MRI Center Celebrates Its First Year
On July 22, "International Brain Day," the Technion's May-Blum-Dahl Human MRI Research Center (Tech MRC) celebrated its first year of activity
Part of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, the center advances interdisciplinary research impacting medicine and industry. In its first year, it fostered collaboration across various domains, emphasizing an integrated approach to complex problems.
Unique Capabilities and Equipment
The center features advanced MRI technology, including a Siemens 3T Prisma MRI scanner, and unique infrastructure for innovative scans. It is equipped with audiovisual tools, an eye-tracking device, response boxes, and EEG equipment for simultaneous EEG-fMRI examinations. The center also has an original mock scanner for acclimating subjects and a robot for mobility analysis.
The People at the Center
The center’s manager and experienced MRI researcher, Dr. Daphna Link-Sourani, developed the center as a well-equipped, modern, and advanced hub that encourages research collaborations within and outside the Technion, tailored to the needs of the researchers and their teams staffing the center.
Dr. Daphna Link-Sourani
There are numerous researchers from various fields and faculties at Technion engaged in research at the center, demonstrating its broad interdisciplinary impact. To mention a few from the center’s core staff:
Dr. Moti Freiman
Dr. Moti Freiman from the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, academic director of the Center, focuses on AI for imaging inflammatory processes, cardiac muscle, and early pathology detection.
Assoc. Prof. Tzipi Horowitz-Kraus
Assoc. Prof. Tzipi Horowitz-Kraus from the Faculty of Education in Science and Technology and the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, researches language and reading acquisition using MRI, EEG, and eye movement data in typically and atypically developing children.
Dr. Firas Mawase
Dr. Firas Mawase from the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, examines brain control over fine motor skills and the impact of brain injuries on movement.
Dr. Efrat Shimron
Dr. Efrat Shimron from the Faculty of Electrical & Computer Engineering and the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, develops methods to shorten MRI scan times and improve image quality using machine learning.
Dr. Yoed Kenett
Dr. Yoed Kenett from the Faculty of Data and Decision Sciences, studies the role of knowledge in high-level thinking, conducting longitudinal brain research to predict creativity.
Future Goals and Collaboration
The center aims to expand interdisciplinary collaborations within the Technion, as well as leveraging Technion’s knowledge and fostering ties with other academic institutions, health institutions and industries. It supports groundbreaking MRI research, holding events and promoting human imaging in Israel and worldwide.