Herston Imaging Research Facility (HIRF)
Who we are
The Herston Imaging Research Facility (HIRF) is purpose-built, with state-of-the-art clinical scanners and a prime location within Australia's largest hospital precinct. This gives researchers unprecedented access to high-quality imaging and positions HIRF as a leading force in clinical imaging research.
This facility is an alliance between leading university and healthcare institutions: The University of Queensland (UQ), Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the Metro North Hospital and Health Service (MNHHS) through the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH).
HIRF is supported by National Imaging Facility (NIF) and is part of the Queensland Node.
The HIRF advantage
HIRF offers clinicians, researchers and industry access to groundbreaking imaging technology for the rapid translation of research findings into clinical practice.
Who we help
Research at HIRF covers a broad spectrum, including medical device development, biofabrication, surgical planning and materials imaging such as fossils and artefacts. Some key areas of research are therapeutic trials, earlier and more specific diagnosis, and understanding the fundamentals like how the brain network is impacted in neurological disease.
Researchers
Our team of imaging specialists can work with you to find a tailored solution to your project needs. We support investigator-led trials including providing advice for imaging protocols and the imaging components of study design. For projects being conducted with hospital patients or staff, HIRF can provide support with ethics and governance, if required.
Industry
Medical imaging has become an essential element in the drug discovery pipeline. HIRF offers new opportunities for national and international biotechnology companies to conduct leading clinical trials using the latest medical imaging technology with Australia's largest hospital precinct.
What we offer
The facility has been built to cater for the growing role of imaging in clinical research.
- 3T MRI: with advanced imaging techniques and fast research-quality gradients, the 3T MRI system supports several musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and neurological applications. The system has a full suite of receiver coils.
- PET/CT: PET provides biological insights into clinical disorders at molecular level with radioactive isotopes, while CT provides detailed anatomy. This system is crucial for diagnosis, localisation and monitoring of conditions such as brain disorders, heart disease and cancer.
- VETRA 3D imaging: this system provides a 3D surface avatar, in high quality resolution and single capture. It can map and monitor pigmented lesions and distributed diseases of the skin, wound healing, or mapping museum samples.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound can be used for a wide variety of studies including long structures such as tendons, nerves and blood vessels, the assessment of musculoskeletal structures, the excursion of a tendon or the muscle contraction, blood flow velocity and direction, small part structures such as thyroid, breast and testes as well as organ perfusion.
- Engagement and training: HIRF shares our expertise in imaging through customised undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Facilities, equipment and services
Working with us
We can work with you to find a tailored solution to your project needs.
Herston Imaging Research Facility
Level 3, UQCCR – Building 71/918
Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
Herston QLD 4029
Email: HIRFAdministration@health.qld.gov.au
Phone: +61 7 3646 5825