History

History

The Henry H. Wheeler Jr. Brain Imaging Center (BIC), established in 2000, is predominately dedicated to basic and clinical neuroscience using MRI methods. Dr. Mark D’Esposito, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology, was Director at its inception after being recruited from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine to create the BIC. He stepped down in 2020.

UC Berkeley neuroscientists have made numerous contributions to the field of systems and cognitive neuroscience using MRI methods (predominantly fMRI) through the study of normal and disordered neural processes. Over the past 20 years since the arrival of the first MRI scanner at UC Berkeley, over 40 different labs from many different departments and schools across campus have utilized the BIC. In addition, the BIC has provided MRI imaging for scientists and clinicians from many outside institutions in the Bay Area and across the country.

In 2001, a Varian 4T MRI scanner was installed and dedicated 100% to brain imaging research, predominantly for fMRI. Berkeley’s decision to create a BIC was novel at the time in many respects. For instance, this MRI scanner was installed on a campus without a medical school and outside a clinical or hospital environment. In this way, the BIC could prioritize research without compromising clinical workload. Following our successful lead, the approach set by UC Berkeley was subsequently replicated at many other top-tier universities in the United States. The cost of the Varian scanner was entirely funded by a $5 million donation from Mr. Henry H. "Sam" Wheeler Jr.

In 2008, a new Siemens Trio Tims 3T scanner was purchased and installed through funding from a grant from the National Science Foundation (PI: Dr. D’Esposito), and a loan from the University (50% of cost), which remains in operation today. In 2012, this scanner was moved from a temporary facility to the Li Ka Shing Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences, where it remains today.