Core GIfMI

The Ghent Institute for Functional and Metabolic Imaging (GIfMI) is a Ghent University Core Facility providing open-access MRI research infrastructure and expert support for academic researchers and industrial partners. Our mission is to enable high-quality, innovative MRI studies through tailored technical and methodological support. 
 

Core GIfMI has expertise in in-vivo and ex-vivo imaging of humans and large animals (dogs, cats, pigs, monkeys, …) and test objects (phantoms). Clinical partner is the dept of Medical Imaging, UZ Gent.

• Advanced MRI Applications
  o    High resolution 2D/3D anatomical MRI 
  o    Functional MRI (fMRI) for brain activity mapping
  o    Diffusion imaging for probing microstructure
  o    Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) for chemical analysis
  o    MR Elastography (MRE) for tissue stiffness
  o    Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) and Dynamic Contrast Enhanced imaging for perfusion mapping
  o    MR Relaxometry for characterization of tissue properties
  o    Flow imaging in 2/3/4 dimensions
  o    MR Thermometry, pH mapping, chemical exchange mapping
  o    Integration of physiological monitoring during scans

• Custom Imaging Protocols
  o    Tailored sequences for specific research questions
  o    Access to prototype and work-in-progress sequences

• Clinical Imaging
  o    Diagnostic imaging via UZ Ghent protocols

• Research Support
  o    Study design consultation
  o    Ethics guidance and IRB support
  o    Data management (secure storage, anonymization, BIDS/XNAT integration)
  o    Consulting for image processing and analysis workflows

• Clinical trials
  o    Imaging services and quality assurance

• Network of (inter-) national experts
  o    GIfMI staff can set up new collaborations with experts in the field
   

• 3T Siemens Prisma MRI scanner
• Extensive set of coils for each body part
• Ancillary equipment for physiological monitoring and stimulus presentation
   

• Scientific Director: Wim Fias PhD
• Core Facility manager: Pim Pullens PhD
• Engineer: Pieter Vandemaele MSc
• Research assistant/radiographer: Stephanie Bogaert MSc BMIT
   

• Location: UZ Ghent Campus, entrance 55
• Email: gifmi@ugent.be
• Website: gifmi.ugent.be
• How to Start a Study