# Elementary Neuronal Ensembles to Whole Brain Networks:  Ultrahigh Resolution Imaging of Function and Connectivity in Humans

> **NIH NIH U01** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 2020 · $1,664,471

## Abstract

ABSTRACT:
 The strategic plan of the NIH's BRAIN Initiative (BRAIN 2025: A scientific Vision) calls for transformative
technological developments with MRI to achieve “submillimeter spatial resolution descriptions of neuronal
activity, functional and structural connectivity, and network analysis in the human brain through advances in
instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis techniques”. The primary aim of this grant application is
specifically to undertake such technological developments. We plan to usher in the next generation MR
instrumentation, and data acquisition and image reconstruction methods in order to reach and span currently
unavailable spatial scales in human brain studies, going from neuronal ensembles composed of few thousand
neurons to whole brain function and structural connectivity. The focus of the proposed work will be resting
state- and task- or stimulus-based functional imaging (fMRI), and diffusion imaging (dMRI) methods for
tractography and white-matter microstructure determination. We present a strategy, based on ample
preliminary data, to develop and implement unique and novel gradients, B0 shims, RF coils, image acquisition
and reconstruction methods, and previously unavailable 10.5 Tesla ultrahigh magnetic field. As a result of the
cumulative gains from the proposed technologies, we anticipate an order of magnitude or more reduction in
voxel volumes, thus reaching and even exceeding the resolution targets set forth in the BRAIN Initiative
strategic plan. Using this new capability, we also plan to generate a publicly available database that will enable
the most complete and accurate description of the functional and structural connections among gray matter
locations in the human brain to date, and facilitate advanced computational modeling of how information is
encoded by neural populations in the human brain.
 The proposed developments will be carried out by a consortium composed of investigators from the
University of Minnesota Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), Stanford University Lucas Center
for Imaging, Penn State Center for NMR Research, NYU Center for Biomedical Imaging and Oxford University;
together they bring to this project unique experience and track record of accomplishments in high resolution
functional and diffusion imaging, ultrahigh magnetic field technology and applications, RF pulse and pulse
sequence development, multichannel transmit technology, gradient design and construction, manufacturing
and use of novel dielectric materials, RF coil design and construction, and image reconstruction and post-
processing.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9996691
- **Project number:** 5U01EB025144-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **Principal Investigator:** KAMIL UGURBIL
- **Activity code:** U01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $1,664,471
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-30 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9996691

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9996691, Elementary Neuronal Ensembles to Whole Brain Networks:  Ultrahigh Resolution Imaging of Function and Connectivity in Humans (5U01EB025144-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9996691. Licensed CC0.

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