An innovative CD-ROM that helps students understand magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has won a teaching award for Charles Sturt University medical imaging lecturer Robert Davidson.

Mr Davidson, based in the School of Clinical Sciences on the University's Wagga Wagga Campus, won the inaugural 2000 Pearson Education UniServe Science Teaching Award for his teaching tool, MRI Concepts.

The program creates a virtual MRI unit that is readily available to students on their own computers. Previously, medical imaging students were taught about MRI through lectures and static images. MRI is the latest imaging test that enables medical practitioners to visualise the patient's anatomy and pathology without the use of x-rays.

CSU's Dean of Health Studies, Professor David Battersby, said that the award recognised the rapid integration of new technology into the allied health industry and CSU's health courses.

"Rob Davidson has been at the forefront of innovative teaching in the medical imaging field and we are delighted that this award acknowledges his achievements," Professor Battersby said.

The annual award recognises people who make an outstanding contribution to student learning through innovative use of information technologies in university science departments.

The program was originally developed with a Commonwealth University Teaching and Staff Development grant in 1997. MRI Concepts has already drawn interest from several international universities.

Mr Davidson will receive his award and give the keynote address at the 2001 UniServe Science Annual Workshop on Friday 20 April at the University of Sydney.