2025 European Research Council (ERC) Grants: Salim Si-Mohamed awarded ERC Proof of Concept Grant

Salim Si-Mohamed, a researcher at the CREATIS laboratory (INSA Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, CNRS, Jean Monnet University) and head of the cardiovascular and thoracic imaging department at Louis Pradel Hospital, has been awarded the ERC Proof of Concept Grant for his KOLOR Viewer project Kolor viewer : "K-edge imaging for cOLOR Spectral Photon-Counting".

The Kolor VIEWER Project: “K-edge imaging for cOLOR Spectral Photon-Counting

Colour K-edge imaging, made possible by the development of spectral photon counting CT (SPCCT) scanners, represents a major advance in medical imaging, enabling the differentiation and quantification of multiple contrast agents in a single acquisition. It offers so-called 'colour' imaging, providing simultaneous access to morphological, functional and molecular information in ultra-high resolution and in a short time. However, its impact is currently limited by the absence of dedicated software for visualisation, post-processing and biomarker extraction. Without a clinically oriented solution, the adoption of colour K-edge imaging will be slow and its full potential will remain underutilised.

‘Thanks to the ERC Starting Grant project, KOLOR SPCCT Imaging, our team is developing translational imaging methods for diagnosing lung diseases in combination with specific tracers,’ explains Salim Si-Mohamed.

Today, the project ERC Proof of Concept "KOLOR Viewer" has reached another crucial milestone by developing the first platform dedicated to K-edge colour imaging. The platform incorporates modules for 3D visualisation, segmentation, multimodal fusion and quantitative analysis of biomarkers, including perfusion, ventilation, inflammation and oncological parameters, as well as other applications.

The goal is to provide a user-friendly, clinically compatible tool that enables researchers and clinicians to make full use of this emerging imaging modality, making K-edge colour imaging more widely available for diagnosing, prognosing and treating thoracic, cardiovascular and emerging diseases.

Over an 18-month period, the project will deliver a validated prototype (TRL 3–4). This will be supported by peer review from radiologists, as well as by feedback from end users at industry partners such as Philips Healthcare, Dedalus and CERTIS Therapeutics. With the support of market and regulatory analyses, and guided by a clear intellectual property strategy, the project will demonstrate the technical feasibility of the solution while establishing its commercial and translational potential.
 

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© photos : Anne-Gaëlle Marinier