Center for Magnetic Resonance Research

Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) focuses on development of unique magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and spectroscopy methodologies and instrumentation. CMRR is a pioneer in developing the technology of ultrahigh magnetic fields (7 Tesla and above) for imaging the human body. Approaches and instrumentation developed in CMRR constitute some of the most important tools used today to study system-level organ function and physiology in humans.

Home to some of the most advanced MR instrumentation in the world, discoveries at the CMRR are driven by experts in imaging physics, engineering, and signal processing. As no single group of scientists can successfully carry out all aspects of this type of interdisciplinary biomedical research, the CMRR brings together researchers from across the University and facilitates interdisciplinary work by providing centralized support. Learn more about our faculty.

Human Connectome Project

CMRR is one of the partnered primary institutions that has been integral to the Human Connectome Project (HCP) to provide a complete description of the structural connectivity (the physical wiring) of the brain.

Optical Imaging and Brain Science

A resource for research throughout the University, CMRR is home to the Medical Discovery Team on Optical Imaging and Brain Science, a complementary effort working to map the circuitry of the brain at a cellular level.

Ultra-High Field Imaging Workshops

Every two years, CMRR hosts the Minnesota Workshop on Ultra-High Field Imaging, focused on high field magnetic resonance and functional brain imaging, including sessions with hands-on training.

Kamil Ugurbil, Director of CMRR, received the 2019 IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Medal for Innovations in Healthcare Technology “For pioneering the development and leading the advancement of ultra-high-field MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) technology for biomedical and brain research.”

Using 4 Tesla for human imaging in ~1990-1991, at a time when the “high field” clinical scanners operated only at 1.5 Tesla, Ugurbil’s team was one of the two that introduced functional imaging of brain activity. Subsequently, the CMRR was the first to introduce a 7 Tesla scanner for human studies in ~1999, starting the era of Ultra High Field MRI (defined as 7 Tesla and higher) and catalyzing the commercial availability of 7T scanners and approval of 7T for clinical diagnosis of brain and musculoskeletal diseases.

Dr. Ugurbil’s team is currently developing the world’s first 10.5 Tesla whole-body human scanner, which produced the first 10.5 Tesla human images in December 2017 and will lead to exciting opportunities in biomedical research and healthcare.

Learn more

Contact

Deb Morgan
Executive Assistant
rolli001@umn.edu
612-626-9591

Jeramy Kulesa
Operations and Safety Director
ande2445@umn.edu
612-625-8847