About Us

The Center for Biomedical Imaging (CBI) is an interdisciplinary and interdepartmental research-dedicated core facility within the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) at the University at Buffalo (UB). Co-funded by the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) mechanism, the CBI provides advanced instrumentation, infrastructure, and support for clinical and preclinical research.

Mission

The Center for Biomedical Imaging (CBI) is dedicated to advancing medical science by harnessing cutting-edge imaging technologies and bioinformatics. Our goal is to push the boundaries of knowledge in a wide range of biomedical fields, facilitating groundbreaking research that translates into improved understanding and treatment of various health conditions.

Imaging exclusively for research

The CBI specializes in research-level imaging. Our advanced MRI scanners are capable of a wide range of applications, from studying myelin and axonal changes to exploring gene expression and cell trafficking.

Our strategic placement alongside other preclinical and clinical research facilities and the availability of imaging scanners to serve the diverse needs of our research community in the same facility streamlines the transition of studies from the preclinical phase and humans, overcoming traditional barriers in translational research.

World class expertise

The CBI stands at the forefront of advanced imaging research. Our expertise encompasses a wide array of MRI techniques, including lesional and atrophy studies, magnetization transfer, diffusion imaging, spectroscopy, susceptibility, and perfusion imaging. These techniques are pivotal in our clinical and experimental biomarker research in both preclinical and clinical models, particularly in neurology and cardiology.

Our track record of high-caliber research is evidenced by numerous peer-reviewed publications, books, and book chapters. The CBI's history of international collaborations with renowned clinicians and scientists underscores our global leadership in the application of quantitative MRI.

Moreover, the CBI is committed to fostering a robust interdisciplinary biomedical imaging research program. This program is not only a hub for groundbreaking research but also serves as a vital educational resource, offering training opportunities for investigators across the University at Buffalo.

Location

Strategically located on the 7th floor of the Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC), our facility is at the heart of UB's translational research activities. Our facility occupies 5,000 square feet and is adjacent to preclinical departments and basic research laboratories within the CTRC, including the Clinical Research Center on the 6th floor.

History

The University at Buffalo (UB) has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing clinical and translational research in the Western NY region, notably through the establishment of the UB Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) within the Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC), inaugurated in 2013.

The CBI is equipped with two state-of-the-art research imaging scanners, reflecting significant institutional and grant-funded investments:

• Philips MR 7700 3 Tesla MRI
  The 3 Tesla Philips MR 7700 was installed in the July 2023. Funded by an institutional investment of the University at Buffalo, it represents a substantial institutional commitment of the university to support the local clinical translational imaging research community.        
• Bruker Biospin BioSpec 94/20 USR preclinical 9.4T MRI with CryoProbe
  The Bruker BioSpec 9.4T MRI horizontal-bore preclinical scanner was purchased by the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and installed in March 2013 to support our local preclinical research community.

The NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) has been pivotal in empowering the CBI to excel in translational imaging research across UB. Prior to the establishment of the CBI, translational research utilizing applied imaging was limited to times when hospital imaging equipment was not in use for clinical care. The creation of the CBI has provided dedicated, cutting-edge imaging resources, facilitating uninterrupted, innovative research.