GloBIAS – The Global BioImage Analysts’ Society
Posted by Christa Walther, on 20 November 2025
Over the past two years, GloBIAS has evolved from a visionary concept into a thriving and steadily growing international network. The idea for the Global BioImage Analysts’ Society (GloBIAS) first emerged in the 2023 Society for Knowledge Exchange in BioImage Analysis (SoBIAS) grant proposal, which was inspired by the pioneering work of NEUBIAS. With generous funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, GloBIAS was established to expand NEUBIAS’s activities and values on a global scale, fostering connections among BioImage Analysts worldwide to share knowledge, strengthen collaborations, and build a sustainable professional community.
Since its inception, GloBIAS has achieved remarkable milestones. The society has successfully shaped its identity by selecting a name, designing a distinctive logo with the help of a talented volunteer, and launching an engaging and informative website (www.globias.org). These efforts have been complemented by the creation of an active online collaboration platform, which has become a hub for members to exchange ideas, share resources, and work together on projects.
A major milestone was reached in October 2024 with the official registration of GloBIAS as an organization in Austria. This achievement, made possible through the generous support and cooperation of numerous partners, marked the beginning of a new chapter. Membership enrolment commenced, and the society began implementing the structure outlined in its statutes, which were collaboratively developed by CZI project grantees and volunteers.
The contributions of dedicated volunteers have been instrumental in the society’s growth. Their expertise in community building, association management, and event organization has led to significant achievements, including the first GloBIAS workshop held in Gothenburg from November 5–8, 2024. This event brought together BioImage Analysts from around the world to exchange ideas, share best practices, and foster collaboration. Building on this success, the society is now preparing for its inaugural GloBIAS conference, scheduled to take place in Kobe, Japan, from October 26–31, 2025.
The backbone of GloBIAS lies in its dynamic work groups, which have been a demonstration of the creativity, commitment, and generosity of its members. These groups have tackled a wide range of initiatives, from organizing events and developing educational resources to fostering collaborations and advancing the field of BioImage Analysis. For example, the GloBIAS Survey 24 work group successfully conducted a structured, collaborative effort that culminated in a preprint publication, setting a high standard for future projects. Building on this momentum, the GloBIAS publication work group is already preparing a new series of joint publications to further contribute to the field.
GloBIAS ensures that its activities are accessible to members across continents and time zones, demonstrating the power of global collaboration. Virtual meetings, webinars, and digital resources have enabled members to participate actively, regardless of their location.
As the current funding period from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative concludes at the end of 2025, GloBIAS stands on a solid foundation, ready to expand its reach and impact even further. The society’s achievements to date reveal dedication, enthusiasm, and collaborative spirit of its members.
GloBIAS warmly invites all those who share its vision of connecting BioImage Analysts worldwide to join this vibrant community. Together, we can shape the future of BioImage Analysis, fostering innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on a truly global scale.


