Why 14 Tesla?
The decision to upgrade to 14 Tesla for the scanner is driven by the desire to enhance sensitivity. The shift from 7 to 14 Tesla will triple the sensitivity, allowing for qualitative advancements. David Norris, the project leader, explained: “The increase in sensitivity will allow us to observe different aspects of our bodies. In the field of medicine, we will be able to detect diseases earlier and in more detail. Additionally, in neuroscience, we can establish connections between the functioning of individual cells and the brain as a whole.”
Curiosity, reflectiveness and connectiveness
This project involves a significant collaboration, and many of the partners were present to share their perspectives and offer congratulations on the start of the project. According to Daniël Wigboldus, Chair of the Radboud University, this project embodies the core values of the Radboud University: “curiosity, reflectiveness and connectiveness are three core values of our university. We are more than happy to see this project come to a start. An instrument like this brings curiosity driven people together, making it a tool of connectiveness as well.”
Alan Sanfey, Scientific Director of the DCCN, and Edward de Haan, Scientific Director of the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour highlighted the importance of this project within the scientific network at the DI, Netherlands, and Europe.
Mini symposium from the consortium
During the mini symposium several consortium partners shared their expertise, provided background information, and discussed their roles in the project. Anja van der Kolk and Rick Helmich, scientists from Radboudumc, shared the current state of imaging and shared their vision of a world free of brain disorders. Aard Nederveen from Amsterdam UMC share insights on how to ensure 14-tesla MRI safety. Tom Scheenen, from Radboudumc, explained that the scanner will be a whole-body system, not limited to the brain. Project leaders from other tesla 7 and 11 projects also shared their experiences in developing, manufacturing, transporting, and installing different MRI scanners. Consortium members are:
- Amsterdam UMC
- Spinoza Centre
- Leiden University Medical Centre
- University Medical Centre Utrecht
- Radboud University
- Radboud University Medical Centre
- University Maastricht
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