Background
On May
28, 2003, Dr. Michael V. Knopp received a $9.1 million Third Frontier
Grant from Ohio Governor Bob Taft and $8 million from BRTT (the
Biomedical Research and Technology Transfer award) to create the Wright
Center of Innovation in Biomedical Imaging. The project is also known
as the "Biomedical Structural, Functional and Molecular Imaging
Enterprise." This funding is among the largest ever awarded to a
medical researcher at The Ohio State University
In addition to The Ohio State University, project collaborators
include Case
Western Reserve University, Philips
Medical Systems of Highland Heights, and the Ohio Supercomputer
Center.
Goals of the funding
include:
- The creation of an ultra-high-field 7 Tesla MRI scanner,
which will reduce the need for exploratory surgery and permit doctors
to closely monitor the effects of medications. It will enable
functional imaging research in cancer, neuroscience, and cardiovascular
care at OSU.
- Development of a new and more powerful PET scanner to help
physicians better understand disease processes and
treatment.
- Exploration into mobile imaging facilities and remote access
systems that would facilitate advanced diagnostic and imaging
capabilities in the field during quickly changing and demanding
biohazard events.
- Organization of a powerful, extensive imaging and
bioinformatics infrastructure that will integrate the state's
scientific community into a virtual think tank for research and
development.
- Provide startup funding in the amount of $1 million for
support of innovative and promising imaging
projects.
Dr. Knopp, P.I., is recognized
internationally as an expert in the research and clinical applications
of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomograpy (PET),
and computed tomography (CT).
His own
research involves imaging of angiogenesis and therapy response
monitoring, cardiovascular imaging, assessment of molecular and
functional imagery and contrast agents.
Team leads instrumental in
building the Wright Center for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging seen
standing in front of the Philips 7 Tesla MR System. From left: Johannes
Heverhagen, MD, PhD (OSU) , Robert McKenney, PhD, FAAMA (OSU), Alex
MacDonald (Philips Turnkey Manager), Michael Knopp, MD, PhD, P.I.
(OSU), Michael Reed (Manager – Special Projects Group, H&H
Systems and Design, Inc.), John Patrick, PhD, MBA (Director of Business
Development, Philips Medical Systems)
Front of the
Morehouse Medical Plaza.
Location/Address
The Wright Center of
Innovation in Biomedical Imaging
Concourse Building
Martha Morehouse Medical Plaza
The Ohio State
University
2050 Kenny Road
Columbus, OH
43210
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Map
Other Links
The WCI-BMI continues to grow its resources,
services and extended locations. In addition to the main
facility located in the Concourse Building of the
Morehouse Medical Plaza, there are WCI-BMI
services/capabilities at the following locations plus a link
to upcoming events:
