History

The Biomedical Imaging Center at the Complutense University of Madrid (BioImaC) was established with the goal of providing the research community with access to advanced preclinical imaging and spectroscopy technologies, supporting both basic research and translational and veterinary research.

Originally, BioImaC was structured as a Research Support Center (CAI) at the Complutense University of Madrid, offering imaging and spectroscopy services through an on-demand access model, integrated into the UCM’s general management, booking, and billing systems. This model enabled the consolidation of a solid technological foundation, a highly specialized technical team, and ongoing scientific activity serving researchers at UCM and other institutions.

The progressive growth of its instrumental and scientific capabilities, along with the incorporation of high-performance and unique equipment, led to the recognition of part of its infrastructure as unique equipment by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities. This recognition resulted in BioImaC’s inclusion on the national map of Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS).

In this context, BioImaC has joined the Biomedical Imaging Infrastructure Network (ReDIB), thereby reinforcing its role as a strategic infrastructure at the national level. Membership in ReDIB enables the implementation of a Competitive Open Access model for unique equipment, ensuring criteria of scientific excellence, transparency, and the efficient use of high-impact technological resources.

Currently, BioImaC maintains this dual nature:

* On the one hand, it acts as an ICTS, offering competitive access to its unique ICON 1T and BIOSPEC 9.0T equipment within the framework of ReDIB.

* On the other hand, it continues to operate as a CAI of the UCM, providing on-demand access to all BioImaC equipment, both unique and non-unique, by having the user complete the Service Request Form available on this website.

This dual structure allows BioImaC to combine the flexibility of university services with the standards of excellence and competitiveness characteristic of major national scientific infrastructures, establishing itself as a key node in Spain’s preclinical biomedical imaging ecosystem.