Introduction
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) capitalizes on the quantum properties of matter to emerge as the most versatile medical imaging technique available to date, making it possible to image tissues deep and superficial, soft and hard. The vast number of protons in the human body contribute to high quality images, both in terms of spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. Combined with the possibility of manipulating and detecting the magnetization of protons with electromagnetic radiation in the radio-frequency range of the spectrum, this qualifies MRI as the only medical imaging technique enabling access to deep tissues, in vivo and with high resolution, while avoiding harmful ionizing radiation.
MRI finds use also beyond human and veterinary medicine or biology, and is employed for industrial, engineering and pharmaceutical applications with materials and inanimate objects to study their internal properties or observe their behavior when subject to variable environmental parameters.
Who are we?
The Magnetic Resonance Imaging Laboratory (MRILab) at i3M in Valencia blends quantum and biomedical physicists and engineers. We build unique scanners and techniques with the goal of pushing the limits of MR Imaging in terms of accessibility and application niches. One of our strengths lies on the ability to advance the capabilities of current technologies by combining deep, abstract knowledge about fundamental scientific mechanisms with a good overview of existing, down-to-earth technical possibilities. Two major feats achieved by the group are: i) the first affordable MRI technology for combined visualization of hard and soft biological tissues and ii) the first truly portable MRI scanner.
Team members
I3M
Joseba Alonso, PhD, Group leader
I did my undergraduate studies at the University of Valencia, and completed my PhD in experimental atomic physics with Prof. Günther Werth and Prof. Klaus Blaum at the University of Mainz. After a few years in a private consultancy, I joined the trapped-ion quantum information group of Jonathan Home at ETH-Zurich as a postdoc and, later, as a senior scientist. My CV can be found here.
Tel: +34963877000 Ext. 88255
Email: joseba.alonso@i3m.upv.es
José M. Benlloch, PhD, Prof.
I am a full professor at the Spanish National Research Council. In my early career, I worked in particle detectors at CERN and at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and later as staff member of the Massachussetts Institute of Technology under the direction of Jerome Friedman. When I returned to Spain in 1999, I started a research group on Medical Imaging, which eventually developed into the Institute of Molecular Imaging and Instrumentation, which I direct.
Tel: +34 96 387 99 07
Email: benlloch@i3m.upv.es
Fernando Galve, PhD, Senior scientist
I did my undergraduate studies at the University of Valencia, and completed my PhD in experimental atomic physics with Prof. G. Werth at the University of Mainz. I did two postdocs in quantum information and open systems with Prof. P. Hänggi at the University of Augsburg, and with Prof. R. Zambrini at the University of the Balearic Islands, where I led my own research lines as PI of a project funded by the Spanish Ministry. My CV can be found here. Since 2023 Científico Titular at CSIC.
Email: fernando.galve@i3m.upv.es
José Miguel Algarín Guisado, PhD, PostDoc
I did my undergraduate in Physics (best academic record) in 2009 at the University of Seville. After my undergraduate I did a Master in Medical Physics and I completed my PhD in Physics in 2015 with Extraordinary Doctorate Award at the University of Seville. After my PhD, I joined the Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics as a postdoc at University of Maryland (USA). In my freetime I like to immerse myself in the night sky with my telescope and my camera to get a record of the past of our universe.
Email: josalggui@i3m.upv.es
Eduardo Pallas Lodeiro, Mechanical engineer
I have a bachelor’s degree in Technical Industrial Engineering (Mechanical) from the University School of Ford Spain, and a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering (Mechanical) from the Polytechnic University of Valencia. I enjoy mechanical design and developing new products. I did two years practice agreement in the Railway Company Vossloh Spain (2014-2016), nowadays Stadler Rail Spain.
Email: epallas@i3m.upv.es
Rubén Bosch Esteve, Industrial Electronics and Automation Engineering
I received the title of technician in avionics maintenance in integrated public center of FP of Cheste. I have done my undergraduate in Industrial Electronics and Automation in Florida universitaria (Valencia). I finished a Master in construction and applications of unmanned aerial systems. Nowadays, I’m working at MRI-lab producing the radiofrequency hardware required for a MRI scanner.
Email: ruben.bosch@tesoroimaging.com
Jesús Conejero Rodríguez, student in practices
I am a 4th year student of the Industrial Electronics and Automatics Engineering Degree in the Polytechnic University of Valencia. In parallel with it, I have started a JAE grant focused on the introduction to research at the Institute for Instrumentation and Molecular Imaging (i3M), motivated by my growing interest in the application into the medical field of the electronic knowledge obtained through the past years.
Email: jconrod@i3m.upv.es
Pablo García Cristobal, Master student
I did my undergraduate studies at the University of Aix-Marseille, graduating in 2021 with a specialization on Experimental Physics. Afterwards, I attended the University of Toulouse III Paul Sabatier for my master’s degree in Medical Engineering specializing on Medical Physics, wherein I completed several academic projects focusing on the processing and analysis of medical images. I currently am part of the MRILab team as I am working on my thesis project.
Yasmine Ahssaini
Hello! I am Yasmine and I am a student in health information technology in Grenoble (France). I am currently doing an internship in the MRILab for 3 months, and my topic is about correcting image distortion. I am very interested in the field of image technologies in healthcare, and I am looking forward to learning a lot during my internship. I also hope to make a positive contribution to the projects. I am proud to have the opportunity to work here, and I am confident that my internship will be an enriching experience for me and the MRILab.
Noémie Bernard
After completing two years of preparatory classes in mathematics and physics, I was accepted into Polytech Marseille where I am currently in my fourth year studying biomedical engineering. As part of my degree, I’m completing an end-of-year internship with the MRILab team. My internship project consists of designing a gradient coil for dental MRI
Sity Mouhamadi
I graduated from the University of Aix-Marseille with a degree in physics in 2021. As I have a keen interest in the healthcare field, I have decided to continue my studies by pursuing a degree in Health Information Technology at Polytech Grenoble, an engineering school. I believe that my education and experiences will enable me to contribute to the innovation in healthcare technology. During my internship at I3M, I hope to gain valuable hands-on experience and expand my understanding of medical image processing.
Dhareena Comlan
After 2 years of bachelor in biology at the Paris Cité University, I chose to combine the health field and computer science. Therefore, I joined Polytech Grenoble, an engineering school, to pursue a course in Health Information Technology. I am currently doin bg a 3 months internship at MRiLab to help with the development of the graphical interface for MaRCoS.
i3M spin-offs
We work in close collaboration with Tesoro Imaging S.L. and PhysioMRI tech S.L.
Tesoro Imaging
Alfonso Ríos, PhD, CEO
I have a degree in Electronic Engineering at University of Valencia (Spain) and a doctorate in Particle Physics and Computing at CERN-UNESCO in Switzerland and at the University of Valencia. I am an entrepreneur and scientist, focused on disruptive technologies and IT, and founder of several companies with IPR generation in different countries. I have been director in large companies such as INDRA with more than 15 years of professional experience, with special attention in areas such as Cloud Computing and Big Data.
Tel: +34 96 072 81 11
Email: alfonso.rios@tesoroimaging.com
Juan Pablo Rigla Pérez, PhD
I did my undergraduate studies at the University of Valencia and PhD in Nuclear Engineering with Prof. K. Koubychine at the Technical University of Catalonia (Barcelona, Spain). From 2006 to 2012 I was research assistant in the Nuclear Physics and Accelerators of the Institute of Energy Technologies at the Technical University of Catalonia. Later I joined the i3M as a PostDoc. In 2015 I joined as a researcher at the Tesoro Imaging S.L. My research interests involve the development of novel magnetic system for medical imaging diagnostic systems and for transport and propulsion of magnetic nanoparticles.
Tel: +34 96 072 81 11
Email: jpablo.rigla@tesoroimaging.com
Pepe Borreguero Morata, PhD
I did my undergraduate in Physics at the University of Valencia, with a specialization in Theoretical Physics . After that I did a Master in Advanced Physics oriented to Particle Physics and Quantum Field Theory. In 2018, I joined i3M thanks to GJ program and since 2020 I’m working on my PhD focused on the development of disruptive MRI protocols specific for hard biological tissues.
Email: pepe.morata@tesoroimaging.com
Teresa Guallart Naval, Physicist
I completed my degree in Physics at the University of Zaragoza. I worked as a programmer for a year at a tech consulting firm and then I started my master’s degree in Theoretical Physics at the University of Valencia. I am currently working on my PhD, developing portable low-field MRI scanners for musculoskeletal diagnosis.
Email: teresa.guallart@tesoroimaging.com
PhysioMRI Tech
Pablo Martínez, Industrial Technical Engineer
After getting my Secondary School certificate, I studied an Advanced Specific Vocational Training in Industrial Maintenance, after which I joined the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), and I got my Industrial Technical Engineering Degree, specialized in Mechanics. I did my Final Degree project at the CMT of the UPV, where I worked computationally on the cavitation of diesel injectors. Since then, I have worked in different companies in the mechanical sector. In November 2021 I joined in Tesoro Imaging S.L.
Email: pablo.martinez@tesoroimaging.com
Francisco Juan Lloris, Technical of Telecommunications Installations
I studied an intermediate level training program of Telecommunications Installations and a high-level program of Automation and industrial robotics in the E.P.L.A “Escuelas Profesionales Luis Amigó” in Valencia. In January 2022 I joined PhysioMRI Tech S.L.
Email: franc.juan@physiomri.com
Visiting scientists
(2019-20) Dr. Manuel Murbach, Zurich (Switzerland)
Former members
(2020-2021) Rubén Pellicer Guridi, PhD engineer
(2016-2020) Daniel Grau Ruiz, PhD student
(2017-2020) Jose Manuel González, PhD student
(2019-2021) Carlos Gramage, Industrial Electronics Engineer
(2019-2021) Guillermo López, Physicist
(2014-20) Elena Díaz Caballero, R&D engineer
(2019) Miguel Corberán Ruiz, Control and Automation Engineer
(2019) Lasthenis Angelidakis, PhD student
(2017-18) Héctor Sánchez Izquierdo, Masters student
(2016-18) Guillermo Puchalt Casanys, Electronics engineer
Publications and preprints
2023
11. Portable MRI for major sporting events — a case study on the MotoGP World Championship. J. M. Algarín, T. Guallart-Naval, E. Gastaldi-Orquín, R. Bosch, F.J. Lloris, E. Pallás, J.P. Rigla, P. Martínez, J. Borreguero, R. Alamar, L. Martí-Bonmatí, J. M. Benlloch, F. Galve, J. Alonso. Preprint (2023). Public preprint in https://arxiv.org/abs/2303.09264.
2022
10. MaRCoS, an open-source electronic control system for low-field MRI. V. Negnevitsky, Y. Vives-Gilabert, J.M. Algarín, L. Craven-Brightman, R. Pellicer-Guridi, T. O’Reilly, J.P. Stockmann, A. Webb, J. Alonso, B. Menküc. Journal of Magnetic Resonance. 107424 (2023). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmr.2023.107424. Public preprint in https://arxiv.org/abs/2208.01616.
9. Low field slice-selective ZTE imaging of ultra-short T2 tissues based on spin-locking.J. Borreguero, F. Galve, J.M. Algarín, J.M. Benlloch and J. Alonso. Scientific Reports. Vol 13 (2023). Article no 1662. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-28640-x. Public preprint in https://arxiv.org/abs/2201.06305 ).
8. Benchmarking the performance of a low-cost Magnetic Resonance Control System at multiple sites in the open MaRCoS community. T. Guallart-Naval, T. O’Reilly, J. M. Algarín, R. Pellicer-Guridi, Y. Vives-Gilabert, L. Craven-Brightman, V. Negnevitsky, B. Menküc, F. Galve, J. P. Stockmann, A. Webb, J. Alonso. NMR in Biomedicine, e4825 (2022). DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4825. Public preprint in https://arxiv.org/abs/2203.11314.
7. Portable magnetic resonance imaging of patients indoors, outdoors and at home. T. Guallart-Naval, J. M. Algarín, R. Pellicer-Guridi, F. Galve, Y. Vives-Gilabert, R. Bosch, E. Pallás, J. M. González, J. P. Rigla, P. Martínez, F. J. Lloris, J. Borreguero, A. Marcos-Perucho, V. Negnevitsky, L. Martí-Bonmatí, A. Ríos, J. M. Benlloch, J. Alonso. Scientific Reports. Vol 12. Article nº13147 (2022). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-17472-w. Public preprint in https://arxiv.org/abs/2203.03455.
6. Prepolarized MRI of hard tissues and solid-state matter. J. Borreguero, J. M. González, E.Pallás, J. P. Rigla, J.M. Algarín, R. Bosch, F. Galve, D. Grau-Ruiz, R. Pellicer, A. Ríos, J. M. Benlloch, J. Alonso. NMR in Biomedicine, e4737 (2022). DOI:10.1002/nbm.4737. Public preprint in https://arxiv.org/abs/2110.03417.
5. Magneto-stimulation limits in medical imaging applications with rapid field dynamics. D. Grau-Ruíz, J. P. Rigla, E. Pallás, J. M. Algarín, J. Borreguero, R. Bosch, G. López, F. Galve, E. Díaz-Caballero, C. Gramage, J. M. González, R. Pellicer, A. Ríos, J. M. Benlloch, J. Alonso. Physics in Medicine & Biology, Volume 67 (4) (2022). Art no. 045016. DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac515c. Public preprint in https://arxiv.org/abs/2012.06232.
2021
4. A Fast 0.5 T Prepolarizer Module for Preclinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging. J. P. Rigla, J. Borreguero, C. Gramage, E. Pallás, J. M. González, R. Bosch, J. M. Algarín, Juan V. Sánchez, F. Galve, D. Grau-Ruíz, R. Pellicer, A. Ríos, J. M. Benlloch, J. Alonso. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics. Vol 58 (2) pp. 1-8 (2021). Art no. 5100208. DOI: 10.1109/TMAG.2021.3080840. Public preprint in https://arxiv.org/abs/2103.04738.
2020
3. Model-driven reconstruction with phase-constrained highly-oversampled MRI. F. Galve, J. Alonso, J.M. Algarín, J.M. Benlloch. Preprint (2020). Public preprint in https://arxiv.org/abs/2007.15674.
2. Simultaneous imaging of hard and soft biological tissues in a low-field dental MRI scanner, J.M. Algarín, E. Díaz-Caballero, J. Borreguero, F. Galve, D. Grau-Ruíz, J.P. Rigla, R. Bosch, J.M. González, E. Pallás, M. Corberán, C. Gramage, S. Aja-Fernández, A. Ríos, J.M. Benlloch and J. Alonso. Scientific Reports. Vol 10 (2020). Article no 21470. DOI: DOI 10.1038/s41598-020-78456-2. Public preprint in https://arxiv.org/abs/2005.01462).
1. Low-field rampable magnet for a high-resolution MRI system, J. P. Rigla, F. Bodker, A. Anari, E. Pallás, D. Grau, G. Puchalt, JM. González, M. Corberán, E. Díaz, JM. Algarín, A. Ríos, JM. Benlloch and J. Alonso. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Vol 52 (2) pp.1-7 (2020).Art no. 5100107. DOI: DOI 10.1109/TMAG.2019.2950891, public preprint in https://arxiv.org/abs/1808.05795).
Research lines
Ongoing research lines
Low-cost MRI for musculoskeletal applications with simultaneous visualization of hard and soft tissues
Funded by Valencia Innovation Agency under the “Valorización y transferencia de resultados de investigación a las empresas” program
In this project, we work towards universalization and accessibility of MRI, making it affordable, portable and valuable in new scenarios. To this end, we are developing NextMRI, a revolutionary portable prototype capable of hard and soft tissue visualization with techniques patented by i3M. Images of both healthy volunteers and patients with articular diseases will be acquired under clinical conditions to assess the performance of the NextMRI technology.
Inexpensive MRI-PET-Acoustic hybrid system for Cancer Theranostics (IMPACT)
Funded by Generalitat Valenciana under the PROMETEO program
The main goal is to develop an IMPACT (Inexpensive MRI-PET-Acoustic hybrid system for Cancer Theranostics) preclinical technology and apply its theranostic and monitoring capabilities for in vivo studies on a xenograft rat model with human invasive bladder cancer cells, which we have identified as a suitable first problem. Moreover, this can become a medical imaging and therapy instrumentation platform scalable to larger pre-clinical animals and to the clinical field.
Elastography with Acousto-optical techniques and Rapid MAgnetic control of biocompatible nanoParticles (EARMAP)
Funded by Ministry of Science and Innovation under the “Retos de investigación” program 2019
EARMAP is a coordinated project formed by two subprojects. One consists in the development of innovative biocompatible nanoparticles which will be detected acoustically and excited either optically with coherent light and/or magnetically by means of intense, rapidly controlled magnetic fields. The other consists in the development of innovative techniques to image the nanoparticles through tissue-mimicking phantoms, quantitatively evaluate their concentration and, simultaneously, to study the viscoelastic properties of the labeled tissues through ultrasound waves produced by the nanoparticles after being excited. The global objective of the project is to develop a novel molecular elastography technique by combining magneto-motive ultrasound and photoacoustic technologies with the use of nanoparticles with outstanding photoacoustic and magnetic activity.
Featured past research lines
Neurological therapy and monitoring with multiple physical techniques
Funded by Generalitat Valenciana under the “Subvenciones para infraestructuras y equipamiento de I+D+i “
The goal of this project is to develop imaging and therapeutic techniques applied to neurology from different perspectives: positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound therapy and imaging (US), hadronic therapy (HT), and hybrid techniques. These lines, supported by a high-performance computation team, constitute the main research lines of the Institute for Molecular Imaging and Instrumentation (i3M). In the frame of this project, we will qualitatively advance these physics technologies to unveil an organ as complex as the human brain: on the one hand, we will push the limits of state-of-the-art technologies (spatial resolution, sensitivity, treatment personalization, therapy time reduction, cost reduction); on the other, these techniques will be put to work together to tackle unsolved puzzles related to various neurologic pathologies which pose serious threats to our society.
In situ imaging of living tissues with cellular spatial resolution (Histo-MRI).
Funded by European Commission under the FETOPEN (H2020) program 2016
The main objective of HISTO-MRI project is to develop the technologies that will enable the non-invasive visualization of individual human cells in vivo and in real time, based on a radical
new Magnetic Resonance Imaging concept: Strong Pre-Polarized magnet field and Ultra-High Frequency Pulsed gradient system.
Link: http://www.histo-mri.i3m.upv.es/
Dental imaging with low-field magnetic resonance imaging (DentMRI)
* Funded by ATTRACT and European Commission under the H2020 program 2019
The main goal of the DentMRI project is to demonstrate a technology capable of simultaneous, high resolution imaging of soft and hard deep biological tissues, and which can be massively deployed in dental clinics within the next decade. Prior to the project start, we have been first to obtain high-resolution images of teeth (the hardest tissue present in the human body) in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner operating at low magnetic fields. Running at 0.3 T, well below the 1.5 T clinical standard, equipment costs are reduced by one to two orders of magnitude, a necessary condition for commercial viability.
In the scope of DentMRI, we will develop new electromagnetic pulse sequences for a test MRI scanner, as well as an image post-processing software application for diagnostic aid. We will use these to generate the first combined images of teeth and gum with diagnostic value, which will be assessed by professional odontologists. This test setup can accommodate objects of size up to 1 cubic centi-meter, so it is an additional goal of DentMRI to equip a human-head scanner with the radio-frequency electronics required for the pulse.
Open positions
We offer PhD and Post-Doc positions, plus summer and Masters projects for undergraduates.
Undergraduate and Masters projects
Please send a CV, including the contact address of at least one referee, to joseba.alonso@i3m.upv.es. Please also indicate the period over which you would like to undertake the project.
PhD positions
Excellent students with a keen interest in medical physics and instrumentation are encouraged to apply at any time. Please send a Curriculum Vitae to joseba.alonso@i3m.upv.es if interested. This should include information about prior education, previous research which you have performed, and the name and contact addresses of at least two referees.
PostDoc positions
We welcome applications from motivated and capable researchers with a strong background in experimental research. Please send a Curriculum Vitae to joseba.alonso@i3m.upv.es if interested. This should include information about prior education, previous research which you have performed, and the name and contact addresses of three referees.
Valued research experience – PhD and PostDoc
Knowledge in the following areas will be highly valued:
- Medical imaging experiments (MRI, PET, CT, ultra-sound, etc)
- Design and characterization of magnetic systems
- Design and characterization of radio-frequency and microwave systems
- High-power amplification electronics
- Simulation of MRI processes using Matlab/Mathematica/Python
- Multiphysics numerical simulations using COMSOL/Ansys
- Programming Graphical User Interfaces and software for instrumentation control using LabVIEW/Matlab/Python
- Image processing with machine learning
- CAD design using AutoCAD/SolidWorks
- Digital/Analog electronics, design of circuits
- Digital control, including FPGA programming
- Digital acquisition systems, programming for experimental control