With its 7 Tesla magnetic field, significantly stronger than the usual 1.5 to 3 Tesla in most hospital MRI scanners, this new technology allows for visualization of bodily structures and processes with unprecedented detail. This opens up new perspectives for scientific research, particularly into brain diseases, tumors, and joint conditions.
This scanner is the core of Flanders 7T, an inter-university project uniting Flanders' five universities (VUB, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Ghent University, Hasselt University) and their four university hospitals (UZ Brussel, UZ Leuven, UZA, UZ Ghent). This collaboration aims to provide researchers from various disciplines access to advanced imaging technology to explore new research questions and deepen understanding of the human body.
The inauguration will take place at the Research Park in Zellik, attended by Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele and Ministers Cieltje Van Achter and Ben Weyts. Journalists are invited to discover the scanner, learn about the project's research ambitions, and interview the involved experts and partners.
The project, coordinated by the VUB with Professors Johan De Mey and Hubert Raeymaekers, receives financial support from the Flemish Government (via the Department of Work, Economy, Science, Innovation and Social Economy - WEWIS) amounting to 2.1 million euros, and from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), contributing 2 million euros.
During the event, VUB Rector Jan Danckaert will deliver the welcome address on behalf of the participating universities and university hospitals. Representatives from GE HealthCare, the scanner's supplier, and the involved research institutions will also present the project and its scientific possibilities. A commemorative plaque will be unveiled, followed by a photo opportunity and guided tours offering chances for interviews.
