The Brain Imaging and Analysis Center (BIAC) was created in 1998 as the key component of the campus-wide neuroimaging initiative. We are now home to a large group of researchers and staff members from throughout Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and across diverse disciplines in basic and clinical neurosciences, spanning from psychology, neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience, biomedical engineering, decision sciences to radiology, neurology, neurosurgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and anesthesiology. We share our common goal to find interdisciplinary solutions to fundamental and clinical research questions about the human brain. Two key themes are closely weaved to achieve this goal. The first is to improve image acquisition and analysis techniques, through improvements in MR pulse sequence design, RF, gradient, and shimming hardware, reconstruction algorithms, experimental controls, to better understand functional and structural characteristics of the human brain. Second, we apply these advanced research techniques into basic and translational neuroscience studies. For example, BIAC researchers investigate neural circuits and processes (e.g., memory, emotion, attention, language) in healthy and diseased brains (e.g., Alzheimer's, Autism, Schizophrenia, PTSD/TBI, cerebral palsy).
In our continued effort to improve imaging methodologies and better understand the normal and impaired brain processes in healthy and diseased populations, we combine world-class technical infrastructure, including state-of-the-art MRI scanners, high-speed computation and large data storage facilities, with outstanding faculty and research programs. I invite you to explore our virtual home, and learn more about us to get a glimpse of the exciting research and educational activities taking place here. This is a stimulating time to be conducting brain imaging research, and I hope that you will join us on this endeavor.
Allen W. Song, Ph.D.
Director