Imaging research: seeing things clearly
Seeing the symptoms and causes of disease is a vital part of diagnosing patients and our hospitals are at the forefront of developing new imaging methods to improve patient care.
Oxford University Hospitals benefits from three University of Oxford facilities at the John Radcliffe Hospital that are dedicated to advances in imaging through close working with the NHS.
University of Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR)
The University of Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR) uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to study the heart, brain, liver and other organs.
Since being founded in 2001, more than 35,000 scans have been performed at OCMR. Project specific funding of over £20m has resulted in the publication of over 300 scientific papers, with many cited in international clinical guidelines, such as on ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathies and heart valve disease.
OCMR has a dual function, as a major international centre for clinical research and cardiac MRI technical development, as well as providing the clinical cardiac MRI service for the John Radcliffe Hospital.
Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB)
The Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB) focuses on the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for brain imaging.
The facility opened in 1998 and has over 100 researchers, graduate students and support staff.
FMRIB has developed a software package to analyse brain scans that is used in over 1,000 research laboratories across the world.
FMRIB also develops new brain imaging methods, many of which have been adopted by major scanner manufacturers. Researchers working at FMRIB use this cutting edge technology to study a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Oxford Acute Vascular Imaging Centre (AVIC)
The Oxford Acute Vascular Imaging Centre (AVIC) is a unique facility that enables research to be undertaken in the first hours and minutes of presentation with important conditions such as heart attack, unstable angina, stroke or 'mini stroke'.
Through close integration with OUH clinical services at the John Radcliffe Hospital, investigators in AVIC are able to study the evolution of these conditions and the response to state of the art and emerging treatments in a safe, supported environment.
Further information
For further information see also Research Radiology