The human brain controls our thoughts, memories, perceptions and actions. However, brain functioning remains largely undiscovered. In this context, refined imaging techniques have allowed us to visualize structural and functional characteristics of the brain. These imaging techniques involve variations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). By using these methods we can visualize the brain non-invasively and advance in the understanding of fundamental questions like: how does the brain work? What are the neural bases of brain diseases? This year’s Seminars In Brain Disorders is thematic on Advanced Imaging Techniques. Brazilian and international researchers will discuss the state-of-the-art in terms of brain imaging and recent advances in the field.