To ensure equitable sharing of imaging related resources, access by core users, and access by other NIH funded users who are members of a CCSG proposal, we have instituted a Preclinical Imaging Resouce Advisory Committee. This committee has been charged with the mission of developing and implementing facility policies. These “policies” are currently “works in progress” and may change as issues arise and needs change. ALL CURRENT FACILITY POLICIES AND MODIFICATIONS WILL BE UPDATED ON THIS WEB SITE AS SOON AS THEY ARE IN EFFECT.

For example, steps taken to ensure equitable and reasonable access may include scheduling of time/labor intensive applications in non-standard working hours (nights and weekends), or limitations on the use of contiguous time slots (1 hr. minimum) by individual investigators. It is anticipated that time slots will be reserved a minimum of 2 wks in advance, thus allowing coordination of time-critical work with short-term, dynamic needs for access. Individual resource management in terms of scheduling, training, time slots for experimental acquisitions, etc. will be overseen by the Director and managed day-to-day by MR Facility personnel. We will encourage, where possible, the spacing of time slots so that users with short-term “service” or unanticipated needs can be accommodated. These appointees will also be responsible for oversight of routine scheduling; the Preclinical Imaging Resource Advisory Committee will address irresolvable time conflicts. A web page and ftp server accessible to all users has been set up to inform researchers as to pertinent issues, protocol priority scores and for requesting imaging time. It is anticipated that ~75% of time allocation on the 4.7 T MR scanner will be for relatively standard imaging services and to collaborate with cancer-related research projects. Approx. 25% of the 4.7 T MR imaging resources and time will be devoted to the development of new research initiatives and for further development of small animal imaging technologies including but not limited to: (1) fMR BOLD imaging of tumors, (2) unique applications of MRS, contrast enhancing agents, etc. (3) utilizing optical imaging methods involving fluorescently labeled probes and/or tumors expressing GFP, etc.

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