Heather Jacene, MD, has assumed the prestigious role of president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), marking a significant milestone in the advancement of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging disciplines. Dr. Jacene’s appointment was announced during the SNMMI 2026 Annual Meeting held from May 30 to June 2 in Los Angeles, an event that gathers experts and pioneers driving innovation in precision medicine and molecular diagnostics. Her leadership is poised to catalyze new developments that integrate cutting-edge research with clinical practice, deepening the impact of molecular imaging technologies on patient outcomes.

In her multifaceted career, Dr. Jacene holds several prominent positions, including Chief of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Clinical Director of Nuclear Medicine/PET-CT, and Senior Physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She also serves as Associate Professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School. Her diverse roles underscore a strong commitment to pushing the boundaries of nuclear medicine through both clinical excellence and academic rigor, highlighting her capacity to bridge the gap between innovative research and patient-centered care.

One of Dr. Jacene’s primary objectives as president is to reinforce SNMMI as an indispensable resource for its members, spanning the spectrum from foundational basic science research to the highest standards of evidence-based clinical application. She emphasizes the critical importance of fostering an environment where nuclear medicine evolves through interdisciplinary collaboration and robust scientific inquiry, ensuring that the field remains at the forefront of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.

Dr. Jacene is focused on creating dynamic platforms within SNMMI that encourage active participation and collaboration among members, transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries. By promoting multidisciplinary partnerships, she envisions expanding the reach and influence of nuclear medicine, driving innovations that enhance molecular imaging technologies such as PET-CT and radiopharmaceutical therapies. Her approach involves breaking down silos to facilitate knowledge exchange and accelerate technological advancements.

A major part of her agenda involves advocating for increased awareness and acceptance of nuclear medicine among clinical colleagues and patients alike. She aims to communicate the tangible benefits of these advanced imaging techniques in personalized medicine, emphasizing how molecular imaging enables precise characterization of disease states and therapeutic responses. This strategic communication will help solidify nuclear medicine’s role as a cornerstone of modern clinical practice.

Another critical challenge Dr. Jacene intends to address involves the barriers related to the availability, reimbursement, affordability, and funding of radiopharmaceuticals. These radiotracers are indispensable tools in targeted diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, yet their accessibility remains uneven. Her leadership will concentrate on policy advocacy and operational innovations to ensure broader and timely access to these vital agents, thus enhancing the clinical utility and patient reach of nuclear medicine.

Dr. Jacene’s extensive training and expertise reflect a career dedicated to nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. She earned her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She subsequently completed both her residency and fellowship in nuclear medicine and PET-CT at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, where she honed her skills in cutting-edge diagnostic imaging techniques and the evolving applications of radiopharmaceuticals in oncology and beyond.

Her longstanding involvement with SNMMI is marked by significant leadership roles, including chairing the Scientific Program Committee, where she orchestrated innovative transformations to the Annual Meeting format. These changes have led to enhanced member engagement, increased networking opportunities, and a fertile ground for presenting novel research. She has also played a pivotal role in quality assurance, serving as Chair for the Quality of Practice Domain within the SNMMI Value Initiative, and helped establish the Radiopharmaceutical Centers of Excellence Program to standardize and elevate the delivery of radiopharmaceutical therapies.

Dr. Jacene’s research portfolio is both extensive and impactful, focusing predominantly on the application of FDG-PET/CT and other emerging PET tracers for the assessment of cancer biology and therapeutic efficacy. Her investigations delve into functional imaging biomarkers that reveal tumor metabolism, receptor expression, and microenvironmental changes, thereby informing more personalized and adaptive treatment strategies. Furthermore, she explores novel radiopharmaceutical therapies that promise to revolutionize the management of malignancies through targeted molecular interventions.

In addition to more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications, Dr. Jacene has authored numerous review articles and book chapters, contributing authoritative perspectives on the evolving landscape of molecular imaging and theranostics. Her scholarship not only advances academic discourse but also aids in translating complex imaging science into practical clinical guidelines and protocols that optimize patient care.

The new SNMMI leadership team for 2026-27 includes other distinguished figures such as Gary Ulaner, MD, PhD, FSNMMI, chosen as president-elect, and Jason S. Lewis, PhD, FSNMMI, as vice president-elect. The SNMMI Technologist Section has also elected Shannon Youngblood, EdD, MSRS, CNMT, RT(CT), as president, with Sara L. Johnson, CNMT, RT(N)(CT), serving as president-elect. Together, this leadership cadre represents a diverse spectrum of expertise poised to drive the society’s mission forward.

SNMMI remains a global scientific and medical organization dedicated to propelling nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostic precision medicine. Through its efforts, SNMMI facilitates innovations that allow clinicians to tailor diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to individual patients with unprecedented specificity, aiming for optimal outcomes. Dr. Jacene’s presidency symbolizes a sustained commitment to integrating high-caliber research, education, and clinical practice at the forefront of this transformative field.

Subject of Research:
Heather Jacene’s presidency at SNMMI and advancements in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, including PET-CT innovations and radiopharmaceutical therapy.

Article Title:
Heather Jacene, MD, Named President of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging: Advancing the Future of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics

News Publication Date:
June 2026

Web References:
http://www.snmmi.org/

Image Credits:
Courtesy of SNMMI

Keywords:
Molecular imaging, Nuclear medicine, Positron emission tomography, Personalized medicine, Radiopharmaceutical therapy, Theranostics, FDG-PET/CT, Radiopharmaceutical Centers of Excellence, Precision medicine, SNMMI, Cancer imaging, Clinical molecular imaging

In a significant development within the realm of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, Dr. Gary Ulaner has been appointed as the president-elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI). This appointment, announced during the SNMMI 2026 Annual Meeting held from May 30 to June 2 in Los Angeles, highlights the growing importance and transformative potential of nuclear medicine in contemporary healthcare. Dr. Ulaner’s expertise and leadership are poised to drive forward innovative research and clinical applications that could redefine patient care, particularly in oncology and molecular diagnostics.

Dr. Ulaner currently holds the James & Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair of Molecular Imaging and Therapy at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute and serves as a Professor of Radiology and Translational Genomics at the University of Southern California. His multifaceted roles underscore a career dedicated to the integration of molecular imaging technologies and translational research, aligning with the broader goals of personalized medicine and precision oncology. His background exemplifies the merger of academic rigor and clinical application crucial for advancing this rapidly evolving field.

Nuclear medicine, a specialty focused on the use of radioactive substances in diagnosis and therapy, stands at the forefront of precision medicine innovation. The role of the president-elect extends beyond administrative leadership; it includes championing initiatives that fortify research infrastructures, expand educational platforms, and secure funding to nurture the next generation of radiochemistry and nuclear physics professionals. Dr. Ulaner’s vision emphasizes a holistic advancement, where technological innovation dovetails with workforce development and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Ulaner’s academic foundation was established at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he earned both his MD and PhD in Cancer Biology. His post-doctoral training involved rigorous residencies in Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Southern California. This robust training has empowered him with a unique perspective that bridges molecular imaging technology, radiopharmaceutical development, and clinical oncology, driving impactful translational research.

Before his current tenure at Hoag Family Cancer Institute, Dr. Ulaner was an Associate Member on a tenure track at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center—a leading institution in cancer research and treatment. At MSK, he developed significant academic and clinical roles that contributed to the institution’s pioneering work in PET imaging and molecular diagnostics. His professional credentials are further reinforced by certifications from the American Board of Radiology and the American Board of Nuclear Medicine, underscoring his specialized expertise.

Within the SNMMI, Dr. Ulaner has been an active and influential member, occupying vital leadership positions such as director at large on the board of directors, president of the PET Center of Excellence, and chair of the Mars Shot Campaign—a bold initiative aimed at advancing nuclear medicine research. His multifaceted involvement signals his commitment to driving SNMMI’s strategic objectives, including the formulation of standards, educational outreach, and advocacy for nuclear medicine’s value in clinical practice.

His scholarly contributions are substantial, with over 190 journal articles and more than 300 invited presentations. Dr. Ulaner has contributed to seminal guidelines such as SNMMI’s Appropriate Use Criteria for Fluoroestradiol PET, setting standards that influence clinical decision-making globally. His editorial roles and authorship of textbooks like “Fundamentals of Oncologic PET/CT” demonstrate his dedication to disseminating knowledge and fostering an educated workforce proficient in advanced imaging modalities.

The Mars Shot Campaign, under Dr. Ulaner’s leadership, exemplifies a visionary approach to accelerating research and innovation within nuclear medicine. This initiative targets critical translational gaps, funding high-impact projects that aim to develop novel radiopharmaceuticals and imaging technologies with the potential to revolutionize diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy. Such efforts are crucial in overcoming existing limitations related to imaging biomarkers and personalized treatment monitoring.

Dr. Ulaner’s dedication to education and training extends beyond research innovation. He actively advocates for expanding educational opportunities for nuclear medicine professionals—technologists, clinicians, physicists, and radiochemists—recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of the field. This approach is vital for sustaining a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of molecular imaging and theranostics, transforming patient outcomes in oncology and other disease domains.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ulaner has garnered numerous accolades, including the Susan G. Komen Career Catalyst Award and the Department of Defense Breakthrough Award. His recognition as a Distinguished Investigator by the Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research and as a healthcare visionary highlights both his scientific contributions and leadership qualities. Such honors reflect his role as a catalyst for innovation at the interface of cancer biology, imaging science, and clinical oncology.

The SNMMI’s election of new officers alongside Dr. Ulaner—Heather Jacene, MD as president and Jason S. Lewis, PhD as vice president-elect—illustrates a leadership cohort poised to navigate the next frontier of nuclear medicine. Their collective expertise underscores the society’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research, expanding educational horizons, and enhancing policy frameworks to elevate the role of molecular imaging in modern medicine.

As president-elect, Dr. Ulaner’s agenda will involve steering the SNMMI to harness the full potential of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging technologies. These advancements promise not only to enhance the early detection and characterization of malignancies but also to optimize individualized therapy through theranostics—combining targeted diagnostics with personalized treatment regimens. This paradigm shift aligns closely with contemporary trends aimed at achieving superior patient outcomes through precision health strategies.

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging remains at the vanguard of scientific and medical innovation, dedicated to advancing nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics worldwide. Dr. Ulaner’s ascension to the role of president-elect represents a pivotal moment in reinforcing the society’s mission. His leadership is expected to invigorate research efforts, expand educational initiatives, and advocate for policies that solidify the critical role of molecular imaging in the healthcare continuum, driving transformative advances for patients globally.

Subject of Research:
Nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics with a focus on oncologic PET/CT and translational genomics in cancer care.

Article Title:
Gary Ulaner, MD, PhD, Named President-Elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Heralding New Era in Molecular Imaging and Theranostics

News Publication Date:
June 7, 2026

Web References:
http://www.snmmi.org/

Image Credits:
Courtesy of SNMMI

Keywords:
Molecular imaging, Nuclear medicine, Positron emission tomography (PET), Personalized medicine, Theranostics, Oncology imaging, Radiopharmaceuticals, Translational genomics, SNMMI, PET/CT, Radiochemistry, Molecular diagnostics

In the realm of molecular science and materials engineering, the concept of chirality — objects or molecules that are mirror images but not superimposable — holds profound significance. Much like how the left and right human hands are structurally similar yet non-identical, chiral entities exhibit behavior and properties that are deeply influenced by their handedness. Chirality is a cornerstone in fields spanning biology, chemistry, and nanotechnology, fundamentally influencing everything from the twisting form of DNA to the design and efficacy of pharmaceuticals. Understanding and visualizing chirality at micro and nanoscale levels remains a critical yet elusive challenge in science.

A particularly promising avenue for characterizing chiral molecules and structures is the use of circularly polarized light within the terahertz (THz) frequency range. Occupying the electromagnetic spectrum between microwaves and infrared light, terahertz waves are exceptionally sensitive to collective molecular motions and subtle twisting modes inherent in chiral materials. Traditionally, however, the use of THz spectroscopy has been limited to bulk measurements that average responses across the entire sample, obscuring spatial variations in chirality critical for nuanced material characterization and biomedical applications.

Breakthrough research led by Professor Katsuhiko Miyamoto at Chiba University, Japan, alongside collaborators at Tohoku University and the National Institute for Materials Science, has shattered this constraint. By developing an innovative imaging technique based on terahertz circular dichroism (TCD) spectroscopy combined with precisely engineered moiré metasurfaces, the team has for the first time realized direct, high-resolution two-dimensional mapping of chirality distributions. This novel approach moves beyond mere chiral signal averaging and enables the visualization of chirality’s spatial heterogeneity with unprecedented clarity.

At the core of this advancement lies the crafting of moiré metasurfaces — meticulously fabricated nanostructured assemblies consisting of stacked microscopic silver disks with controlled lateral shifts and rotations at micrometer dimensions. These engineered surfaces exhibit intricate interference patterns that manifest as alternating right-handed and left-handed chiral regions. Their carefully calibrated geometry enables strong interaction with circularly polarized THz radiation, whereby distinct local circular dichroism spectral signatures arise from the underlying chirality variations.

Illuminating these metasurfaces with circularly polarized terahertz waves, the researchers observed spatially dependent differential absorption of left- versus right-handed polarization components. By spectroscopically analyzing these signals, they generated detailed images that revealed local chiral domains, with an impressive spatial resolution on the order of 100 micrometers — approximately the width of a single human hair. This level of resolution, coupled with the ability to distinguish coexisting opposite chirality within the same sample plane, marks a transformative leap beyond conventional THz measurement techniques.

The implications of this imaging methodology extend far beyond academic curiosity. The capacity to spatially resolve chirality opens new pathways for rigorous quality control in next-generation chiral materials, which are pivotal in advanced optics, quantum devices, and chiral photonics. Furthermore, it can drive breakthroughs in biomolecular analysis by enabling visualization of protein conformations and aggregates whose chiral nuances relate directly to their biological function or pathogenicity. Crucially, the non-invasive and label-free nature of this THz circular dichroism imaging makes it an attractive tool for probing delicate biological samples or sensitive nanofabricated structures without damage.

Professor Miyamoto described the work as a response to a fundamental gap in chirality characterization—while conventional methods had only provided averaged chirality information, the true spatial arrangement had remained a mystery. “Our motivation was simple but profound: to ask not just what chirality exists, but how it is distributed. Visualizing this spatial distribution unlocks a deeper understanding of chiral phenomena,” he said. Indeed, their approach integrates optics, materials science, and nanofabrication technologies to bring this vision to fruition.

Technically, the design and fabrication of the moiré metasurface demanded precise control over the nanoscale patterning of metallic disks, ensuring the subtle offsets necessary to generate spatially alternating twisting motifs. When excited with THz circularly polarized light, these motifs selectively absorb left- or right-handed polarization components, creating differential spectral fingerprints captured by a THz spectroscopic imaging system. By scanning the beam or analyzing the reflected/transmitted signals across the metasurface, spatial maps depicting circular dichroism intensity emerge, directly correlating with localized chirality.

Looking toward the future, the research team envisions expanding this technique’s frequency range to encompass 2 to 15 THz, which would enable even finer structural analyses and broaden its applicability. This frequency scalability is expected to enhance sensitivity to diverse molecular vibrations and chiral interactions, further refining diagnostic capabilities. Potential applications span the detection of abnormal protein aggregations implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, evaluation of chiral metamaterials for Beyond 5G and upcoming 6G communication technologies, and the investigation of subtle internal distortions within quantum and soft matter systems.

The advent of this terahertz circular dichroism imaging technique thus represents a pivotal advancement in chiral science, promising to catalyze scientific and technological innovation across multiple disciplines. By translating chiral phenomena into spatially resolved, spectrally rich images, researchers can now explore the complexities of chiral matter with a precision and depth that was previously unattainable. This work not only answers longstanding questions about the spatial nature of chirality but also lays the groundwork for future breakthroughs in medicine, materials science, and telecommunications.

As the field of nanofabrication continues to evolve, producing increasingly intricate and functional chiral architectures, having a reliable, non-destructive method to image chirality at microscale resolution is indispensable. The collaborative efforts between Chiba University, Tohoku University, and the National Institute for Materials Science have thus opened a new frontier in chirality research — one that bridges optical physics and material engineering with real-world applications on the horizon.

In summary, the groundbreaking imaging of chirality through terahertz circular dichroism spectroscopy combined with moiré metasurfaces redefines the capability to study handedness in materials. By unveiling a multiscale chiral landscape where right- and left-handed domains coexist and interact, this work paves the way for innovative diagnostic tools and advanced material evaluations, heralding a future where the mysteries of chirality are not only understood but visually mapped and manipulated for technological and biomedical gains.

Subject of Research: Not applicable

Article Title: Multiscale chirality in moiré metasurfaces revealed by terahertz circular dichroism spectroscopic imaging

News Publication Date: June 2, 2026

Web References: https://www.cn.chiba-u.jp/en/news/

References:
Authors: Uina Chiba, Shota Tsuji, Gaku Oritani, Takumi Yoichi, Rinpei Sasaki, Takeo Minari, Seigo Ohno, Katsuhiko Miyamoto
Affiliations: Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University; Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science; Department of Physics, Tohoku University; Molecular Chirality Research Center, Chiba University
DOI: 10.1021/acsphotonics.6c00372

Image Credits: Professor Katsuhiko Miyamoto, Chiba University, Japan

Keywords

Chirality, Terahertz Circular Dichroism, Moiré Metasurfaces, Terahertz Imaging, Circularly Polarized Light, Nanofabrication, Chiral Metamaterials, Spectroscopic Imaging, Structural Biology, Advanced Optics, Nonlinear Optics, Quantum Materials