Professor Penny Gowland

Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, University Nottingham

Penny develops quantitative MRI methods as physiological measurement tools for use in biomedicine, particularly in experimental medicine, across multiple organ systems.

Penny’s work spans applications ranging from monitoring physiological motion in the gastrointestinal tract and placenta to measuring CEST changes in multiple sclerosis.

Currently, Penny is particularly focused on developing methods that exploit the complementary contrast mechanisms of ultrahigh-field MRI (7T and ultimately 11.7T) and low-field 0.5T open MRI Penny has applied ultrahigh-field MRI and fMRI to the study of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

Penny has led the development of a range of novel MRI techniques to characterise gastrointestinal function, providing new approaches for studying functional GI disorders. In addition, Penny has used MRI to advance understanding of human placental function and have a strong interest in applying quantitative imaging methods to the study of human development, particularly in the fetus.

Linked to Penny’s work at ultrahigh field and in vulnerable populations, Penny has a longstanding interest in the safety of MRI.

Dr Geoff Charles-Edwards

Dr Geoff Charles-Edwards, Head of MRI Physics, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Dr Geoff Charles-Edwards has over 25 years experience working in MRI, during which time he has been involved in various MR safety initiatives, including developing a national MRI safety e-learning programme, the IPEM certificate of competence for MR Safety Experts and guidance for MRI scanning of patients with cardiac devices.

He is on the board of directors for the American Board of MR Safety and is a member various groups developing international MR safety standards. 

Mr Michael Stecker

Michael Stecker, Managing Director of MKS Consulting

Michael finished his MSc and PhD at the University of Western Ontario, both in MRI, and an MBA at Cleveland State University. He was an MRI industry scientist for 30 years in various roles including Advanced Technology, Engineering, Marketing, Research & Development. He is now the Managing Director of MKS Consulting.

Michael has been involved in various standards committees for 25+ years, including leadership of the NEMA MR technical committee responsible for the MS-n series of standards, convenor of the committee responsible for the IEC 62464-1 image quality standard, a 20+ year member of the international MR safety committee responsible for IEC 60601-2-33, co-convenor of the Joint Working Group (JWG) responsible for the active implants MRI test methods standard ISO 10974, and an active member of a few ASTM MRI standards pertaining to safety. For his service to the MRI industry, he received the NEMA Röntgen Award in 2023. For his educational contributions to ISMRT he received the 2023 Crues‐Kressel Education Award. His primary interest is MRI safety. He is also an active pilot for over 45 years and attributes his interest in safety to the time he was a flight instructor.