NHS GGC MRI Physics Staff Profiles

An overview of the MRI physics team publications can be found here:

Latest Group Publication List

Head of MRI Physics: John Foster

John started his career in MRI in 1991 making RF coils and programming a 0.5T MRI scanner system with locally made gradient sets in partnership with Surrey Medical Imaging Systems, Magnex Scientific and University of Exeter for the PhD entitled, “The development of functional imaging of the diabetic forefoot using a targetted magnetic resonance system.”

The development of functional imaging of the diabetic forefoot using a targetted magnetic resonance system

Applying the physics of MRI to improve patient care is his main driver. Since that time he has translated the physics of MRI to 1T,1.5T,3T and more recently to 7T. Devising robust MR methodologies for clinical research and ultimately improved patient outcome has led to important achievements in cardiology, musculoskeletal and oncology imaging.

John Foster’s publication profile can be viewed by clicking below:

John’s publications

He currently leads a team of MR Physicists working as Clinical Scientists in the largest Health Board in the country with accreditation as a National Training Centre and providing the role of MR Safety Expert to many MRI sites.

Deputy Head of MRI Physics: John McLean

Following a degree in physics, John came through the Scottish Medical Physics Training Scheme. He completed his MSc in medical physics and then went on to specialise in the area of MRI. John also completed his PhD which assessed the use of a range of quantitative MRI techniques to study the hippocampus and its subfields.
John has a great deal of experience in advising on MRI safety matters in a clinical setting. He also continues to work in deploying quantitative and metabolic imaging techniques in clinical practice and in clinical trials and research derived from clinical cohorts, particularly for neuroimaging. His work has led him to have a keen interest in imaging informatics which is becoming of increasing importance, particularly as this will underpin the development and deployment of deep learning techniques.
Most recently, John has taken more of an interest in methods for team effectiveness such as agile, this has led to John introducing the use of ‘kanban’ boards to make visible and track the work of the MRI physics team with the aim of making the team more dynamic and productive.
John McLean’s publication profile can be viewed by clicking below:

John’s publications

Principal Clinical Physicist: Rosario Lopez

Rosario studied Physics and Mathematics in Mexico City then moved to New Zealand where she obtained a PhD in MRI Physics under Professor Paul Callaghan’s supervision. Rosario then worked at Glasgow University as independent Research Fellow for 6 years.

Rosario is currently a Clinical Scientist, since 2014 working in the NHS GGC MR Physics group.

She is based at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI). Rosario has developed and implemented new MRI Clinical services including, Regadenoson Stress Myocardial perfusion, MR Lymphography, T1 and T2* mapping in liver and myocardial. Additionally, Rosario supports current MRI Clinical Physics services and contributes with MRI safety.

Rosario is involved in a number of clinical research studies in collaboration with Glasgow University. Rosario’s interests are image analysis, and programming.

Rosario’s publications

Principal Clinical Scientist: Pauline Hall Barrientos PhD


Clinical support: Royal Hospital for Children – MRSE, protocol optimisation, QC, analysis and reporting of MRS, ASL, liver and myocardium iron.

Research interests: cardiovascular, 4D flow and paediatric imaging.

Principal Clinical Scientist: Sarah Allwood-Spiers

Sarah moved into medical physics in 2013 after completing a PhD and postdoctoral research in particle physics, and joined the MRI physics group in 2015.

Sarah’s clinical work includes functional MRI, diffusion, and tumour imaging. She provides MR safety support and protocol optimisation for the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and Gartnavel General Hospital, and safety support for new coil developments at the 7T scanner in ICE.

Sarah’s research interests include functional neuroimaging at 3T and 7T, renal imaging and tumour imaging for diagnosis and radiotherapy planning.

Sarah’s publications

Clinical Scientist: George Bruce

After studying Physics at the University of Glasgow, George was accepted onto the Scottish Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering Training Scheme, which he completed in 2022. George provides MR safety support for NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Forth Valley. 

Clinically, he works as part of the clinical fMRI and spectroscopy teams. His research interests include programming, image analysis and 3D printing.

Clinical Scientist: Blair Johnston

Blair studied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of St Andrews before completing a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Dundee. His research involved the application of mathematical methods, particularly machine learning-based methods, to psychiatric neuroscience research. Blair moved into medical physics in 2015 and joined the MRI Physics team in 2017. Blair provides MR safety support and protocol optimisation to the Institute of Neurological Sciences in NHS GG&C, NHS Dumfries and Galloway and NHS Forth Valley.

Blair works as part of the clinical fMRI team. His research interests include micro MRI, functional neuroimaging, low field MRI and the application of AI in MRI

Blair’s publications