LUMC professor Andrew Webb wins Huibregtsen Prize for portable MRI scanner

LUMC professor Andrew Webb and his collaborative partner Johnes Obungoloch from Uganda have won the Huibregtsen Prize for their low-cost, portable and durable MRI system for brain scans in developing countries.

The prize was presented by outgoing Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf (OCW) at the Pieterskerk in Leiden on Monday evening, Oct. 9. Webb received a check worth 25,000 euros. He was also presented with a bronze sculpture by artist Wil van der Laan. Obungoloch followed the presentation via a direct video link from Uganda. In addition to the sculpture and prize money, the winning pair will also be offered a workshop by the Lorentz Center in Leiden.

Webb's research team developed a so-called low-field MRI scanner that is easily transportable, simple to maintain and durable. The device is also many times cheaper, at only 1 percent of the cost of a normal MRI. Webb and Obungoloch's MRI system produces usable brain scans to diagnose treatable diseases in developing countries. The first type has been put into service in Uganda.

Unique

The jury praised the project for its "combination of pure high-tech development and applicability in developing countries, with an important role for knowledge transfer and education." According to the jury, this makes the MRI project "unique."

The Huibregtsen Prize is awarded annually by Stichting De Avond van Wetenschap & Maatschappij to a recent scientific research project that is innovative and of great social relevance. From 24 entries, the jury had nominated six research projects.

Read more about this special MRI project