Swinburne's Neuroimaging facility opens

Melbourne’s Swinburne University of Technology now has a fully operational imaging facility incorporating state-of-the-art brain imaging machines, open to researchers and commercial organisations interested in research. As the newest and most complete human brain imaging research centre in Australia, it offers the full spectrum of multi-modality imaging.

Earlier this year, the University acquired a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine from Siemens. This was complemented by the recent purchase of Victoria’s first magnetoencephalograph (MEG) machine from Elekta, made possible thanks to a $1.55 million dollar grant announced last year by the federal government under the Education Investment Fund.

MEG, a non-invasive technique that measures magnetic fields generated by the brain’s activity, is one of the most advanced tests of brain function in the world. According to Professor Mike Kyrios, Director of Swinburne’s Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre (BPysC), it will allow researchers to detect sequential brain activity much more accurately and in more detail than ever before.

These machines form part of Swinburne’s existing neuroscience technologies and equipment, which include Electroencephalography (EEG), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) capabilities, MRI and MEG compatible EEG setup, MRI and MEG compatible eye movement capabilities, clinical and neurocognitive interview rooms, and computing facilities for image analysis.

Professor Susan Rossell, the BPsyC Neuroimaging Principal states that one clear advantage, setting the facility apart from other leading centres in Australia, is the capacity to focus on research and developing applications based on research findings.

Another unique feature of this facility is the support available to researchers interested in using the equipment, from the beginning of a project to the end of a project. Swinburne offers the diverse expertise of staff including design experts, clinical experts, data analysis experts, and consultancy and support experts.

External researchers who are interested in using the MEG can apply to the National Imaging Facility (NIF) for subsidised access. The research and commercial rates for the MRI are also very competitive. To view the fee schedule please visit http://www.swinburne.edu.au/lss/bpsyc/neuroimaging/fees.html

All facilities and equipment can be accessed by:

• Swinburne staff
• Collaborators of Swinburne staff
• External researchers
• Commercial organizations

For more information regarding the Neuroimaging facility and booking procedures, you can contact Professor Susan Rossell, BPsyC Neuroimaging Principal on +61 3 9214 5525 or alternatively, you can visit the BPsyC website: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/lss/bpsyc/neuroimaging/index.html