#USA #New Haven #Medical Research #Biomedical Imaging #Yale University

Yale University Medical School Launches Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute

On June 22, 2025, Yale School of Medicine (YSM) announced the establishment of the Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute, a pioneering interdisciplinary center that integrates expert knowledge from imaging technology, clinical translation, and data science. This institute stands among the few of its kind in the United States, aimed at advancing biomedical imaging innovations to enhance our understanding of human health and improve disease treatment.

Dr. Georges El Fakhri, the institute's inaugural director and a professor of radiology, biomedical imaging, biomedical informatics, and data science, emphasized the center’s potential to accelerate medical discoveries. “Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute brings together world-class talent and resources to fast-track impactful medical findings,” he stated, expressing excitement for the institute's future contributions.

Alongside El Fakhri are prominent figures such as Dr. Chi Liu, deputy director of biomedical imaging technology, Dr. Dustin Scheinost, and Dr. Xenophon Papademetris, deputy director for data science, along with Dr. Kelly Cosgrove, responsible for translational responsibilities. Together they signify a robust leadership dedicated to groundbreaking research.

The creation of the Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute is the culmination of a year-long strategic planning initiative led by YSM Dean Dr. Nancy J. Brown, El Fakhri, Liu, and Dr. Douglas Rothman. Their efforts were bolstered by feedback from over 40 discussions within Yale’s science and engineering community, showcasing a strong enthusiasm for coordinated approaches to biomedical imaging.

The institute aims to achieve several ambitious goals:

• - Develop new types of biomedical imaging technologies across various modalities.
• - Translate groundbreaking discoveries to guide diagnostics and treatments.
• - Convert findings into clinical guidelines for patient care.

The institute will integrate Yale's long-established centers, including the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) center and the Magnetic Resonance Research Center, alongside expertise in data science and imaging informatics. Initial initiatives will include training opportunities for postdoctoral fellows and students, as well as exploratory funding opportunities.

Dr. Brian Smith, vice dean for research, remarked on the unparalleled opportunity Yale possesses to leverage its existing programs into a world-class imaging institute. He noted that the institute would support research focused on brain imaging, cancer, cardiovascular health, and inflammatory diseases while emphasizing early disease detection. A core component of this endeavor will be data science, as researchers harness deep learning to manage and share vast datasets of imaging information, benefitting both Yale's researchers and the wider scientific community.

Dr. Rothman highlighted the institute's role in fortifying Yale's longstanding leadership in imaging, ensuring ongoing advancements in translational and clinical research.

About Yale School of Medicine

Yale School of Medicine is dedicated to cultivating leaders in the fields of medicine and science, fostering curiosity and critical exploration. As a global leader in biomedical research, clinical care, and medical education, it employs over 1,700 physicians who provide compassionate care to patients worldwide. The Yale medical education system emphasizes critical thinking and independent research, nurturing future leaders in academic medicine.