International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging (ISBI) 2023 Travel Awards for Research Trainees from Underrepresented Backgrounds

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The International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging (ISBI) is an annual scientific symposium for research on the computational and algorithmic aspects of biological/biomedical imaging, representing a joint initiative of 2 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) technical societies. In conjunction with IEEE's overall goal to advance society by advancing technology, biomedical imaging refers to imaging technology, data, and analyses that encompass molecular imaging to whole-body imaging in both clinical and research settings. Most importantly, ISBI's goal centers on knowledge transfer spanning these various imaging communities, which ultimately reflects an integrative approach to biomedical imaging that is not present at other biomedical imaging conferences. Accordingly, ISBI's (and IEEE's) goals are particularly well suited to the mission of NIBIB, which represents advancing biomedical technologies and integrating physical with natural sciences to enhance understanding of human health and disease/prevention: In other words, the application of and research gained from advancements of biomedical technology (as presented at ISBI) is at the heart of ISBI's, NIBIB's, and NIH's mission. Here, we request financial support to fund travel awards for US-based research trainees from underrepresented backgrounds to present their research at ISBI's 2023 meeting in Cartagena, Colombia (i.e., the first time that ISBI will meet in Latin America). Typically, budgets of NIH grants are underfunded for conference travel, as the ever-rising costs of registration, lodging, and travel pose difficulties for proper budget allocation; notably, such financial limitations are especially burdensome for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Accordingly, awarding $1000 travel grants to research trainees from underrepresented backgrounds will significantly offset costs of attendance. In doing so, ISBI 2023 will offer opportunities for these trainees to attend oral and poster presentations, tutorials, plenary talks, challenges, and special sessions, as well as ISBI's 4th Clinical Day (i.e., a day-long event designed to promote exchange of emerging biomedical-imaging knowledge in the clinical fields) and its 1st ever Industrial Day (i.e., another day- long event featuring presentations by industry leaders about the field's latest products, “success stories” of medical-imaging startups, and a startup pitch competition). Overall, ISBI's innovative structure and diverse breadth of attendees offer several opportunities for travel-supported research trainees to expand their collaborative networks, seek job opportunities, and advance their research programs. As applicants will be asked, as part of their travel-grant applications, to describe (1) their understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the research setting, (2) how their lived experiences have shaped their research careers, and (3) how they themselves have personally helped foster a sense of belonging for those around them in the research environment, we believe that funding of our proposal will allow a diverse group of research trainees from underrepresented backgrounds to attend, network, and present their work at ISBI 2023.