First Whole-Head OPM-MEG Facility in the Southern Hemisphere Launched at University of Melbourne
The Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit (MBCIU) has officially launched its Optically Pumped Magnetometer Magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG) facility, marking a major milestone for brain imaging and neuroscience research in the Southern Hemisphere.
Held at the Ian Potter Auditorium at the University of Melbourne, the launch celebrated the arrival of the cutting-edge, wearable neuroimaging system that enables researchers to study brain activity with precision and flexibility.
The new facility is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, equipped with a full array of sensors designed to capture high-resolution brain activity while allowing participants to move naturally. Unlike traditional MEG systems, which require rigid setups and cryogenic cooling, OPM-MEG operates at room temperature and places sensors closer to the scalp, improving signal quality and expanding the scope of possible research outcomes.
The facility is the culmination of more than a decade of work led by Professor Marta Garrido. The journey began in 2015 with early discussions in London and continued through her research leadership across multiple roles and institutions, ultimately bringing wearable MEG technology to Australia. Momentum grew through prototype development and pilot studies, leading to major funding success and the installation of the purpose-built facility in Melbourne.
The project has been supported by a wide network of collaborators and partners across multiple institutions and disciplines. Key contributors include Dr Sophie Lin, who has played a central role in developing and managing the facility, alongside Professor Gary Egan.
The broader collaboration includes investigators and partners from Monash University, University of Newcastle, Macquarie University, Western Sydney University, and University of Queensland, as well as collaborators from Swinburne University of Technology and the Swinburne Neuroimaging Facility. Contributors across these institutions include David Grayden, Leigh Johnston, Sharna Jamadar, Mark Bellgrove, Michael Breakspear, Paul Sowman, Manuel Varlet, Tijl Grootswagers, Jason Mattingley, and Pankaj Sah.
The establishment of the OPM-MEG system was made possible through significant investment, including national research infrastructure funding through the National Imaging Facility and ARC LIEF support, alongside cross-institutional collaboration. The facility is designed to be accessible to external partners and the broader research community, supporting a wide range of applications from cognitive neuroscience to clinical and engineering research.
With its ability to capture brain activity at millisecond timescales while maintaining high spatial precision, OPM-MEG opens new possibilities for studying complex brain processes in more naturalistic settings. The technology is particularly well suited for research involving movement, such as studies with children, clinical populations, and real-world cognitive tasks.
The launch event included an overview of the technology and its capabilities, followed by morning tea in the Kenneth Myer Building foyer, where attendees discussed future collaborations and research opportunities. With the system now operational, the facility is open to new projects, signaling the beginning of a new era for wearable brain imaging in Australia.