GUFI-14T: Summary Description of the Research Project
We aim to establish a German Ultra-High-Field (UHF) Imaging Center to enable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in humans at the extremely high magnetic field strength of 14 Tesla. This coordinated and open facility will enable unique research in medical physics, biomedical technology, as well as applied science and biomedicine to strengthen Germany’s pioneering and leading scientific as well as industrial position.
Extremely high field MRI at 14T qualifies as a major national resource from two different perspectives. MRI at 14T aims at an exceptional sensitivity in whole-body MRI to open new avenues for investigating pathophysiological processes across various biomedical research areas. This includes fundamental neuroscience as well as clinical research in such fields as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and immunological diseases. From a technological perspective, it aims to operate at the edge of feasibility, demanding meticulous evaluation of novel technological components including the simulation and measurement of electromagnetic fields.
Since no such scanner exists today, a coordinated national effort on academic research and industrial exploitation is required. Thirteen members and affiliated partners of the German Ultra-High-Field Imaging (GUFI) research consortium have agreed to support the initiative and contribute to the development of extremely high field MRI at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU). Moreover, we will closely collaborate with the Dutch National 14T MRI Initiative (DYNAMIC) that is currently developing the world’s first human 14T MRI system at Radboud University Nijmegen. In addition, several key industry partners have committed to support the project, including collaboration between various German technology providers. New magnet technology (Neoscan GmbH) using a 2nd generation high temperature superconductor (Theva GmbH,), novel antenna technology (Rapid Biomedical GmbH), and MR system technology (Siemens Healthineers AG) will be combined. The linked industry consortium will ensure the early commercial exploitation of research results and will strengthen Germany’s unique position in MR systems and technology and facilitate the leap to the next technology level.
The building for GUFI-14T has been planned and will be installed in the center of Erlangen within walking distance to Siemens Healthineers as one of the major industry partners.
The installation phase is scheduled to span seven years, including a three-year overlap period during which installations will continue while the first applications are already being conducted, followed by a 14-year operation phase. Access to the system will be open to all researchers and granted solely based on the scientific quality of the projects.