Siemens unveils ‘most powerful scanner’ with new partnership

A multi-million partnership with Siemens Healthineers has established New South Wales’ most advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Through a strategic research collaboration of $9 million with the University of Sydney, the new Cima.X 3T MRI Clinical Research Facility delivers imaging capabilities previously unavailable in the state.

Chancellor David Thodey AO described the MRI scanner, housed in the new Sydney Imaging facility, as the “most powerful clinically approved whole-body MRI scanner in the world.”

“Access to cutting-edge platforms like the Siemens Healthineers Cima.X 3T MRI Scanner enables our researchers and clinicians to make discoveries that benefit patients, strengthen our health system, and build Australia’s position in global research,” he said.

The Cima.X MRI scanner forms part of an integrated imaging suite located alongside the University’s Hybrid Theatre, a research-dedicated surgical operating theatre equipped with advanced imaging technologies at the Charles Perkins Centre.

This integration allows MRI and surgical procedures to occur in the same space, reducing risk and complexity while accelerating translational research. It also creates opportunities for interventional studies, including MRI-guided biopsies and brain stimulation techniques to treat neurological conditions. The facility supports medical device development and the refinement of surgical procedures, such as cardiac valve surgery, that would not be possible in separate locations.

“The Sydney Imaging 3T MRI Clinical Research Facility is more than an investment in technology. By linking researchers, clinicians and industry, we are creating pathways to translate discovery into real impact,” said Professor Julie Cairney, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

Professor Sharon Naismith, a clinical neuropsychologist in the School of Psychology and head of the Healthy Brain Ageing Program at the Brain and Mind Centre, will be among the first researchers to access the new scanner.

“In older adults showing early signs of dementia, sleep problems are common,” said Professor Naismith. “These sleep changes may be linked to early damage in a small part of the brainstem called the locus coeruleus, which controls an important brain chemical called noradrenaline.

“Until now, it has been hard to study this part of the brain in people with early dementia. This MRI technology will allow us to use sophisticated new methods to determine how this brain area works and changes. This will help us understand when and why sleep problems happen during dementia and guide us toward better treatments in the future.”

Researchers will be able to use the facility for a wide range of studies – from mapping brain pathways in dementia and multiple sclerosis, to testing new therapies for depression and anxiety, to improving the diagnosis of heart disease and sports injuries. The scanner will also enhance cancer research by enabling earlier tumour detection, real-time tracking of treatment response, and the development of MRI-guided surgical tools and robotic systems.

Alison Curren, General Manager of Diagnostic Imaging at Siemens Healthineers, said the partnership highlighted the value of collaboration between industry and academia.

“By combining Siemens Healthineers’ powerful MRI technology with the University’s world-class research expertise, we can accelerate breakthroughs in neuroscience, oncology, cardiology, and beyond. This partnership will help transform patient care and open new frontiers in medical research,” said Curren.

Professor Simon Ringer, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure), added “Sydney Imaging’s 3T MR scanner will underpin a wide range of projects and delivers a huge boost to our clinical translational research capability.

“This remarkable platform operates under our Core Research Facilities program and is a key part of our research agenda today and the exciting agenda we are setting for the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator under our Sydney in 2032 strategy.”

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