State-of-the-Art Imaging Setup Aims to Drive Innovation at the Intersection of Engineering, Science, and Medicine
New Delhi – The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art MRI research facility, a pioneering development under the Institute of Eminence (IoE) initiative. This marks the first research-exclusive MRI facility among premier engineering and technology institutes in India.
The facility was formally inaugurated by Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi.
1.5 Tesla MRI Scanner Dedicated to Teaching and Research
Equipped with a 1.5 Tesla clinical-grade MRI scanner, the facility is housed within IIT Delhi’s Centre for Biomedical Engineering (CBME). Unlike conventional hospital-based MRI setups, this standalone unit is designed to encourage unrestricted research and innovation in medical imaging technologies.
Prof. Banerjee said,
“This new research MRI facility will enable research and innovation in imaging and support IIT Delhi’s efforts to create new knowledge at the interface of science, engineering, and medicine to make an impact in healthcare.”
Expanding Biomedical Research and AI Integration
The facility will enable high-impact research in areas such as:
- Development of new MRI contrast agents
- Design of acquisition sequences
- Optimization of imaging protocols
- Creation of MR-compatible medical devices
- AI-based image processing and analysis
Initially, the scanner will be used for research involving phantoms (non-human models), and with required regulatory approvals, will extend to clinical studies involving volunteers.
Hands-On Learning for Students and Researchers
The imaging center will serve as a practical training hub for students in medical imaging and biomedical engineering, offering them exposure to advanced MRI systems and fostering interdisciplinary learning.
“This is a dream that we visualized five years ago,” said Prof. Anup Singh and Prof. Amit Mehndiratta, who led the project.
“It is the result of continuous effort and support from the institute’s leadership. The first MRI safety session was conducted on July 9, 2025, by B-MEC Imaging Pvt. Ltd., who installed the scanner.”
Boosting National and Inter-Institutional Collaborations
Prof. Vivek Buwa, Dean of Planning at IIT Delhi, emphasized the collaborative potential of the facility:
“This will benefit researchers across multiple disciplines at IIT Delhi and pave the way for meaningful partnerships with medical institutions in the NCR and across India.”
