Andreia Gaspar

Keywords: Image acquisition: Sequences

Pulseq is an open-source framework that allows to homogenize the methodology applied in different scanners and centers. This is a useful tool for researchers in MR to share developments and work towards open and reproducible science. This course will show how Pulseq can be used to create MR pulse sequences by combining different building blocks such as RF pulses and spatial encoding gradients, along with useful tools to implement different acquisition strategies. Examples of gradient echo will be presented.  

Anaïs Artiges

Keywords: Image acquisition: Sequences, Transferable skills: Reproducible research

The MRI signal is encoded in a frequency domain called k-space. Using the space-encoding gradient coils and the RF emitter, a large variety of readout strategies have been designed to optimize MRI acquisition for its diverse applications. Open-source pulse sequence development frameworks enable researchers to implement and improve these innovative schemes independently from the MRI vendors. This course introduces several open-source tools to design k-space readout strategies and focuses on mtrk to implement echo-planar, radial, and spiral trajectories. Please install mtrk before the session: https://github.com/mtrk-dev

Qingping Chen, Maxim Zaitsev

Keywords: Image acquisition: Reconstruction

A global effort is underway to promote open science and open innovation practices in the field of magnetic resonance (MR) research, aiming to foster collaboration, accelerate scientific discovery, and streamline clinical translation. In this undertaking, various open-source, vendor-independent tools have been developed for data acquisition, image reconstruction, and post-processing. This lecture introduces multiple offline open-source data reconstruction approaches and the open-source, vendor-independent ISMRMRD data format. Through hands-on exercises, participants will learn how to convert Pulseq-based k-space data to ISMRMRD format and engage in offline open-source data reconstruction using manual methods and BART. All of the materials are available via https://github.com/pulseq/ISMRM-2025-Surfing-School-Hands-On-Open-Source-MR

Onur Afacan

Pablo Irarrazaval, Carlos Castillo

Keywords: Transferable skills: Software engineering, Image acquisition: Modelling

MRI simulation is essential for research and teaching, providing a deeper understanding of MRI physics, sequence optimization, and novel acquisition testing. This course covers key aspects of simulation, including signal models and available software solutions, with an emphasis on open-source tools. We will use KomaMRI, a powerful MRI simulator written in Julia, to demonstrate its graphical interface and programmatic features through practical examples. Attendees are encouraged to install it (see juliahealth.org/KomaMRI.jl/getting-started/) in advance to fully engage with the exercises and gain hands-on experience with the simulator.

Zora Kikinis, Ron Kikinis