CherPET

Cherenkov light for total-body Positron Emission Tomography
Project type: ERC Proof of Concept Grant
Call ID: ERC-2022-PoC
Grant agreement ID: 101113474
Period: 01/10/2023 - 31/03/2025
Participating organization: /
Project value: 150,000.00 EUR
Fields of science: Medical and Health Sciences / Clinical medicine / Oncology / Natural Sciences / Physical Sciences / Theoretical Physics / Particle Physics / Photons
Keywords: /
CORDIS link

Abstract

The shift towards prevention in medicine is driving the demand for advanced imaging technologies like positron-emission tomography (PET). Long-axial PET scanners over 1 metre, particularly those incorporating Time-of-Flight (TOF) technology, offer promising solutions. Leveraging prompt Cherenkov photons could further enhance timing resolution in PET imaging. The ERC-funded CherPET project aims to develop a novel type of PET detector. This detector will integrate large-area, fast photon detectors with low-noise, fast-timing electronics to improve performance. The goal is to create a cost-effective PET scanner. If successful, it could significantly bolster PET’s application in cancer diagnosis, early detection of neurodegenerative and cardiac diseases, and treatment monitoring, marking an advancement in medical imaging.

Details about the project can be found here.

Job offers

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For more information, contact the project manager.

Prof. Dr. Peter Križan
Peter Križan is a full professor at the University of Ljubljana and a senior researcher at the J. Stefan Institute. His research focuses on particle physics (with emphasis on flavour physics), detector development (Cherenkov detectors and single-photon sensors), and applications in environmental physics and medical imaging. He has played key roles in international research, including at DESY, where he coordinated the HERA-B RICH detector, and at KEK, where he has been one of the leaders in the Belle II collaboration since 2008. He served as the Spokesperson of the Belle II Collaboration, Technical Coordinator, and is currently its Deputy Spokesperson. He has received major recognitions, including the ERC Advanced and Proof-of-Concept Grants, and Slovenia’s Zois award. In 2023, he became a regular member of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts. He has contributed to scientific policy as the Chair of the Scientific Council of the Slovenian Research Agency. He has served on numerous international advisory committees, including those at CERN (LHCC) and BNL (EIC DAC). Since January 2025, he is a member of the CERN’s Scientific Policy Committee.