The Advanced Imaging Technologies (AIT) Research Division advances imaging science to benefit human disease studies. This includes everything from development of new techniques, to translation of existing techniques to improving quality, speed, information-content, and applicability of existing methods. It requires expertise and research focus on various areas including: Basic Physics, Basic Engineering, Bioengineering, Initial patient testing, Clinical single & multi-site trials of new techniques, and Training.
Mission Statement
The goal of the Advanced Imaging Technologies (AIT) Research Division at UCSF is to advance the use of biomedical imaging in research and clinical care by developing, implementing and disseminating cutting-edge imaging techniques. To achieve this goal, we will engage in
- Advancement of cutting-edge imaging systems
- Building imaging systems engineering and imaging physics knowledge within UCSF
- Engagement with international advanced imaging technology communities
- Creating collaborative teams including clinicians, scientists and engineers from academia and industry
- Apply advanced imaging technologies to relevant biomedical problems
Advanced Imaging Technologies Research
Research by Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) Research Division members encompasses a wide range of imaging technique development areas across modalities including MRI, PET, SPECT, CT, and ultrasound. This includes multiple research areas with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including specialized acquisition and reconstruction methods, custom radiofrequency (RF) hardware, ultra-high field MRI systems, accessible MRI systems, novel contrast agents, multi-nuclear MRI methods, and specialized preclinical MRI systems. In PET and SPECT, research includes developing novel imaging systems, image reconstruction algorithms, and multimodal imaging methods. The research also advances use of imaging in therapeutic applications, including focused ultrasound technology and imaging for radiation therapy planning.
This work is funded by numerous grants in which advanced imaging technique development is the primary or a substantial focus. This division has focused considerable effort on expanding the department's portfolio of extramural funding beyond primarily disease-focused grants to include more imaging technique development focused projects as well. The imaging techniques developed by division members are being applied in a wide variety studies enabling new disease-focused research by collaborators across UCSF and beyond.
