The Hyperpolarised MRI Educational Course
This course provides an intensive introduction to hyperpolarised MRI, with a particular focus on ¹³C metabolic imaging. Combining lectures from leading researchers / practitioners, with practical insights, the programme covers core principles of dynamic nuclear polarisation, data acquisition, reconstruction, and quantitative modelling, alongside applications in preclinical and human physiology.
The course is designed for those seeking to develop an understanding of metabolic imaging and its applications in research and clinical translation.
Hyperpolarised MRI is a rapidly emerging technique that enables real-time measurement of metabolism in vivo. As the field moves towards clinical translation, there is an increasing need for researchers who can bridge physics, engineering, and biology. This course aims to equip participants with the conceptual tools and context to contribute to this growing area.
What participants will learn:
- Principles of dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP)
- Fundamentals of ¹³C acquisition and sequence design
- Reconstruction and modelling of hyperpolarised data
- Interpretation of metabolic flux (e.g. PDH, lactate pathways)
- Integration with physiology and experimental design
- Applications in pre-clinical and clinical imaging
Course highlights:
- Lectures from leading experts in hyperpolarised MRI
- Coverage from basic physics through to human applications
- Real-world examples from preclinical and clinical studies
- Insight into practical challenges (timing, QC, coils, modelling)
- Opportunity to engage directly with active researchers in the field
Example topics:
- DNP fundamentals and polarisation workflows
- ¹³C pulse sequences and experimental design
- Data reconstruction and kinetic modelling
- Applications in cardiac and muscle metabolism
- Translational challenges and clinical outlook
Format
The course consists of a series of lectures, interactive discussions, and case studies, designed to encourage both conceptual understanding and practical insight.
There are also opportunities for informal discussion with speakers and networking with peers.
Teaching Faculty
The course is delivered by an international faculty of leading researchers and technical experts from academia, healthcare, and industry. Lecturers contribute expertise spanning the full hyperpolarised MRI pathway, including hyperpolarisation physics, polariser technology, radiofrequency coil design, image acquisition, reconstruction and analysis, metabolism, physiology, preclinical imaging, and clinical translation.
Teaching is provided by experts from institutions across the UK and Europe, drawing on experience in both research and real-world clinical implementation. The faculty includes scientists, engineers, physicists, and clinicians who are actively developing and applying hyperpolarised MRI technologies.
In addition to formal lectures, participants have opportunities to engage directly with faculty members through discussion sessions, practical exercises, project work, and mentorship throughout the course.
Faculty members have included experts from the University of Oxford, EPFL, ETH Zurich, Aarhus University, the Technical University of Denmark, and industrial partners supporting the development and translation of hyperpolarised MRI.
Interested in a Future Course?
The Hyperpolarised MRI Educational Course is currently delivered through the EUPHORIA partnership as part of a programme to support training and capacity-building in hyperpolarised MRI.
Future courses are planned, subject to funding and demand. Researchers, clinicians, physicists, engineers, radiographers, and students with an interest in hyperpolarised MRI are encouraged to register their interest.
If you would like to hear about future course opportunities, please contact the EUPHORIA team via the contact details on this website. Updates on future course dates, eligibility criteria, and application procedures will be published here as they become available.
To register your interest in a future contact Lowri Cochlin at lowri.cochlin@cardiov.ox.ac.uk