Dr Irvin Teh

Profile

I am a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) physicist who leads a group focused on developing advanced diffusion MRI methods for microstructural characterisation of the heart. My PhD in MRI Physics was obtained at Imperial College London, UK. I subsequently took up postdoctoral appointments at the Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore and the University of Oxford, UK. I am currently Senior Research Fellow at LICAMM at the University of Leeds, MRI Lead for the Experimental and Preclinical Imaging Centre (ePIC), and Impact Champion for LICAMM.

My research in cardiac diffusion MRI spans the preclinical and clinical setting, with a strong focus on the translation of demanding techniques in the heart. This is facilitated by active collaborations with clinicians and biologists, and complemented by validation with phantoms and independent imaging techniques. Diffusion MRI is a unique method for assessing the cardiac tissue microstructure at a cellular level, and is sensitive to changes in cell size, shape, orientation and other factors. The measurements taken can help scientists and clinicians to evaluate changes to the heart microstructure following disease or other biological intervention. It is a safe technique that does not involve ionising radiation or exogeneous contrast agents, and has tremendous potential to improve diagnosis and management in patients with myocardial conditions. Our work in developing advanced diffusion MRI techniques, such as q-space trajectory imaging, promises to provide access to more specific imaging biomarkers for microstructural quantification.

In terms of education, I serve as Lead for the MSc Medical Imaging Research Project module, where students are provided with opportunities for first-hand research experience under the supervision of experienced researchers. I also deliver MRI-related education and training within LICAMM at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and supervise a number of MSc and PhD students. Prospective students are welcome to get in touch to discuss potential MSc and PhD projects.

I am a keen advocate for collaborative research, and have had the privilege to serve in the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) and the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR). My roles include: Member of the ISMRM Annual Meeting Program Committee, Member of the ISMRM Education Committee, Past Chair of the SCMR Cardiac Diffusion Special Interest Group and Past Chair of the SCMR-ISMRM Co-Provided Workshop 2025.

Responsibilities

• MRI Lead for the Experimental and Preclinical Imaging Centre (ePIC)
• Module Lead for MSc Medical Imaging Research Project (MEDP5330M)
• Impact Champion for LICAMM

Research interests

Microstructural characterisation of the heart based on diffusion MRI;

Development of novel methods for accurate and quantitative diffusion MRI in the heart;

Validation of diffusion MRI with simulations, phantoms and complementary imaging techniques.

• Multi-centre Investigation of Cardiac Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Healthy Volunteers by SCMR Cardiac Diffusion Special Interest Group Network (SIGNET)

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy (MRI Physics)
• Masters of Biomedical Engineering
• Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering

Professional memberships

• International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
• Society for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance

Student education

Module Lead for the MSc Medical Imaging Research Projects MEDP5330M

MRI Teaching for MEDP3512, MEDP5312M, ARCS2215, ARCS2229

Research groups and institutes

• Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine
• Biomedical Imaging Science