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SFU ImageTech Lab Opens Up “Best Possible Windows” Into Human Brain Function
Wednesday, September 26, 2018Company Profile | Follow Company
Burnaby, BC, September 26, 2018--(T-Net)--A world-class clinical research facility—SFU ImageTech Lab—was unveiled last week by Simon Fraser University and Fraser Health. The SFU lab is the first-of-its-kind in Western Canada and will be a cornerstone in Surrey's Health Technology District.
The lab provides the critical combination of high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) together with high-density magnetoencephalography (MEG)—uniquely embedded within Surrey Memorial Hospital—an emerging academic health sciences centre.
The lab will advance translational brain and body research and focus on advanced diagnostics and treatment monitoring in neurology and mental health, and many other healthcare areas. The facility—representing many firsts—brings together a partnership between SFU and Fraser Health, to ensure British Columbia continues to be globally competitive in advanced brain and body imaging.
The combination of a high field 3T whole-body MRI with a high-density 275-channel MEG provides state-of-the-art capabilities for "the best possible windows" into brain function. These sophisticated medical imaging tools will enable the region's top health innovators to bring rapid advances in the treatment of devastating brain disorders and diseases, brain injury, brain tumours, epilepsy, autism, Down Syndrome, aging and dementia, depression, addictions, and mood disorders.
The lab is made possible with initial funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), and B.C. Knowledge Development Fund, and from generous contributions from Philips Canada, CTF MEG and a number of other individuals and organizations.
"The SFU ImageTech Lab adds to the university's strengths in health technologies and our growing reputation as a national innovation leader. By fostering research that contributes to healthier communities, it will also help us to advance our mission as Canada's Engaged University." said SFU President Andrew Petter.
"This lab positions B.C. and Surrey for global leadership in health technology innovation, and investments in these innovations play a critical role in disrupting and improving how healthcare is delivered. Among the many advances it brings in medical imaging, it provides the best possible views to watch our brains in action. stated Dr. Ryan D'arcy, SFU Professor, Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation BC Leadership Chair In Multimodal Technology For Healthcare Innovations.
"When you combine these powerful clinically-embedded technologies with a direct translational focus on individual healthcare impact - that's something special. However, when we take it up to the "next level" by mobilizing a wide-spanning partnership network across the university, healthcare, community and business sectors— now we have the privilege of leading a truly unique model for a successful Canadian healthtech innovation cluster." continued Dr. Victoria Lee, Vice-president, Population Health And Chief Medical Health Officer For Fraser Health.
"The SFU ImageTech Lab is a testament to the power of collaboration and partnerships, As the first-of-its-kind in Western Canada, the facility helps position Canada for global leadership in health technology innovation."
Backgrounder: advancing SFU research
SFU researchers benefitting from the new facility include:
About Simon Fraser University:
As Canada's engaged university, SFU is defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting-edge research and far-reaching community engagement. SFU was founded more than 50 years ago with a mission to be a different kind of university—to bring an interdisciplinary approach to learning, embrace bold initiatives, and engage with communities near and far. Today, SFU is Canada's leading comprehensive research university and is ranked one of the top universities in the world. With campuses in British Columbia's three largest cities - Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey - SFU has eight faculties, delivers almost 150 programs to over 35,000 students, and boasts more than 150,000 alumni in 130 countries around the world.
About Fraser Health:
Fraser Health provides a wide range of integrated health care services to more than 1.8 million people living in communities stretching from Burnaby to Hope. Our quality health care services range from acute care hospitals to community-based residential, home health, mental health and public health services. As one of Canada's largest health authorities, Fraser Health employs more than 26,000 employees, 2,900 physicians and nearly 6,500 volunteers.
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