Animal facilities
Behavior exploration
Biomarker research
Cerebral functions
Clinical Studies
Data analysis & modeling
Imaging
Instrumentation
Neuroanatomy
Pharmaceutical trials

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

In vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy from small animal to human

A unique site for anatomical, functional, and metabolic imaging

Located at two sites on the Marseille-Timone university hospital campus, the in vivo MRI platform develops and applies nuclear magnetic resonance instruments and methods for morphological, metabolic and functional exploration of the animal and human body (brain, spinal cord, skeletal muscle, cardiovascular system).

The platform is unique in that it conducts research on both animal and human models. This translational integration of research activities makes it highly effective in transferring results obtained in basic and preclinical research to clinical applications.

The platform is also involved in instrumental (dedicated RF antennas, restraint devices, physiological monitoring accessories, ergometers for animals and humans, etc.) and methodological (pulse sequences, data processing and multimodal image presentation software, etc.) development projects.

It is open to services and collaborative projects.

Technics

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
Physiological parameter monitoring and analysis
Image analysis
Mechanical and Electronic Instrumentation Design
Behavioral Tests
Brain stimulation coupled to EEG

Equipments

Clinical human whole body 7T MRI
Clinical human whole body 3T MRI
Cluster computing
Image Analysis Workstation
Preclinical 7T MRI system (small animal) & RF coils
Preclinical 11.75T MRI system (small animal) & RF coils
Multinuclear MRI/MRS (e.g. Fluorine, Phosphorus, Sodium...)

Training

You are looking for a platform to train one or more staff on a particular technique or equipment: you’re at the right place!

This platform is open to training other than for students enrolled in Aix Marseille Université courses and associated institutions. For more information, please contact the scientific manager.

Services subject to charges

You have a project that requires expertise, a technique or equipment that you don’t have? You’re not looking for scientific collaboration, but for the expert who can meet your needs? Then you’ve come to the right place.

To submit a project to the in vivo MRI platform, please contact the scientific or technical managers by e-mail. Briefly describe your project, specifying the targeted imaging modality (clinical or preclinical MRI), the magnetic field, the type of study (monocentric or multicentric), the number of subjects, regulatory and time constraints, and the nature of the request (scientific or commercial partnership).

Applications can be submitted at any time of the year. They are selected based on their feasibility, including the time and human resources required. The applicant will be answered within two months, together with an estimate and a provisional schedule for the requested services.

Numbers!

5 MR systems available for various applications

7 Tesla (the highest clinically approved magnetic field strength worldwide)

11.75 Tesla (ultra-high preclinical field strength)

<1mm (In vivo human MR imaging at sub-millimetric resolution)

30 ongoing academic projects every year

15 ongoing industrial projects every year (including pharmaceutical trials)

360° video of the platform: click on the arrows to travel around the room!