As I begin my year as president of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), I have been reflecting on the remarkable breadth of our field and the many ways in which our community continues to evolve. This reflection has led me to a theme that will guide my presidency over the coming year: Development in Every Dimension.
At its core, magnetic resonance is a multidimensional science. We strive to image structures in three dimensions, capture physiology over time, characterize tissue through multiple parameters, and increasingly integrate information across modalities. Progress in MRI has always come from expanding the dimensions in which we can observe, understand, and measure biology.
From a scientific perspective, our field continues to push boundaries. We are achieving higher spatial resolution, faster acquisitions, more sophisticated quantitative measurements, and increasingly powerful methods for reconstruction and analysis. Advances in artificial intelligence, low-field MRI, hardware design, pulse sequence development, and quantitative imaging are transforming what is possible. As a society, ISMRM must continue to foster innovation across the entire MR ecosystem, ranging from fundamental physics and engineering to clinical implementation.
But development in every dimension means much more than scientific advancement alone.
Development also occurs across the many professional disciplines that are involved in our field. Major advances in MRI applications result from collaboration among clinicians, scientists, engineers, radiographers, and industry partners. Important progress often comes to fruition where goals and perspectives of the different disciplines meet. During my presidency, I hope to strengthen opportunities for multidisciplinary interaction and to ensure that every part of our community feels connected to the broader mission of the Society.
Equally important is the development of people. The future of ISMRM depends on nurturing the next generation of leaders, researchers, educators, and clinicians. Career development, mentorship, education, and professional growth must remain central priorities. Whether someone is attending their first annual meeting, submitting their first abstract, or taking on new leadership responsibilities, they should feel supported in their journey.
This commitment extends globally, without boundaries. ISMRM is a truly international society, and our strength comes from the diversity of our membership. Development in every dimension means improving accessibility, expanding opportunities for participation, and ensuring that members from all regions of the world can engage meaningfully with the Society. It means ensuring that no community is left behind and reaching out to communities that may not traditionally participate fully in ISMRM activities and creating pathways for them to contribute and thrive.
Another important goal is supporting excellence in scientific communication. High-quality abstracts remain the foundation of our annual meetings and scientific exchange. Through educational initiatives, mentorship, and clearer communication around submissions, we can help more members share their best work and contribute to the collective advancement of the field.
ISMRM has always been more than a scientific society. It is a community united by curiosity, innovation, and a shared commitment to medical applications for the benefit of patients. I look forward to working together with all of you over the coming year as we continue that journey along many dimensions.
Given my own clinical expertise, one area that I believe deserves particular attention is the MR community involved in imaging our youngest patients. Children present unique clinical and technical challenges, yet pediatric imaging continues to drive innovation that benefits the entire field. I hope we can strengthen connections with pediatric researchers and clinicians and ensure that their perspectives are fully represented within our activities.
In summary, Development in Every Dimension means advancing MRI across many axes that define our field and Society, i.e., technically, scientifically, clinically, and humanly.
Petra S Hüppi, M.D.
2026-2027 ISMRM President
Thank you, Madam President, for this inspiring and timely vision of “Development in Every Dimension”. As a global MR community, we are thankful in every dimension—for the inclusiveness, ambition, and renewed sense of purpose this message brings. We are ready to support and follow this vision, moving together in one clear dimension: forward.