Rennes Welcomes Ultra-Performant IRM Platform for Research in Imaging and Neuroinformatics
- The University of Rennes and its hospital group have inaugurated a cutting-edge research MRI scanner dedicated to brain imaging and neuroinformatics, marking a major step forward in French...
- The Neurinfo platform, launched on June 26, 2026 at the CHU de Rennes (University Hospital of Rennes), features an ultra-high-field MRI system—the first of its kind in France—capable...
- Why it matters The scanner’s capabilities extend beyond clinical diagnostics.
The University of Rennes and its hospital group have inaugurated a cutting-edge research MRI scanner dedicated to brain imaging and neuroinformatics, marking a major step forward in French medical technology.
The Neurinfo platform, launched on June 26, 2026 at the CHU de Rennes (University Hospital of Rennes), features an ultra-high-field MRI system—the first of its kind in France—capable of imaging brain activity with unprecedented precision. According to the CHU de Rennes, the machine operates at 7 Tesla, double the strength of standard clinical MRI scanners, enabling researchers to study neural connectivity, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain disorders at a molecular level.
Why it matters
The scanner’s capabilities extend beyond clinical diagnostics. Researchers at Neurinfo will use it to advance neuroinformatics, a field combining neuroscience with artificial intelligence to model brain function. The platform is part of a €15 million investment by the French government and Brittany regional authorities, positioning Rennes as a hub for European brain research.
Key technical features
The 7 Tesla MRI allows for sub-millimeter resolution, detecting subtle changes in brain tissue that conventional scanners miss. According to Dr. Sophie Laurent, director of the Neurinfo platform, the technology will accelerate studies on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy, while also supporting personalized medicine through AI-driven analysis.
Broader implications
France currently lacks high-field MRI research centers outside Paris, making the Rennes facility a strategic addition. The French National Research Agency (ANR) has already allocated funding for collaborative projects between Neurinfo and INRIA (French Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation) to develop brain-machine interfaces.
Next steps
The platform will open to European research consortia by late 2026, with plans to integrate quantum computing for real-time brain activity mapping. The CHU de Rennes stated that patient trials for neurodegenerative disease monitoring will begin in Q1 2027, pending regulatory approval.
| How the 7 Tesla MRI compares to standard scanners | Feature | Standard 1.5T/3T MRI | Neurinfo 7T MRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Millimeter-level | Sub-millimeter | |
| Signal-to-noise | Moderate | 3–5x higher | |
| Neuroimaging use | Clinical diagnostics | Research-grade | |
| Cost | ~€1M–€2M | ~€5M–€7M | |
| Field strength | 1.5T or 3T | 7T |
Sources: CHU de Rennes press release (June 26, 2026); ANR funding announcement (May 2026); INRIA collaboration memo (June 2026).
Support and access
Researchers interested in using the Neurinfo platform can apply through the CHU de Rennes’ scientific committee. The facility will prioritize projects aligned with Horizon Europe grants and EU Brain Research initiatives.
For media inquiries, contact:
CHU de Rennes Press Office
Email: presse@chu-rennes.fr
Website: www.chu-rennes.fr/neurinfo