Welcome to the Medical Imaging Centre
Our state-of-the-art Medical Imaging Centre is a research centre based at St Luke’s Campus in Exeter. We are part of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and are linked with other Departments and Research Centres around the University. We also work in collaboration with the Mirielle Gillings Neuroimaging Centre which is based at the nearby Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital site.
Please see our introductory video for information on the equipment, services and collaboration opportunities we have available to business and other organisations:
We provide both imaging equipment and access to experienced staff, to assist researchers and organisations with multidisciplinary research by applying clinical and advanced medical imaging techniques. We are available for hire of our equipment and staff to assist with commercial, industrial and research interests.
The Medical Imaging Centre is led by our Director alongside key colleagues in the Medical Imaging team and a dedicated Technician for the area. We work closely with the University’s business-facing team, Exeter Innovation.
We fully integrate several modalities, including portable and static radiographic equipment, multiple ultrasound scanners, high resolution pQCT, and bone health diagnostic tools such as DXA (GE iDXA), Echolight, and Bindex systems. We offer vascular testing systems such as Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Doppler ultrasound.
We work closely with the Mirielle Gillings Neuroimaging Centre which offers 3T MRI and PET/CT facilities.
Our aim is to support both research projects within the University of Exeter, as well as external projects and collaborations with our facilities and specialist knowledge on clinical medical imaging and diagnostic radiography
X-ray
Our digital radiography Siemens Multix Fusion X-ray suite has all the requirements of a clinical x-ray room, making it ideal for research and educational activities. The system integrates with an internal Insignia PACS network and educational podium and smart board within the room. Additional dosimetry and simulation equipment are also available
GE iDXA Scanner
The GE Lunar iDXA is a top of the range dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scanner which has the capability to measure both bone density and body composition. The standard clinical scan protocols include lumbar spine, proximal femur, lateral vertebral assessment (vertebral fracture assessment) and extended femur scans. The scanner is also able to perform research related scans including total body for bone density and body composition and knee scans.
Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT)
The Stratec pQCT 300o enables high-resolution imaging of bone density and strength, particularly in the forearm and lower leg, by assessing both trabecular and cortical bone compartments, offering precision beyond DXA for bone quality and structure.
The Leonardo Mechanography measures and analyses essential factors of locomotion like Force, Power, Velocity, Stiffness, Coordination or Balance using every-day movement patters. This allows for relevant analysis results covering a wide age and performance span - from children to the elderly, from chronic conditions to athletes. The measurement is based on the assessment of dynamic ground reaction forces by using special force plates.
The Leonardo Mechanograph automated grip-force measurement is a compact system for measurement of the isometric grip force (IMGF). Measurement results are automatically stored in the database of the Leonardo Mechanography software and the results are compared with reference data form age 3 to 99. This new method serves as an accessible indicator of overall muscle function and is strongly correlated with bone health and functional strength outcomes. These methods allow for a nuanced understanding of musculoskeletal health, particularly valuable in evaluating more precisely and in-depth musculoskeletal development, adaptation and health that can advance the research in the fields of sarcopenia, obesity and osteoporosis.
The pQCT, jumping mechanography, and handgrip strength assessments are advanced methods for evaluating bone and muscle strength using innovative imaging methods.
Ultrasound
We have two ultrasound scanners with intuitive user interface that deliver high-definition images for full scale ultrasound examinations. We have a Canon Aplio a-series with mid/high-range frequency transducers and a Micro-vascular Imaging function that offers colour flow imaging with unmatched detail and definition. We also have a Siemens Acuson system with cardiovascular imaging accessories that offer top of the range image definition.
Bone health
Bone health diagnostics are a priority area for the Medical Imaging centre. Aslong with the equipment above, we have osteoporosis screening tools such as QUS, Echolight and Bindex systems onsite
Lab equipment
The Medical Imaging Centre has a range of educational and research-based lab equipment for radiographic studies. Examples include dosimetry equipment such as the Harshaw TLD reader, RTI Piranha dosimeter, and an adult CIRS dosimetry phantom. Other systems include an Artinis continuous wave NIRS system and PHYWE table top x-ray units. We have access to virtual radiography simulation software (both 2D and VR) and anthropomorphic phantoms to aid our students’ education.
Our team
Dr Robert Meertens
Director of the Medical Imaging Centre
Rob is the Director for the Centre and Senior Lecturer in Medical Imaging. He is a diagnostic radiographer by background and has been in an academic post at the University of Exeter since 2013 with his research interestes sitting predominately around bone health diagnostics. Through Rob's role as Director of Business Engagement he has seen the wide-ranging industrial interest in artificial intelligence applications applied to both bone health and radiology more generally.
Email: R.M.Meertens@exeter.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1392 722511
Rich Cassidy
External Business Engagement Lead
I am the Impact and Partnership Development Manager for Health and Care Services and the External Business Engagement Lead for the Medical Imaging Centre. As part of this role I suppor the Director and the wider team below. I am responsible for creating opportunities to generate value, impact and mutually beneficial outcomes for all partners of the Medical Imaging Centre.
As an experienced commercial professional, with a career encompassing the Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Pharmacy and MedTech industries, I joined the University of Exeter in early 2023, bringing with me extensive experience of partnership development between academia, private and public healthcare providers to the team.
Email: R.L.Cassidy@exeter.ac.uk
Professor Karen Knapp
Musculoskeletal Lead and Associate Professor in Musculoskeletal Imaging
I am Head of Department for Health and Care Professions and Lead for MSK in the Medical Imaging Centre. I developed an interest in osteoporosis during my first job as a Nuclear Medicine Radiographer and then went on to undertake a PhD in this area at King’s College London. My primary research interest continues to be bone health and osteoporosis, more recently developing expertise in other pathologies such as diabetes and particularly how these relate to bone health and fracture risk. I am committed to research-led teaching and using my experience and expertise to inspire the next generation of radiographers.
Email: K.M.Knapp@exeter.ac.uk
Phone: +44 1392 724133
Dr Abas Obotiba
Ultrasound Lead and Lecturer in Medical Imaging
Abas is a Diagnostic Radiographer with a strong interest in musuloskeletal imaging. He developed a research interest in imaging (untrasonography and MRI) markers of symptoms of osteoarthritis and was awarded a Vice Chancellor's Scholarship for Research Excellence to undertake a PhD in Academic Rheumatology.
Email: A.Obotiba@exeter.ac.uk
Dr Mike Gundry
Radiography Lead and Lecturer in Medical Imaging
I graduated in 2014 with a degree in Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) and developed an interest in research from there. I soon undertook a Masters by Research in Medical Imaging investigating Computer Assisted Diagnosis (CAD) in cervical spine imaging, working alongside the software team at City University and testing the software on doctors and radiographers at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital. I then completed my PhD in Medical Studies, investigating a new type of Stryker tibial cone implant and its impact on bone mineral density in total knee revision patients, completing it in 2021.
I have been involved in research determining bone mineral density via x-ray forearm imaging as part of an IBEX (OFFER1), helped investigate the feasibility and accuracy of using citizens to segment anatomy from medical images, and investigated different alignment techniques in total knee replacements in CT and long leg x-ray imaging.
Email: M.J.Gundry@exeter.ac.uk
Kerry Jacobs
Medical Imaging Technician
“We have worked with the Medical Imaging team at the University of Exeter for three years developing our bone health screening product. In that time, the team have provided us with access to imaging equipment, research expertise and a large patient cohort for us to test the software out on. As a result of this we have managed to achieve a CE mark for the product and have recently launched it for sale with one of the large X-ray imaging manufacturers. This is something we simply couldn't have achieved on our own”
Paul Scott
CEO of IBEX Innovations
Contact us
If you have any questions about the Medical Imaging Centre or would like to use any of our equipment, then please get in contact with us.
Email: MI-Centre@exeter.ac.uk
Telephone: 01392 722511
Information for:
Quick links