
Welcome to the Vascular Imaging Laboratory
Our focus is on using magnetic resonance imaging to advance the detection and management of vascular diseases, particularly those of the brain and neck. We strive to develop, apply and evaluate new imaging tools for the characterization of neurovascular disease. The Vascular Imaging Lab (VIL) is proud to be a component of the University of Calgary and to be part of the Seaman Family Magnetic Resonance Research Centre at the Foothills Medical Center, Alberta Health Services. We work closely with the Calgary Image Processing and Analysis Centre.
Currently, the VIL is active in imaging research that encompasses the neurovascular components of aging, stroke, vascular dementia, as well as brain tumours. These include projects that vary in scope and methodology, from development of new imaging technologies, to advanced post-processing and analysis strategies, to pilot human imaging studies. Outcomes of these and past studies can be seen through our collection of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals and research presentations at multiple national and international workshops and conferences. This effort occurs in an inclusive, supportive learning environment.
Priorities at the VIL include establishing and sustaining constructive partnerships and collaborations with other researchers, networks, and institutions; sustaining support from funding agencies and foundations; as well as the advanced training through research of our students, fellows and staff. Our collaborators, funders and trainees are key to the success of the program.
The University of Calgary, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).
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News

Fun at the Group Holiday Party
Caio Santana, other VIL members and friends from other laboratories had a wonderful Holiday Party complete with lots of good food and drink, some cookie decorating and jig-saw puzzling. Event concluded with a fun-filled gift exchange around the theme of "Keeping Warm". (December 2024)

Visiting Professor from Brazil
Welcome to Letícia Rittner from the University of Campinas. She will be in Calgary visiting the AI2Lab and Vascular Imaging Laboratories for four months. (January 2025)

VIL Research Accepted at ISBI 2025
Natalia Dubljevic and Susanne Schmid have had their research accepted for presentation at the 2025 International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging (ISBI). Congratulations to Natalia, Susanne and their coauthors. (January 2025)

Age- and Sex-Specific Patterns in Adult Brain Network Segregation Paper
Congratulations to Abhi Sidhu and others in the group on publication of an important paper looking at age and sex effects in brain function. Expected to see it soon in Human Brain Mapping (10.1002/hbm.70169). (February 2025)

Presentation at ISMRM Diffusion Study Group Workshop
Abhi Sidhu presented his work on diffusion imaging versus age and sex at the 2025 ISMRM Diffusion Study Group Workshop in Kyoto, Japan. Congratulations Abhi. (February 2025)

Susanne Presented at Women in Data Science Meeting
Susanne Schmid presented her PhD thesis work at the 2025 Schulich Women in Data Science Day. (March 2025)

Visitors from Brazil
The VIL and the Advanced Imaging And Artificial Intelligence Lab (A2ILab) are delighted to have four visitors from the Medical Image Computing Laboratory (MICLab) at the University of Campinas, Brazil. Welcome to Calgary Wensa, Anna Clara, Letícia and Caio! (March 2025)

HBI Friday Seminar from Alumnus Jean Chen
Jean Chen from the Rotman Research Institute in Toronto visited the VIL and gave a great Friday Seminar to the HBI community. It was great to have Jean back in Calgary and to catch up on her interesting work and to re-acquaint with old friends. (April 2025)

Ride for Heart 2025
Snow might not be fully gone, but Richard is riding again! After a few years without much biking :(, he is delighted to support the 2025 Heart and Stroke Ride for Heart Campaign. The VIL is proud to be H&S supported. See link for more information and to support this worthy cause. (April 2025)

Susanne Speaks in Houston, Texas
Susanne Schmid presented her PhD work at the 2025 International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging (ISBI) in Houston, TX. Title of her talk was "Quantifying White Matter Hyperintensities." (April 2025)
People
Meet the people currently working in the laboratory and our alumni
Projects
Find out more about our research activities and infrastructure.
Partners
Learn more about our training program and the funding partner that support our research activities.
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