National PET Imaging Platform
The National PET Imaging Platform (NPIP) is a UK-based initiative launched in 2025 to revolutionize medical imaging research through a national network of total-body PET scanners.
Profile
NPIP connects PET imaging data across the UK to advance medical research and improve patient outcomes.
The National PET Imaging Platform (NPIP) is a UK-based initiative launched in 2025 to revolutionize medical imaging research through a national network of total-body PET scanners. Funded by a £32 million grant from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Infrastructure Fund, NPIP aims to connect PET imaging data across the UK, enabling advanced research into diseases like cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders. The platform is a collaboration between leading academic institutions, including the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University of Glasgow, alongside Siemens Healthineers, which provides the Biograph Vision Quadra PET/CT scanners.
These scanners are up to 10 times more sensitive and 40 times faster than traditional PET scanners, allowing for more precise and rapid imaging. NPIP’s data platform, expected to launch in October 2026, will integrate imaging data from multiple sites, creating a comprehensive repository for research and clinical trials. The platform’s focus on interoperability and data sharing aims to accelerate drug discovery and improve patient outcomes.
NPIP’s recent expansion includes the installation of a scanner at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, funded by an additional £5.5 million from the UKRI Medical Research Council. This move broadens NPIP’s geographic reach, making advanced imaging accessible to more patients and researchers across the UK.
Who buys this
- Academic research institutions
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Healthcare providers
- Clinical trial organizations
- Government health agencies
Strengths and what to watch
Strengths
- Operates the UK’s first national network of total-body PET scanners
- Scanners are 10 times more sensitive and 40 times faster than traditional PET technology
- Strong collaboration with leading academic institutions and Siemens Healthineers
Watch for
- Dependence on continued UKRI funding for expansion and operations
- Potential challenges in integrating data from diverse hospital systems
- Limited geographic coverage despite recent Cambridge expansion
Key Information
- Founded
- 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National PET Imaging Platform (NPIP)?
NPIP is a UK initiative connecting PET imaging data nationwide to advance medical research. Launched in 2025 with £32 million UKRI funding, it uses high-sensitivity scanners for diseases like cancer and neurological disorders. Collaborators include Cambridge, Imperial College, and Siemens Healthineers.
How do NPIP's PET scanners differ from traditional ones?
NPIP’s Siemens Biograph Vision Quadra scanners are 10 times more sensitive and 40 times faster than conventional PET technology. This enables quicker, more precise imaging for research into cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological conditions.
Which UK institutions are involved with NPIP?
NPIP collaborates with the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University of Glasgow. Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge recently joined, expanding access to advanced imaging. Siemens Healthineers provides the cutting-edge scanner technology.
When will NPIP's data platform launch?
NPIP’s integrated data platform is expected to launch in October 2026. It will consolidate PET imaging data from multiple UK sites, creating a centralized resource for medical research and clinical trials.
What diseases does NPIP research focus on?
NPIP targets cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders through its advanced PET imaging network. The platform’s high-resolution scanners and data integration aim to accelerate discoveries and improve treatment outcomes.
How is the National PET Imaging Platform funded?
NPIP received £32 million from the UKRI Infrastructure Fund, with an additional £5.5 million for Addenbrooke’s Hospital expansion. Funding supports scanner deployment, data integration, and collaborative research across academic and healthcare institutions.
Sources
- npip.org.uk — Cambridge’s inclusion in NPIP and funding details
- www.ukri.org — Funding and launch details for NPIP’s data platform
- npip.org.uk — Overview of NPIP’s mission and technology
- www.siemens-healthineers.com — Siemens Healthineers’ role in providing PET scanners