Integrated Small Animal SPECT/PET/CT-System for Preclinical Molecular Imaging

• Subject Area: Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 564131829

Hannover Medical School (MHH) applies for an integrated small animal SPECT/PET/MR-system for its center of preclinical molecular imaging in the Department of Nuclear Medicine, as a replacement for an existing SPECT/CT. In parallel, an application for replacement of the second system of the center by an integrated PET/MR-system is submitted. The center of preclinical molecular imaging is funded by DFG as a core facility since 2021. It is a major component in the translational concept of the Department of Nuclear Medicine, where it is embedded in a framework of extensive radiopharmaceutical chemistry labs, including a cyclotron, for tracer production, alongside with flourishing clinical SPECT-, PET- and theranostics centers. The department uses preclinical imaging in multiple DFG-funded research grants, a Heisenberg Professorship in preclinical and translational cardiovascular molecular imaging, and a Leducq Transatlantic Network. The center also serves as a core unit for multiple large collaborative networks and centers at MHH. The overarching goal of all research is to (1) obtain mechanistic insights into disease mechanisms, (2) establish innovative radiophgarmaceuticals, (3) support collaborators in drug development, and (4) establish image-guided targeted therapeutic interventions. The proposed small animal PET/MR-system will be a key component for sustained success of MHH's research endeavours in molecular imaging.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Kombiniertes Kleintier-SPECT/PET/CT-System für die präklinische molekulare Bildgebung
• Instrumentation Group: 3321 Positronen-Emissionstomographen (PET)
• Applicant Institution: Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
• Leader: Professor Dr. Frank Bengel