Cloud computing transforms MRI scans in Sub-Saharan Africa through global research

A collaboration between Spanish and Ugandan researchers is using cloud computing to improve MRI scans in Sub-Saharan Africa. The project, named I3M-MUST, connects ultra-low-field MRI systems in Uganda to Microsoft’s Tyger platform for advanced image processing. The initiative began in 2023, involving the Institute of Instrumentation for Molecular Imaging in Spain and Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda. Early work focused on testing reconstruction techniques and linking the Ugandan MRI system with Tyger’s cloud-based tools.

Since 2025, the team has scanned dozens of volunteers, progressing from partial to full-head images. Raw MRI signals are sent to Microsoft Azure, where tools like SNRAware remove noise and correct distortions. This addresses a key challenge in the region: limited computing power often prevents the conversion of raw signals into clear medical images.

The project also includes training for students and healthcare workers at MUST. This builds local expertise in MRI technology and image reconstruction, supporting long-term improvements in diagnostic care. Uganda currently has few MRI facilities, forcing patients to travel long distances for scans. Delays in diagnosis can worsen outcomes for conditions such as stroke and brain injuries. By shifting processing to the cloud, the project reduces reliance on expensive, high-performance hardware and makes advanced imaging more accessible.