Research on the biological foundations of mental illnesses to enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through advanced imaging research.
The Royal’s Brain Imaging Centre (BIC) at the University of Ottawa Institute for Mental Health Research (IMHR) is a leader in neuroimaging, dedicated to advancing mental health research through cutting edge technology and expertise. We specialize in simultaneous multimodality imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and electroencephalogram (EEG) scanning, providing researchers with powerful tools to investigate brain function, structure, and neuropsychiatric disorders.
The Institute’s highly skilled team offers comprehensive support at every stage of research, from study design and protocol optimization to image acquisition and advanced data management and analysis. The team works closely with investigators to tailor imaging solutions that maximize data quality and scientific impact.
Equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology, the BIC enables high-resolution brain mapping, functional connectivity analysis, and neurochemical imaging, fostering ground-breaking discoveries in neuroimaging. The team’s commitment to innovation, high-quality data, and collaboration makes the BIC an unparalleled partner for researchers seeking to push the boundaries of brain science.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including anatomical, functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), arterial spin labeling (ASL), MR spectroscopy (MRS)
- Magnetic resonance (MR) sequence development
- Positron emission tomography (PET imaging) (static or dynamic acquisition, metabolite analysis and protein binding)
- Radiochemistry services
- Phlebotomy and processing
- Simultaneous electroencephalography-magnetic resonance imaging (EEG+MRI)
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
- Data management
- Software and computers for image processing and analysis
- Expert staff available to support research projects: on-site study coordinator, MRI analyst, and experienced provider of imaging services for industry sponsored clinical trials
- Healthcare and social services
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Specialized labs and equipment
| Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| Siemens Biograph mMR positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI) Scanner | Combines positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in one scanner. |
| Hot Lab | Storage, processing, and dispensing of radioactive materials for PET imaging. |
| Baker ChemGARD Radioisotope (RI) Fume Hood | Safe handling of radioactive material. |
| Hidex AMG Automatic Gamma Counter | Measures gamma radiation emitted by radioactive isotopes. |
| VWR Mega Star 600R Centrifuge with TX-150 swinging bucket rotor | Separates substances in biological samples. |
| VWR PHCbi TwinGuard Series -86 °C Ultra-Low Temperature Upright Freezer, model MDF-DU702VXCPA | Storage of biological samples at -80 °C. |
| Avanti 5.2 cu ft. Compact Refrigerator, model AR52T3SB | Storage of biological samples at 4 °C. |
| Patient Bay Areas (3) | Patient preparation areas. |
| Simulation Room | Dedicated space for participant and patient interviews, assessments, and MRI simulation. |
| Psychology Software Tools MRI Simulator PST-100355 | Mock scanner with touchscreen controls, laser positioning crosshair, motorized table, and built-in speakers for sounds for MRI simulation. |
| Data and Visualization Room | Dedicated space with high performance computers used for data processing and analysis. |
| BIOPAC MP160 System with AcqKnowledge software | MRI compatible biometric system for acquiring and analyzing physiology measurements (electromyogram (EMG), electrocardiogram (ECG), electrodermal activity (EDA), respiratory rate). |
| Dell Precision 7960 Rack Workstation with 2 A6000 GPUs | Computer server for data science and AI development. |
| Cardio-Neuro-Mind Data Platform (CNMDP) | Research data management platform for data related to mental, neurological, and cardiovascular health research (storage, analysis, and sharing of data). |
Private and public sector research partners
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI)
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute (uOBMRI)
- University of Ottawa (uOttawa)
- Carleton University
- Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO)
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI)
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute
- Bruyère Health Research Institute (BHRI)
- The Memory Clinic
- Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro)
Additional information
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
| The Royal’s Brain Imaging Centre Resource Hub | https://cnmdp.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/TRBIC/overview |
| Cardio-Neuro-Mind Data Platform (CNMDP) | https://cnmdp.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CNMDP/overview |