June 8, 2021
Construction has begun on a two-story addition to The University of Alabama Student Health Center that will house a new MRI research suite, allowing University researchers to extensively explore the human body, with a focus on the brain and neuroscience.
The suite will include the MRI room, shell space for a future MRI scanner and support areas.
The Student Health Center is part of the College of Community Health Sciences, which also operates University Medical Center.
Through a $1.7 million major research instrumentation grant from the National Science Foundation, UA will purchase a Siemens 3.0 Tesla MAGNETOM Prisma MRI scanner, MRI compatible eye-tracker and participant response system for the study of brain systems supporting various aspects of human behavior and cognitive function.
“The University of Alabama is recognized as a top-tier research institution, and we have a growing concentration of neuroimaging and neuroscience researchers at UA,” said Dr. Russell Mumper, vice president for research and economic development. “An MRI scanner on campus is essential for the successful execution of several funded research projects and will allow faculty the capability to pursue future projects.”
The addition is expected to be completed in August 2022.
