Silvio Aime

Silvio Aime is a Professor of General and Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Turin, leading the Molecular Imaging Center and NMR laboratory within the Department of Chemistry (Faculty of Sciences). His research focuses on developing MRI contrast agents using lanthanides and hyperpolarized molecules for molecular imaging applications, with a particular emphasis on tumor targeting, cellular labeling, and imaging reporters responsive to biological parameters.

He holds significant academic accolades, including Honorary Doctorates from TU Eindhoven (2024) and the University of Debrecen (2020), along with awards from the European Magnetic Resonance Society and the Italian Chemical Society. His work bridges chemistry and biomedical engineering, addressing challenges in MRI sensitivity, nanomedicine, and diagnostic agent design.

Key research areas include:

• Development of high-relaxivity Gd-based chelates
• CEST (Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer) agents
• Hyperpolarized 13C molecules via para-hydrogen
• Targeted imaging of tumors, thrombi, and plaques
• pH and enzymatic activity-responsive probes

As a Hans Fischer Senior Fellow at TUM-IAS since 2012, his collaborative projects address advanced MRI methodologies and molecular imaging techniques. His laboratories pioneer innovations in paramagnetic nanocarriers and cell tracking, contributing to precision diagnostics and theranostics.