EP/H01506X/1 - CeM-CATS - Sinclair

The childhood dream of Superman's instant 3D X-ray vision is becoming a substantial reality across a tremendous range of contemporary science and engineering. In particular, the three dimensional imaging of X-ray computed tomography (CT) is reaching far beyond the more widely known medical domain, as generally identified with 'CAT' scanning (after computer assisted, or axial, tomography). The last decade has seen the appearance of technologies for rapid, CT scanning of objects, from rockets to rocks to rodents, with commercial equipment that is now within the reach of individual universities and university departments. Whilst taking high resolution three dimensional images has almost become as fast as taking a polaroid photograph, there is a price for scientists and engineers concerned with using the technique. In particular, few turn out to be ready for the enormous volumes of information that are produced and the extensive analysis required. We propose bringing together teams of scientists and engineers that have immediate need of CT imaging, with a suite of advanced CT capabilities, along with world-leading experts in high performance computing (HPC), and the art of image processing within computers (Computer Vision). Together this will produce a uniquely efficient, multi-disciplinary centre for 3D imaging science, exploiting the latest technologies in cost-effective supercomputing and data handling methods. The centre will further exploit our experience in eScience, unifying and simplifying the interaction between human, instrument and data.Over 40 academics, drawn from almost half of the departments of the University are committed to this initiative. Three core themes are identified in Engineering, Biomedical and Environmental Science, addressing many critical current human needs in areas such as energy, climate change and the origins of lifelong health. When included with facilities already available at Southampton, the centre will provide for the entire imaging process for samples of the order of an ant's head to a car engine; from initial experimental concept & training, through data capture & analysis, to new scientific knowledge.