Founded in 2006, the Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Center is one of the earliest established and open-accessed magnetic resonance brain imaging platforms in China. The platform aims to establish a world-class scientific research and education base for brain imaging through multidisciplinary intersection, technological innovation, as well as intra- and international cooperation. The center actively carries out scientific research on magnetic resonance brain imaging at the international cutting-edge level, which provides an advanced scientific research support platform for applied research in the field of brain science and neuroimaging, while promoting the application of brain imaging technology in brain science and clinical translational medicine.
The platform currently has two sets of magnetic resonance imaging system, Siemens 3T Prisma and Siemens 3T Trio. It is also equipped with advanced visual and auditory stimulation systems, magnetic resonance compatible EEG systems, and Functional near-infrared spectroscopy system. It integrates advanced equipment, systematic functions, and diversity of research levels to provide integrated technology for scientific research in related fields. Adhering to the school motto of Beijing Normal University, "Learn to be a teacher and act as an example", the platform adheres to the service tenet of openness, sharing, collaboration and cooperation, and is open to researchers at home and abroad. Various core imaging technologies are mainly used in cognitive neuroscience research including brain intelligence development and analysis of cognitive learning principles. The platform also provides technical support for the research activities of more than 100 scientific research teams in psychology, biology, clinical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, linguistics, sports science, information and systems science, computer science, geographic science, economic management and other fields.
The platform has achieved outstanding results in original research, applications for major national needs, social services, etc., and has supported many scientific research projects both within the university and beyond, including the Ministry of Science and Technology Innovation “2030-Brain Science and Brain-like Research” major project, 973 Program, National Key R&D Program, National Natural Innovation Research Group, National Natural Key Project and many other important topics. These projects have achieved fruitful scientific results, and related research papers have been published in Science, Alzheimer's & Dementia, Neuron, Science Advances, Nature Human Behaviour, PNAS, Trends in Cognitive Sciences, Psychological Bulletin, Diabetes Care, Nature Communications, Brain, Molecular Psychiatry, Biological Psychiatry, Progress in Neurobiology and other international academic journals.
The Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Center pays attention to the standardized management of the platform, implements real-time tracking and quality control for the whole process of data acquisition, assists researchers in designing reasonable and effective imaging schemes, obtains high-quality magnetic resonance imaging data, and provides efficient and high-quality technical support and experimental services for scientific research teams.