Ian Connell

Dr. Connell's research group works at the intersection of engineering, medical physics, and imaging, and he leads several research programs at UHN focused on advancing biomedical imaging, image-guided therapy and neurology.

Previously, Dr. Connell worked in industry. First, as Senior Scientist at Synaptive Medical, where he co-led the development and FDA clearance of the breakthrough 0.5T MRI system Evry. Second, as Director of Engineering at Synex Medical where he led the team building non-invasive blood glucose spectrometers. His innovations in MRI hardware design included novel gradient coils, MRI hardware, electronics and RF antennae optimized for mid-field MRI. He holds multiple patents and industry-funded grants in these areas.

With over a decade of experience advancing MRI engineering, Dr. Connell leverages specialized compact MRI scanners to transform patient care. His imaging research centres on:

1. MRI hardware design: intra-operative and accessible, small-footprint MRI systems

2. MRI-guided design and safety validation of neuromodulation devices

3. Optimized MRI systems for structural and functional neuroimaging

Dr. Ian Connell's primary affiliation is as the Director of Medical Engineering at UHN, while holding concurrent appointments as Scientist at CRANIA, Director of Engineering at the Centre for Digital Therapeutics, and Affiliate Scientist at the KITE Research Institute. He is cross-appointed as Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto in both the Department of Medical Biophysics and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. He holds a Bachelor's of Engineering Physics (Nuclear Engineering), a Ph.D. in Medical Biophysics and an M.B.A. in Finance. Dr. Connell completed his Post-Doctoral training at the University of Western Ontario in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and holds a Professional Engineering (P.Eng.) designation.