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 research in cardiac diffusion MRI spans the preclinical and clinical setting, with a strong focus on the translation of demanding techniques in the heart, complemented by validation with phantoms and independent imaging techniques.

Diffusion MRI is a unique method for interrogating 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 observe and appreciate 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.

I obtained my PhD in MRI Physics at Imperial College London, UK, and 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. I also collaborate extensively with clinicians, and am actively engaged in human volunteer and patient studies at the Advanced Imaging Centre (AIC) and the Leeds General Infirmary.

I am actively engaged in education as Lead for the MSc Medical Imaging Research Project module. I deliver MRI-related education and training within LICAMM, and actively supervise MSc and PhD students. Students are welcome to get in touch to discuss potential MSc and PhD projects.

My contribution to international professional activities include:

Co-Chair of the SCMR Cardiac Diffusion Special Interest Group

Co-Chair of the SCMR-ISMRM Co-Provided Workshop 2025

Member of the ISMRM Annual Meeting Program Committee

Member of the ISMRM Education Commitee

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 characterization of the heart based on diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (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.

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 

Research groups and institutes

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