A world-leading MRI centre in Nottingham has undergone a £9 million investment programme to help it carry on the pioneering work of its founder.
Sir Peter Mansfield made the famous medical breakthrough at the University of Nottingham in 1977, which led to Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanners, or MRI, being used in hospitals around the world.
And on Friday a £9 million investment programme, which includes two new MRI scanners and major upgrades to existing scanners at the University of Nottingham and the Queen’s Medical Centre, was marked by the Sir Peter Mansfield Magnetic Resonance Centre changing its name to the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre.
The programme involves merging MRI research at the University and the Queen’s Medical Centre, although the facilities are spread across both sites.
In particular, it is hoped the facilities will diagnose dementia earlier and offer improved treatment for patients.
The re-named centre will also conduct research in obesity, gastroenterology, liver disease, metabolism, orthopaedics, respiratory medicine and mental health.
Sir Peter was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2003 for his work.
Professor Richard Bowtell, who leads the centre, said: “The MRC Clinical Research Capabilities and Technologies Initiative, that funded the new equipment, is a clear recognition of the strengths and outstanding expertise Nottingham has in multi-modal imaging physics and experimental medicine.
“This investment will support our commitment to clinical translation of new imaging tools to produce a step change in clinical outcomes.”
Around 800,000 people in the UK are affected by various stages of dementia – which include memory loss, problems with reasoning, perception and communication skills. It is a progressive disease and symptoms get worse over time.
