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The use of MRI and PET imaging technology is advancing science and enabling novel research in critical areas like neuroscience, diabetes and cancer.

On March 17, experts in the field of preclinical imaging will convene at the HSC Preclinical Imaging Symposium at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth to discuss their research and findings using those technologies.

“We are very excited to host the first-ever HSC Preclinical Imaging Symposium,” said Dr. Michael Mathis, dean of HSC’s School of Biomedical Sciences.

“The symposium is an opportunity to learn how these technologies can facilitate biomedical research and network with scientists doing groundbreaking work in drug discovery and development.”

Preclinical imaging uses CT, MRI, PET and SPECT technologies to facilitate translational research using different disease models to assess normal tissue and organ function, follow pathophysiological progression and investigate new therapeutic approaches.

“These technologies provide critical information about disease progression that can very easily be translated to human patients,” said Dr. Luis Colon-Perez, assistant professor of Pharmacology and Neuroscience at HSC’s School of Biomedical Sciences and coordinator of the Symposium.

“There are also opportunities for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to access these technologies for facilitating the progression of new drugs into clinical trials.”

Colon-Perez’s research uses MRI and structural imaging techniques to track brain changes associated with substance abuse disorders and their relationship to changes in behavior.

Top researchers in the field of preclinical imaging will present their research in a full-day forum on the HSC campus.

Speakers include:

• Scott C. Beeman, Ph.D., Arizona State University
• Peter Fox, MD, UTHealth San Antonio
• James Quirk, Ph.D., Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
• Buck Rogers, Ph.D., Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
• Xiankai Sun, Ph.D., UT Southwestern Medical Center
• Seth T. Gammon, Ph.D., MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Naomi Sta Maria, Ph.D., University of Southern California

This event celebrates the major investment of more than $2 million HSC has made in preclinical imaging that brings these state-of-the-art technologies to research scientists in North Texas. HSC has teamed up with MR Solutions, a leader in preclinical imaging systems, to build the facility. During the symposium, participants will have the opportunity to visit the facility and demo the imaging systems.

The event is free and open to members of the scientific community or those wishing to learn more about preclinical imaging. Registration is available for in-person or virtual attendance.

Event details

HSC Preclinical Imaging Symposium

• March 17, 2023
• 8 a.m. – 5:40 p.m.
• Location: MET 109-111 on the HSC campus
• Attendance is free for both in-person and online participants
• Breakfast and lunch are provided with registration for in-person attendees

Get full event details at the HSC Preclinical Imaging Symposium website. 

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