Speaker
Description
The Iseult project started in 2001, with one fundamental idea in mind being to design and build a human brain “explorer” consisting of a whole-body magnet of 11.7T field. After nearly 20 years of research and development, integration and tests, first images were acquired in vitro with this unique MRI scanner in 2021. Approval from the regulatory agency was then obtained in 2023 to scan a first series of 20 volunteers, leading to exquisite anatomical in vivo images and proving feasibility. A new approval to continue scanning in vivo on a broader scale was obtained in 2025 with new anatomical and functional MRI results. Although there are some daunting challenges to fully leverage the potential of the machine, some of the results are beyond initial expectations and are very promising for future exploration of the human brain. This talk will summarize the 20-year Iseult odyssey covering the history, important technological milestones and achievements (safety, first in vivo results etc), and the hopes it engenders in brain exploration.