A view of one of our labs
© Uni Münster - Michael Kuhlmann

Münster Imaging Network – Preclinical Imaging

We support you in integrating preclinical imaging into your research! For this purpose, we offer specific expertise, state-of-the art infrastructure, and years of experience in team-based interdisciplinary cooperation. All scientists at the University of Münster and beyond are welcome to use the preclinical imaging platform and to network with us.

Our team comprises scientists from the European Institute for Molecular Imaging (EIMI) and the Clinic for Radiology. Together with the microscopy branch of our Münster Imaging Network, we promote the joint use and sustainable further development of biomedical imaging technologies at our university. The Münster Imaging Network is embedded into the Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre (CiM) whose mission is to bring together and support researchers in the field of cell dynamics and imaging across working groups and faculties. We are housed in CiM’s research building, the Multiscale Imaging Centre (MIC). Our imaging platform is listed in “RIsources”, the research infrastructure registry of the German Research Foundation (DFG). Currently, we are receiving partial funding from the Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research (IZKF) at the Faculty of Medicine Münster.

Working together

This is what we offer:

  • expertise and state-of-the art instrumentation for preclinical imaging
    • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
    • positron emission tomography (PET)
    • single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
    • X-ray computed tomography (CT)
    • fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI)
    • bioluminescence imaging (BLI)
    • optoacoustic imaging (OA)
    • ultrasound (US)
  • project consulting to tailor the application of imaging tools to your scientific questions
  • integrated workflow for efficient multimodal imaging and data analysis
  • support for research applications, e.g. experimental design, financial calculations, animal licenses and regulatory affairs concerning genetically modified organisms
  • interdisciplinary training for scientists and technicians

Starting a new project: In a first meeting you can give us an overview about your research topic, scientific question and expectations from molecular imaging. We will be happy to introduce you to our labs and demonstrate some of our imaging techniques. Together we will discuss potential imaging strategies to answer your specific scientific question. In doing so, we will consider the application of already established versus the development of novel methods/tracers as well as the requirements for animal experiments (e. g. disease model, animal license, logistics, genetic safety level, biosafety). Typically, we will initiate a pilot experiment. Upon successful completion of these measurements, we will carry out further consultations to discuss the main project.