Peter Mansfield was a Nobel Prize-winning physicist who made pioneering contributions to the study of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). His research led directly to the development of medical imaging techniques such as MRI, which now form an integral part of the diagnostic process.
Much of Peter’s work focused on refining the radio signals emitted by magnetically resonating nuclei to produce the highest-resolution spectrum possible. The mathematical techniques he subsequently established to analyse such data greatly facilitated direct visual interpretation of the images, making MRI a viable diagnostic tool. Peter was also responsible for the development of a high-speed technique known as echo planar imaging, which greatly shortened the time required to obtain medically useful scans.
Peter received numerous awards for his work, including the Gold Medal of the Journal of Clinical MRI and the 2003 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. In 1993, he received a knighthood for his services to medical science.
Sir Peter Mansfield FRS died on 8 February 2017.
Subject groups
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Health and Human Sciences
Clinical endocrinology, Medical instrumentation
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Astronomy and Physics
Magnetism
Awards
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Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Jointly with Paul C. Lauterbur for their discoveries concerning magnetic resonance imaging.
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Royal Society Mullard Award
In recognition of their contribution to the development of novel nuclear imaging methods, particularly nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
