Over recent decades, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) has revolutionised healthcare by providing the ability to look inside the human body non-invasively and without any adverse effects on patients’ health.

As the birthplace of MRI, thanks to its pioneer Nobel Prize Winner the late Sir Peter Mansfield, Nottingham has played a major role in its evolution.

Delegates attending the NIHR Nottingham BRC Symposium heard how further innovations in MRI have a great potential to further advance healthcare and provide pathways for efficient precision medicine.

A workshop entitled ‘Innovations in MRI for biomedical research’ was the first of two topics on MRI. It was hosted by Dr Galina Pavlovskaya, an expert in -MRI and Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham, Professor Thomas Meersmann, also an MRI expert, and MRI researcher Dr William Cottam.

Prof. Meersmann discussed recent developments in MRI with hyperpolarised species and its translation to the clinic. Dr Pavlovskaya also touched on basis of -MRI (MRI histology), 23Na MRI and their fusion to demonstrate its potential in clinical cases of diabetes, pre-eclampsia and the brain.

The researchers also gave an overview of similar facilities outside the UK (21T -MRI, NHMFL, Tallahassee, FL, USA) and discuss opportunities for collaboration. Dr William Cottam also updated workshop delegates on on-going innovative clinical MRI developments in Nottingham.

The workshop concluded with an interactive panel discussion addressing questions on the topics covered in the session.