History

Established in 2002, the Combined Universities Brain Imaging Centre (CUBIC) was founded to provide research-dedicated MRI infrastructure for psychology departments at Royal Holloway and its partner institutions (Brunel, Roehampton, Surrey). Its creation marked a significant milestone: Royal Holloway became the first psychology department in the UK to house an onsite, research-dedicated MRI scanner.

For over two decades, CUBIC was home to a Siemens 3T Tim Trio system, supporting a wide range of neuroimaging research projects and contributing to many studies and publications.

End of an era: Our Siemens 3T Tim Trio being removed

In 2026/27, CUBIC enters a new phase of development with the installation of a Siemens 3T Cima.X system. This upgrade represents a major investment in next-generation neuroimaging capability, sustaining our vision to conduct high-quality neuroscience research with societal impact and establishing the centre as a major hub of neuroscientific excellence in South-East England.

Coming soon: The Siemens 3T Cima.X scanner