NEUROPHYSICS · Methods in Neuroimaging

Body and Brain imaging and its methodological development is a fast growing technique, both quantitatively as well as qualitatively. A long term prospective is that the field needs multidisciplinary expertise of internationally oriented young researchers with a profile of a Neuroimaging scientist, as described in one of the many open job positions (Box 1). The Marie Curie Initial Training Network (MC-ITN) “Methods in Neuroimaging” aims to cover these needs at the European continent. The partners propose a unique multidisciplinary and integrative research and training program with a strong focus on methods. The program aims to specialise early stage researchers and experienced researchers via in-depth integrative training. The training network “Methods in Neuroimaging” will enable them to contribute in a significant, international and multidisciplinary way to the development of new imaging frontiers, i.e. to the development and improvement of image quality, paradigms, analysis, application – and efficiency. Overall the MC-ITN has three aims. First, improved disease understanding and new concepts for early diagnosis and therapeutics evaluation through advance in neuroimaging methods and applications. Second, career development and capacity building for a key technology resource: Expertise in advanced imaging is in short supply and limits expanded use and development of facilities. Third, realising greater value from current imaging investments in research and clinical settings. These aims can be accomplished by the proposed research and training program developed by a multidisciplinary network of core partners. These core partners have an excellent, internationally oriented research and teaching reputation and have available world top laboratory facilities. The core contributors are: Maastricht University (Brain Imaging Centre), Research Centre Juelich (MR Physics), University of Liege (Cyclotron Research Centre) and Glaxo-Smith-Kline (Clinical Imaging Centre).