"OILTEBIA (Optical Imaging and Laser TEchniques for BIomedical Applications) is an Initial Training Network (ITN) that seeks to train researchers in a multidisciplinary environment where pulsed laser technology, sensor and signal processing techniques meet in the biomedicalenvironment to achieve novel optical imaging technologies from bench to bedside, spanning from basic research and drug discovery to preclinical imaging and clinical translation.Our particular focus is the development of novel probes and tomographic techniques using the broad range of information obtained from scattered light, diffuse light, the optoacoustic effect and fluorescence of targeted tracers. This will be accomplished by advances in new imaging modalities that allow non-invasive or minimally invasive interrogations of function and gene-expression in living subjects on different scales from tissue samples to vertebrae laboratory animal models to humans.The trainees will take advantage of the unique combination of physics, bioengineering, biology and medical training. Their careers will be opened up to multiple paths within academia, research laboratories and industry. The activities of the network will be closely followed by industry, represented in OILTEBIA by leading industry full partners (VERMON, SACHER and PHILIPS) and several associated industrial partners.OILTEBIA has set-up a sophisticated and well coordinated programme in Optical Biomedical Imaging at a European Level. The programme training activities include on-site courses, joint laboratory training platforms, common training courses at summer schools as well as shortcourses. Since the cooperation between academia and industry is the priority of OILTEBIA, Vermon, Sacher and Philips and the associated partners will actively participate in the training activities to give the students a complete view of the industrial environment and it needs."