ISMRM WORKSHOP SERIES ~ 11-16 September 2016
 

ISMRM Workshop on Breaking the Barriers of Diffusion MRI
Lisbon, Portugal

Overview

The workshop program will focus on the latest methodology developments and clinical applications in Diffusion MRI. Key topics include microstructural modeling, processing and analysis, fiber tractography, as well as the integration of novel diffusion MRI methods in clinical studies. The workshop will feature invited scientific presentations, proffered papers, poster sessions and panel discussions.

The workshop will commence with an optional one-day "bootcamp" on Monday, 12 September for investigators and trainees less familiar with diffusion to learn the fundamentals of diffusion contrast, acquisition, processing, analysis and interpretation. This immersive refresher course has been developed to prepare participants to appreciate the latest scientific developments, controversies and clinical applications to be presented during the formal workshop program from Tuesday, September 13 through Friday, September 16. The bootcamp will have an informal, intimate format to enable attendees to interact closely with lecturers and gain practical insights into working in the the field of diffusion MR.

Scientific sessions during the workshop highlight the core areas of ongoing work in diffusion: physics and acquisition, microstructure and modeling, tractography, connectivity, clinical application and strategic directions. The workshop has been carefully structured to be interdisciplinary and highly interactive, with regular scheduled breaks between sessions for informal discussions and poster presentations. There will be a balance of focused sessions led by leaders in the field and proffered scientific abstracts. Structured meals and receptions and "poster bars" for discussion and networking are integrated into the structure of the program.

Target Audience

This workshop is designed for researchers (including Ph.D. students and postdocs); clinicians (e.g., neurologists, radiologists, neurosurgeons); MR technologists; government regulatory experts; nonprofit and academic groups interested in early diagnosis and public health; and members of the ISMRM Diffusion MRI and White Matter Study Groups.

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Review the fundamentals of diffusion acquisition, modeling and reconstruction;
  • Recognize the current limitations in diffusion MRI, both from the standpoints of physical limits and obstacles to clinical translation;
  • Explore the strengths and limitations of state-of-the-art methods for diffusion modeling and tractography;
  • Analyze the emerging concepts in structural connectivity, g-ratio imaging, experimental validation of diffusion techniques; and
  • Describe the development and application of diffusion MRI outside the brain.
 

The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine is accredited by
the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.