BIMA 15th Anniversary Celebration – A Memorable Event
On February 13, 2025, the MSc Programme in Biomedical Imaging (BIMA) celebrated its 15th anniversary with an inspiring seminar session and a lively evening gala. BIMA established in 2010 as a collaboration between the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, and has grown into a prominent programme in the field of biomedical imaging. This milestone event brought together BIMA alumni, staff, current students, and industry professionals to reflect on past achievements and explore future opportunities.
BIMA Stories and Next Imaging Generations Seminar
The celebration began at Osmo Järvi Auditorium, University of Turku, with an engaging seminar featuring six insightful talks and a keynote speech. The event kicked off with a mingling session over coffee and pulla, allowing attendees to reconnect and network. The seminar highlighted alumni stories, where former students shared their experiences and career paths, followed by industry insights, providing perspectives from academia and the biomedical industry. Diana Tovola, Associate Professor at Åbo Akademi University and Head of the BIMA Programme, opened the seminar with a speech reflecting on the 15-year journey of the MSc programme. She presented statistics on BIMA graduates, emphasizing the programme’s strong international and multidisciplinary nature. She highlighted that 60% of graduates have pursued or are currently pursuing a PhD, showcasing BIMA’s significant role in advancing biomedical sciences. The keynote speaker, Prof. Carolina Wählby from Uppsala University, Sweden, delivered a thought-provoking talk on “28 Years of Measuring Things in Images – and What to Do Next.” The seminar concluded with closing remarks from Pekka Ruusuvuori, Associate Professor at Uuiversity of Turku, setting the stage for the evening’s celebrations.
BIMA For My Valentine Evening Gala
The festivities continued at Kårkafé Arken, Åbo Akademi University, where the evening gala, “BIMA For My Valentine,” took place. With 80 participants in attendance, the night was filled with excitement, games, and speeches and dinner. A special toast was given by Pekka Hänninen, Dean from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, and John Eriksson, Director General of Euro-BioImaging Finland, both recognized as founding figures (the “fathers”) of BIMA. They reflected on the programme’s origins and impact
over the years and toasted to BIMA’s achievements and bright future. One of the highlights of the evening was the reveal of the first-ever BIMA logo, presented by Pasi Kankaanpää, Head of Turku BioImaging. The gala also included an award presentation to the competition winner, followed by an energetic atmosphere with a DJ and dancing.
over the years and toasted to BIMA’s achievements and bright future. One of the highlights of the evening was the reveal of the first-ever BIMA logo, presented by Pasi Kankaanpää, Head of Turku BioImaging. The gala also included an award presentation to the competition winner, followed by an energetic atmosphere with a DJ and dancing.
The BIMA 15th Anniversary was a remarkable event, mainly organised by BIMA students. The shared experiences, professional insights, and joyful moments made it a truly special occasion.
Big thanks to everyone who participated in making this anniversary unforgettable!!!
Images captured by Henok Karvonen and Irina Belaia