The University of Sydney has today unveiled a $9 million partnership with Siemens Healthineers centred on the opening of the state's most advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner.
Developed through a strategic research partnership between the University and Siemens Healthineers , the Cima.X 3T MRI Clinical Research Facility delivers imaging capabilities not previously available in NSW, strengthening the state's capacity for advanced medical research and clinical translation.
Chancellor David Thodey AO said the MRI scanner in the new Sydney Imaging facility is the most powerful clinically approved whole-body MRI scanner in the world.
"Access to cutting-edge platforms like the Siemens Healthineers Cima.X 3T MRI Scanner enables our researchers and clinicians to make discoveries that benefit patients, strengthen our health system, and build Australia's position in global research," he said.
A new era in medical imaging
The new Cima.X MRI scanner forms part of an integrated imaging suite located alongside the University's Hybrid Theatre , a research-dedicated surgical operating theatre equipped with advanced imaging technologies at the Charles Perkins Centre .
This arrangement allows MRI and surgical procedures to take place in the same space, reducing risk and complexity, and accelerating translational research.
It creates opportunities for interventional research, such as MRI-guided biopsies and brain stimulation techniques to treat neurological conditions, and supports medical device development and refining surgical procedures - including cardiac valve surgery - that would not be possible in separate facilities.
The opening ceremony was followed by a research symposium featuring international keynote Professor Derek Jones MBE from Cardiff University , highlighting the new opportunities this facility creates for collaboration in imaging science.
"The Sydney Imaging 3T MRI Clinical Research Facility is more than an investment in technology. By linking researchers, clinicians and industry, we are creating pathways to translate discovery into real impact."
Professor Julie Cairney
Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
A new perspective on dementia
Professor Sharon Naismith is a clinical neuropsychologist in the School of Psychology and heads the Healthy Brain Ageing Program at the Brain and Mind Centre , a one-of-its kind intervention research clinic for dementia.
Professor Naismith will be one of the first researchers to have access to the new scanner.
The new 3T MRI scanner features powerful gradient technology, enabling faster, sharper, and more detailed imaging. This allows researchers to map the brain in fine detail, detect disease markers earlier, and study heart and musculoskeletal conditions with unprecedented clarity.
These new perspectives support the development of new treatments and diagnostics, and ensure discoveries can move more quickly out of the lab and into clinical care.
"In older adults showing early signs of dementia, sleep problems are common," said Professor Naismith. "These sleep changes may be linked to early damage in a small part of the brainstem called the locus coeruleus, which controls an important brain chemical called noradrenaline.
"Until now, it has been hard to study this part of the brain in people with early dementia. This MRI technology will allow us to use sophisticated new methods to determine how this brain area works and changes.
"This will help us understand when and why sleep problems happen during dementia and guide us toward better treatments in the future."
Researchers will be able to use the facility for studies ranging from mapping brain pathways in dementia and multiple sclerosis, to testing new therapies for depression and anxiety, to improving diagnosis of heart disease and sports injuries.
It will also support cancer research by enabling earlier tumour detection and real-time tracking of treatment response, alongside the development of new surgical tools and robotic systems guided by MRI.
Professor Sharon Naismith is a leader in interventional research for dementia, which will benefit from the new 3T MRI facility. Image credit: University of Sydney / Stefanie Zingsheim
Community impact
Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Julie Cairney said the investment in this new technology and research partnership with Siemens Healthineers will create long-term community benefit.
"The Sydney Imaging 3T MRI Clinical Research Facility is more than an investment in technology. By linking researchers, clinicians and industry, we are creating pathways to translate discovery into real impact."
Alison Curren, General Manager of Diagnostic Imaging at Siemens Healthineers, said the project exemplifies the power of collaboration between industry and academia.
"By combining Siemens Healthineers' powerful MRI technology - which provides deeper insights into the human body - with the University's world-class research expertise, we can accelerate breakthroughs in neuroscience, oncology, cardiology, and beyond. This partnership will help transform patient care and open new frontiers in medical research."
Professor Simon Ringer , Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure), said the new MRI facility was central to the University's research strategy.
"Our aim is to provide researchers with platforms that enable discovery and translation. Sydney Imaging's 3T MR scanner will underpin a wide range of projects and delivers a huge boost to our clinical translational research capability. This remarkable platform operates under our Core Research Facilities program and is a key part of our research agenda today and the exciting agenda we are setting for the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator under our Sydney in 2032 strategy ."
The new Cima.X 3T MRI facility at Sydney Imaging is designed for patient comfort. Image credit: University of Sydney / Stefanie Zingsheim
Lead image credit: University of Sydney
