The crucial role of bioimage analysts in scientific research and publication

Abstract

Bioimage analysis (BIA), a crucial discipline in biological research, overcomes the limitations of subjective analysis in microscopy through the creation and application of quantitative and reproducible methods. The establishment of dedicated BIA support within academic institutions is vital to improving research quality and efficiency and can significantly advance scientific discovery. However, a lack of training resources, limited career paths and insufficient recognition of the contributions made by bioimage analysts prevent the full realization of this potential. This Perspective - the result of the recent The Company of Biologists Workshop 'Effectively Communicating Bioimage Analysis', which aimed to summarize the global BIA landscape, categorize obstacles and offer possible solutions - proposes strategies to bring about a cultural shift towards recognizing the value of BIA by standardizing tools, improving training and encouraging formal credit for contributions. We also advocate for increased funding, standardized practices and enhanced collaboration, and we conclude with a call to action for all stakeholders to join efforts in advancing BIA.

Keywords: Bioimage analysis; Bioimage analysts; Bioimaging; Training.

Fig. 1.

Overview of the key skills and capabilities of a BIA specialist. Four categories of skills and capabilities have been identified: (A) image analysis, including theoretical and technical knowledge as well as a good understanding of the context of scientific questions; (B) implementation, covering building and deploying computational workflows, developing pipelines, and coding; (C) project management, including communicating effectively, providing support and devising data management plans; (D) education, focusing on teaching and training, designing curricula, and producing materials.

Fig. 2.

Major barriers to effective uptake of BIA. We have identified three categories of barriers: personal barriers, including the difficulties related to getting started in BIA and to finding suitable career options; structural barriers, including barriers in publishing and obtaining funding; and barriers related to the culture of the scientific community, such as peer pressure, a lack of incentives and a lack of clear governance principles.

Fig. 3.

A concise etiquette guide for interacting with BIA specialists. We recommend contacting your local bioimage analyst from the start of the project and providing them with regular updates instead of waiting for a complete acquired dataset before reaching out. Moreover, during the data acquisition phase, we suggest that experimentalists prepare a detailed plan for better time management and to aid effective communication with BIA specialists. Additionally, we ask for the bioimage analyst's expertise to be respected and for their scientific contributions to be recognized.

Fig. 4.

A vision for the future of the BIA community. We have set short-term and long-term goals for our community to address. In the short term, we would like to direct our efforts into defining standards, cataloging resources and routinely adopting best practices. In the long term, the defined standards should be disseminated through publications, policies and training. These objectives need the support of policy makers and funders for success. A particular focus should be placed on tailored funding opportunities, publication support and recognition of non-standard scientific contributions.