution. Thus, bringing together researchers of different scientific backgrounds and image analysts within international multi-disciplinary projects will increase the potential for scientific breakthroughs, high-impact publications, creation of new research fields, building of interdisciplinary activities and creating collaborations that may not currently be represented by the local imaging community.

STSMs will be offered on regular competitive calls throughout the duration of the COST Action CA15124 (NEUBIAS), from July 2016 until April 2020. The scientific context will be strictly limited to BioImage-Analysis-driven projects involving development of Image analysis technology and/or knowledge transfer in the field of Life Science. Access to and operation of Imaging instrumentation will in general not be considered as a component of the evaluated scientific projects.

STSMs are coordinated by WG7 in NEUBIAS.