Although the new MRI scanner of Erasmus University Rotterdam and Erasmus MC has already been in full use for almost a year, the joint MRI facility was officially and ceremonially opened last week. During a gathering at Erasmus MC, researchers, administrators and students came together to reflect on what the facility has already delivered, as well as on the promising research plans for the years ahead.
The advanced MRI scanner, specifically designed for scientific research into the relationship between brain and behaviour, is the result of close collaboration between the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB), Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) and Erasmus MC. In practice, this collaboration is already proving to be highly valuable.
First studies and insights
Since its introduction, the scanner has been used intensively across a wide range of research projects. Within the GUTS project (Growing Up Together in Society), MRI scans have been conducted in recent months with more than 420 young people aged between 10 and 20. Using these data, ESSB researchers are investigating how self-regulation and environmental factors contribute to healthy development.
What makes this research particularly distinctive is the combination of methods. In addition to MRI scans, participants also took part in questionnaires, behavioural experiments and EEG measurements. This integrated approach enables researchers to examine the interaction between brain and behaviour in detail - an approach that would be difficult to achieve without this facility.
Beyond GUTS, use of the scanner is expanding rapidly. Within ESSB, seven research teams are currently preparing MRI studies scheduled to begin in 2026. As a result, the facility is developing into a broadly applicable research platform for the social and behavioural sciences.
The importance of collaboration
During the official opening, speakers emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Rector Magnificus Professor Jantine Schuit says about this:
“I warmly congratulate the initiators on this impressive and distinctive research facility. This MRI scanner is a wonderful example of an innovative collaboration between Erasmus MC and Erasmus University Rotterdam, brought about by enthusiastic and ambitious researchers who look beyond disciplinary boundaries. Thanks to the collaboration between the faculties of ESSB, RSM and FGG/Erasmus MC, it is possible to gain new insights in a unique way into the complex relationship between brain and behaviour. Such collaborations enable us not only to better understand societal challenges, but also to contribute to potential solutions. I am proud that we can play a role in this - collaborations like these are essential.”
Presentations by researchers from different disciplines also demonstrated the breadth of applications, ranging from brain development in young people and population research to decision-making and marketing research.
More opportunities for ESSB researchers
The new MRI facility not only supports ongoing research, but also opens up new avenues for research questions within ESSB. MRI can, for example, be a valuable method for studies on social information processing, decision-making or stress responses, and provides a powerful complement to existing behavioural and survey data.
ESSB researchers interested in using MRI in their research can contact Suzanne van de Groep, ESSB MRI Coordinator. She is happy to advise on opportunities and support. s.vandegroep@essb.eur.nl
With a year of experience, promising early studies and a growing community of engaged researchers, the official opening above all marks an important step forward: working together to advance innovative research into brain and behaviour.
- More information
Julia Wetsteijn, communications ESSB, wetsteijn@essb.eur.nl
or
Marjolein Kooistra, communications and press ESSB, 0683676038, kooistra@essb.eur.nl
