Brown MRI Research Facility

Brown University MRF FAQ

What is the MRF?
How is the MRF structured?
What role does the MRF Executive Committee have?
What role does the MRF Scientific Advisory Committee have?
What role does the MRF Training Advisory Committee have?
What equipment is available to conduct MR research studies?
Where do Brown researchers analyze MRI data?
What is the fee structure for using the MR system and the MRF data analysis facility?
If a researcher does not have research funds, can s/he do MRI research?
How does the MRF staff assist in MRI research?
What are the educational activities of the MRF?

The MRF is the Brown University Magnetic Resonance Imaging Research Facility. It is a sub-division of the Brown University Brain Science Program and seeks to facilitate MRI research and education at Brown.

2. How is the MRF structured?

A listing of MRF administrative and technical personnel may be found here along with listings of the Executive and Scientific Advisory committees.

3. What role does the MRF Executive Committee have?

The MRF Executive Committee sets general policy issues for the MRF and oversees all MRF activities. It is comprised of faculty from various University departments in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Medical School, on-campus faculty and hospital-based faculty.

4. What role does the MRF Scientific Advisory Committee have?

The MRF Scientific Advisory Committee provides scientific direction for the MRF. It also reviews proposals submitted to the MRF to conduct MR-related research under the auspices of the MRF.

5. What role does the MRF Training Advisory Committee have?

The MRF Training Advisory Committee provides oversight and sets direction for training and education activities of the MRF. It reviews undergraduate research fellowship applications for the academic and summer periods.

6. What equipment is available to conduct MR research studies?

Click here for a description of facility resources.

7. Where do Brown researchers analyze MRI data?

Some researchers analyze data in their laboratories with their own computer equipment. Others use the MRF data analysis facility.

The MRF can provide varying levels off support for some brain imaging analysis packages, including AFNI, MATLAB, SPM, FreeSurfer, FSL and Brain Voyager.

8. What is the fee structure for using the MR system and the MRF data analysis facility?

The standard rate is $500/hr for funded studies.

9. If a researcher does not have research funds, can s/he do MRI research?

Scan time is available for unfunded studies following a review process. Hours are provided to seed projects that will lead to grant proposals to procure external support.

10. How does the MRF staff assist in MRI research?

MRF staff are available to provides strategic advice and consultation regarding the conduct MRI research and MRI data analysis. The MRF does not currently have the resources to conduct MR research for individual laboratories nor to provide analysis services for specific projects.

11. What are the educational activities of the MRF?

The MRF works with University departments in facilitating educational activities. In the recent past, courses have been offered in which students learn about MRI and collect and analyze functional MRI data. Additionally, the Engineering Division has a yearly course in Medical Imaging.

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