EPSRC Network+: Neurotechnology for enabling community-based diagnosis and care
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: Inst of Metabolism & Systems Research
Abstract
Hospital neurology and neurophysiology services are increasingly overwhelmed. With a growing and ageing population, the incidence of many brain conditions (such as dementia and epilepsy) are rapidly increasing. Compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are now over 10,000 people in the UK waiting more than a year for an appointment with a neurologist. Things must change!
The purpose of our Network is to address these challenges through the development of new technologies that enable diagnosis and management in the community. These services could be provided in a community diagnostic hub, by high-street healthcare professionals, in a GP surgery, in a mobile unit or even in the home environment. Our focus will be on new digital solutions built around neural interfacing, signal processing, machine learning and mathematical modelling. We will work closely with partners developing technologies for measuring brain, eye, spinal, and peripheral nerve activity using wearable technology and minimally invasive devices. Collectively, this will contribute to a significant increase in capacity that will augment the expertise provided in neurology services.
To achieve this, we will build a network of partners with backgrounds spanning academia, industry, hospitals and GP surgeries, charities and policy makers. Crucially we will ensure that people with lived experience of neurological conditions are at the heart of our network. Their experience will inform debate and shape our research priorities, ensuring feasibility and acceptability of emerging technologies.
We will empower people from different backgrounds and career stages to work together on challenging problems whose solutions will lead to societal benefit. To enable this we plan a suite of activities built around the principles of connect, communicate and collaborate. To connect people we will build a website and social media presence, create a public representation group and build new parnterships. We will establish a mentorship scheme and post opportunities for people at different career stages to undertake secondments with partner organisations. To facilitate communication, we will engage with stakeholders including the public, people with neurological conditions, healthcare providers and policy makers. We will host workshops on emerging areas of interest, as well as an annual conference to celebrate findings from across the network. To enable collaboration we will host events including stake-holder led study groups, sandpits and research incubators: where teams of partners will work collaboratively in a facilitated environment, conducting feasibility studies over 6-9 months.
The purpose of our Network is to address these challenges through the development of new technologies that enable diagnosis and management in the community. These services could be provided in a community diagnostic hub, by high-street healthcare professionals, in a GP surgery, in a mobile unit or even in the home environment. Our focus will be on new digital solutions built around neural interfacing, signal processing, machine learning and mathematical modelling. We will work closely with partners developing technologies for measuring brain, eye, spinal, and peripheral nerve activity using wearable technology and minimally invasive devices. Collectively, this will contribute to a significant increase in capacity that will augment the expertise provided in neurology services.
To achieve this, we will build a network of partners with backgrounds spanning academia, industry, hospitals and GP surgeries, charities and policy makers. Crucially we will ensure that people with lived experience of neurological conditions are at the heart of our network. Their experience will inform debate and shape our research priorities, ensuring feasibility and acceptability of emerging technologies.
We will empower people from different backgrounds and career stages to work together on challenging problems whose solutions will lead to societal benefit. To enable this we plan a suite of activities built around the principles of connect, communicate and collaborate. To connect people we will build a website and social media presence, create a public representation group and build new parnterships. We will establish a mentorship scheme and post opportunities for people at different career stages to undertake secondments with partner organisations. To facilitate communication, we will engage with stakeholders including the public, people with neurological conditions, healthcare providers and policy makers. We will host workshops on emerging areas of interest, as well as an annual conference to celebrate findings from across the network. To enable collaboration we will host events including stake-holder led study groups, sandpits and research incubators: where teams of partners will work collaboratively in a facilitated environment, conducting feasibility studies over 6-9 months.
Organisations
- University of Birmingham (Lead Research Organisation)
- UNIVERSITY OF DERBY (Collaboration)
- Neuronostics Limited (Collaboration)
- University of Surrey (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- CORNWALL PARTNERSHIP NHS FOUNDATION TRUST (Collaboration)
- University of Aberdeen (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- University of Warwick (Collaboration)
- The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (Collaboration)
- University of Lincoln (Collaboration)
- University of East London (Collaboration)
- BERRI (Collaboration)
- SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
- University College London (Collaboration)
- ROYAL FREE LONDON NHS FOUNDATION TRUST (Collaboration)
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Collaboration)
- Ulster University (Collaboration)
- Swansea University (Collaboration)
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA) (Collaboration)
- COVENTRY UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- University of Plymouth (Collaboration)
- University of Oxford (Collaboration)
- University of Bristol (Collaboration)
- Health and Care Research Wales (Collaboration)
- Falmouth University (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM (Collaboration)
- South West Academic Health Science Netwo (Project Partner)
- UXC Psychology (Project Partner)
- SUVO Limited (Project Partner)
- UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS BIRMINGHAM NHS FOUNDATION TRUST (Project Partner)
- Barts Health NHS Trust (Project Partner)
- Epilepsy Research Institute UK (Project Partner)
- Re:Cognition Health Limited (Project Partner)
- Curelator Inc (Project Partner)
- Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Fdn Trust (Project Partner)
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Project Partner)
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) (Project Partner)
- LEICESTERSHIRE PARTNERSHIP NHS TRUST (Project Partner)
- The Migraine Trust (Project Partner)
- Imperial College London (Project Partner)
- Congenica (Project Partner)
- Dignio PLC (Project Partner)
- MEGIN (Project Partner)
- Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Fdn Trust (Project Partner)
- TriNetX (Project Partner)
- The Ridge Medical Practice (Project Partner)
- SUDEP Action (Project Partner)
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (Project Partner)
- Defence Medical Services (DMS) (Project Partner)
- Syndi Health (Project Partner)
- University College Dublin (Project Partner)
- National Development Team for Inclusion (Project Partner)
- Neurological Alliance Company Limited (Project Partner)
- Association of British Neurologists (Project Partner)
- Brainbox Ltd. (Project Partner)
- Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS F T (Project Partner)
- Newsenselab GmbH (Project Partner)
- University of Leeds (Project Partner)
- University of Sheffield (Project Partner)
- Serg Technologies (Project Partner)
- Brain in Hand (Project Partner)
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (Project Partner)
- Neuronostics Ltd (Project Partner)
- Institute of Psychiatry (Project Partner)
- UNEEG medical (Project Partner)
- Psychoanalytica CIC (Project Partner)
Publications
Das A
(2024)
Functional seizure therapy via transauricular vagus nerve stimulation
in Medical Hypotheses
Drysdale C
(2025)
The connection between non-normality and trophic coherence in directed graphs
in Frontiers in Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Dutta A
(2025)
Bayesian predictive coding hypothesis: Brain as observer's key role in insight
in Medical Hypotheses
Dutta A
(2025)
'Hyperbinding' in functional movement disorders: role of supplementary motor area efferent signalling.
in Brain communications
Harrington EG
(2024)
Treatment effects in epilepsy: a mathematical framework for understanding response over time.
in Frontiers in network physiology
Kannan S
(2024)
Sleep disorders in functional neurological disorder - a systematic review and meta-analysis.
in Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology
Laugharne R
(2023)
Neurotechnological solutions for post-traumatic stress disorder: A perspective review and concept proposal
in Healthcare Technology Letters
Related Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Award Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/W035030/1 | 30/09/2022 | 30/07/2025 | £1,232,804 | ||
| EP/W035030/2 | Transfer | EP/W035030/1 | 31/07/2025 | 29/09/2026 | £0 |
| Title | Encoded Realities 2024 |
| Description | Encoded Realities took place at Centrala, Digbeth in June 2024. The title Encoded Realities alluded to the hidden or embedded principles governing various aspects of life. Through a lens bridging art, science and lived experience, this exhibition creatively explored and playfully decoded some of the hidden patterns and complexities relevant to conditions including macular degeneration, epilepsy, stroke, leprosy, autism, liver cancer, psychosis and antimicrobial resistance. The exhibition bought together two rounds of the SMQB/N-CODE Artist in Residence programme (2022-2024) and showcased the work of 12 artists and 49 scientists, including projects supported through the EPSRC/MRC-funded N-CODE Network+. It bought the projects to life with artworks ranging from film, photography and paintings through to installations, sculpture and even a video game, with each piece connected to a different research project. |
| Type Of Art | Artistic/Creative Exhibition |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | Greater public understanding of the research funded by N-CODE |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIHDueLX-jA |
| Title | Encoded Realities 2024 film |
| Description | A video curated by Dr Caroline Gillett, Assistant Professor in Patient and Public Involvement at the University of Birmingham, and lead for the SMQB/N-CODE Artist in Residency programme, summarising the Encoded Realities exhibition in June 2024 and included interviews with the artists. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | Greater public understanding of the research projects funded by N-CODE |
| URL | https://youtu.be/cIHDueLX-jA |
| Title | Frames of Discovery 2025 |
| Description | Frames of Discovery: An Evening of Art and Science was held at Centrala Gallery, Digbeth on 7th March 2025 This was a one-night-only art event featuring innovative works from six artists who have collaborated with University of Birmingham SMQB/N-CODE artsti in redicende programme and wider research collaborators. This unique event featured film, animation, paintings, drawings and more, delving into discovery science on topics as diverse as epilepsy, psychosis, acute compartment syndrome, depression, natural movement infants and memory removal. 2 projects were funded by N-CODE: Charlotte Dunn showed a series of video installations that blend meteorological visuals with neurological data to depict the unpredictability of epileptic seizures. Dan Auluk shared a poignant film weaving together deeply personal accounts of living with depression alongside contributions from other artists to offer a multifaceted exploration of this complex condition. "Frames of Discovery" was an evening of inspiration and curiosity, with opportunity to chat with the artists and scientists involved. |
| Type Of Art | Artistic/Creative Exhibition |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | A greater public understanding of the research projects funded by N-CODE |
| URL | https://centrala-space.org.uk/exhibitions/dff-university-of-birmingham-frames-of-discovery/ |
| Description | The award has supported the establishment of a number of early-stage collaborations, which have fostered deeper co-operation between mathematicians, computer scientists, engineers, clinicians and people with lived experience. Areas of focus to date include dementia, epilepsy, functional neurological disorders, autism, ADHD and stroke rehabilitation amongst other areas. The award has also been used to create synergies between academic and non-academic partners, including industry, charities and policy makers, with focussed workshops used to create novel interactions between members. |
| Exploitation Route | It is anticipated through the collaborations formed between industry and the academic teams whose projects have been supported that a faster route to market for emerging technologies will occur. |
| Sectors | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) Healthcare Other |
| Description | Recent examples include the following supported projects: - collaboration between Imperial College and the start-up Neubond which is enabling research findings to become integrated into tools enabling euro-rehabilitation in every day settings. - collaboration between the University of Bristol, Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and the start-up Neuronostics which is enabling findings related to seizure triggers to inform the development of new seizure forecasting methods. - collaboration between the University of Plymouth and the startup Jam Up! which is focussed on supporting parents of children with autism. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2024 |
| Sector | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Healthcare |
| Impact Types | Cultural Societal |
| Description | Member of the Epilepsy Research UK Scientific Advisory Committee |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Defining and validating a digital biomarker of epilepsy in children |
| Amount | £96,950 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | SBRIH23P1016 |
| Organisation | Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2024 |
| End | 08/2024 |
| Description | Determining the clinical utility of BioEP: a multisite, prospective, study |
| Amount | £350,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 10090508 |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2024 |
| End | 02/2026 |
| Description | Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) Distinguished Visiting Fellow to Professor David Grayden |
| Amount | £6,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Birmingham |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2023 |
| End | 09/2023 |
| Description | JamUp! University of Essex SeNSS PhD studentship |
| Amount | £90,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Essex |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2025 |
| End | 10/2029 |
| Description | JampUp! Medtech accelerator |
| Amount | £29,391 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2025 |
| End | 02/2025 |
| Description | KK PhD studentship (industry- academia studentship with MindMaze through the Centre for National Training and Research Excellence in Understanding Behaviour) |
| Amount | £103,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Birmingham |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2025 |
| End | 09/2029 |
| Description | Katja Kornysheva FLF |
| Amount | £2,220,726 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/Y016467/1 |
| Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2024 |
| End | 11/2028 |
| Description | Murphy Doctoral Clinical Practitioner and Academic Fellowship |
| Amount | £460,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | National Institute for Health and Care Research |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2025 |
| End | 10/2028 |
| Description | THRIVE-FND: therapeutic hypnosis via restorative immersive virtual environments for FND |
| Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 09/2024 |
| Description | Travel Award to Sophie Mason |
| Amount | £400 (GBP) |
| Organisation | London Mathematical Society |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2024 |
| End | 01/2024 |
| Description | UKRI IAA award closed loop EMG-haptic armband for home based neurorehabilitation |
| Amount | £75,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2025 |
| End | 02/2026 |
| Description | Wearable neurophysiotherapy using closed loop EMG vibrotactile stimulatory armband (Farina/Kashiwakura) MedTechOne PoC |
| Amount | £95,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2024 |
| End | 05/2025 |
| Description | neubond (Jumpei Kashiwakura ICURe) |
| Amount | £355,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2025 |
| End | 02/2026 |
| Description | neubond (Jumpei Kashiwakura) |
| Amount | £30,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 229 |
| Organisation | Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2025 |
| End | 12/2026 |
| Description | neubond (Jumpei Kashiwakura) |
| Amount | £120,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 101213056 |
| Organisation | European Research Council (ERC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Belgium |
| Start | |
| End | 03/2026 |
| Title | Assessing hypnotherapy with functional near-infrared spectroscopy |
| Description | This research tool utilizes portable neuroimaging (fNIRS) to assess hypnotherapy interventions by examining the interaction between 'bottom-up' sensory inputs and 'top-down' cognitive processes in Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) rehabilitation. The study demonstrated the feasibility of fNIRS for evaluating hypnotherapy responses, with potential applications in motor rehabilitation. Despite limitations such as low-density fNIRS and a small sample size, the THRIVE-FND initiative emphasizes the need for larger-scale trials. The research supports fNIRS as a cost-effective and ecologically valid tool for real-world hypnotherapy assessment. Ongoing efforts aim to bridge the translational gap in FND rehabilitation through digital healthcare technologies, including HypnoThrive (hypnothrive.com Nudge Reality) and MyndSens sensor (Silverline Research). |
| Type Of Material | Physiological assessment or outcome measure |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | THRIVE-FND project outcome (hypnothrive.com) included portable neuroimaging technique that offered insights into the balance between 'bottom-up' sensory inputs and 'top-down' cognitive control. Portable neuroimaging, such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), can monitor hypoactive sensorimotor regions and disruptions in the sense of agency (temporo-parietal junction). Currently, high-density Kernel Flow2 (https://www.kernel.com/products)-based fNIRS studies are underway in collaboration with Dr. Rickson C. Mesquita at the University of Birmingham to validate physiological assessment methods for hypnotherapy interventions using a state of the art device. |
| Title | Trophic analysis of networks of brain regions (SJ) |
| Description | It is a method for analysing effective connectivity networks inferred from neuroimaging, which to the best of our knowledge hasn't been proposed before. First we combine data from several patients into a directed network in which nodes are brain regions, and edges have weights which are functions of the participation of voxels in regions. We then apply a method discussed in our previous papers to analyse the trophic levels and coherence, as well as other network metrics. Finally, we use these metrics to shed light on the effects of drugs on connections between brain regions. |
| Type Of Material | Model of mechanisms or symptoms - human |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | The application of trophic analysis to brain networks was a key aspect of Deco et al (2024) Nature Mental Health. However, the version of this method that combines voxels into brain regions hasn't yet been published. We are currently preparing a manuscript which will describe the method. |
| Description | Anderson: EEG Biomarkers of Circadian Health |
| Organisation | University of Birmingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a postdoctoral researcher for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Ian Andrews and funding of £2500 for his time Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event Sept 2023 |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research team to deliver the research project The circadian system is an internal clock in the brain, which regulates the timing of many bodily processes on a 24-hour cycle, such as sleep and wake. Circadian disruption occurs when the signal from the clock is mismatched to the environment, such as trying to sleep when the clock is signalling wake (e.g., jetlag). These disruptions can occur across a range of disorders, including epilepsy, dementia, and depression. Importantly, circadian disruption is thought to increase risk or severity of these brain-related disorders. Electroencepholography, or EEG, is a measure of electrical signalling in the brain, and provides a window into communication within the brain ("brain networks"). The extent to which brain networks are organised by the circadian system however is largely unknown. This reduces our ability to understand the role of the circadian system in the organisation of brain networks in the context of disease. This project will use EEG to examine changes in brain networks in healthy individuals with respect to circadian timing and strength, and how disruption impacts these rhythms. This will provide an urgently needed benchmark to model the influence of the circadian system on the brain in patients with epilepsy, depression, dementia and other brain-related diseases |
| Impact | PPI workshop Artistic outputs from Artist in Residence Ian Andrews EPSRC IAA award to Clare Anderson "Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease Through Mathematical Predictive Modelling - An Interdisciplinary Approach to Accelerate the Pathway to Impact" £36K |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Angus-Leppan: Can an Epilepsy Chatbot improve outcomes for people with epilepsy? |
| Organisation | Health and Care Research Wales |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a postdoctoral researcher for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Andrea Mbarushimana and funding of £2500 for her time Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event Sept 2023 |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research team to deliver the research project This project will use a closed-circuit chatbot to answer real questions about living with epilepsy and measure its impact. "Life changes that moment. An MRI, hospital appointment for an EEG. Another appointment. Medications, a blur of words. An FAQ sheet, get the car picked up, get home. The next appointment is 6 months. You want an easy way to ask your questions, without fear or embarrassment and quickly. You just want your life back" (Anonymous patient, October 2022) The confidential chatbot system aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life by providing a rapid response to unanswered questions. The Chatbot will use secure data continually checked by clinicians. Patients will be involved throughout, via face-to-face creative workshops which will develop online resources. Overall changes will be measured; in hospital attendances, medications compliance, re-attendances at A&E, mortality, confidence, self-esteem and ability to talk comfortably about epilepsy. |
| Impact | Chatbot Artistic outputs from artist Andrea Mbarushimana |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Angus-Leppan: Can an Epilepsy Chatbot improve outcomes for people with epilepsy? |
| Organisation | Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a postdoctoral researcher for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Andrea Mbarushimana and funding of £2500 for her time Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event Sept 2023 |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research team to deliver the research project This project will use a closed-circuit chatbot to answer real questions about living with epilepsy and measure its impact. "Life changes that moment. An MRI, hospital appointment for an EEG. Another appointment. Medications, a blur of words. An FAQ sheet, get the car picked up, get home. The next appointment is 6 months. You want an easy way to ask your questions, without fear or embarrassment and quickly. You just want your life back" (Anonymous patient, October 2022) The confidential chatbot system aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life by providing a rapid response to unanswered questions. The Chatbot will use secure data continually checked by clinicians. Patients will be involved throughout, via face-to-face creative workshops which will develop online resources. Overall changes will be measured; in hospital attendances, medications compliance, re-attendances at A&E, mortality, confidence, self-esteem and ability to talk comfortably about epilepsy. |
| Impact | Chatbot Artistic outputs from artist Andrea Mbarushimana |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Angus-Leppan: Can an Epilepsy Chatbot improve outcomes for people with epilepsy? |
| Organisation | Swansea University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a postdoctoral researcher for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Andrea Mbarushimana and funding of £2500 for her time Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event Sept 2023 |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research team to deliver the research project This project will use a closed-circuit chatbot to answer real questions about living with epilepsy and measure its impact. "Life changes that moment. An MRI, hospital appointment for an EEG. Another appointment. Medications, a blur of words. An FAQ sheet, get the car picked up, get home. The next appointment is 6 months. You want an easy way to ask your questions, without fear or embarrassment and quickly. You just want your life back" (Anonymous patient, October 2022) The confidential chatbot system aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life by providing a rapid response to unanswered questions. The Chatbot will use secure data continually checked by clinicians. Patients will be involved throughout, via face-to-face creative workshops which will develop online resources. Overall changes will be measured; in hospital attendances, medications compliance, re-attendances at A&E, mortality, confidence, self-esteem and ability to talk comfortably about epilepsy. |
| Impact | Chatbot Artistic outputs from artist Andrea Mbarushimana |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Angus-Leppan: Can an Epilepsy Chatbot improve outcomes for people with epilepsy? |
| Organisation | University of East London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a postdoctoral researcher for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Andrea Mbarushimana and funding of £2500 for her time Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event Sept 2023 |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research team to deliver the research project This project will use a closed-circuit chatbot to answer real questions about living with epilepsy and measure its impact. "Life changes that moment. An MRI, hospital appointment for an EEG. Another appointment. Medications, a blur of words. An FAQ sheet, get the car picked up, get home. The next appointment is 6 months. You want an easy way to ask your questions, without fear or embarrassment and quickly. You just want your life back" (Anonymous patient, October 2022) The confidential chatbot system aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life by providing a rapid response to unanswered questions. The Chatbot will use secure data continually checked by clinicians. Patients will be involved throughout, via face-to-face creative workshops which will develop online resources. Overall changes will be measured; in hospital attendances, medications compliance, re-attendances at A&E, mortality, confidence, self-esteem and ability to talk comfortably about epilepsy. |
| Impact | Chatbot Artistic outputs from artist Andrea Mbarushimana |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Brigden: Developing mathematical models for seizure forecasting in epilepsy |
| Organisation | Neuronostics Limited |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a Centre Fellow (LJ) for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Charlotte Dunn and funding of £2500 for her time. Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event June 2024. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research team to deliver the research project: Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain, causing repeated seizures. Epilepsy affects around 630,000 people in the UK. Epilepsy can have a big impact on people's lives. It puts people at greater risk of injury and premature death, and it can affect people's social life, work life, and mental health. People living with epilepsy say that the unpredictability of seizures is one of the biggest problems. We believe that technology can predict when an epileptic seizure is likely to occur. You could think of it as being similar to a weather forecast. Seizure forecasts could provide people with epilepsy with a forecast about their risk of having a seizure in the near future. This forecasting would rely on us collecting a range of information about people living with epilepsy. Information such as sleep quality, stress levels and what medication they take. These are required as they are well known as 'triggers' which increase the likelihood of a seizure happening. All your data would be used as input to our system. Our system would then crunch the numbers, using advanced mathematics, and output an estimation of how likely you are to have a seizure. Over time, the estimations are likely to get more accurate. As the system gets to know the person living with epilepsy. |
| Impact | - EPSRC LEAP award to University of Bristol: ATmOSPhErE Artificial intelligence To Optimise Seizure Prediction to Empower people with Epilepsy: moving from prototype to a minimum viable product (£127.6K 100% FEC) - Exhibition of artist work: Frames of Discovery March 2025 |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Brigden: Developing mathematical models for seizure forecasting in epilepsy |
| Organisation | The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a Centre Fellow (LJ) for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Charlotte Dunn and funding of £2500 for her time. Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event June 2024. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research team to deliver the research project: Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain, causing repeated seizures. Epilepsy affects around 630,000 people in the UK. Epilepsy can have a big impact on people's lives. It puts people at greater risk of injury and premature death, and it can affect people's social life, work life, and mental health. People living with epilepsy say that the unpredictability of seizures is one of the biggest problems. We believe that technology can predict when an epileptic seizure is likely to occur. You could think of it as being similar to a weather forecast. Seizure forecasts could provide people with epilepsy with a forecast about their risk of having a seizure in the near future. This forecasting would rely on us collecting a range of information about people living with epilepsy. Information such as sleep quality, stress levels and what medication they take. These are required as they are well known as 'triggers' which increase the likelihood of a seizure happening. All your data would be used as input to our system. Our system would then crunch the numbers, using advanced mathematics, and output an estimation of how likely you are to have a seizure. Over time, the estimations are likely to get more accurate. As the system gets to know the person living with epilepsy. |
| Impact | - EPSRC LEAP award to University of Bristol: ATmOSPhErE Artificial intelligence To Optimise Seizure Prediction to Empower people with Epilepsy: moving from prototype to a minimum viable product (£127.6K 100% FEC) - Exhibition of artist work: Frames of Discovery March 2025 |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Brigden: Developing mathematical models for seizure forecasting in epilepsy |
| Organisation | Ulster University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a Centre Fellow (LJ) for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Charlotte Dunn and funding of £2500 for her time. Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event June 2024. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research team to deliver the research project: Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain, causing repeated seizures. Epilepsy affects around 630,000 people in the UK. Epilepsy can have a big impact on people's lives. It puts people at greater risk of injury and premature death, and it can affect people's social life, work life, and mental health. People living with epilepsy say that the unpredictability of seizures is one of the biggest problems. We believe that technology can predict when an epileptic seizure is likely to occur. You could think of it as being similar to a weather forecast. Seizure forecasts could provide people with epilepsy with a forecast about their risk of having a seizure in the near future. This forecasting would rely on us collecting a range of information about people living with epilepsy. Information such as sleep quality, stress levels and what medication they take. These are required as they are well known as 'triggers' which increase the likelihood of a seizure happening. All your data would be used as input to our system. Our system would then crunch the numbers, using advanced mathematics, and output an estimation of how likely you are to have a seizure. Over time, the estimations are likely to get more accurate. As the system gets to know the person living with epilepsy. |
| Impact | - EPSRC LEAP award to University of Bristol: ATmOSPhErE Artificial intelligence To Optimise Seizure Prediction to Empower people with Epilepsy: moving from prototype to a minimum viable product (£127.6K 100% FEC) - Exhibition of artist work: Frames of Discovery March 2025 |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Brigden: Developing mathematical models for seizure forecasting in epilepsy |
| Organisation | University of Birmingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a Centre Fellow (LJ) for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Charlotte Dunn and funding of £2500 for her time. Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event June 2024. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research team to deliver the research project: Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain, causing repeated seizures. Epilepsy affects around 630,000 people in the UK. Epilepsy can have a big impact on people's lives. It puts people at greater risk of injury and premature death, and it can affect people's social life, work life, and mental health. People living with epilepsy say that the unpredictability of seizures is one of the biggest problems. We believe that technology can predict when an epileptic seizure is likely to occur. You could think of it as being similar to a weather forecast. Seizure forecasts could provide people with epilepsy with a forecast about their risk of having a seizure in the near future. This forecasting would rely on us collecting a range of information about people living with epilepsy. Information such as sleep quality, stress levels and what medication they take. These are required as they are well known as 'triggers' which increase the likelihood of a seizure happening. All your data would be used as input to our system. Our system would then crunch the numbers, using advanced mathematics, and output an estimation of how likely you are to have a seizure. Over time, the estimations are likely to get more accurate. As the system gets to know the person living with epilepsy. |
| Impact | - EPSRC LEAP award to University of Bristol: ATmOSPhErE Artificial intelligence To Optimise Seizure Prediction to Empower people with Epilepsy: moving from prototype to a minimum viable product (£127.6K 100% FEC) - Exhibition of artist work: Frames of Discovery March 2025 |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Brigden: Developing mathematical models for seizure forecasting in epilepsy |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a Centre Fellow (LJ) for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Charlotte Dunn and funding of £2500 for her time. Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event June 2024. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research team to deliver the research project: Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain, causing repeated seizures. Epilepsy affects around 630,000 people in the UK. Epilepsy can have a big impact on people's lives. It puts people at greater risk of injury and premature death, and it can affect people's social life, work life, and mental health. People living with epilepsy say that the unpredictability of seizures is one of the biggest problems. We believe that technology can predict when an epileptic seizure is likely to occur. You could think of it as being similar to a weather forecast. Seizure forecasts could provide people with epilepsy with a forecast about their risk of having a seizure in the near future. This forecasting would rely on us collecting a range of information about people living with epilepsy. Information such as sleep quality, stress levels and what medication they take. These are required as they are well known as 'triggers' which increase the likelihood of a seizure happening. All your data would be used as input to our system. Our system would then crunch the numbers, using advanced mathematics, and output an estimation of how likely you are to have a seizure. Over time, the estimations are likely to get more accurate. As the system gets to know the person living with epilepsy. |
| Impact | - EPSRC LEAP award to University of Bristol: ATmOSPhErE Artificial intelligence To Optimise Seizure Prediction to Empower people with Epilepsy: moving from prototype to a minimum viable product (£127.6K 100% FEC) - Exhibition of artist work: Frames of Discovery March 2025 |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Brigden: Developing mathematical models for seizure forecasting in epilepsy |
| Organisation | University of Warwick |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a Centre Fellow (LJ) for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Charlotte Dunn and funding of £2500 for her time. Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event June 2024. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research team to deliver the research project: Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain, causing repeated seizures. Epilepsy affects around 630,000 people in the UK. Epilepsy can have a big impact on people's lives. It puts people at greater risk of injury and premature death, and it can affect people's social life, work life, and mental health. People living with epilepsy say that the unpredictability of seizures is one of the biggest problems. We believe that technology can predict when an epileptic seizure is likely to occur. You could think of it as being similar to a weather forecast. Seizure forecasts could provide people with epilepsy with a forecast about their risk of having a seizure in the near future. This forecasting would rely on us collecting a range of information about people living with epilepsy. Information such as sleep quality, stress levels and what medication they take. These are required as they are well known as 'triggers' which increase the likelihood of a seizure happening. All your data would be used as input to our system. Our system would then crunch the numbers, using advanced mathematics, and output an estimation of how likely you are to have a seizure. Over time, the estimations are likely to get more accurate. As the system gets to know the person living with epilepsy. |
| Impact | - EPSRC LEAP award to University of Bristol: ATmOSPhErE Artificial intelligence To Optimise Seizure Prediction to Empower people with Epilepsy: moving from prototype to a minimum viable product (£127.6K 100% FEC) - Exhibition of artist work: Frames of Discovery March 2025 |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Brigden: Prototyping a wearable solution for epileptic seizure forecasting: A transdisciplinary project (ATMOSPHERE) |
| Organisation | The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £34,472.43 over 12 months July 2023 to June 2024 for project 'Prototyping a wearable solution for epileptic seizure forecasting: A transdisciplinary project (ATMOSPHERE)' as an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Epilepsy is a chronic and complex neurological disorder affecting around 50 million people globally. The unpredictability of epileptic seizures is a major problem for those living with epilepsy. Seizure risk forecasting (seizure risk-assessment evaluating the likelihood of a seizure on a daily basis) could address the issue of unpredictability. There are real dangers of harm during seizure, and seizure forecasting could enable people to structure their environment and safety plan. Further, providing forecasts has the potential to reduce anxiety associated with unpredictability - not only does anxiety impact quality of life, but it is also a known trigger for seizure. Research project team to conduct the research project. For a forecasting solution to be workable in the users' day-to-day life, it must involve devices that are acceptable and feasible to users (i.e., comfortable, non-intrusive). There are technologies which directly monitor brain activity; however, these cannot be used outside of clinical settings, or are intrusive. As an alternative, non-invasive, non-medical grade devices such as smartwatches, can capture data on variables known to be predictive of seizure (e.g., anxiety, sleep deprivation). The overarching aim of this research is to investigate a seizure forecasting solution. This will involve (1) investigating mathematical models for forecasting seizure risk, (2) identifying off-the-shelf wearables devices/ sensing technologies, which are acceptable to users, and which capture the data needed for forecast modelling, and (3) designing the interface for user-reported data input and forecasting visualisations. |
| Impact | - Established a PPIE network, with n=27 individuals registered. - EPSRC LEAP award to University of Bristol, ATmOSPhErE Artificial intelligence To Optimise Seizure Prediction to Empower people with Epilepsy: moving from prototype to a minimum viable product (£127.6K 100% FEC) - collaboration with Garmin |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Brigden: Prototyping a wearable solution for epileptic seizure forecasting: A transdisciplinary project (ATMOSPHERE) |
| Organisation | University of Birmingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £34,472.43 over 12 months July 2023 to June 2024 for project 'Prototyping a wearable solution for epileptic seizure forecasting: A transdisciplinary project (ATMOSPHERE)' as an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Epilepsy is a chronic and complex neurological disorder affecting around 50 million people globally. The unpredictability of epileptic seizures is a major problem for those living with epilepsy. Seizure risk forecasting (seizure risk-assessment evaluating the likelihood of a seizure on a daily basis) could address the issue of unpredictability. There are real dangers of harm during seizure, and seizure forecasting could enable people to structure their environment and safety plan. Further, providing forecasts has the potential to reduce anxiety associated with unpredictability - not only does anxiety impact quality of life, but it is also a known trigger for seizure. Research project team to conduct the research project. For a forecasting solution to be workable in the users' day-to-day life, it must involve devices that are acceptable and feasible to users (i.e., comfortable, non-intrusive). There are technologies which directly monitor brain activity; however, these cannot be used outside of clinical settings, or are intrusive. As an alternative, non-invasive, non-medical grade devices such as smartwatches, can capture data on variables known to be predictive of seizure (e.g., anxiety, sleep deprivation). The overarching aim of this research is to investigate a seizure forecasting solution. This will involve (1) investigating mathematical models for forecasting seizure risk, (2) identifying off-the-shelf wearables devices/ sensing technologies, which are acceptable to users, and which capture the data needed for forecast modelling, and (3) designing the interface for user-reported data input and forecasting visualisations. |
| Impact | - Established a PPIE network, with n=27 individuals registered. - EPSRC LEAP award to University of Bristol, ATmOSPhErE Artificial intelligence To Optimise Seizure Prediction to Empower people with Epilepsy: moving from prototype to a minimum viable product (£127.6K 100% FEC) - collaboration with Garmin |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Brigden: Prototyping a wearable solution for epileptic seizure forecasting: A transdisciplinary project (ATMOSPHERE) |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £34,472.43 over 12 months July 2023 to June 2024 for project 'Prototyping a wearable solution for epileptic seizure forecasting: A transdisciplinary project (ATMOSPHERE)' as an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Epilepsy is a chronic and complex neurological disorder affecting around 50 million people globally. The unpredictability of epileptic seizures is a major problem for those living with epilepsy. Seizure risk forecasting (seizure risk-assessment evaluating the likelihood of a seizure on a daily basis) could address the issue of unpredictability. There are real dangers of harm during seizure, and seizure forecasting could enable people to structure their environment and safety plan. Further, providing forecasts has the potential to reduce anxiety associated with unpredictability - not only does anxiety impact quality of life, but it is also a known trigger for seizure. Research project team to conduct the research project. For a forecasting solution to be workable in the users' day-to-day life, it must involve devices that are acceptable and feasible to users (i.e., comfortable, non-intrusive). There are technologies which directly monitor brain activity; however, these cannot be used outside of clinical settings, or are intrusive. As an alternative, non-invasive, non-medical grade devices such as smartwatches, can capture data on variables known to be predictive of seizure (e.g., anxiety, sleep deprivation). The overarching aim of this research is to investigate a seizure forecasting solution. This will involve (1) investigating mathematical models for forecasting seizure risk, (2) identifying off-the-shelf wearables devices/ sensing technologies, which are acceptable to users, and which capture the data needed for forecast modelling, and (3) designing the interface for user-reported data input and forecasting visualisations. |
| Impact | - Established a PPIE network, with n=27 individuals registered. - EPSRC LEAP award to University of Bristol, ATmOSPhErE Artificial intelligence To Optimise Seizure Prediction to Empower people with Epilepsy: moving from prototype to a minimum viable product (£127.6K 100% FEC) - collaboration with Garmin |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Brigden: Prototyping a wearable solution for epileptic seizure forecasting: A transdisciplinary project (ATMOSPHERE) |
| Organisation | University of Plymouth |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £34,472.43 over 12 months July 2023 to June 2024 for project 'Prototyping a wearable solution for epileptic seizure forecasting: A transdisciplinary project (ATMOSPHERE)' as an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Epilepsy is a chronic and complex neurological disorder affecting around 50 million people globally. The unpredictability of epileptic seizures is a major problem for those living with epilepsy. Seizure risk forecasting (seizure risk-assessment evaluating the likelihood of a seizure on a daily basis) could address the issue of unpredictability. There are real dangers of harm during seizure, and seizure forecasting could enable people to structure their environment and safety plan. Further, providing forecasts has the potential to reduce anxiety associated with unpredictability - not only does anxiety impact quality of life, but it is also a known trigger for seizure. Research project team to conduct the research project. For a forecasting solution to be workable in the users' day-to-day life, it must involve devices that are acceptable and feasible to users (i.e., comfortable, non-intrusive). There are technologies which directly monitor brain activity; however, these cannot be used outside of clinical settings, or are intrusive. As an alternative, non-invasive, non-medical grade devices such as smartwatches, can capture data on variables known to be predictive of seizure (e.g., anxiety, sleep deprivation). The overarching aim of this research is to investigate a seizure forecasting solution. This will involve (1) investigating mathematical models for forecasting seizure risk, (2) identifying off-the-shelf wearables devices/ sensing technologies, which are acceptable to users, and which capture the data needed for forecast modelling, and (3) designing the interface for user-reported data input and forecasting visualisations. |
| Impact | - Established a PPIE network, with n=27 individuals registered. - EPSRC LEAP award to University of Bristol, ATmOSPhErE Artificial intelligence To Optimise Seizure Prediction to Empower people with Epilepsy: moving from prototype to a minimum viable product (£127.6K 100% FEC) - collaboration with Garmin |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | FND North |
| Organisation | Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Funding for the Hot Topic Workshop "Co-creation of digital health and neurotechnology for novel therapies in functional neurological disorders (FND) in October 2023" led to this partnership and collaboration |
| Collaborator Contribution | The clinical partner, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, continues to expand its FND service with the addition of a new Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) partner. https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/community/morecambe-man-helps-lancashire-teaching-hospitals-celebrate-significant-milestone-functional-neurological-disorder-service-4883580 Also, we are pleased to welcome Matthew Newsham, a former FND patient who has made a full recovery, as he joins efforts to support research and community engagement through FND North (www.fndnorth.org). |
| Impact | Co-production of digital healthcare technologies for EPSRC funding bids: https://preprints.jmir.org/preprint/70620 |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Farina/Kashiwakura: A wearable vibrotactile device to aid post-stroke rehabilitation |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a research software engineer researcher for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Anja Borowicz Richardson and funding of £2500 for her time. Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event Sept 2023 |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research team to deliver the research project Stroke impacts a patient's motor function, reduces independence, and has substantial social and economic impact. Intensive rehabilitation is crucial for regaining independence, but due to resource limitations, only 60% of patients receive recommended therapy, which may still be insufficient. The study aims to improve patient mobility by increasing recommended therapy through home-assisted rehabilitation during daily living activities. After a stroke, patients experience reduced mobility due to weakened signals from the brain to the muscles, resulting in limited movement. A wearable device has been developed to detect and strength the weakened signals in the affected limb using vibration delivered by the device. By strengthening these signals, patients can recover and increase the activation of the affected muscles, enabling them to regain meaningful movements. The study aims to assess the devices abilities to detect the weakened signals and evaluate patients' perception to the device. Trials will then be run on a small number of patients to compare the rehabilitation outcomes of patients who use the device and those who do not. With positive research findings, the intention is to attract further funding to carry out a larger clinical trial. |
| Impact | The members of the collaboration won the Voters Choice award at the N-CODE EXPO 2024 Annual Conference in the Pitch Competition Neubond, the company formed by the academics from Imperial College London incorporated as a Limited Company in Feb 2024. User testing workshop using clay held in March 2025 in London to test the user feasibility of the neubond device. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Farina/Kashiwakura: A wearable vibrotactile device to aid post-stroke rehabilitation |
| Organisation | University of Birmingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a research software engineer researcher for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Anja Borowicz Richardson and funding of £2500 for her time. Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event Sept 2023 |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research team to deliver the research project Stroke impacts a patient's motor function, reduces independence, and has substantial social and economic impact. Intensive rehabilitation is crucial for regaining independence, but due to resource limitations, only 60% of patients receive recommended therapy, which may still be insufficient. The study aims to improve patient mobility by increasing recommended therapy through home-assisted rehabilitation during daily living activities. After a stroke, patients experience reduced mobility due to weakened signals from the brain to the muscles, resulting in limited movement. A wearable device has been developed to detect and strength the weakened signals in the affected limb using vibration delivered by the device. By strengthening these signals, patients can recover and increase the activation of the affected muscles, enabling them to regain meaningful movements. The study aims to assess the devices abilities to detect the weakened signals and evaluate patients' perception to the device. Trials will then be run on a small number of patients to compare the rehabilitation outcomes of patients who use the device and those who do not. With positive research findings, the intention is to attract further funding to carry out a larger clinical trial. |
| Impact | The members of the collaboration won the Voters Choice award at the N-CODE EXPO 2024 Annual Conference in the Pitch Competition Neubond, the company formed by the academics from Imperial College London incorporated as a Limited Company in Feb 2024. User testing workshop using clay held in March 2025 in London to test the user feasibility of the neubond device. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Johnson: A pseudospectral method for predicting patient response to depression medication from fMRI data |
| Organisation | Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA) |
| Country | Spain |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a Research Fellow (CD) for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Dan Alok and funding of £2500 for his time. Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event June 2024. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Depression is a major mental health disorder which affects about one in twenty people. It can be treated, often through a combination of psychotherapy and medication, but not everyone responds well to every drug, so there is a great need for methods which would help us to guide treatment. Research team to deliver the research project: We have data from a drug trial which compared the effects of a standard antidepressant with a natural hallucinogenic compound, including brain scans using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In previous research we have transformed these images into networks representing the flow of information in the brain, and shown that the effect of each drug can be seen in changes to network structure. We now wish to build on this work by applying mathematical techniques (such as computing the pseudospectra) which can tell us how a system will respond to perturbations - for example, to a medicine. Our aim is to develop a way of helping clinicians and patients to decide which treatment would be best in each case. We also hope this work will improve our understanding of how different drugs affect our mental states, and open up new avenues of research for brain imaging to inform psychiatry. |
| Impact | paper https://doi.org/10.3389/fams.2024.1512865 PhD student research visit to University of Birmingham Dec 2024 |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Johnson: A pseudospectral method for predicting patient response to depression medication from fMRI data |
| Organisation | University of Birmingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a Research Fellow (CD) for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Dan Alok and funding of £2500 for his time. Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event June 2024. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Depression is a major mental health disorder which affects about one in twenty people. It can be treated, often through a combination of psychotherapy and medication, but not everyone responds well to every drug, so there is a great need for methods which would help us to guide treatment. Research team to deliver the research project: We have data from a drug trial which compared the effects of a standard antidepressant with a natural hallucinogenic compound, including brain scans using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In previous research we have transformed these images into networks representing the flow of information in the brain, and shown that the effect of each drug can be seen in changes to network structure. We now wish to build on this work by applying mathematical techniques (such as computing the pseudospectra) which can tell us how a system will respond to perturbations - for example, to a medicine. Our aim is to develop a way of helping clinicians and patients to decide which treatment would be best in each case. We also hope this work will improve our understanding of how different drugs affect our mental states, and open up new avenues of research for brain imaging to inform psychiatry. |
| Impact | paper https://doi.org/10.3389/fams.2024.1512865 PhD student research visit to University of Birmingham Dec 2024 |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Johnson: A pseudospectral method for predicting patient response to depression medication from fMRI data |
| Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Department | Oxford Hub |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded funding of a 6 month seedcorn pilot project through the N-CODE Research Incubator. Contribution of a Research Fellow (CD) for 6 months at 0.5FTE Budget of 10K for consumables Provision of Artist in Residence Dan Alok and funding of £2500 for his time. Organisation of 2 day project kick off research incubator event June 2024. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Depression is a major mental health disorder which affects about one in twenty people. It can be treated, often through a combination of psychotherapy and medication, but not everyone responds well to every drug, so there is a great need for methods which would help us to guide treatment. Research team to deliver the research project: We have data from a drug trial which compared the effects of a standard antidepressant with a natural hallucinogenic compound, including brain scans using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In previous research we have transformed these images into networks representing the flow of information in the brain, and shown that the effect of each drug can be seen in changes to network structure. We now wish to build on this work by applying mathematical techniques (such as computing the pseudospectra) which can tell us how a system will respond to perturbations - for example, to a medicine. Our aim is to develop a way of helping clinicians and patients to decide which treatment would be best in each case. We also hope this work will improve our understanding of how different drugs affect our mental states, and open up new avenues of research for brain imaging to inform psychiatry. |
| Impact | paper https://doi.org/10.3389/fams.2024.1512865 PhD student research visit to University of Birmingham Dec 2024 |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Kornysheva: Non-invasive Brain-computer-interfaces for Remote Rehab and Training of Motor Skills |
| Organisation | Coventry University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £34,464.65 over 12 months Dec 2023-Nov 2024 for project 'Non-invasive Brain-computer-interfaces for Remote Rehab and Training of Motor Skills' As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023 |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. n the UK, 1.3 million stroke survivors and 145,000 Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients encounter movement problems, hindering work and independence, costing around £42 billion a year. Current state-of-the-art rehabilitation fails to reach all patients and we need methods in which the dose of therapy can be increased without requiring an increase in resources. While invasive brain-computer-interfaces (BCIs) have been used for prosthetic control, closed-loop brain stimulation, and neurofeedback, they come with multiple health risks and costs with only a small proportion of patients being eligible. In contrast, current non-invasive brain recording technology, such as functional infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and EEG, have so far focussed on decoding simple movements rather than more complex naturalistic action sequences and their associated neuronal activity. In this high-risk-high-gain seed project, we aim to address three key translational research questions: How can we provide individuals with access to their internal brain states associated with action planning in real-time? Which neurofeedback protocol is suitable to enable individuals to control these states? Will achieving target brain states during action planning improve subsequent action execution? The project aims to deliver the groundwork towards a first prototype of a portable EEG neurofeedback application that allows a participant to monitor and learn to control their hidden neural action planning activity in real-time in order to optimise action performance. The readout and feedback on the internal action-related electrophysiological patterns may facilitate innovative neurotechnological advances for remote rehabilitation of patients with impairment of manual coordination to train beneficial preparatory patterns prior to initiating an action and help provide remote, individualised, patient-centred training. |
| Impact | The EPSRC/MRC N-Code-funded seed project, focused on developing a non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) for remote rehabilitation and motor skill training. A part-time RA (Martin Geiger) employed for 12 months systematically explored electrophysiological markers from a previous EEG dataset, which a BCI paradigm could target to improve movement speed and accuracy in patients, developed software for real-time EEG-BCI neurofeedback, implemented OpenBCI EEG headset adaptations to enhance sampling from motor cortical regions (incl. a 3D-printing models), engineering instructions to build a vibration wristband for real-time haptic feedback, and collected a new dataset (N=19) with the adapted wireless EEG headset (OpenBCI). Outputs: • A structured open code repository (GitHub: kkornysheva/neurofeedbackBCI) containing EEG analysis scripts, BCI integration tools, 3D-printing models and haptic feedback design resources, and an accompanying video presentation (YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwx8eSXYKEs) Licence: CC-BY-4.0 • A detailed project report: https://github.com/kkornysheva/neurofeedbackBCI/blob/main/README.md • Conference poster presentation at Cambridge University: https://github.com/geigermartin/neurofeedbackBCI/blob/main/posters_presentations/posters/240617_cambridge.pdf • Successful follow-on grants with a BCI-neurofeedback component: UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship to Katja Kornysheva (£2,220,726) |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Kornysheva: Non-invasive Brain-computer-interfaces for Remote Rehab and Training of Motor Skills |
| Organisation | Falmouth University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £34,464.65 over 12 months Dec 2023-Nov 2024 for project 'Non-invasive Brain-computer-interfaces for Remote Rehab and Training of Motor Skills' As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023 |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. n the UK, 1.3 million stroke survivors and 145,000 Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients encounter movement problems, hindering work and independence, costing around £42 billion a year. Current state-of-the-art rehabilitation fails to reach all patients and we need methods in which the dose of therapy can be increased without requiring an increase in resources. While invasive brain-computer-interfaces (BCIs) have been used for prosthetic control, closed-loop brain stimulation, and neurofeedback, they come with multiple health risks and costs with only a small proportion of patients being eligible. In contrast, current non-invasive brain recording technology, such as functional infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and EEG, have so far focussed on decoding simple movements rather than more complex naturalistic action sequences and their associated neuronal activity. In this high-risk-high-gain seed project, we aim to address three key translational research questions: How can we provide individuals with access to their internal brain states associated with action planning in real-time? Which neurofeedback protocol is suitable to enable individuals to control these states? Will achieving target brain states during action planning improve subsequent action execution? The project aims to deliver the groundwork towards a first prototype of a portable EEG neurofeedback application that allows a participant to monitor and learn to control their hidden neural action planning activity in real-time in order to optimise action performance. The readout and feedback on the internal action-related electrophysiological patterns may facilitate innovative neurotechnological advances for remote rehabilitation of patients with impairment of manual coordination to train beneficial preparatory patterns prior to initiating an action and help provide remote, individualised, patient-centred training. |
| Impact | The EPSRC/MRC N-Code-funded seed project, focused on developing a non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) for remote rehabilitation and motor skill training. A part-time RA (Martin Geiger) employed for 12 months systematically explored electrophysiological markers from a previous EEG dataset, which a BCI paradigm could target to improve movement speed and accuracy in patients, developed software for real-time EEG-BCI neurofeedback, implemented OpenBCI EEG headset adaptations to enhance sampling from motor cortical regions (incl. a 3D-printing models), engineering instructions to build a vibration wristband for real-time haptic feedback, and collected a new dataset (N=19) with the adapted wireless EEG headset (OpenBCI). Outputs: • A structured open code repository (GitHub: kkornysheva/neurofeedbackBCI) containing EEG analysis scripts, BCI integration tools, 3D-printing models and haptic feedback design resources, and an accompanying video presentation (YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwx8eSXYKEs) Licence: CC-BY-4.0 • A detailed project report: https://github.com/kkornysheva/neurofeedbackBCI/blob/main/README.md • Conference poster presentation at Cambridge University: https://github.com/geigermartin/neurofeedbackBCI/blob/main/posters_presentations/posters/240617_cambridge.pdf • Successful follow-on grants with a BCI-neurofeedback component: UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship to Katja Kornysheva (£2,220,726) |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Kornysheva: Non-invasive Brain-computer-interfaces for Remote Rehab and Training of Motor Skills |
| Organisation | University College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £34,464.65 over 12 months Dec 2023-Nov 2024 for project 'Non-invasive Brain-computer-interfaces for Remote Rehab and Training of Motor Skills' As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023 |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. n the UK, 1.3 million stroke survivors and 145,000 Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients encounter movement problems, hindering work and independence, costing around £42 billion a year. Current state-of-the-art rehabilitation fails to reach all patients and we need methods in which the dose of therapy can be increased without requiring an increase in resources. While invasive brain-computer-interfaces (BCIs) have been used for prosthetic control, closed-loop brain stimulation, and neurofeedback, they come with multiple health risks and costs with only a small proportion of patients being eligible. In contrast, current non-invasive brain recording technology, such as functional infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and EEG, have so far focussed on decoding simple movements rather than more complex naturalistic action sequences and their associated neuronal activity. In this high-risk-high-gain seed project, we aim to address three key translational research questions: How can we provide individuals with access to their internal brain states associated with action planning in real-time? Which neurofeedback protocol is suitable to enable individuals to control these states? Will achieving target brain states during action planning improve subsequent action execution? The project aims to deliver the groundwork towards a first prototype of a portable EEG neurofeedback application that allows a participant to monitor and learn to control their hidden neural action planning activity in real-time in order to optimise action performance. The readout and feedback on the internal action-related electrophysiological patterns may facilitate innovative neurotechnological advances for remote rehabilitation of patients with impairment of manual coordination to train beneficial preparatory patterns prior to initiating an action and help provide remote, individualised, patient-centred training. |
| Impact | The EPSRC/MRC N-Code-funded seed project, focused on developing a non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) for remote rehabilitation and motor skill training. A part-time RA (Martin Geiger) employed for 12 months systematically explored electrophysiological markers from a previous EEG dataset, which a BCI paradigm could target to improve movement speed and accuracy in patients, developed software for real-time EEG-BCI neurofeedback, implemented OpenBCI EEG headset adaptations to enhance sampling from motor cortical regions (incl. a 3D-printing models), engineering instructions to build a vibration wristband for real-time haptic feedback, and collected a new dataset (N=19) with the adapted wireless EEG headset (OpenBCI). Outputs: • A structured open code repository (GitHub: kkornysheva/neurofeedbackBCI) containing EEG analysis scripts, BCI integration tools, 3D-printing models and haptic feedback design resources, and an accompanying video presentation (YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwx8eSXYKEs) Licence: CC-BY-4.0 • A detailed project report: https://github.com/kkornysheva/neurofeedbackBCI/blob/main/README.md • Conference poster presentation at Cambridge University: https://github.com/geigermartin/neurofeedbackBCI/blob/main/posters_presentations/posters/240617_cambridge.pdf • Successful follow-on grants with a BCI-neurofeedback component: UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship to Katja Kornysheva (£2,220,726) |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Murphy: The Co-Development of the Computerised Cognitive Assessments for Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease (CoCoA-PAD) |
| Organisation | BERRI |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Awarded feasibility project funding of £26,509 for project. As an outcome of the 2nd N-CODE Study Group held April 2024. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project: Cognitive assessments are a core component of a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the cognitive assessments we use in the NHS are insensitive and time consuming, and waiting lists for an assessment are over one year. There is an urgent need for new cognitive assessments which can diagnose preclinical AD, reduce testing time, and can be used by a wide range of memory professionals. We aim to meet this need this by developing three new tablet-computer based cognitive tests. This study seeks to co-design these tests with a group of older adults and memory professionals. We will use their insights to create tests which are usable, well-tolerated, easier to administer, and provide instant results. Our ambition is to secure more substantial follow-on funding to complete additional research to deliver our tests to NHS clinical practice. |
| Impact | Just started |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Murphy: The Co-Development of the Computerised Cognitive Assessments for Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease (CoCoA-PAD) |
| Organisation | Sheffield Hallam University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded feasibility project funding of £26,509 for project. As an outcome of the 2nd N-CODE Study Group held April 2024. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project: Cognitive assessments are a core component of a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the cognitive assessments we use in the NHS are insensitive and time consuming, and waiting lists for an assessment are over one year. There is an urgent need for new cognitive assessments which can diagnose preclinical AD, reduce testing time, and can be used by a wide range of memory professionals. We aim to meet this need this by developing three new tablet-computer based cognitive tests. This study seeks to co-design these tests with a group of older adults and memory professionals. We will use their insights to create tests which are usable, well-tolerated, easier to administer, and provide instant results. Our ambition is to secure more substantial follow-on funding to complete additional research to deliver our tests to NHS clinical practice. |
| Impact | Just started |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Murphy: The Co-Development of the Computerised Cognitive Assessments for Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease (CoCoA-PAD) |
| Organisation | University of Birmingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded feasibility project funding of £26,509 for project. As an outcome of the 2nd N-CODE Study Group held April 2024. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project: Cognitive assessments are a core component of a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the cognitive assessments we use in the NHS are insensitive and time consuming, and waiting lists for an assessment are over one year. There is an urgent need for new cognitive assessments which can diagnose preclinical AD, reduce testing time, and can be used by a wide range of memory professionals. We aim to meet this need this by developing three new tablet-computer based cognitive tests. This study seeks to co-design these tests with a group of older adults and memory professionals. We will use their insights to create tests which are usable, well-tolerated, easier to administer, and provide instant results. Our ambition is to secure more substantial follow-on funding to complete additional research to deliver our tests to NHS clinical practice. |
| Impact | Just started |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Murphy: The Co-Development of the Computerised Cognitive Assessments for Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease (CoCoA-PAD) |
| Organisation | University of Plymouth |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded feasibility project funding of £26,509 for project. As an outcome of the 2nd N-CODE Study Group held April 2024. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project: Cognitive assessments are a core component of a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the cognitive assessments we use in the NHS are insensitive and time consuming, and waiting lists for an assessment are over one year. There is an urgent need for new cognitive assessments which can diagnose preclinical AD, reduce testing time, and can be used by a wide range of memory professionals. We aim to meet this need this by developing three new tablet-computer based cognitive tests. This study seeks to co-design these tests with a group of older adults and memory professionals. We will use their insights to create tests which are usable, well-tolerated, easier to administer, and provide instant results. Our ambition is to secure more substantial follow-on funding to complete additional research to deliver our tests to NHS clinical practice. |
| Impact | Just started |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | N-CODE Artist in Residence programme 2023/24 |
| Organisation | University of Birmingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Partnering of 3 artists together with the 3 N-CODE seedcorn projects in the Research Incubator 2023/2024 Ian Andrews (www.thesketchbookandthecollider.com) was partnered with the project "EEG Biomarkers of Circadian Health" led by Professor Clare Anderson, University of Birmingham. View Ian's artwork at our Encoded Realities Exhibition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzIYRX3iDFE Anja Borowicz Richardson (www.anjaborowicz.com) was partnered with the project "A wearable vibrotactile device to aid post-stroke rehabilitation" led by Dario Farina/Jumpei Kashiwakura, Imperial College London. View Anja's artwork at our Encoded Realities Exhibition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVPoFqw6WTo Andrea Mbarushimana (www.andrea-mbarushimana.com) was partnered with the project "Can an Epilepsy Chatbot improve outcomes for people with epilepsy?" led by Professor Heather Angus Leppan, Royal Free Hospital London. View Andrea's work at the Encoded Realities Exhibition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNYnA6eNgW4. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The artists collaborate with scientists to bring new perspectives and insights into the research project, while leading on creative outputs where they transform and interpret current research into artform. The project culminates in a showcase where artists and researchers present their final collaborative works, demonstrating the power and beauty in combining art and science to engage others in discussion about health experiences and cross-disciplinary innovation. |
| Impact | Encoded Realties Exhibition June 2024 Video of the exhibition University of Birmingham 'Light of Understanding' award to Dr Caroline Gillett recognising her excellence in public engagement, and effectively communicating complex research findings to a wider audience, promoting understanding and knowledge sharing through the Artist In Residency programme. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | N-CODE Artist in Residence programme 2024/25 |
| Organisation | University of Birmingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Partnering of 2 artists together with the 2 N-CODE seedcorn projects in the Research Incubator 2024/2025. Charlotte Dunn (https://charlottedunn.co.uk/about/) was partnered with the project "Developing mathematical models for seizure forecasting in epilepsy" led by Amberly Brigden from the University of Bristol. Her works developed a series of video installations that blend meteorological visuals with neurological data to depict the unpredictability of epileptic seizures. Dan Auluk (https://danauluk.com/) was partnered with the project "A pseudospectral method for predicting patient response to depression medication from fMRI data" led by Dr Samuel Johnson from the University of Birmingham. His work included a poignant film weaving together deeply personal accounts of living with depression alongside contributions from other artists to offer a multifaceted exploration of this complex condition. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The artists collaborate with scientists to bring new perspectives and insights into the research project, while leading on creative outputs where they transform and interpret current research into artform. The project culminates in a showcase where artists and researchers present their final collaborative works, demonstrating the power and beauty in combining art and science to engage others in discussion about health experiences and cross-disciplinary innovation. |
| Impact | Frames of Discovery: An Evening of Art and Science at Centrala, 7th March 2025 (Digbeth First Friday). Light of Understanding' award to Dr Caroline Gillett recognising her excellence in public engagement, and effectively communicating complex research findings to a wider audience, promoting understanding and knowledge sharing through the Artist In Residency programme. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Neubond/Anja Borowicz (EXPO) |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | N-CODE funded this partnership to conduct user testing of the neubond device which specialises in personalised home rehabilitation for stroke patients to address their mobility constraints. The device establish a direct connection to the patient's body, seamlessly integrating effective therapy into their daily lives. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The researchers from Imperial / neubond are developing the device to aid personalised home rehabilitation for stroke patients. They provided the devices for the workshop. They are working with the artist Anja Borowicz Richardson to develop this user testing. Anja designed and ran the user testing workshop. |
| Impact | User testing clay workshop held in London March 2025 |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Palomino: Re-writing Loneliness in Dementia |
| Organisation | Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £19,319 over 4 months for project Re-writing loneliness in Dementia. As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. Loneliness has wide ranging detrimental effects from increased risk of depression and physical health conditions to negative impact on cognition. It is also associated with increased all-cause mortality. Current interventions to reduce loneliness are beneficial, however, barriers to face-to-face groups including rural isolation, intersectionality and co-morbidities highlight the need for alternative provision. The long-term vision of this project is to develop technology that can measure loneliness and cognitive decline and provide personalised interventions to reduce loneliness. The project will create an initial natural language processing algorithm to identify loneliness from stories within text written by people with dementia. We will test this algorithm on existing data repositories and use statistical methods to measure and improve its accuracy and visualise our results. We will produce a short film to communicate our results to specialist and non-specialist audiences to aid inclusivity. |
| Impact | none yet |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Palomino: Re-writing Loneliness in Dementia |
| Organisation | Falmouth University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £19,319 over 4 months for project Re-writing loneliness in Dementia. As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. Loneliness has wide ranging detrimental effects from increased risk of depression and physical health conditions to negative impact on cognition. It is also associated with increased all-cause mortality. Current interventions to reduce loneliness are beneficial, however, barriers to face-to-face groups including rural isolation, intersectionality and co-morbidities highlight the need for alternative provision. The long-term vision of this project is to develop technology that can measure loneliness and cognitive decline and provide personalised interventions to reduce loneliness. The project will create an initial natural language processing algorithm to identify loneliness from stories within text written by people with dementia. We will test this algorithm on existing data repositories and use statistical methods to measure and improve its accuracy and visualise our results. We will produce a short film to communicate our results to specialist and non-specialist audiences to aid inclusivity. |
| Impact | none yet |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Palomino: Re-writing Loneliness in Dementia |
| Organisation | University of Aberdeen |
| Department | Paediatrics Aberdeen |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £19,319 over 4 months for project Re-writing loneliness in Dementia. As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. Loneliness has wide ranging detrimental effects from increased risk of depression and physical health conditions to negative impact on cognition. It is also associated with increased all-cause mortality. Current interventions to reduce loneliness are beneficial, however, barriers to face-to-face groups including rural isolation, intersectionality and co-morbidities highlight the need for alternative provision. The long-term vision of this project is to develop technology that can measure loneliness and cognitive decline and provide personalised interventions to reduce loneliness. The project will create an initial natural language processing algorithm to identify loneliness from stories within text written by people with dementia. We will test this algorithm on existing data repositories and use statistical methods to measure and improve its accuracy and visualise our results. We will produce a short film to communicate our results to specialist and non-specialist audiences to aid inclusivity. |
| Impact | none yet |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Palomino: Re-writing Loneliness in Dementia |
| Organisation | University of Plymouth |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £19,319 over 4 months for project Re-writing loneliness in Dementia. As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. Loneliness has wide ranging detrimental effects from increased risk of depression and physical health conditions to negative impact on cognition. It is also associated with increased all-cause mortality. Current interventions to reduce loneliness are beneficial, however, barriers to face-to-face groups including rural isolation, intersectionality and co-morbidities highlight the need for alternative provision. The long-term vision of this project is to develop technology that can measure loneliness and cognitive decline and provide personalised interventions to reduce loneliness. The project will create an initial natural language processing algorithm to identify loneliness from stories within text written by people with dementia. We will test this algorithm on existing data repositories and use statistical methods to measure and improve its accuracy and visualise our results. We will produce a short film to communicate our results to specialist and non-specialist audiences to aid inclusivity. |
| Impact | none yet |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Shankar/Laugharne. Assessment and treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in a digital world |
| Organisation | Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £32,725 over 12 months Sept 2023-Aug 2024 for project 'Assessment and treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in a digital world' As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is 2-5% of the population globally. The long-term aim of this research is to increase accessibility of care by developing a digital tool to help people suffering from PTSD in areas of the world who have little access to clinicians. This project addresses what are the neurophysiological properties of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) identified in its effectiveness as a treatment of PTSD and examines if these neurophysiological properties can be translated into a digital treatment. It will develop a digital tool to help people suffering from PTSD access effective, personalised, holistic help with a smartphone or computer when clinical services are not accessible. The tool will create a virtual peer-support community and will use smartphone and wearables data to monitor progress. |
| Impact | Publication: https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1049/htl2.12055 |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Shankar/Laugharne. Assessment and treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in a digital world |
| Organisation | The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £32,725 over 12 months Sept 2023-Aug 2024 for project 'Assessment and treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in a digital world' As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is 2-5% of the population globally. The long-term aim of this research is to increase accessibility of care by developing a digital tool to help people suffering from PTSD in areas of the world who have little access to clinicians. This project addresses what are the neurophysiological properties of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) identified in its effectiveness as a treatment of PTSD and examines if these neurophysiological properties can be translated into a digital treatment. It will develop a digital tool to help people suffering from PTSD access effective, personalised, holistic help with a smartphone or computer when clinical services are not accessible. The tool will create a virtual peer-support community and will use smartphone and wearables data to monitor progress. |
| Impact | Publication: https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1049/htl2.12055 |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Shankar/Laugharne. Assessment and treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in a digital world |
| Organisation | University of Derby |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £32,725 over 12 months Sept 2023-Aug 2024 for project 'Assessment and treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in a digital world' As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is 2-5% of the population globally. The long-term aim of this research is to increase accessibility of care by developing a digital tool to help people suffering from PTSD in areas of the world who have little access to clinicians. This project addresses what are the neurophysiological properties of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) identified in its effectiveness as a treatment of PTSD and examines if these neurophysiological properties can be translated into a digital treatment. It will develop a digital tool to help people suffering from PTSD access effective, personalised, holistic help with a smartphone or computer when clinical services are not accessible. The tool will create a virtual peer-support community and will use smartphone and wearables data to monitor progress. |
| Impact | Publication: https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1049/htl2.12055 |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Shankar/Laugharne. Assessment and treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in a digital world |
| Organisation | University of Lincoln |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £32,725 over 12 months Sept 2023-Aug 2024 for project 'Assessment and treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in a digital world' As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is 2-5% of the population globally. The long-term aim of this research is to increase accessibility of care by developing a digital tool to help people suffering from PTSD in areas of the world who have little access to clinicians. This project addresses what are the neurophysiological properties of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) identified in its effectiveness as a treatment of PTSD and examines if these neurophysiological properties can be translated into a digital treatment. It will develop a digital tool to help people suffering from PTSD access effective, personalised, holistic help with a smartphone or computer when clinical services are not accessible. The tool will create a virtual peer-support community and will use smartphone and wearables data to monitor progress. |
| Impact | Publication: https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1049/htl2.12055 |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Shankar/Laugharne. Assessment and treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in a digital world |
| Organisation | University of Plymouth |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £32,725 over 12 months Sept 2023-Aug 2024 for project 'Assessment and treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in a digital world' As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is 2-5% of the population globally. The long-term aim of this research is to increase accessibility of care by developing a digital tool to help people suffering from PTSD in areas of the world who have little access to clinicians. This project addresses what are the neurophysiological properties of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) identified in its effectiveness as a treatment of PTSD and examines if these neurophysiological properties can be translated into a digital treatment. It will develop a digital tool to help people suffering from PTSD access effective, personalised, holistic help with a smartphone or computer when clinical services are not accessible. The tool will create a virtual peer-support community and will use smartphone and wearables data to monitor progress. |
| Impact | Publication: https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1049/htl2.12055 |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Shankar/Laugharne. Assessment and treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in a digital world |
| Organisation | University of Warwick |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £32,725 over 12 months Sept 2023-Aug 2024 for project 'Assessment and treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in a digital world' As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is 2-5% of the population globally. The long-term aim of this research is to increase accessibility of care by developing a digital tool to help people suffering from PTSD in areas of the world who have little access to clinicians. This project addresses what are the neurophysiological properties of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) identified in its effectiveness as a treatment of PTSD and examines if these neurophysiological properties can be translated into a digital treatment. It will develop a digital tool to help people suffering from PTSD access effective, personalised, holistic help with a smartphone or computer when clinical services are not accessible. The tool will create a virtual peer-support community and will use smartphone and wearables data to monitor progress. |
| Impact | Publication: https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1049/htl2.12055 |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Shirgill: ASKSiD: Development of Large Language Model chatbot for stroke patients and carers |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £21932.72 for project ASKSiD: Development of Large Language Model chatbot for stroke patients and carers. As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. The provision of personalised, accurate, and timely information about stroke is a vital component of stroke rehabilitation. Yet research suggests that survivors' understanding of stroke, its consequences and the support available, remains poor. This is due to problems with how information is currently provided - ranging from complex or irrelevant content, inaccessible physical formats, and static, non-personalized delivery of information. Stroke survivors and carers routinely report dissatisfaction with information provision, and large gaps in availability of relevant and usable information. We aim to improve the information provision for stroke survivors and their carers using recent developments in large language models (LLMs) to create a chatbot, ASKSiD (Ask for Stroke Information Device) to help patients and carers get accurate, personalised and faster information. The project will involve co-development of the stroke chatbot with end-users through a series of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement ( PPIE) activities, as follows: Phase 1a: Front-end website and chatbot co-design with end-users Phase 1b: Technology development (version 1) Phase 2a: Acceptability testing with end-users Phase 2b: Product iteration (version 2) Phase 3a: Feasibility testing with end-users (version 3) Phase 3b: Impact evaluation with end-users |
| Impact | Just started |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Shirgill: ASKSiD: Development of Large Language Model chatbot for stroke patients and carers |
| Organisation | University of Birmingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £21932.72 for project ASKSiD: Development of Large Language Model chatbot for stroke patients and carers. As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. The provision of personalised, accurate, and timely information about stroke is a vital component of stroke rehabilitation. Yet research suggests that survivors' understanding of stroke, its consequences and the support available, remains poor. This is due to problems with how information is currently provided - ranging from complex or irrelevant content, inaccessible physical formats, and static, non-personalized delivery of information. Stroke survivors and carers routinely report dissatisfaction with information provision, and large gaps in availability of relevant and usable information. We aim to improve the information provision for stroke survivors and their carers using recent developments in large language models (LLMs) to create a chatbot, ASKSiD (Ask for Stroke Information Device) to help patients and carers get accurate, personalised and faster information. The project will involve co-development of the stroke chatbot with end-users through a series of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement ( PPIE) activities, as follows: Phase 1a: Front-end website and chatbot co-design with end-users Phase 1b: Technology development (version 1) Phase 2a: Acceptability testing with end-users Phase 2b: Product iteration (version 2) Phase 3a: Feasibility testing with end-users (version 3) Phase 3b: Impact evaluation with end-users |
| Impact | Just started |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Shirgill: ASKSiD: Development of Large Language Model chatbot for stroke patients and carers |
| Organisation | University of Plymouth |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £21932.72 for project ASKSiD: Development of Large Language Model chatbot for stroke patients and carers. As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. The provision of personalised, accurate, and timely information about stroke is a vital component of stroke rehabilitation. Yet research suggests that survivors' understanding of stroke, its consequences and the support available, remains poor. This is due to problems with how information is currently provided - ranging from complex or irrelevant content, inaccessible physical formats, and static, non-personalized delivery of information. Stroke survivors and carers routinely report dissatisfaction with information provision, and large gaps in availability of relevant and usable information. We aim to improve the information provision for stroke survivors and their carers using recent developments in large language models (LLMs) to create a chatbot, ASKSiD (Ask for Stroke Information Device) to help patients and carers get accurate, personalised and faster information. The project will involve co-development of the stroke chatbot with end-users through a series of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement ( PPIE) activities, as follows: Phase 1a: Front-end website and chatbot co-design with end-users Phase 1b: Technology development (version 1) Phase 2a: Acceptability testing with end-users Phase 2b: Product iteration (version 2) Phase 3a: Feasibility testing with end-users (version 3) Phase 3b: Impact evaluation with end-users |
| Impact | Just started |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Shirgill: ASKSiD: Development of Large Language Model chatbot for stroke patients and carers |
| Organisation | University of Surrey |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Awarded pilot funding of £21932.72 for project ASKSiD: Development of Large Language Model chatbot for stroke patients and carers. As an outcome of the 1st N-CODE Study Group held March 2023. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research project team to conduct the research project. The provision of personalised, accurate, and timely information about stroke is a vital component of stroke rehabilitation. Yet research suggests that survivors' understanding of stroke, its consequences and the support available, remains poor. This is due to problems with how information is currently provided - ranging from complex or irrelevant content, inaccessible physical formats, and static, non-personalized delivery of information. Stroke survivors and carers routinely report dissatisfaction with information provision, and large gaps in availability of relevant and usable information. We aim to improve the information provision for stroke survivors and their carers using recent developments in large language models (LLMs) to create a chatbot, ASKSiD (Ask for Stroke Information Device) to help patients and carers get accurate, personalised and faster information. The project will involve co-development of the stroke chatbot with end-users through a series of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement ( PPIE) activities, as follows: Phase 1a: Front-end website and chatbot co-design with end-users Phase 1b: Technology development (version 1) Phase 2a: Acceptability testing with end-users Phase 2b: Product iteration (version 2) Phase 3a: Feasibility testing with end-users (version 3) Phase 3b: Impact evaluation with end-users |
| Impact | Just started |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Title | Neurorehabilitation device (neubond) |
| Description | Patent filed April 2024. Neurorehabilitation device Technical details around the developed neurorehabilitation device to realise bi-directional recording and stimulation |
| IP Reference | |
| Protection | Patent / Patent application |
| Year Protection Granted | 2024 |
| Licensed | No |
| Title | HypnoTHRIVE |
| Description | HypnoTHRIVE is a personalized hypnotherapy service that offers tailored sessions to address individual needs. By combining elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and psychotherapy, HypnoTHRIVE aims to assist clients in overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth. For more information, please visit their official website: https://hypnothrive.com/ |
| Type | Products with applications outside of medicine |
| Current Stage Of Development | Refinement. Non-clinical |
| Year Development Stage Completed | 2025 |
| Development Status | Actively seeking support |
| Impact | Product collaboration with Nudge Reality |
| URL | http://hypnothrive.com |
| Title | JamUp! |
| Description | App launched February 2025. Currently undergoing DTAC Compliance. Passed ORCHA Baseline review |
| Type | Support Tool - For Medical Intervention |
| Current Stage Of Development | Small-scale adoption |
| Year Development Stage Completed | 2025 |
| Development Status | Under active development/distribution |
| Impact | Not get clinically evaluated but positive feedback is being received from families. |
| URL | https://www.jamup.io/ |
| Title | AskSiD chatbot |
| Description | A prototype chatbot which is designed to assist patients with stroke and/or carers for dealing with specific questions on life after stroke |
| Type Of Technology | Webtool/Application |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | Still under development |
| Title | Prototype Epilepsy chatbot |
| Description | Prototype Epilepsy Chatbot to improve outcomes for people with epilepsy |
| Type Of Technology | Webtool/Application |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | none yet |
| URL | https://www.n-code.org/news/can-an-epilepsy-chatbot-improve-outcomes-for-people-with-epilepsy/ |
| Company Name | Neubond Ltd |
| Description | |
| Year Established | 2024 |
| Impact | Spin out from Imperial College London is in process |
| Description | Creativity and Self Care, Depression and Brain Networks PPIE workshops |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | PPIE workshops: "Creativity and Self Care" and "Depression and Brain Networks"; aimed at LGBTQ+ South Asian men. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | EXPO 2024 Annual Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | N-CODE EXPO 2024 was the N-CODE annual conference 2024 held at the Studio, Birmingham in June 2024. The conference provided an opportunity for professionals from healthcare, the neurotechnology industry, academics, funders, charities and those with lived experience to meet to discuss the latest innovations and research in developing technologies that enable community-based diagnosis and management of neurological conditions for the benefit of patients. The EXPO also included: Industry and Technology Showcase: We hosted an Industry and Technology Showcase for our industry partners to introduce and highlight their technology and provide opportunities for engagement with attendees. Pitch Competition: We also facilitated a Pitch Competition where participants could be awarded a prize of up to £10,000 for their ideas. Teams of multidisciplinary researchers, healthcare professionals, industry partners and people with lived experience of disease showcased their early-stage ideas for community-based neurotechnologies to help take their research idea to the next level. Beyond the cash prize, all finalists also had the opportunity to network with researchers, funders, industry partners and 3rd sector organisations to build new collaborations and propel their ideas forward. The winner was Rachael Malthouse for her app aimed at improving the lives of children with autism, JamUp! The runner up, 'People's choice' went to Jumpei Kashiwakura, Imperial for the company neubond. He was awarded £5k for user engagement testing of his device. Funders Clinic: A Funders Clinic, with representatives from the major UK funders (EPSRC, MRC, Innovate UK, NIHR and Epilepsy Research Institute), was held to facilitate discussions about opportunities to fund attendees research. Poster Session: We invited submissions from Early Career Researchers and then presented them in a session where the innovative research could be discussed. Funded Projects Update: A series of talks were given by investigators from the research projects funded by N-CODE. These included the research projects funded through the Research Incubator and Study Group follow-on funding. Panel Discussion: An interactive session was held with a panel of N-CODE partners and steering group members to discuss and answer audience questions about N-CODE's priorities for the future and upcoming funding opportunities. Network Dinner and drinks reception and conference dinner took place on the first evening. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.n-code.org/activity/n-code-expo-2024/ |
| Description | HealthTech Integrates 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Took part in a panel discussion on the use of digital tools for biomarkers of neurological health |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.lifescienceintegrates.com/event/healthtech-integrates-2023/ |
| Description | Hot Topics Workshop: Co-creation of digital health and neurotechnology for novel therapies in functional neurological disorders (FND) Oct 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The workshop was held on 11/10/23, hosted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). The workshop will be attended by most of the active researchers in FND in UK, including Prof Jon Stone, Prof Alan Carson, Prof Richard Brown and Dr Mahinda Yogarajah, among others. The workshop is designed to foster a creative and inclusive environment where people with functional neurological disorders, healthcare professionals, researchers, technologists, and other relevant experts can work together to design and refine digital tools that support self-management, address the treatment gap, and improve the quality of life for those affected by functional neurological disorders (FNDs). Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a prevalent multinetwork condition with various clinical manifestations, including motor, sensory and cognitive disturbances. It is often the most common cause of neurology inpatient admissions and outpatient referrals and has an incidence similar to conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease; but presents unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Its economic impact is profound, affecting patients, healthcare systems, and the broader economy. Despite its widespread occurrence and substantial healthcare costs, FND remains stigmatized and often misunderstood, further complicating access to specialized care. Addressing FND's complexities necessitates innovative solutions, such as the integration of digital health tools. These tools offer promising avenues for patient education, symptom monitoring, personalized therapeutic interventions, and reducing barriers to specialist care. Remote technologies enable real-time tracking of symptoms and treatment effectiveness, fostering dynamic patient-provider interaction. Furthermore, digital platforms can facilitate comprehensive, multidisciplinary care, addressing FND's neurological, psychological, and social aspects. In light of this, the upcoming workshop, "Co-creation of Digital technologies for the management of Functional Neurological Disorders in the community" aims to bring together individuals with FND, healthcare professionals, researchers, technologists, and other experts. This collaborative environment will promote the design and refinement of digital tools for improved diagnosis, symptom monitoring, self-management, and overall quality of life for those affected by FND. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.n-code.org/activity/co-creation-of-digital-health-and-neurotechnology-for-novel-therapie... |
| Description | Hot Topics Workshop: Mind in Motion: Advancing digital neurorehabilitation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The "Mind in Motion" workshop was co-funded by the EPSRC/MRC N-CODE Network+ and the College of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham. It addressed challenges in neurological rehabilitation particularly in stroke, Parkinson's Disease, and spinal chord injury patients, outlined the need for innovative, scalable digital solutions and state-of-the-art innovations to facilitate recovery and prevention beyond traditional clinical settings. It enabled direct dialogue across sectors (academia, industry, charities, NHS, community clinical services, and patients), through a mixture of talks (including a patient talk), panels, and Q&A sessions across to advance digital rehabilitation. The workshop hosted ~70 workshop delegates from across the UK (Oxford, Cambridge, King's, Newcastle Uni etc.), overseas (Johns Hopkins) and 4 industry sponsors (Thor, Mindmaze, KnitRegen, Baffin Second Spine). The delegates were spread as follows: Academic Faculty: 30%, Researchers: 38.6%, Physiotherapists / Practitioners: 12.9%, Industry: 8.6% , Lived experience and other general public: 10% . Outcomes: In a questionnaire afterwards we asked delegates to rate network opportunities: 84.6% felt they had plenty of networking opportunities. Additionally, 92.3% of attendees reached out to fellow delegates. Among those who made new contacts, 53.3% were within their sector, and 46.7% were across sectors. This highlights that most attendees felt there were ample networking opportunities, actively reached out to fellow delegates, and made new contacts both within and across sectors. The positive feedback underscores the success of the workshop in fostering cross-sector collaboration and advancing discussions on digital neurorehabilitation. A tangible outcome of this workshop is a successful application for an industry-academia PhD studentship with MindMaze (supervisors: Kornysheva, CHBH; David Punt, MoveWell; Naveed Ejaz, Mindmaze) with Centre-UB on Advancing precision digital therapeutics for brain health and wellbeing. The studentship will commence in September 2025. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://uobevents.eventsair.com/mind-in-motion |
| Description | Hot Topics Workshop: Navigator Symposium on Data Science and Translation in Epilepsy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The Epilepsy Research Institute hosted the joint ERI / N_CODE Navigator Symposium, focusing on clinically driven data science and innovative translational solutions in epilepsy in October 2024. Chaired by Dr Wessel Woldman of the University of Birmingham, alongside Professor Peter Oliver of the MRC Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator, the event brought together leading researchers, clinicians and advocates to share insights, discuss breakthroughs and foster collaborations. The symposium brought together world-leading researchers to discuss pioneering ideas, innovative research techniques and their application to epilepsy. A highlight of the event was a keynote by Dr Viktor Jirsa from the Institute de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Aix-Marseille Université, who discussed his groundbreaking work on virtual brain models in epilepsy. Dr Jirsa's 'Virtual Brain Twin' project demonstrates a pioneering approach, merging digital twin technology with AI to explore how drugs influence brain activity from the molecular to cognitive level. The event also featured a powerful personal perspective from Murray Goulder, a member of the Institute's Shape Network and Task Force for the Enabling Technologies theme, who shared his experiences of living with epilepsy. Murray discussed the transformative impact of technology on managing his condition and enhancing his quality of life. His story, resonated deeply with attendees and was a standout moment of the event. Other distinguished speakers included Dr Javier Escudero (University of Edinburgh), Dr Anita McGrogan (University of Bath), Dr Stuart Smith (Great Ormond Street Hospital) and Dr Kathryn Bush (Newcastle University), each contributing to a rich dialogue on the role of data science in translational research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/eri/news/navigator-symposium-data-science-translation/ |
| Description | Hot Topics workshop: Low-resolution time series data analysis in neurotechnology |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | In this workshop, we bought together quantitative scientists, clinicians, and representatives from industry to discuss technologies that facilitate community-based care of neurological disorders. Topics will include: - Exploration of the most relevant healthcare challenges in the community, - Development of predictive models based on low-resolution data, - Optimisation techniques (maximal information from minimal infrastructure), - Development of automated pipelines for data handling. The workshop will begin with a series of short presentations where key stakeholders will discuss current challenges in the acquisition, processing, and/or analysis of neurological data outside of a clinical setting and the potential of recent data-analytic tools to address them (optimisation techniques, machine learning, AI, etc.). This will be followed by a networking activity, where participants will discuss these challenges, develop collaborative links, and initiate a wider discussion on the importance of interdisciplinary approaches for facilitating community-based care. Joint PhD position between the University of Birmingham and the University of Melbourne awarded as an outcome of this workshop. Due to commence in Sept 2025. The collaboration between Prof. Grayden and the SMQB team (specifically Dr. Atif Shahzad) led to the successful application for funding to support a PhD position under the Priestley Scholars Programme (a joint PhD program between the University of Melbourne and the University of Birmingham). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.n-code.org/activity/low-resolution-time-series-data-analysis-in-neurotechnology/ |
| Description | Laugharne PTSD coproduction focus group |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | Co-production group with experts by experience. We recruited through PTSD UK, a charity for people with lived experience of PTSD. Separate focus group with clinicians. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | N-CODE Study Group April 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Week long Study Group held in Telford, April 2024. Attendees at the event were from a wide range of backgrounds and brought together a fantastic mix of skills and experience at all levels of career stage. Five challenges of unmet need were presented on day 1: Supporting differential diagnosis of paroxysmal neurological events through automated capture of patient experiences (Nominated by Dr Alisdair Wardrope Prof Markus Reuber, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS FT ); Using technology to improve the diagnostic accuracy of cognitive assessments for preclinical Alzheimer's disease (Nominated by Dr Donnchadh Murphy, University of Plymouth); Developing inclusive and remote outpatient neurorehabilitation services through the use of digital technology, mathematical modelling and machine learnings (Nominated by E-Mind Ltd, presented by Dr Zhamayne Fakharuzi and David Cook); Wearable neuroimaging and digital health solutions for stress assessment and management of functional neurological disorder (Nominated by Silverline Research, presented by Dr Mark Mathilib) and; Bridging the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Gaps in Functional Seizures in the digital age (Nominated by Dr Abhijit Das, Lancashire NHS and University of Central Lancashire). Researchers then self-organised into groups around the challenge(s) that most interested them and worked collaboratively in a "hackathon" style to co-create solutions. There was an opportunity to present an update on progress mid-way though the event and then build in the feedback and ideas into the ongoing discussions. On the final day the groups presented back their progress on addressing the challenge and the plans for co-creation of digital and technological solutions. After the event the groups produced 5 summary reports of the discussions at the Study Group. N-CODE has subsequently funded 2 pump priming feasibility projects as a direct outcome of the Study Group which are summarised here: ASKSiD: Development of Large Language Model chatbot for stroke patients and carers. PI Dr Sandeep Shirgill, University of Birmingham and The Co-Development of the Computerised Cognitive Assessments for Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease (CoCoA-PAD) PI Donnchadh Murphy, University of Plymouth |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.n-code.org/activity/n-code-stakeholder-led-study-group-april-2024/ |
| Description | N-CODE Study Group March 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Week long Study group held in Cornwall, March 2023. The venue was chosen to highlight the needs of rural communities, such as in Cornwall, where accessing neurological care in hospitals is challenging. The development and use of neurotechnologies in the community for the diagnosis and management of a wide variety of neurological, neuropsychiatric or neurodevelopmental conditions may help benefit the lives of patients in such communities. Attendees at the event were from a wide range of backgrounds and brought together a fantastic mix of skills and experience at all levels of career stage. Four challenges of unmet need were presented on day 1: -Re-writing Loneliness in Dementia -Can Data from Smart Watches Predict When Epileptic Seizures Will Occur? -Non-invasive Brain-computer-interfaces for Remote Rehab and Training of Motor Skills -Assessment and Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Exploring Neurotechnological Solutions in a Digital World Researchers then self-organised into groups around the challenge(s) that most interested them and worked collaboratively in a "hackathon" style to co-create solutions. There was an opportunity to present an update on progress mid-way though the event and then build in the feedback and ideas into the ongoing discussions. On the final day the groups presented back their progress on addressing the challenge and the plans for co-creation of digital and technological solutions. After the event the groups produced 4 summary reports of the discussions at the Study Group. N-CODE has subsequently funded four pump priming projects as a direct outcome of the Study Group which are summarised here: Investigating a Wearable Solution for Epileptic Seizure Forecasting: A Transdisciplinary Project Non-invasive Brain-computer-interfaces for Remote Rehab and Training of Motor Skills Assessment and Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in a Digital World Re-writing Loneliness in Dementia |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.n-code.org/activity/first-n-code-stakeholder-led-study-group/ |
| Description | N-CODE pitch at Innovate UK KTN neurotechnology Conference Feb 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Pitch on the N-CODE Network to the Innovate UK KTN Neurology Confence , February 2024 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/events/neurotechnology-conference/ |
| Description | N-CODE website development |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Development and publication of the N-CODE website to communicate the activities of the Network+ |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023,2024 |
| URL | https://www.n-code.org/ |
| Description | Network Launch event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Launch event for the N-CODE Networks plus. October 2022 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Neubond clay workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | Clay workshop led by artist Anja Borowicz Richardson which enabled user engagement with the neubond device held in March 2025. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.linkedin.com/company/neubond/posts/ |
| Description | Neurotechnology Networks workshop Nov 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Neurotechnology Networks workshop at the Turing Institute November 2023. Introduction to the work of the network, sessions on PPIE, Inclusivity and Ethics, with a parallel session on managing networks. Consultation and discussion about research challenges in Neurotechnologies |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Perturbations in Epilepsy Workshop 2024 Intervention as a Perturbation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 2 day workshop which brought together key stakeholders such as clinicians, experimentalists, academics, and patient representatives to explore how medication and stimulation affect the brain. The workshop facilitated knowledge exchange and new collaborations to accelerate research into the treatment of epilepsy. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/systems-modelling-and-quantitative-biomedicine/events |
| Description | Royal Society Discussion Meeting: Digital healthcare for the management of functional neurological disorders (Nov 2024) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The discussion meeting aimed to unite experts and patient groups to develop digital healthcare solutions, enhancing FND management and accessibility. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2024/11/digital-healthcare/ |
| Description | TechExeter 2024 (Nov 2024) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Spoke on From Blackboard to Bedside: How mathematics became a regulated software-as-a-Medical-Device |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://techexeter.uk/category/featured/conference-2024/ |
| Description | When Art Meets Science: Exploring Art-Science Collaborations |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The 2024-2025 SMQB/N-CODE artists in residence took part in an online webinar on 19th February 2025 discussing their experiences of the collaborations with scientists and about the intriguing links between art & science more generally. This was an insightful public webinar featuring a panel discussion with artists exploring the dynamic intersection of art and science: Alexandra Davenport, Andee Collard, Charlotte Dunn, Christie Swallow, Dan Auluk and Tom Ellis. These six artists have all been collaborating with scientists on research projects linked to health questions. For example, Charlotte Dunn has been developing seizure forecast weather reports, combining data analysis with creative expression. Christie Swallow, an artist and designer specializing in textiles and spatial design, has been working on visualizing fMRI data through 3D spatial models, aiming to create large-scale textile installations based on brain topologies. This webinar offered a unique opportunity to delve into their collaborative experiences, shedding light on how interdisciplinary partnerships can lead to innovative outcomes. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3hz7-P2t2o |
| Description | Workshop for young people (epilepsy) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | To achieve our primary goal of equipping young people with digital skills confidence and to inspire interest in ICT in healthcare applications, we developed this workshop for Year 7 - 8 students from a local school, with a healthcare focus on epilepsy research. The resources needed for teachers to deliver this workshop in future to their own students are freely available for download from our website. An app/website tool was developed as a learning tool to run a mathematical model developed by an SMQB researcher. This model is used in the workshop to show students real life research and how mathematical models can be used to solve healthcare problems. https://smqbworkshop.co.uk/. The workshop also included a talk and interactions with a person with lived experience of epilepsy to speak to the students about their lived experience. There was also a digital art activity within the workshop programme. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/systems-modelling-and-quantitative-biomedicine/digital-healthc... |
| Description | Workshop for young people (healthcare technology) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | To achieve our primary goal of equipping young people with digital skills confidence and to inspire interest in ICT in healthcare applications, we developed this workshop for Year 7 - 8 students from a local school, with a healthcare focus on the development of healthcare tech apps. The resources needed for teachers to deliver this workshop in future to their own students are freely available for download from our website. The workshop also included a talk and interactions with a person with lived experience of diabetes to speak to the students about their lived experience. There was also a digital art activity within the workshop programme to create a poster to advertise their apps which were developed. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/systems-modelling-and-quantitative-biomedicine/digital-healthc... |
| Description | Workshop for young people (hormones) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | To achieve our primary goal of equipping young people with digital skills confidence and to inspire interest in ICT in healthcare applications, we developed this workshop for Year 7 - 8 students from a local school, with a healthcare focus on research into conditions linked to imbalance of hormones in the body. The resources needed for teachers to deliver this workshop in future to their own students are freely available for download from our website. The workshop also included a talk and interactions with a person with lived experience of Cushing's Disease to speak to the students about their lived experience. There was also a digital art activity within the workshop programme which used the rhythms of sounds to teach the children about hormone rhythms. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/systems-modelling-and-quantitative-biomedicine/digital-healthc... |