In 2008 the Department changed its name from Radiology to Radiology and Biomedical Imaging to reflect its continued growth in the field of biomedical imaging research. With the increase in space and equipment and the continuing interdisciplinary culture of UCSF, the Department continues to attract academicians of the highest caliber.

The Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging is actively engaged in research that ranges from basic science to new technologies to clinical applications. In 2007, the Department (including VA Medical Center and UCSF laboratories) ranked 2nd in total NIH funding for diagnostic radiology departments.

In the past several years, the Department has expanded and added three important state-of-the art research facilities: The Center for Molecular and Functional Imaging at China Basin Landing, The Surbeck Laboratory for Advanced Imaging located at QB3: The California Institute for Biomedical Research in Mission Bay, and the Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases at the San Francisco VA Medical Center.