Hyperpolarised gas functional lung and molecular imaging

The objective of this equipment and facilities grant is to significantly enhance Australia's capability for doing magnetic resonance (MR) functional lung imaging research via (i) construction and installation of a polariser to generate hyperpolarised noble gases, and (ii) acquisition of specialised MR coils for lung imaging. This will enable internationally-competitive cutting-edge physiological research into neonatal lung development and mechanisms across a broad range of respiratory pathophysiology. It will also enable research into and development of novel molecular imaging modalities without requiring ionising radiation exposure. This will greatly enhance scientific understanding of animal and human lung physiology and pathophysiology.