The MIF was established as a pilot project to provide the NIH intramural community access to modern radiological imaging methods optimized for studying mice (and other animals) and to advance state-of-the-art small animal imaging. The MIF is supported by all Institutes at the NIH and reports to the Shared Resources Subcommittee (SRS) of the Scientific Directors. Administratively, the MIF resides within NINDS and is physically located in the NIH MRI Research Center (NMRC) in Building 10.
MIF provides intellectual, technical, and material support for investigators using the MIF imaging facilities. MIF preclinical imaging resources include magnetic resonance imaging, micro-computed tomography, high-frequency ultrasound with photoacoustic imaging, and optical bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging. MIF does NOT have PET imaging or an irradiator.