Stanford's Translational Biomedical Imaging Instrumentation (TBI2) Training Program

ABSTRACT This proposal outlines a request to fund our multidisciplinary predoctoral training program, Stanford’s Translational Biomedical Imaging Instrumentation (TBI2) training program. Biomedical imaging technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Our mission is to train the next generation of researchers and inventors in translational biomedical imaging instrumentation in order to meet the national demand for highly skilled scientists in this field. At the national level, there persists a clear need for trained researchers in biomedical imaging instrumentation to fill positions in academia, industry, and government in order to fuel the cycles of innovation that ultimately impact human health. Our vision for achieving translational impact includes both bench to bedside (clinical translation) and bench to industry (translational entrepreneurship). Our vision is motivated by the career interests of our trainees, many of whom seek professional opportunities in academics and many of whom seek to translate their skills for translational impact by way of industry. Stanford University provides a highly innovative and unique multidisciplinary research environment in biomedical imaging instrumentation. The TBI2 faculty have an outstanding track record of innovation and translation that spans magnetic resonance imaging/spectroscopy, computed tomography, ultrasound, PET, molecular imaging, and optical imaging. Training in these modalities, plus exposure to hybrid imaging systems (X-ray/MR, PET/MR, and MR-guided focused ultrasound), will provide trainees with broad experience using advanced biomedical imaging technologies. Mentoring by our well-established research mentors and clinical co- mentors will provide opportunities to push developments towards translational applications in our adult and pediatric hospital settings. Parallel opportunites will provide experience in translational entrepreneurship to accelerate the entry of new technologies into industry for worldwide impact. Didactic training opportunities in the physics of medical imaging systems, image and signal processing, radiologic anatomy and physiology, advanced diagnostics, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy provide a rich learning environment. Furthermore, artificial intelligence and machine learning have been key technologies driving imaging innovation at Stanford for many years, and training in artificial intelligence and machine learning form a substantial emphasis of this new training program. It is woven across imaging modalities and includes both upstream and downstream applications. Trainees will also gain expertise in rigorous and reproducible experimental design, plus the ethical considerations of their research. TBI2 trainees that complete our training program will have a unique skill set that fullfills a distinct national need for researchers and leaders with expertise in advanced biomedical imaging instrumentation.