MBR Health conducts in-house MRI sequence and protocol development across nerve imaging, spinal assessment, endometriosis imaging and quantitative MRI applications. Led by Dr Zane Sherif and colleagues, our research is conducted on a dedicated research-grade 3T MRI scanner, supported by advanced clinical science tools made available on merit — tools not accessible to most clinical or research facilities. This infrastructure underpins our ability to develop and validate sequences that go beyond standard clinical protocols and translate directly into practice.
Some MRI sequences described on this page are available as part of routine clinical imaging at MBR Health. Others remain within a research framework and are not available as standard clinical services. Access to research-specific protocols is subject to appropriate clinical assessment,
eligibility criteria and research governance requirements. MBR Health does not guarantee specific diagnostic outcomes from advanced MRI sequences. We encourage all patients to speak with their GP or specialist before enquiring about any research participation.
Spinal and peripheral nerve imaging.
MRI-based spinal assessment.
Isotropic musculoskeletal imaging.
Conventional MRI assesses structures in a static resting position, which does not always reflect the underlying cause of a patient's symptoms. MBR Health's dynamic MRI research investigates novel approaches to assess joints and soft tissue structures in motion, providing a more accurate representation of functional anatomy and underlying physiology than static imaging alone.
Headache, brain fog, dizziness, sensory symptoms, weakness, unexplained neurological change or prior abnormal imaging.
Brain, cartilage, ultrashort relaxation time tissues, ADC mapping, liver fat quantification, pre and post regenerative therapy measurement.
Focused on novel endometriosis imaging.
Head and neck vascular assessment.
Post-surgical and implant imaging.
Patients seeking a structured baseline for cognitive longevity, brain ageing and future comparison.
Research-grade Philips Ingenia Elition X 3T at MBR Health MBR Health operates a dedicated Philips Ingenia Elition X 3T MRI scanner — one of the most advanced research-grade MRI platforms available globally. Our facility has been granted merit-based access to advanced clinical science tools from leading global imaging technology partners, capabilities unavailable to most clinical and research institutions. This combination of hardware and software infrastructure enables our team to develop, validate and clinically apply MRI sequences at a level of sophistication that sits beyond the reach of standard imaging facilities.
The sequences we develop at MBR Health have direct clinical consequences. Patients receive more precise diagnoses for complex conditions including: endometriosis, spinal pathology and nerve disease, translating to faster time to treatment.
Clinicians gain objective, quantitative data to guide treatment decisions and measure therapeutic response. And where invasive procedures were once the only option, our research is establishing MRI-based alternatives, such as MR Disography, that are safer, more comfortable and equally informative.
Dr Zane Sherif & Mr ben kennedy Our MRI sequence development is led by Mr Ben Kennedy, Director of MRI and Clinical Research, supported by a team of senior MRI radiographers and working in conjunction with MBR Health’s lead radiologist, Dr Zane Sherif, and leading industry collaborators to advance diagnostic imaging through novel sequence development that answers real clinical questions.
As the clinical lead of Australia’s first private practice MRI research programme, their work spans the following:
Our advanced MRI sequence research is relevant to a broad range of clinicians, researchers and industry partners. Select your area below to understand how MBR Health’s work may benefit your practice or program.
Our non-invasive discography research offers an MRI-based alternative to procedural discography, providing equivalent diagnostic information without procedural risk. We welcome referrals and research collaborations from spine surgeons, neurosurgeons and pain specialists.
MBR Health conducts dedicated endometriosis imaging research in collaboration with gynaecological and surgical specialists. Our advanced gynaecological MRI protocols support more precise disease mapping and surgical planning.
Our 3D MSK imaging and metal artefact suppression research supports post-surgical assessment and complex musculoskeletal diagnosis in patients with implants or hardware.
Our neurography research advances peripheral and spinal nerve imaging, supporting diagnosis of nerve compression, entrapment and complex neuropathic conditions.
Our non-contrast angiography research provides a viable imaging pathway for patients with contrast incompatibility, with active protocol development in head and neck vascular assessment.
MBR Health welcomes collaboration with clinician-scientists, higher-degree researchers, universities and academic institutions seeking access to research-grade MRI infrastructure and advanced sequence development expertise.
We collaborate with imaging technology companies and medical device partners on sequence development, protocol validation and translational research programs.
If you have been referred for an advanced MRI examination or are experiencing a condition that has not been adequately characterised through conventional imaging, our advanced MRI sequence programs may offer additional diagnostic capability. We encourage you to speak with your GP or referring clinician about whether an advanced MRI referral to MBR Health is appropriate for your situation. If you already have a referral, please contact our team to discuss your imaging needs.
One of the most advanced MRI platforms available globally, providing the hardware foundation for novel sequence development.
Granted by leading global imaging technology partners and unavailable to most clinical or research institutions.
Mr Ben Kennedy presents MRI translational research at international conferences and scientific forums, positioning MBR Health’s sequence development at the forefront of global MRI innovation.
Mr Ben Kennedy has contributed to the peer-reviewed literature through published case reports, clinical updates and an authored book chapter on MRI pulse sequences in musculoskeletal imaging, published by Elsevier — one of the world’s leading academic medical publishers.
Meeting the highest standards of laboratory and imaging accreditation in Australia.
All R&D staff hold active Good Clinical Practice certification ensuring regulatory compliance across every study.
Working with leading global imaging technology partners on next-generation spectral CT development.
Across oncology, opportunistic health assessment, breast imaging and dose reduction programs.
Every protocol developed at MBR Health is validated through direct clinical application and real-world patient care.