Athena Mentorship Programme
June ’26 – March ’27
onsite/online
*deadline September 10, 2024
What to expect
Over nine months, selected mentees will be paired with senior mentors from both radiology and the wider imaging community.
Your professional and personal growth will be nurtured through a one-to-one relationship with your mentor who will help you navigate your next career steps, building a trusted confidential relationship tailored to the individual.
The mentorship programme will allow you to gain confidence and create your international radiology network.
The programme combines two in-person sessions (Milan and Vienna) with remote mentoring and online sessions on essential soft skills, such as communication and presentation skills, emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
who is this for?
The Athena Mentorship Programme is intended for
mid-career female radiologists in radiology who are:
- Board-certified radiologists
- On an academic career path and/or holding junior leadership responsibilities (e.g., programme chair, committee roles, emerging leadership tasks)
- Other leadership career paths, such as industry partnership or innovation paths
- Ideally alumni of the ESOR Leadership Course, or similar
what will you gain?
As a mentee in the Athena Mentorship Programme you can expect to:
- Build a professional identity and strengthen your self-confidence
- Learn practical tools to communicate with impact in order to navigate hierarchy and influence decisions
- Improve your ability to have your voice heard and listened to.
- Develop strategies to accelerate your career while balancing professional and personal priorities
- Connect with role models in radiology (women and men) and leaders from the wider imaging community
- Join an emerging international alumni network of women leaders in imaging
course content & structure
The Athena Mentorship Programme combines education, mentoring, networking and impact measurement.
The mentoring is designed as a structured relationship based on dialogue, reflection and role modelling. The programme includes mentor training and clear guidance on expectations and boundaries.
Our approach to mentoring is built on:
Two-way learning and knowledge sharing
Reflective dialogue and constructive challenge
Co-creation of learning experiences
Continuous professional development for both mentors and mentees
Mentees will be supported to clarify goals, prepare for mentoring conversations, and actively co-own outcomes.
Sessions and mentoring discussions will address topics focussed on essential soft skills:
- How to create your network
- How to communicate effectively and make your voice heard
- How to lead effectively as a woman
- How to accelerate your career while balancing life responsibilities
- How to pursue success while prioritising fulfilment and meaning
timeline
June 14 – 15, 2026 |
Kick-Off Event in Milan
|
July 2026 |
Remote Mentoring Session #1
|
September 2026 |
Remote Mentoring Session #2
|
October 2026 |
Online Training Session #1
|
November 2026 |
Remote Mentoring Session #3
|
January 2027 |
Online Training Session #2
|
March 3, 2027 |
Final Meeting at ECR27
|
Programme
November 17, 2025 | 15:30 – 17:30 CET
Teaser Session – free to watch live on ESR Connect
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Introduction: Building a network of radiology leaders |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Why radiology needs great leaders Frank Lexa, Pennsylvania/US |
| 16:30 – 17:00 | Leadership versus management |
| 17:00 – 17:30 | Discussion |
March 4, 2026 | 13:00 – 16:00 CET
Kick-off Session at ECR 2026*
| 13:00 – 13:05 | Chairperson’s introduction |
| 13:05 – 13:25 | Leadership development: how to get started in leadership |
| 13:25 – 13:45 | Building and leading effective teams |
| 13:45 – 14:05 | My leadership journey |
| 14:05 – 14:45 | Group interactive session: break-out groups |
| 14:45 – 15:15 | Round table discussion |
| 15:15 – 15:55 | Group interactive session: group presentations |
| 15:55 – 16:00 | Wrap-up |
| 16:00 – 17:30 | Leadership Course 2026 Reception |
*If you are unable to attend the Kick-off Session at ECR in person, you are still eligible to register and take part in the online and face-to-face modules of the Leadership Course.
A recording of the session will be made available to all registered participants.
Online Sessions
April 13 | The art of coaching |
| May | Peer-to-peer coaching session |
| June 15 17:00 – 19:00 | Self-mastery: lead yourself to lead others Marion Smits, Steve Hutchinson |
| July | Peer-to-peer coaching session |
| September 28 17:00 – 19:00 | Strategic conversations – driving service change with dialogue |
| October | Peer-to-peer coaching session |
| November 23 17:00 – 19:00 | Change across healthcare |
| December | Peer-to-peer coaching session |
| January 18 17:00 – 19:00 | The importance of context, networks, and managing up – leading changes in working practices |
| February | Peer-to-peer coaching session |
February 28 – March 2, 2026
Leadership Retreat in Hochstrass Refugium, Austria
Sunday 28
Arrival from 14:00 onwards for check-in, followed by dinner and networking with faculty and participants.
Monday 1, Tuesday 2
The residential part of the course offers interactive teaching and learning in a variety of formats. A combination of talks, case scenarios, group tasks and panel discussions will cover a range of topics which are crucial in creating supportive work environment for your team:
- Disruptive culture
- Radiologist in trouble
- Sustaining strength by supporting the workforce
- Leadership when things go wrong
- Leading in time of crisis and finding opportunity
- Incorporating diversity
- Successful managing up
- Consideration of context
- Leading in times of innovation and change
mentors
The following mentors will participate in the Athena programme (either as mentors available for matching with mentees or in the online training sessions):
If accepted, you will be assigned a mentor by the evaluation committee, aiming for the best match based on your application material, interests, and goals.
Deniz Akata
Deniz Akata is Professor of Radiology at Hacettepe University Hospitals in Ankara, specializing in abdominal imaging and urogenital oncology. She is President of the Turkish Society of Radiology and co-leads EuroSafe Imaging education activities. Actively involved with ESR and IS3R, she holds key educational roles. Prof. Akata has authored over 160 peer-reviewed publications, lectures widely, and contributes to EU projects and radiology training.
Nuria Bargallo
Núria Bargalló, MD, PhD, is Head of the Neuroradiology Section at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and Associate Professor at the University of Barcelona. She is an internationally recognized expert in advanced neuroimaging, with deep experience in MRI applied to epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, and brain development. She has authored more than 500 scientific publications, holds an H‑index of 70, and has participated in numerous national and European competitive research projects .
She has held prominent leadership roles, including serving on the Executive Council of the European Society of Radiology (ESR), being an active member of the European Society of Neuroradiology (ESNR), and acting as President of the Spanish Society of Neuroradiology (SENR). She also leads the Epilepsy Working Group of ESNR and coordinates the IDIBAPS Medical Imaging Platform, supporting multidisciplinary research in advanced MRI .
Irene Bargellini
Irene Bargellini is Associate Professor in the Department of Surgical Sciences of the University of Turin and Interventional Radiologists at the University Hospital Città della Salute e della Scienza in Turin, Italy. She specializes in oncologic imaging and interventional oncology, with a special focus on therapies for liver tumors. Formerly at Pisa and Florence University Hospitals, she is active in SIRM, CIRSE, ESR, EASL, and ILCA.
Regina Beets-Tan
Prof. Beets-Tan is the current EIBIR Scientific Director and a global leader in oncologic imaging. Her research focuses on multiparametric MRI, AI, and interventional oncology. She has held presidencies at ESR, ESGAR, and ESOI, and serves on key EU, ECCO, and Dutch cancer research boards.
Marco Campione
Marco Campione is President & CEO of Blue Earth Diagnostics, a global molecular imaging company advancing PET radiopharmaceuticals in oncology and cardiology. Since 2019, the company has been part of Bracco, a global leader in diagnostic imaging. Marco brings over 25 years of executive leadership, including senior roles at GE HealthCare with P&L responsibility across Europe and the Americas. He has board and governance experience. He holds engineering degrees from Politecnico di Torino and an MBA.
Geraldine Dean
Dr Geraldine Dean is a Consultant Radiologist. She serves as AI Lead in the NHS and Unilabs and AI advisor to the Royal College of Radiologists . She has a special interest in AI deployment and monitoring across healthcare systems.
Marco Francone
Prof. Marco Francone, Full Professor and Chairman of Radiology at Sapienza University of Rome, specializes in cardiovascular imaging. He sit on the ESR Executive Council as chair of the ESR Communication & Intersdiscplinary Affairs Commmittee as well as the ESCR guidelines committee and serves on several journal boards. His research focuses on CT/MR imaging of coronary disease, infarction, and cardiomyopathies.
Ferdia Gallagher
Ferdia Gallagher is Head of the Department of Radiology at the University of Cambridge, is an Honorary Consultant Radiologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, and is a Cancer Research UK Senior Cancer Research Fellowship. He sits on the ESR Executive Council as the ESR Publications Committee Chairperson.
Fiona Gilbert
Prof. Fiona Gilbert, Professor of Radiology at the University of Cambridge and Honorary Consultant at Addenbrooke’s, researches breast cancer imaging and tumour microenvironment. She has 185+ publications, major research funding, and holds leadership roles at the Royal College of Radiologists.
Fleur Kilburn-Toppin
Dr Kilburn-Toppin is Director of Breast Screening and a Consultant Radiologist in Cambridge University Hospital, having graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2006. She is a Fellow, Medical Lecturer and Director of Studies in Clinical Medicine at St John’s College. She is on the Executive Board for the European Society for Breast Imaging and was the Visiting Professor for the Royal College of Radiology and British Society of Breast Radiology in 2023.
Christian Loewe, Vienna/AT
Prof. Christian Loewe chairs the Division of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology at the Medical University of Vienna. He is the scientific and educational director at the European School of Radiology (ESOR) and the Past-President of the Austrian Roentgen Society. Additionally, he is a member of the Executive Council of the European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR). His research focuses on non-invasive cardiovascular imaging (CT and MR of the heart, CT and MR angiography). Prof. Loewe has delivered over 500 invited lectures, authored/co-authored 220+ peer-reviewed articles, and written five book chapters.
Julian Luetkens
Prof. Julian Luetkens is Director of the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at University Hospital Bonn. He has published 250+ peer-reviewed articles. His research focuses on the development and application of novel concepts and techniques in noninvasive imaging, aiming to improve diagnosis, patient outcomes, and the clinical utility of imaging data with focus on cardiovascular disease.“
Ioana Gabriela Lupescu
Ioana Gabriela Lupescuis professor of Radiology and Medical Imaging at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania and Head of the Radiology Department at Fundeni Clinical Institute, specialized in abdominal and gastrointestinal imaging, hepatospecific MRI contrast material applications, imaging in liver, bone marrow and Kidney transplantation. Ex-president of the Romanian Society of Radiology, ex EPOS editor, ESGAR fellow, member of e-learning abdominal and GI imaging subcommittee, member of ESOR Programme planning committee, CERF corresponding member, honorary member of French Society of Radiology. She is deeply involved in teaching radiology to medical students as well as in training radiology residents in Bucharest. She published as prime-author or co-author more than 200 articles in ISI and BDI medical journals and contributed actively to the MRI development and spread in Romania by organizing in Fundeni Clinical Institute from 2002 until today MRI courses for radiologists.
Luis Marti-Bonmati
Prof. Luis Marti-Bonmati, Director of Radiology at La Fe Hospital in Valencia, specialises in imaging biomarkers, AI, and radiomics. He leads major EU projects like EUCAIM, has authored 650+ papers, and serves as VP of FEAM and academic of Spain’s Royal Medical Academy.
Katrine Riklund
Katrine Riklund is the Dean of the medical faculty at Umeå university, senior Consultant in radiology and nuclear medicine at the University hospital in Umeå, Sweden. Her research focus is on oncologic hybrid imaging (colorectal and prostate cancer), cognition and AI. She has authored more than 180 publications and been WP-leader in several EU projects.
She has founded ESHI and among other positions served as the President of ECR and Chairperson of ESR, and is a past-president of the ESR. She is the president of UEMS radiology.
Andrea Rockall
Andrea Rockall is Clinical Chair in Radiology at Imperial College London and Honorary Consultant Radiologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. She has served as Chair of the Female Pelvic Imaging group of ESUR, member of ORADS steering committee, Chair of the ESR National Societies Committee and was previously President of ECR and Chairperson of ESR, currently past-president of the ESR.
Cornelia Schaefer-Prokop
Cornelia Schaefer-Prokop is an internationally recognised chest radiologist and Professor at Hanover Medical School and Radboud UMC. Former President of ESTI and the Fleischner Society, she has published 200+ papers, lectures widely, and is renowned for her educational leadership in thoracic imaging.
Marion Smits
Marion Smits is a Professor of Neuroradiology at Erasmus MC, Rotterdam (NL) as well as at the University of Cambridge (UK). She specialises in neuro and head & neck radiology, integrating clinical work with research on advanced MR neuroimaging techniques, such as functional MRI and diffusion imaging, with a focus on neuro-oncology. Smits holds key roles in international organisations, including chairing committees for the Radiological Society of the Netherlands and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Her research explores brain function, microarchitecture, and neurological diseases, fostering the application of scientific innovation in clinical practice through teaching and leadership roles. She was named Most Influential Researcher in Radiology in 2021.
Majda Thurnher
…
Valérie Vilgrain
Valérie Vilgrain is Medical Director at University Beaujon Hospital, and Professor of Radiology at University of Paris Cité. She’s a leading expert in liver, pancreas, and bile duct imaging. She was a board member of ESGAR (the European Society of Gastrointestinal Abdominal Radiology) and is affiliated with ESR, RSNA, EASL, SFR, and IS3R, with key roles in education and committees. Her extensive work includes 600+ papers, major trials, guidelines contributions, and editorial responsibilities. She is former scientific director of ESOR and leads multiple significant academic projects, securing €52.6M in funding since 2015. She has recently been appointed as the Editor in Chief of European Radiology Abdomen.
Deniz Akata
Prof. Deniz Akata, Chief of Abdominal Imaging at Hacettepe University Hospitals, specializes in abdominal imaging, urogenital oncology, and radiation protection. She co-leads EuroSafe Imaging education activities and contributes to EU research projects and radiology training.
Nuria Bargallo
Prof. Nuria Bargallo Alabart, Head of Neuroradiology at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and assistant professor at the University of Barcelona, researches neuroimaging, cognitive reserve, aging, and Alzheimer’s. She is also an accredited researcher at IDIBAPS.
Irene Bargellini
Prof. Irene Bargellini, Chair of Radiology at Candiolo Cancer Institute and Associate Professor at the University of Turin, specializes in interventional oncology and liver tumors. Formerly at Pisa and Florence University Hospitals, she is active in SIRM, CIRSE, ESR, EASL, and ILCA.
Regina Beets-Tan
Prof. Beets-Tan is the current EIBIR Scientific Director and a global leader in oncologic imaging. Her research focuses on multiparametric MRI, AI, and interventional oncology. She has held presidencies at ESR, ESGAR, and ESOI, and serves on key EU, ECCO, and Dutch cancer research boards.
Marco Campione
Marco Campione is President & CEO of Blue Earth Diagnostics, a global molecular imaging company advancing PET radiopharmaceuticals in oncology and cardiology. Since 2019, the company has been part of Bracco, a global leader in diagnostic imaging. Marco brings over 25 years of executive leadership, including senior roles at GE HealthCare with P&L responsibility across Europe and the Americas. He has board and governance experience. He holds engineering degrees from Politecnico di Torino and an MBA.
Geraldine Dean
Dr Geraldine Dean is a Consultant Radiologist. She serves as AI Lead in the NHS and Unilabs and AI advisor to the Royal College of Radiologists . She has a special interest in AI deployment and monitoring across healthcare systems.
Marco Francone
Prof. Marco Francone, Full Professor and Chairman of Radiology at Sapienza University of Rome, specializes in cardiovascular imaging. He sit on the ESR Executive Council as chair of the ESR Communication & Intersdiscplinary Affairs Commmittee as well as the ESCR guidelines committee and serves on several journal boards. His research focuses on CT/MR imaging of coronary disease, infarction, and cardiomyopathies.
Ferdia Gallagher
Ferdia Gallagher is Head of the Department of Radiology at the University of Cambridge, is an Honorary Consultant Radiologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, and is a Cancer Research UK Senior Cancer Research Fellowship. He sits on the ESR Executive Council as the ESR Publications Committee Chairperson.
Fiona Gilbert
Prof. Fiona Gilbert, Professor of Radiology at the University of Cambridge and Honorary Consultant at Addenbrooke’s, researches breast cancer imaging and tumour microenvironment. She has 185+ publications, major research funding, and holds leadership roles at the Royal College of Radiologists.
Fleur Kilburn-Toppin
Dr Kilburn-Toppin is Director of Breast Screening and a Consultant Radiologist in Cambridge University Hospital, having graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2006. She is a Fellow, Medical Lecturer and Director of Studies in Clinical Medicine at St John’s College. She is on the Executive Board for the European Society for Breast Imaging and was the Visiting Professor for the Royal College of Radiology and British Society of Breast Radiology in 2023.
Christian Loewe, Vienna/AT
Prof. Christian Loewe chairs the Division of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology at the Medical University of Vienna. He is the scientific and educational director at the European School of Radiology (ESOR) and the Past-President of the Austrian Roentgen Society. Additionally, he is a member of the Executive Council of the European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR). His research focuses on non-invasive cardiovascular imaging (CT and MR of the heart, CT and MR angiography). Prof. Loewe has delivered over 500 invited lectures, authored/co-authored 220+ peer-reviewed articles, and written five book chapters.
Julian Luetkens
Prof. Julian Luetkens is Head of the Radiology Department at University Clinic Bonn. His interests include developing and applying new concepts and techniques for noninvasive imaging in order to improve diagnosis, outcome and clinical usefulness of imaging data for cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal diseases and oncological disorders.
Luis Marti-Bonmati
Prof. Luis Marti-Bonmati, Director of Radiology at La Fe Hospital in Valencia, specialises in imaging biomarkers, AI, and radiomics. He leads major EU projects like EUCAIM, has authored 650+ papers, and serves as VP of FEAM and academic of Spain’s Royal Medical Academy.
Fulvio Renoldi Bracco
Fulvio Renoldi Bracco, CEO of Bracco Imaging, leads one of the world’s major diagnostic imaging companies. An economics graduate of Bocconi and former Citibank banker, he also chairs ACIST and serves as Vice President of Federchimica and member of Confindustria and CEFIC.
Katrine Riklund
Prof. Katrine Riklund is Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University since 1 July 2016 and deputy to the Vice-Chancellor. She is also formerly chairperson of the ESR and president of the ECR.
She is responsible for research and doctoral education in medicine, natural sciences and technology. Assignments also includes responsibilities for third-stream activities and internationalisation of research.
Andrea Rockall
Andrea Rockall is Clinical Chair in Radiology at Imperial College London and Honorary Consultant Radiologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. She has served as Chair of the Female Pelvic Imaging group of ESUR, member of ORADS steering committee, Chair of the ESR National Societies Committee and was previously President of ECR and Chairperson of ESR, currently past-president of the ESR.
Cornelia Schaefer-Prokop
Cornelia Schaefer-Prokop is an internationally recognised chest radiologist and Professor at Hanover Medical School and Radboud UMC. Former President of ESTI and the Fleischner Society, she has published 200+ papers, lectures widely, and is renowned for her educational leadership in thoracic imaging.
Marion Smits
Marion Smits is a Professor and Head of Neuroradiology at Erasmus MC, Rotterdam. She specialises in neuro and head & neck radiology, integrating clinical work with research on advanced MR neuroimaging techniques, such as functional MRI and diffusion imaging, with a focus on neuro-oncology. Smits holds key roles in international organisations, including chairing committees for the Radiological Society of the Netherlands and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Her research explores brain function, microarchitecture, and neurological diseases, fostering the application of scientific innovation in clinical practice through teaching and leadership roles. She was named Most Influential Researcher in Radiology in 2021.
Majda Thurnher
…
Valérie Vilgrain
Valérie Vilgrain is Chair of Radiology at University Beaujon Hospital, is a Professor at University of Paris Cité. She’s a leading expert in liver, pancreas, and bile duct imaging. She is a board member of ESGAR (the European Society of Gastrointestinal Abdominal Radiology) and affiliated with ESR, RSNA, EASL, SFR, and IS3R, with key roles in education and committees. Her extensive work includes 500+ papers, major trials, guideline contributions, and editorial responsibilities. She is former scientific director of ESOR and leads multiple significant academic projects, securing €52.6M in funding since 2015.
How to apply
Applications for the first cohort of The Athena Mentorship Programme are open to eligible candidates (see “Who the programme is for”). Selected mentees will commit to active participation across the nine-month journey, including attendance at the live sessions and engagement in mentoring and remote programme activities.
Please complete the application form together with:
- Short CV (using only the ESOR template provided)
- Motivational statement
-
- What motivates you to apply to The Athena Mentorship Programme
-
- What are your top 2–3 development goals for the next 12 months? (max 200 words)
-
- Please list any leadership responsibilities you currently hold (committee roles, teaching leadership, project leadership, society roles, etc.) (max 150 words)
-
- Please list any previous leadership training you have received.
- Please list any previous leadership training you have received.
Application deadline: April 10, 2026
Notification of outcome: mid-April 2026
Programme start / kick-off (Milan): 14–15 June 2026
Fees: EUR 1.190,--
Please note the price is excl. 10% VAT, which will be added during the registration process for a total of EUR 1.309,–.
The registration fee includes:
- participation in the live event in June 2026, including one night accommodation
- access to ECR 2027
- participation in online modules and mentorship sessions
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