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The University of Manchester Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre (WMIC) is a purpose built facility designed to exploit the potential for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in oncology, neuroscience and psychiatry research. Based on the site of the Christie Hospital in Manchester, the Centre aims to pioneer clinical research and development in medical imaging.
PET is a highly sensitive molecular imaging technique which enables researchers to measure pico-molar concentrations of radio-labelled molecules in subjects. The Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art cyclotron and radiochemistry facilities including: a current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) hot cell laboratory, 2 advanced high-resolution PET scanners, supporting chemical analysis laboratories and data analysis facilities. There is also a 1.5T MRI scanner in the Centre.
The Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre is a part of the Imaging Facilities of the University of Manchester. The Imaging Facilities also includes a 3T MRI scanner at the Manchester Clinical Research Facility and a second 3T MRI scanner at Salford Royal NHS Trust. The newest addition to the Facilities is a GE SIGNA PER-MR scanner which has been installed at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, funded by the Medical Research Council as part of the Dementias Platform UK initiative (DPUK).
Detailed planning for the Centre began late in 2000, following the award of a large capital grant from the Wolfson Foundation. The Centre began its programme of clinical research work in June 2006 when it performed its first clinical PET body scan on a volunteer.