3 July 2013
PRESS RELEASE
The British Institute of Radiology launches MRI Special Interest Group
The BIR MRI special interest group (SIG), previously known as a scientific committee, has relaunched
under the leadership of Professor David J Lomas of Addenbrookes Hospital.
The group, made up of multi-disciplinary BIR members with a keen and passionate interest in MRI,
meets regularly to contribute to BIR comments on national and international policy as well as
discussing regulatory and research developments relating to the modality.
Professor Lomas said “The MRI SIG is a reflection of the new strategic direction of the BIR, allowing
our members to participate more fully in the activities and events of each of the groups.”
“The SIG will provide a larger inter-disciplinary Forum allowing members to contribute to the
development of MRI through consulting on national and international policy issues and making
recommendations on educational opportunities. An example of this is the work we are doing
through the BIR led MR Safety Working Group on the implementation of the revised EU Directive on
Physical Agents. Membership of the SIG is open to any member of the BIR.”
“Our new four-day MRI course mirrors the new ethos of the SIG,” he said. “This modular event,
developed after listening to our members, offers a new fresh look at MRI. This is a break with the
traditional format, with interactive case review workshops and expert panel discussions. Listening to
the feedback on the clinical sessions we are focusing on specific areas to enhance learning and
retention in those areas. This new format means we will be able provide coverage of all the major
MRI clinical and related topics over a 3-4 year cycle.”
“The modular nature of the event means that you can dip into just one or all four days and there is
something for everyone, including radiologists, radiographers, physicists and managers.”
“We welcome new members to our MRI SIG and to our course, and in keeping with the ethos of the
BIR, from all disciplines and at every level.”
To express interest in the MRI SIG, visit http://www.bir.org.uk/professional-resources/get-involvedin-a-sig/
To book on the BIR UK MRI course on 8-11 October 2013 course visit www.bir.org.uk or email
conference@bir.org.uk
Ends
Notes to Editors
About The British Institute of Radiology

The British Institute of Radiology is an independent multidisciplinary organisation, and a
registered charity, whose membership is open to everyone with an interest in radiology and
radiation oncology.

The British Institute of Radiology (BIR) is the oldest radiological society in the world.

We strive to ensure that the potential of image science and radiation technology to prevent,
detect and combat disease is fully realised. We believe in the importance of research and
education, and we promote collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and understanding.

To help fulfil our aims, we undertake a wide range of activities, including publishing, the
organisation of scientific meetings and conferences and the provision of library and
information services.
About David Lomas
Professor of Radiology - University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine.
Appointed to the Chair of Clinical MRI in 2001 he has undertaken research in Body MRI over the
last 20 years, particular interests include liver and biliary imaging, increasing the use of MRI to
replace X-rays in paediatrics, non-contrast enhanced MR angiography and developing more robust
cancer imaging metrics. He is one of the lead radiologists at Addenbrooke’s Hospital supporting the
comprehensive hepatology and transplantation service.
He has previously been a member of the Faculty Board of the Royal College of Radiologists,
Secretary of the International Society of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Medicine and Program
Chair for several Scientific Meetings. He is currently on the editorial board of the Journal of
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and a member of the Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation
For information about this release please contact:
Carole Cross
Communications Manager
48-50 St John Street
London EC1M 4DG
Tel. 020 3668 2224 carole.cross@bir.org.uk www.bir.org.uk