Objective The project is aimed at the development of novel approaches for flexible signal localisation and encoding in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for applications in neuroscience, neurology, oncology and further areas. The Rapid Adaptive Nonlinear Gradient Encoding for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (RANGE) methodology is based on the concept of applying localised, generally nonlinear encoding fields to faster, customised and anatomically-aligned imaging. The increase in encoding efficiency originates from several key factors: (i) local fields can be tailored to reduce peripheral nerve stimulation and power requirements to allow for faster switching; (ii) localised character of the fields requires less encoding steps and (iii) ability to select curved anatomy-adapted regions allows to cover target volumes with less slices; (iv) local encoding along curved surfaces reduces partial volume effects, delivering data of identical quality with lower nominal resolution compared to a standard approach. Each of these aspects is expected to contribute a factor of at least 2 to 3, resulting in a total encoding efficiency boost of an order of magnitude. Flexible fields will also be used for very high order localised dynamic shimming, allowing to further increase acquired data quality.The technological backbone for the RANGE principle will be provided by a novel highly-integrated switchable matrix gradient coil. The new coil type will be able to generate both local nonlinear and global linear fields. Upon proper industrial realisation it is expected to match or even outperform traditional linear gradient coils, while providing an ultimate flexibility in generating rapidly switched localised fields.Hardware, methodology and operator interface to the scanning process will be developed to handle signal selection, localisation and encoding in curved nonlinear coordinates to streamline the application development and facilitate the transfer to clinical practice and neuroscientific research. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologyengineering and technologymedical engineeringdiagnostic imagingmagnetic resonance imagingmedical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurology Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-LS7 - Applied life sciences, biotechnology and bioengineering: agricultural, animal, fishery, forestry/food sciences; biotechnology, chemical biology, genetic engineering, synthetic biology, industrial biosciences; environmental biotechnology. Call for proposal ERC-2011-StG_20101109 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution UNIVERSITAETSKLINIKUM FREIBURG EU contribution € 1 497 672,00 Address HUGSTETTER STRASSE 49 79106 Freiburg Germany See on map Region Baden-Württemberg Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau, Stadtkreis Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Maxim Zaitsev (Dr.) Administrative Contact Gerhard Henninger (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITAETSKLINIKUM FREIBURG Germany EU contribution € 1 497 672,00 Address HUGSTETTER STRASSE 49 79106 Freiburg See on map Region Baden-Württemberg Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau, Stadtkreis Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Maxim Zaitsev (Dr.) Administrative Contact Gerhard Henninger (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data