FMRIB Software Library (FSL) - Revolutionising brain imaging
Every year, millions of brain scans are taken, but what if the tools analysing them could be even smarter, faster, and more accurate? That’s where the FMRIB Software Library (FSL) comes in, a powerful suite of neuroimaging tools developed at the University of Oxford, used by researchers and companies across the world to advance our understanding of the brain.
FSL is driving change in brain imaging and diagnostics, equipping scientists with cutting-edge algorithms to analyse functional, structural, and diffusion MRI data. From identifying patterns in neurological disorders to evaluating brain changes and aiding safety monitoring for clinical trials, FSL has become a gold standard in brain imaging – not just in academia, but in industry too.
Through OUI, FSL has been licensed to over 50 companies worldwide, supporting breakthroughs in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and medical imaging. Its real-world applications range from drug development to diagnostics, contributing directly to improved patient care and faster routes to treatment.
Meanwhile, its academic reach is vast. FSL is freely available to non-commercial researchers and is currently in use by over 1,000 labs and universities globally, underpinning neuroscience studies that have collectively cited FSL tools more than 100,000 times in scientific literature.
This fusion of academic excellence and commercial impact reflects Oxford’s broader mission: to translate innovation into tools that change lives. FSL is just one of many software technologies offered through Oxford University Innovation that deliver on this promise, combining rigorous science with practical impact to push the boundaries of brain health and human understanding.
Impact
- FSL in use by over 1,000 labs and universities globally
Shionogi uses MR imaging system in drug
discovery. Oxford’s FSL is a powerful tool
for analysing both clinical and non-clinical
types of MRI data.
OUI activities
- Communication & marketing
- IP identification and protection
- Licensing & contracts
Case study categories
- Health Tech
