State-of-the art preclinical MRI for advanced in vivo imaging

Description

Background information on Project<br />The University of Manchester is replacing its preclinical 7T MRI scanner. The University has a strong history of cutting-edge MRI methods development and applications in stroke, neurodegeneration, and oncology research, with the objective of understanding human disease and delivering tangible patient benefits. <br />The preclinical MRI facility is part of a wider Imaging Facilities, encompassing both preclinical and clinical medical imaging modalities. The new preclinical MRI scanner will complement other cutting edge imaging capability including intravital multiphoton imaging system, functional ultrasound, optical imaging, SPECT/CT and PET/CT. The University leases its radiochemistry facility to Alliance Medical Radiopharmaceuticals, who can supply the University with preclinical and clinical radiotracers. The University also has links with the Christie Hospital in Withington and CRUK Manchester Institute, where preclinical proton-beamline will soon be operational. These imaging facilities are supported by world class core facilities including histology, spatial omics technologies, and high-end microscopy. <br />The installation of the new MRI system must be completed by Feb 2027, and a provisional installation timeline is set for 3rd quarter of 2026.<br /><br />The funding for the new instrument will be met through a combination of Medical Research Council grant and University contributions. The University has been notified that the MRC bid was fundable, but MRC has indicated award is tentative subject to budget being available for 2025-2026 financial year, these grants will need to be in place before we can award the tender or enter into a contract. <br /><br />Project Overview<br />The proposed instrument will replace an existing 7T preclinical MRI system – a hybrid Agilent/Bruker machine that has been operational in total for over 20 years. The new machine will significantly upgrade capability by renewing worn/aged hardware, providing higher strength gradients (from 350mT/m to 900mT/m), and enabling X nuclei work focussing on 2H and 13C MRI. <br />The instrument will be integrated into a multi-user environment within the University of Manchester biomedical research corridor. It will be located close to the biological services facility and research groups working on brain diseases, oncology, cardiac imaging, etc. <br />