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).
Click to volunteer for one of our studies
News
Abhi Presents in Cape Town
Abhi Sidhu presented his work in Cape Town, South Africa at the 2026 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine meeting. His presentation described changes in structural and functional connectivity measures over age and by sex. (May 2026)
Susanne Convocates with PhD
Mariana Bento and Richard Frayne congratulate Susanne Schmid on receiving her PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the Spring Convocation. (June 2026)
VIL Hikes to Troll Falls
Many of the VIL research group (Abhi, Uday, Mark, Jaya and alumni Kauê) hiked up to see Troll Falls. Day was concluded with some world-famous McKay's ice cream. (June 2026)
Jaya Presents in France
Jaya Bansal presented her research findings at the Organization for Human Brain Mapping meeting in Bordeaux. (June 2026)
Stephen Moore Defends MSc Thesis
Congratulations to Stephen Moore for successfully defending his MSc research! Stephen was jointly supervised with Roberto Souza of the AI2Lab and will start at UBC next month. (July 2026)
Next Step for Abhi, PhD Thesis Defence
Way to go. Abhi Sidhu successfully completed his PhD Candidacy Examination. Here he is with his supervisors, Brad Goodyear and Richard Frayne.(July 2026)
Richard Rides 2026 for Heart and Stroke
Thanks to many generous friends and family, Richard Frayne raised over $2,000 for the Heart and Stroke Ride for Heart Campaign in 2026. Researchers in the VIL are proud to have been supported by Heart and Stroke over the last 25+ years. See link for more information and to support this worthy cause. (August 2026)
Welcome Caio and Nazib
Richard Frayne welcoming Nazib Sediu (left) and Caio Santana (right) to the Vascular Imaging Laboratories. Nazib joins us from a PhD at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Caio completed his PhD in the MICLab at the University of Campinas in Brazil. (September 2026)
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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