Innovation across scales in MRI RF coil engineering: from basic research to market transformation

This session will explore innovation in MRI RF coil engineering across different levels, spanning from fundamental research to applied and clinical advancements.

Session duration:	60m
Intended audience:	Engineers, physicists, MRI researchers, and industry professionals involved in RF coil design, development, and testing.

Moderators:	Özlem Ipek, Andrew Webb, Irena Zivkovic (Confirmed: Yes)
First Speaker:	Dr Daniel Wenz (Confirmed: Yes)
Second Speaker:	Lena Nohava MedUni Vienna, Austria (Confirmed: Yes)
Third Speaker:	Dr Jeremie Clement, Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany (Confirmed: Yes)

Session description

Organisers: Özlem Ipek (King’s College London), Andrew Webb (University of Leiden), Angelo Galente (University of L’Aquila), Ali Cağlar Özen (University of Freiburg), Irena Zivkovic (Technical University of Eindhoven)

Session Abstract:

The performance of RF coils plays a critical role in the advancement of high-resolution and ultra-high-field MRI technologies. RF coil technology is evolving with advancements in materials and sustainable design driving the future of MRI hardware. This session will explore innovation in MRI RF coil engineering across different levels, spanning from fundamental research to applied and clinical advancements. We will start by emphasing the critical role of basic and applied research in shaping new, low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies, and discuss how even early-stage research holds immense potential for disruptive research and technologies, which are closer to real-world application and/or currently undergoing clinical trials. Additionally, we will showcase recent market-ready products that have emerged from advancements in the RF coil engineering field, highlighting the strategies for successfully transitioning these pioneering ideas from the lab to real-world-practical solutions.

We propose this session as a complementary to our ESMRMB Lecture on Magnetic Resonance Educational workshop titled “RF coils: Design, build and characterise your own” taking place in London, UK on 16-19 September 2025.

Session Structure:

Introduction (3 minutes)

Overview of new RF coils prototyping to product
Importance of understanding TRL and towards positioning the coils in the market for impact creation

Fundamental research (academic lens) (9 minutes)

Speaker: Dr Daniel Wenz, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland

Overview of RF coils and recent advancements
Understanding the application and use of IP (intellectual property)

Prototype to clinical application (translational aspect lens) (9 minutes)

Speaker: Lena Nohava, MedUni Vienna, Austria

Understanding clinical needs and coil development requirements
Overview and examples of transitioning from RF coil prototyping to clinical studies

Commercial transformation (market lens) (9 minutes)

Speaker: Dr Jeremie Clement, Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany

Overview of integration of the research coil into real-world deployment
Understanding the regulation and spectrum policy

Interactive Panel & Q&A (20 minutes)

Open-floor discussion on practical challenges in RF coil translation from bench to bedside
Audience engagement with real-world case studies and problem-solving exercises

Conclusion & Future Directions (5 minutes)

Key takeaways from the session
Emerging trends and research opportunities

Target Audience:

Engineers, physicists, MRI researchers, and industry professionals involved in RF coil design, development, and testing.

Expected Outcomes:

Enhanced understanding of the latest RF coil technologies and their deployment in clinic
Networking and collaboration opportunities
Identification of key challenges and future research directions