Research Roadmap

New researchers are strongly encouraged to schedule a 1:1 meeting with our Operations Director to discuss the proposed research. Meetings can be in person and include a tour of the facility or on zoom. Key Personnel contains current information about other key contacts.

We offer varying levels of building access depending on researcher needs; the training for each level builds on the levels preceeding it.

 Offsite Users

For offsite personnel who do not need card access, training is required to obtain access to our scheduling calendar. If the user will also be administering MR safety screening forms to potential subjects (for example, via phone screening during a recruiting or scheduling call), additional MR safety training will be needed.

The CMRR registration process includes a questionnaire that will determine the specific training required. 

In Person Users

For users needing card access to CMRR there are several training steps for building and scheduling calendar access. The CMRR registration process includes a questionnaire that will determine the specific training required, but here is a brief overview of the levels:

1.  Access to Zone 1
2. Access to Zones 1 and 2
3. Researcher Access
4. Pre-clinical MR Access
5. Human MR Access
6. Magnet Operator

Each higher level builds on the training required for the earlier level and upon registration a detailed course list will be emailed to each new user. Additional training is always possible at a later date if needs change.

After completing the training required for card access to the building, users may enroll in operator training. The operator training starts with an in-person MR safety course and then proceeds to operator training for specific MR systems. See complete details about the current magnet operator courses.

All CMRR resources are reserved through a central scheduling app; information security training is required to obtain access to this app. The user registration process will include these required trainings in the list provided after completing the registration.

Conducting research using CMRR's resources (such as the MR systems) requires first submmiting a project application through the CMRR project database ("PARS"). This application will address the scope of the project and the resources needed (such as personnel and equipment) as well as funding sources and billing for resources incurring a cost (see resource rates for current information). More details are available on the PARS Overview page, including a link to the app (you will need to have completed the CMRR registration process to access the app).

MR scans at CMRR can be reviewed by a clinical radiologist if needed. 

Research studies that need a Radiologist read for each scan can establish this service through the Radiology Department's Center for Radiology Research Resources (CR3).

All other studies can submit individual scans for "Incidental Review" if something concerning is noticed on the imaging. 

Both of these review options are described in more detail on our Scan Review page.

PIs in the Radiology Department will need to complete a Clinical Research Resource Review for each proposed project, available here. PIs from other departments should consult their department's process for resource review as needed.

If something concerning is seen during a research scan, the images can be sent to a radiologist for an Incidental Scan Review to determine if followup is needed (i.e., through the participant's normal clinical care system). Details and instructions are available on the Incidental Scan Review page.