IMAGINE-STIM is a cross-border collaborative project of the Offensive Sciences program of the trinational Upper Rhine Metropolitan Region.
Franco-German research teams will work together to develop a better understanding of the rare and complex brain diseases that cause both intellectual disability and epileptic seizures.
ICube -Engineering science, computer science and imaging laboratory
Integrative Multimodal Imaging in Healthcare research group ICube lab gathers expertise in the biomedical engineering, medical imaging (MR based technologies), computer science and medical research fields.
It has privileged connection with the neuroscience and medical research.
The IMIS team focuses its research on imaging methods development, particularly MRI – to noninvasively study brain structural and functional brain communication.
The major aim is the identification of new, relevant signatures based on quantitative multi-modal MRI, brain connectome patterns and behavioural or clinical traits to unveil pathological mechanisms, predict and diagnose neurological disorders, define therapeutic targets and provide ground for testing therapeutic approaches.
IMIS projects have developed a strong synergy between preclinical research -based on the use of animal models of brain disorders – and human clinical research, both in terms of methodology and applications.
University Medical Center Freiburg
In the Advanced Functional Brain Imaging group of the Division of Medical Physics, we focus on developing innovative acquisition and post-processing methods to enhance functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).
Our research in fMRI encompasses several key areas. Notably, we have developed a sequence for ultrafast fMRI called MR encephalography (MREG), which allows for 3D whole-brain imaging with a remarkable temporal resolution of 100 ms. Additionally, we are exploring the benefits of multi-echo fMRI imaging. By optimizing both acquisition and analysis processes, we aim to better distinguish functional BOLD effects from interfering artifacts, thereby improving the reliability of fMRI results.
We also create specialized solutions for clinical applications, such as the examination of epilepsy patients and other neuroimaging scenarios. One of our approaches involves combining fMRI with simultaneous EEG recordings to enhance diagnostic accuracy and insights.
In the IMAGINE-STIM project, we are developing methods based on structural and functional MRI to visualize which brain regions are influenced by stimulation with the Precisis EASEE system. This initiative aims to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of action of this specific form of stimulation.
As a maximum care center, the Epilepsy Center Freiburg at the University Medical Center Freiburg offers all established examination and treatment procedures for epilepsy patients of all ages. It is a recognized reference center in Baden Württemberg and as a European reference center of the EpiCare network, the center is in contact with leading international centers for the diagnosis and treatment of complex and rare epilepsies. It offers comprehensive multimodal diagnostics for epilepsies for differential diagnostic purposes as well as specific diagnostic programs for planning special therapies. This makes it possible to precisely identify the origin of the seizure. Therapeutically, specific treatment methods including neurostimulation and surgical procedures are offered in addition to medication.
As part of the EU-funded EPILEPSIAE project, the Epilepsy Center has created the world’s most comprehensive EEG database to date with long-term recordings of epilepsy patients. The center was successfully involved in the basic development of the neurostimulation system at Precisis. Examples of the numerous collaborations in the field of neurotechnology are the cooperation in projects with Precisis and sub projects in the BrainLinks-BrainTools Cluster of Excellence for the development of modules for intelligent brain implants. In the field of mobile seizure monitoring, the Epilepsy Center was involved in three international research collaborations (RADAR-CNS, SeizeIT2, My Seizure Gauge) for seizure monitoring with multimodal biosignal recording systems (accelerometry, photoplethysmography, skin conductivity, etc.).
Associated Partners
The IMAGINE-STIM project partners are :
- IGBMC – Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology for their expertise in preclinical models of epilepsy deficiency
- Epilepsie-Zentrum Kehl-Kork : renowned cross-border center participating in SEEK (Straßburg Epilepsie Eurodistrikt Kork): regional platform for clinical epileptology.
- Stras&ND Strasbourg Translational Research on the Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders (HUS) : the center brings together some thirty research teams and clinical departments, as well as over 60 clinicians and researchers with a wide range of expertise and disciplines around autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) (intellectual disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders, language and learning disorders, neurodevelopmental epilepsies, etc.).
- Precisis GmbH :
PRECISIS develops neurostimulation devices designed to improve the lives of people with functional brain disorders.
The company offers individualized brain stimulation techniques through a device implanted under the scalp that enables different types of stimulation.