At DIRECT I, we bring scientists, clinicians, and engineers together to close the gap between basic discovery and patient care. Our work is grounded in rigorous science, collaborative problem solving, and a commitment to improving imaging outcomes for the communities we serve.
Vision
At DIRECT-I, we are building an enterprise-scale imaging ecosystem that translates scientific discovery to clinical care. Our vision is to accelerate the translation of innovations in all imaging sectors across all diseases into real-world patient impact. We aim to compress the timeline from discovery to first-in-human application, ensuring that breakthroughs in imaging including radiopharmaceuticals, mechanistic pathways, applications, analytical approaches, and AI models to reach patients faster. Through advanced imaging technologies, DIRECT-I will aim to deliver tools that meaningfully improve diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient outcomes.
Innovation
At DIRECT I, innovation is grounded in clinical relevance. Our teams work across the full spectrum of imaging science to develop:
- Radiopharmaceuticals designed for real world diagnostic and therapeutic needs
- Imaging biomarkers that support earlier and more precise disease characterization
- Quantitative imaging methods that strengthen clinical decision making
Our goal is to produce solutions that are scientifically rigorous, operationally feasible, and ready for deployment at scale across health systems.
Clinical Translation
DIRECT I exist to ensure that promising ideas do not stall in the research pipeline. We partner closely with clinicians and investigators to:
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI/fMRI)
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)
- Optical and molecular imaging
- Ultrasound and point of care imaging
This multimodal capability allows us to generate deeper biological insights and support precision diagnostics across diverse patient populations.
Commercialization
We believe that impactful science should reach beyond academic publications. DIRECT I support investigators through:
- Development of clinically deployable technologies
- Intellectual property strategy and protection
- Industry partnerships and co development opportunities
- Startup formation and licensing pathways
Our aim is to ensure that discoveries move from the bench to the bedside—and ultimately into widespread clinical practice.
First-in-Human Studies
DIRECT I uniquely structured to accelerate first in human imaging investigations. We provide:
- Dedicated infrastructure for early phase clinical trials
- Regulatory, operational, and data management support
- Access to advanced imaging platforms and radiochemistry resources
- Multidisciplinary collaboration across clinical departments
This environment enables investigators to validate new diagnostics and therapeutics safely, efficiently, and with the full support of an experienced translational team.
Links and Programs
DIRECT I work closely with major institutional and national programs, including:
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC)
- Cancer Center and Department of Cancer Biology
- Center for Aging
- Cardiovascular research programs
- Center for Addiction Research
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI/CTR)
These partnerships expand our scientific reach, strengthen our funding landscape, and create new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.