As part of the University of Limerick’s commitment to sustainability, we’re sharing impactful stories from our 2023 Sustainability Report. We highlight the work of Dr. Romina Gaburro of UL’s MACSI in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and her work with the Rich and Nonlinear Tomography programme.
Tomography is a powerful, non-invasive imaging technique used to examine the inner structures of objects or living systems. It's widely applied in medical diagnostics (e.g., CT scans and ultrasound), environmental science, and materials testing.
In 2023, the Rich and Nonlinear Tomography programme at the Isaac Newton Institute in Cambridge brought together a global team of mathematicians, engineers, and scientists, including Dr. Gaburro, to enhance the technology. Their focus was on solving “inverse problems” – complex mathematical challenges that arise when creating accurate images from indirect measurements.The programme aimed to accelerate the development of new, advanced tomographic techniques by identifying common mathematical principles across various methods, pushing the boundaries of what tomography can achieve.
By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, the programme has already led to significant advances in tomography, with broad applications across healthcare, urban planning, and climate action. The improved imaging techniques could revolutionize medical diagnostics, enhance the resilience of infrastructure, and provide new ways to monitor environmental changes, such as tracking water and renewable energy resources beneath the Earth’s surface.
These innovations are directly linked to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-Being, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Climate Action, highlighting the potential for positive societal impact.
To learn more about the programme and its potential for driving sustainability, check out the video here.
