The Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre (WBIC) is a major research facility in the Unversity of Cambridge, dedicated to bringing the latest imaging research imaging protocols to both cognitive and clinical research. We work closely with clinical and basic scientists across the University and the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit. As a dedicated research facility on the Addenbrooke’s site, the WBIC has been incorporated into the environment of a Neurosciences Critical Care Unit. This regional centre provides the relevant care for the 2.6 million population of East Anglia, allowing crucial research into neurotrauma that is difficult within a conventional radiology department.
The WBIC opened in 1996 with a GE PET scanner, followed soon after by a Bruker 3T MRI system. Its unique location has allowed research into acute head injury that is difficult or impossible in a more standard radiology unit. Since its inception it has also provided research platforms for neuroscience themes, including dementia, stroke and neurosurgery as well as cognitive neuroscience. It is an academic division of the Department of Clinical Neuroscience with strong links and collaborations with the University Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, as well as the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit.
From 2006 it housed a Siemens TIM Trio 3T scanner (replacing the Bruker), and from 2008 a Siemens 3T Verio system. The latter wide bore system was funded in a collaboration with the Institute of Metabolic Science predominantly for spectroscopic applications.
The centre has more recently undergone a major programme of infrastructure investment and redevelopment, funded by the Medical Research Council Clinical Infrastructure Initiative and the University. The facilities now comprise a Siemens 7T Terra MRI scanner, a Siemens 3T PrismaFit scanner, a Siemens 3T SkyraFit scanner, a GE 3T PET/MR Signa scanner and a hyper-polariser system.