BALTIMORE, October 31, 2024— Kennedy Krieger Institute is proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging at Kennedy Krieger Institute, a leader in advancements and research in understanding the human brain.
Established in 1999 in partnership with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the center has transformed neuroscience and medical imaging by developing cutting-edge magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques that allow researchers to examine and measure brain function and structure in detail.
The anniversary celebration included a two-day symposium on October 30-31, gathering experts, researchers, and distinguished speakers from around the world to discuss advancements in brain imaging, including functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).
For 25 years, the Kirby Research Center has driven critical breakthroughs in understanding the human brain in health and disease, aiding the discovery of more effective diagnoses and interventions for conditions such as autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, stroke, epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, and others. As one of the few facilities in the world with 3T and 7T MRI scanners for human research, the center’s high-field imaging capabilities offer exceptional insights into brain function.
“Thanks to the expertise of our dedicated scientists and our cutting-edge technology, the Kirby Center has, for a generation, made major strides in functional brain imaging that impact positively patient care and discovery,” said Dr. Brad Schlaggar, MD, PhD, President and CEO of Kennedy Krieger Institute. “Our mission is to further expand our understanding of the human brain across the lifespan, with the goal of improving treatment options and outcomes for patients with neurological disorders.”
The center continues to attract leading researchers, has a robust professional training program, and collaborates with other leading institutions worldwide, furthering its mission to make transformative advances in neuroimaging and neuroscience to enhance patient outcomes.
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About Kennedy Krieger Institute:
Kennedy Krieger Institute, an internationally known nonprofit organization located in the greater Baltimore-Washington, D.C., region, transforms the lives of more than 27,000 individuals a year through inpatient and outpatient medical, behavioral health and wellness therapies; home and community services; school-based programs; training and education for professionals; and advocacy. Kennedy Krieger provides a wide range of services for children, adolescents and adults with diseases, disorders and injuries that impact the nervous system, ranging from mild to severe. The Institute is home to a team of investigators who contribute to the understanding of how disorders develop while at the same time pioneering new interventions and methods of early diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Visit KennedyKrieger.org for more information about Kennedy Krieger.
