When was CIBR Established? Why?

The Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research established CIBR in 2008 to ensure that the voice of imaging research would be both unified and diverse. The Academy felt that it was critical that it involve all stakeholders of the imaging research community in advocacy.

Who is part of CIBR?

CIBR has over 200 members, including patient advocacy groups, academic Radiology Departments, imaging societies, and industry companies. Our patient groups represent the full spectrum of diseases that use imaging for their detection, diagnosis, and/or treatment. More than 90% of the diseases studied at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) use imaging, and CIBR is committed to having the same diversity in its membership. Please visit the all members page for more information.

Can my group join CIBR?

Absolutely! We are always looking to partner with patient organizations that share our commitment to imaging research. Please contact Renee Cruea, Executive Director at rcruea@acadrad.org to inquire about membership.

Is there a cost to join CIBR as a patient advocate organization? What is the time commitment?

CIBR membership is free for patient groups. While we recognize that our members all have their own events and initiatives, we believe that they will find our collaborative opportunities substantive and mutually beneficial. However, there is no time requirement, and groups can be involved as little or as much as they prefer.

What are some of the benefits of CIBR membership? What initiatives can I be involved in as a patient advocacy member?

There are many benefits to CIBR membership including, but not limited to, having the opportunity to:

• Meet and network with other imaging research advocates, including patients, academic radiologists and imaging researchers, and industry representatives.
• Stay informed on the latest updates on imaging research.
• Receive legislative updates and Capitol Hill news.
• Learn about the National Institutes of Health’s grant opportunities and events.
• Partner with academic radiologists and imaging researchers when submitting a grant application to the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI).
• Participate in CIBR’s grassroots advocacy initiatives on behalf of imaging research.
• Invite an imaging researcher to speak at one of your events.
• Attend meetings on Capitol Hill to advocate for imaging research.
• Participate in our Annual Medical Imaging Technology Showcase.

What is the Medical Technology Showcase?

The Medical Technology Showcase is the Academy’s signature event on Capitol Hill. This annual event feature imaging stakeholders from across the Academy’s membership including industry partners, patient advocacy groups, professional imaging societies, leadership from our academic departments as well as members of Academy’s Council of Early Career Investigators in Imaging. This event allows our membership to partner together to showcase their research collaborations to Congress, and to ask the federal government to continue to support imaging research. See a snapshot of the most recent Medical Technology Showcase.

What are some of your recent legislative accomplishments?

The Academy was instrumental in advocating for the establishment of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) at the National Institutes of Health. In Fiscal Year 2016, that Institute’s budget increased by 5%, which is larger than the median increase across the NIH of 4.6%. In addition, we urged for the creation of the Interagency Working Group on Medical Imaging (IWGMI) at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). This working group will coordinate medical imaging research efforts across the federal government.