Working with CABI
We welcome expressions of interest for preclinical imaging from researchers, both UCL and external. While priority is given to projects that involve our staff, our facilities are available for hire.
State-of-the-art imaging systems
- MRI
- PET / SPECT
- microCT
- Ultrasound / Photoacoustic imaging
- In vivo bioluminescence/fluorescence imaging.
In-house Biological Services Unit
- Mouse and rat holding rooms
- Surgery room
- Procedure rooms.

Our facilities
The Division's core facilities include imaging technologies, flow cytometry facilities, microscopes, and grating-coupled interferometry technology, located across the Bloomsbury campus.
Submit your study approval
Approval takes up to one month for new users and two weeks for others. All payments must be settled before a new study can be set up.
Submit a proposalWhat happens next?
We invite potential collaborators to discuss your projects and costs with a CABI approver.
If you wish to proceed, you must complete an Agreement for Work before your study begins.
Information you must provide includes:
- A unique study code
- Your CABI approver
- Start and end dates
- Study type
- Researcher name(s)
- Payment details
- Signatures from the PI and your CABI approver
Full details of how to complete these are provided in the document.
Cost estimates
Please provide estimates for the facilities you need. You are charged for actual usage, but if estimated costs exceed £1,000, we ask for 50% up-front before work can begin. Any unused funds are returned after the study finishes. If the actual cost exceeds the estimated total by 20% during your study, access to facility bookings is paused. You can then either amend your agreement to continue the study or terminate the study.
Collaborate with CABI
Discuss your project with a CABI approver and complete an Agreement for Work before your study begins.
Download AgreementOnce the 'Agreement for Work' is in place, you must complete all necessary inductions, training, and risk assessments before work can begin. This includes:
- A health and safety induction with the CABI Laboratory Manager.
- Training for any facilities you wish to use with appropriate CABI staff members.
- Ensuring work is covered by appropriate risk assessments approved by UCL Safety Services.
- An induction with the Biological Services Unit Facility Manager if you are planning to use the CABI animal holding rooms (B07E and B07F).
- Ensuring any animal work is covered by appropriate and active personal licences (PILs) and project licences (PPLs) for the duration of the study.
After all the required onboarding is complete, you will be granted access to CABI laboratories and facility booking calendars for the duration of your study.
Any amendment to an agreement is subject to the same initiation and approval process for setting up a new agreement.
Collaborative studies
For 'Collaboration' type studies, we ask all researchers to observe the following common requirements for scholarly exchange:
- That researchers seek to publish their results in peer-reviewed publications or apply for funding based on their pilot study.
- Contribution by CABI members is appropriately acknowledged on submitted manuscripts and funding applications.
- Manuscripts for review are required at least two weeks prior to submission.
- Digital copies of successful publications or funding applications are made available to your CABI collaborator(s).
Facility | Location | Hourly rate (Academia) | Hourly rate (Industry) | Min. booking | Booking amend / cancel deadline |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Agilent Varian 9.4 T MRI System | B05C | £200 | £240 | 1 hr | 12 hrs before start |
Bruker 9.4 T MRI System | B05E | £200 | £240 | 1 hr | 12 hrs before start |
Mediso PET/CT System | B04C | £200 | £240 | 1 hr | 12 hrs before start |
Mediso SPECT System | B04C | £150 | £180 | 1 hr | 12 hrs before start |
PerkinElmer microCT Imaging System | B04C | £150 | £180 | 30 mins | 12 hrs before start |
VisualSonics Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging System | B07A | £100 | £120 | 30 mins | 1 hr before start |
Photoacoustic Imaging System | B29B | £140 | £140 | 1 hr | 1 hr before start |
PerkinElmer IVIS Spectrum Imaging System | B07B | £96 | £115.20 | 15 mins | 1 hr before start |
Surgery Room Tables (1 / 3) | B07A | £5/hr + £20 fee per session | £6/hr + £20 fee per session | 30 mins | 1 hr before start |
Room for Animal Procedures | B07B, B07C, B07D | £8.75 | £10.50 | 30 mins | 1 hr before start |
Tissue Culture Facility | B04D | £10 | £12 | 30 mins | 1 hr before start |
Notes
- PET/CT/SPECT. Rate excludes radionuclides or radiopharmaceuticals.
- Room for Animal Procedures. This includes but is not limited to: Schedule 1 culling, transcardial perfusion, intraperitoneal injection, etc.
- Rates may change to reflect changes in the cost of consumables, system maintenance, and upkeep.