Tom Barrick

Dr Tom Barrick is Reader in Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Head of the Neurological Disorders and Imaging Section within the Neuroscience and Cell Biology Research Institute at City St George's, University of London (formed from the merger of City, University of London and St George's, University of London on August 1, 2024). His research focuses on developing automated image analysis techniques for identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of disease diagnosis and prognosis across multiple conditions.

• PhD in Medical Imaging, University of Liverpool (1997-2004)
• MSc in Pure Mathematics (Distinction), University of Liverpool (1996-2004)
• BSc in Mathematics (First Class Honours), University of Liverpool (1993-1996)

Dr Barrick's research concentrates on the development of MR image acquisition and analysis techniques, with particular focus on novel diffusion MRI methods capable of quantifying tissue heterogeneity in the brain. He has developed Quasi-Diffusion Imaging (QDI), a technique based on continuous time random walk models that provides robust quantification of diffusion and tissue heterogeneity with high signal-to-noise ratios from clinically acceptable acquisition times. His work spans applications in brain tumours, dementia, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other neurological conditions.

Dr Barrick's extensive publication record (110 peer-reviewed articles, H-index 38) demonstrates a strong focus on advancing neuroimaging techniques, particularly diffusion MRI and QDI. His research spans multiple disease areas with significant clinical collaborations, especially in cerebrovascular disease and dementia. His work increasingly integrates machine learning to combine information from various imaging biomarkers for improved diagnosis and prognosis assessment.

Dr Barrick has published 110 peer-reviewed journal articles with an H-index of 38 (Europe PubMed Central), reflecting substantial scholarly impact in medical imaging and neuroscience.

• Teaching: Provides lectures on Clinical Neuroscience module (BSc Biomedical Sciences) and supervises research projects for BSc Clinical Pharmacology, BSc Biomedical Sciences, MSc, MRes, and PhD students
• Funding: Has received active funding from GSK, St George's Hospital Charity, Medical Research Council, Innovate UK, Cancer Research UK, St George's Innovation and Enterprise Award, and Alzheimer's Research UK
• Research Group: Leads a team including Dr Mohani-Preet Dhillon (Lecturer in Interdisciplinary Education and Research), Mike Mills (MRI physicist), and Ian Storey (Image Analyst)

Dr Barrick leads the Neurological Disorders and Imaging Section and collaborates extensively both within City St George's (with neurologists, neurosurgeons, and respiratory specialists) and externally with researchers from institutions including University of Bristol, National Physical Laboratory, Northwestern University, University of Cambridge, and The University of Queensland. He is a founding member of the Anomalous Relaxation and Diffusion Study group, reflecting his specialized expertise in advanced diffusion imaging techniques.