Research projects

Ongoing Projects

Grant # LR002, H. Hirata (PI), 2/10/2011–3/31/2014, JPY 112,000,000 ($1,120,000)
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Funding Program of Next Generation World-Leading Researchers (NEXT Program)
Title: Imaging of chiral molecules based on magnetic resonance
The Goal of this project is to develop a molecular imaging method to vosualize chiral molecules that are labeled with isotopic nitroxyl radicals.
Role: PI

Past Projects

Grant # 21360193, H. Hirata (PI), 4/1/2009–3/31/12, JPY 13,600,000 ($136,000)
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Title: Functional Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Imaging for Brain/Neuroscience Studies.
The major goal of this project is to develop advanced technologies of functional electron paramagnetic resonance imaging for small animals, especially for brain/neuroscience studies.
Role: PI
Note: This program was early ended due to the NEXT Program of JSPS.

H. Hirata (PI), 10/1/08–3/31/12, JPY 43,000,000 ($430,000)
Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
Title: Development of fast CW-EPR imaging.
The goal of this project is to develop a method of fast continuous-wave electron paramagnetic resonance imaging. The target data acquisition time of 3D EPR imaging is less than 5 s.
Role: PI
Note: This program was early ended due to the NEXT Program of JSPS.


Temporal changes of free radical distribution obtained at the inrerval of 5.8 s. Rev Sci Instrum 79, article no. 123701 (2008).

Grant # 20656065, H. Hirata (PI), 4/01/08–3/31/11, JPY 3,500,000 ($35,000)
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Title: Development of Superresolution Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Imaging.
The major goal of this project is to develop a method of superresolution processing in EPR imaging to enhance the spatial resolution.
Role: PI


Resolution-recovery for CW-EPR imaging with a live mouse. Magn Reson Med (2009, in press)

Grant # 19390322, H. Fujii (PI), 4/01/07–3/31/10, JPY 14,400,000 ($144,000)
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Title: Functional Imaging with a Unified ESR/MRI Instrument.
The major goal of this project is to develop a new method for small animal imaging based on ESR and MRI modalities.
Role: Co-Investigator


Co-registration of NMR and EPR imaging. J Magn Reson 184, 29-38 (2007).

Contract # U19 AI067733-01, H. Hirata (Subcontract PI), 10/1/08–7/31/09 $24,840
NIH/NIAID (Subcontract between the University of Rochester and Hokkaido University)
This subcontract is intended to lead to the development of a 1.2-GHz microwave resonator for use in EPR dosimetry on human tooth in vivo. This is part of a research effort of the Center for Biophysical Assessment and Risk Management Following Radiation (Director P. Okunieff) at the University of Rochester Medical Center, supported by NIAID’s Biodefense Research Program.
Role: Subcontract-PI