Hyperpolarized MRI Technology Resource Center

Administration Project Summary/Abstract The Hyperpolarized MRI Technology Resource Center (HMTRC) is designed to be timely, nimble and highly productive in the development of new hyperpolarized (HP) MR instrumentation, techniques, acquisition and analysis software through push-pull interactions with Collaborative Project (CP) investigators. In parallel, another key goal of the center is to disseminate these newly developed technologies to the Service Project (SP) Investigators for extramural feedback and to the general scientific community through the new website, symposia/seminar, monthly newsletter, annual HP MR Technology Workshops, and hands-on training. In order to accomplish all these goals and functions, a carefully-constructed administrative plan has been developed & refined over the past 10 years, with a clearly defined, but dynamic structure that can be modified to meet new challenges and changing collaborative, service, training and dissemination needs. This has required a detailed organizational structure to enable “team decision-making”, so that each member of the team can provide their specialized input for optimal technology development and translation to address unmet scientific and/or clinical needs. The HMTRC administrative structure and implementation have evolved considerably since the original submission as the interactions and complexity of the P41 have increased dramatically over the past ten years. These improvements have also benefited from great institutional support, input from many experienced sources including the external advisory committee (EAC), leading experts in HP technology, the HP Radiologist Leadership & Translational Advisory committees, NIBIB Program Staff, and interactions with other P41 centers. The HMTRC administrative infrastructure now extends nationally to provide information, dissemination of novel technologies to CPs, SPs, and other investigators conducting HP 13C MRI preclinical and clinical research. As stated in their attached report: “The EAC … is unanimous in their assessment that the HMTRC is high functioning as an NCBIB. The HMTRC has led the nation (and the world) in the development and translation of HP MRI through a unique combination of skills, expertise, instrumentation, environment, clinical engagement, and industry engagement, which simply does not exist elsewhere. The HMTRC will continue to serve as a critical national resource through the next funding cycle as the field of HP MRI expands and matures, particularly with the clinical translation of new HP agents, and more sites engaging in research involving human subjects. The restructured Center benefits from clear and enhanced synergy between all TR&Ds and Collaborative Projects that are more broadly geographically distributed”.