Meet the postdoc — Mario G. Báez Yáñez

To start, could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your academic background?
My name is Mario G. Báez Yáñez. I am originally from Mexico and have been living in Europe for several years. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering in Mexico, followed by a Master’s degree in MRI Physics at the University of Zürich. I obtained my PhD in Neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Germany. I began my postdoctoral career at UMC Utrecht, where I worked for three years. I then transitioned to industry, joining Medtronic in Scotland as a Senior Algorithm Engineer. Committed to academia and research, I then returned to UMC Utrecht as a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher.

Can you tell us about the project you'll be working on and what interests you most about it?
Most of my work is theoretical and computational. In general, I use computational models to simulate brain physiology in both healthy and disease conditions, while accounting for the biophysical processes that occur within the MRI environment. This approach enables us to generate synthetic MR signals that can be directly compared with experimental data acquired under equivalent imaging conditions, thereby providing a framework for interpretation and validation. Within CHIME, I will focus on understanding the mechanisms of signal generation at the level of the cortical microvasculature across different functional MRI modalities, including BOLD, VASO, and ASL. In particular, I aim to bridge the gap between vascular physiology and measurable MRI contrasts, with an emphasis on improving the specificity and interpretability of these signals. What motivates me most is that we are still navigating largely uncharted territory; both in terms of the pathophysiology of dementia and the inherent limitations of MRI in probing the mesoscopic scale of the brain. Addressing these challenges requires not only methodological advances but also a deeper integration of physiology and imaging. If we can overcome these limitations, we will be better positioned to understand the fundamental mechanisms of brain function and their disruption in disease.

What societal/medical issue does your research address?
With the advancement of complex computational models, we can simulate microvascular pathophysiology under well-controlled conditions, essentially creating a virtual laboratory. Once the model is validated, it becomes possible to simulate different vascular states and characterize the mechanisms that lead to specific physiological conditions. This approach can be applied repeatedly, without the need for specialized experimental setups or access to particular patient populations. From a medical perspective, this enables a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and supports the development of more sensitive and specific diagnostic biomarkers. From a societal perspective, it can contribute to earlier detection and improved management of neurological disorders, ultimately reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes.

What do you think is unique about being part of the Chime project?
Being part of an excellent group of researchers who share common goals is highly motivating to me. What I find particularly exciting about CHIME is the collaborative environment, where complementary expertise comes together to advance our understanding of brain pathophysiology and imaging techniques. It offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, tackle complex problems, and contribute to the development of more accurate and biologically meaningful MRI methods.

What do you hope to achieve during your postdoc in Chime, both personally and professionally?
In general, I aim to continue growing both academically and personally. I expect to develop a robust computational framework that can support both researchers and clinicians in better understanding brain pathophysiology at the microvascular level and in addressing key open questions.

Have you had a chance to meet your colleagues yet? How has the welcome been so far?
Yes! I have been working with some of them over the years.