Medical Physics

The Department offers master's, PhD and postdoctoral opportunities in Medical Physics. Research projects are closely connected to active interdisciplinary research environments at the University of Bergen and Haukeland University Hospital. A key partner is the Department of Medical Physics at Haukeland University Hospital, which provides expertise in radiation therapy, PET imaging, X-ray imaging, hyperthermia, radiosurgery, radiation protection and medical data analysis.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy research is a growing activity at the department. Researchers focus particularly on particle therapy, including proton and ion beam therapy, in connection with the planned particle therapy centre at Haukeland University Hospital.

Current research includes microdosimetry, which investigates the biological effects of radiation at microscopic scales, and measurements of neutron dose, an unwanted side effect of radiation treatment. Other projects develop methods for verifying the radiation dose delivered to patients, including prompt gamma detection and proton computed tomography (proton CT).

Research combines experimental measurements with advanced modelling and simulation. Monte Carlo simulations are used to study treatment processes, beam delivery systems and treatment facilities, including radiation protection and the production of secondary radiation during patient treatment.

Projects are carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Medical Physics and the PET Centre at Haukeland University Hospital.

Key contact persons for radiation therapy: Kristian Smeland Ytre-Hauge, Camilla Stokkevåg, Dieter Röhrich. 

Diagnostic imaging

Research in diagnostic imaging ranges from detector technology development to the implementation and optimisation of imaging techniques used in clinical settings. Data analysis and computational modelling are important components of many projects.

Students and researchers contribute to projects in optical imaging, ultrasound imaging and tomographic imaging, including positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT).

Recent and previous student projects include:

• Diffusion tensor imaging of axonal loss in an experimental model of multiple sclerosis
• Performance evaluation of a small-animal PET/CT system
• Development of a test platform for ultrasound-based volume and strain measurements of the heart
• Characterization of scintillation crystals for positron emission tomography
• System for tracking head position and rotation during magnetic resonance imaging

Key contact person for diagnostics: Renate Gruner (Renate@fMRI.no)