On the Radboud University and Radboudumc campus in Nijmegen, a groundbreaking new facility is under construction: the home of the world’s first 14 Tesla whole-body MRI scanner. This revolutionary technology, developed by NeoScan and hosted by the DYNAMIC Consortium—a national partnership of leading medical universities—will offer unprecedented insight into the human body.
Designed to house this ultra-high field MRI, the new building blends cutting-edge science with human-centered design. Located in a tranquil sunken garden between the Preclinic and the historic workshop building, it provides an inspiring, high-tech environment that remains modest and welcoming.
Unlike traditional MRI setups, the innovative 14T HTS magnet does not have a superconductive shield or heavy iron casing. This allows for a bright, open MRI room filled with natural light and direct views of the surrounding garden—offering a calming, private atmosphere for both patients and researchers.
Building features
- A state-of-the-art MRI room and control suite
- Sustainable energy systems and advanced climate control
- Reception and intake rooms for study participants
- An open office space and meeting rooms
- Electronics and coil development labs
- Behavioral testing spaces and a mock-up MRI for training
Built with a sustainable wooden frame and modular design, the structure is adaptable and demountable, ensuring long-term flexibility for research and technology upgrades. Its soft, cellular-inspired façade offers privacy and comfort, while maintaining strong visual connections to the surrounding greenery. The adjacent workshop building will also be renovated into a modern, light-filled workspace, carefully integrated into the new research hub. The landscape has been thoughtfully designed to complement the MRI’s magnetic field, using resilient plant species that maintain biodiversity with minimal insect attraction. Long garden lines visually and conceptually connect past and future—linking classic anatomical science with next-generation neuroimaging.
Building completion
Completion is expected in spring 2027, in time for the final installation of the 14T HTS magnet. With this exciting development, Radboud University, Radboudumc and the DYNAMIC Consortium are paving the way for a new era in medical research.