Monash University will today launch Victoria's most advanced, research-dedicated MRI scanner to support world-class researchers as they accelerate breakthroughs in critical health challenges like dementia, schizophrenia, addiction, epilepsy and cancer.
The cutting-edge Siemens Healthineers MAGNETOM Cima.X 3T MRI scanner, housed at Monash Biomedical Imaging (MBI) in Clayton, utilises multimodal imaging capabilities to deliver scans quicker and more accurately than ever before.
This critical research infrastructure is jointly funded by Monash University and the National Imaging Facility, with funding from the Department of Education National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program.
Accelerating translation from bench to bedside, the outcomes delivered by the Cima.X scanner will strengthen Australia's global leadership in research innovation and the development of the next generation of therapeutics.
Monash University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure) Professor Jacek Jasieniak said the Cima.X scanner is critical to ensuring continued innovation and development of the University's globally impactful research.
"The major technological advancements offered by the Cima.X were specifically developed to drive innovation and new discoveries," he said.
"In addition to accelerating our capability for much faster and greater impact in the future, the scanner will attract new research collaborations and partnerships and strengthen Australia's international competitiveness for translational research."
"This will give our researchers and clinicians even more support to deliver the life-changing and -saving work they do every day."
With the MBI facility co-located in the same precinct as the Monash Velos Accelerator alongside the University's MAVERIC supercomputer, the first of its kind in Australia, Cima.X also offers a unique opportunity for AI researchers to collect high-resolution and signal-to-noise imaging data for advanced artificial intelligence algorithms development.
It will be pivotal in supporting flagship University projects like the Monash Brain and Behaviour Project, which is recruiting thousands of patients for detailed neuroimaging and psychiatric assessments, and the Medical Research Future Fund-funded Monash Autism and ADHD Genetics and Neurodevelopment project to map brain changes across autism and ADHD.
MBI Director Professor Christoph Hagemeyer said the scanner will ultimately deliver better patient care and outcomes, with foundational research being translated sooner into better care.
"So much of today's diagnosis and treatment relies on MRI scans," he said.
"The Cima.X instrument has the highest gradient strength in the world, which means better resolution faster than ever before, and much better patient comfort."
"Australian clinicians are aiming to diagnose many conditions earlier and improve treatments, and the Cima.X supports that critical work."
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