NeuroMod+: Co-creation for next-generation neuromodulation therapeutics
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Bioengineering
Abstract
The Neuromod+ network will represent UK research, industry, clinical and patient communities, working together to address the challenge of minimally invasive treatments for brain disorders. Increasingly, people suffer from debilitating and intractable neurological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and mental health disorders. Neurotechnology is playing an increasingly important part in solving these problems, leading to recent bioelectronic treatments for depression and dementia. However, the invasiveness of existing approaches limits their overall impact. Neuromod+ will bring together neurotechnology stakeholders to focus on the co-creation of next generation, minimally invasive brain stimulation technologies. The network will focus on transformative research, new collaborations, and facilitating responsible innovation, partnering with bioethicists and policy makers. As broadening the accessibility of brain modification technology my lead to unintended consequences, considering the ethical and societal implications of these technological development is of the utmost importance, and thus we will build in bioethics research as a core network activity. The activities of NEUROMOD+ will have global impact, consolidating the growing role of UK neurotechnology sector.
Organisations
- Imperial College London (Lead Research Organisation)
- Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (Collaboration)
- University of Sheffield (Collaboration)
- Cardiff University (Collaboration)
- RIKEN (Collaboration)
- Medical Research Council (MRC) (Collaboration)
- University College London (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM (Collaboration)
- Israac Somali Community & Cultural Association (Collaboration)
- Newcastle University (Collaboration)
- Royal Derby Hospital (Collaboration)
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (Collaboration)
- University of Plymouth (Collaboration)
- National Institute for Health Research (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE (Collaboration)
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD (Collaboration)
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (Collaboration)
- THE MAGSTIM COMPANY LIMITED (Collaboration)
- KING'S COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
- UK DRI Care Research & Technology Centre (Project Partner)
- NIHR MindTech MedTech Co-operative (Project Partner)
- Tourettes Action (Project Partner)
- Brainbox Ltd (Project Partner)
- Alzheimer's Society (Project Partner)
- Polymer Bionics Ltd (Project Partner)
- University College London (Project Partner)
- Henry Royce Institute (Project Partner)
- Magstim (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Neurotherapeutics Ltd (Project Partner)
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (Project Partner)
- Neuronostics Ltd (Project Partner)
| Description | Imperial College strategic seed funding for international partnerships in biosciences and biotechnology: Imperial-RIKEN collaboration on the dynamic engram |
| Amount | £49,008 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2024 |
| End | 09/2025 |
| Description | International centre to centre research collaborations: UK Japan collaboration on mesoscopic multiphoton neuroimaging technology |
| Amount | £50,142 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/Y020316/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2024 |
| End | 12/2025 |
| Description | Neurodegeneration Challenge Network (NDCN) Collaborative Pairs Pilot Project Awards |
| Amount | $200,000 (USD) |
| Organisation | Chan Zuckerberg Initiative |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 09/2025 |
| Description | Characterization of the clinical and neuromodulatory effects of transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation in Essential Tremor. Dario Farina, Alejandro Pascual Valdunciel, Anna Latorre, Kailash Bhatia |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Department | Department of Bioengineering |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £79,406.38 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Characterization of the clinical and neuromodulatory effects of transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation in Essential Tremor, using funds from the network. Prof. Farina (ICL) with large experience in neural interfacing will lead the coordination of the project, assuring successful fulfilment of the goals. Dr. Latorre (UCL) will lead the clinical research regarding experimentation with patients, which will also be supported by Prof. Bhatia. Dr. Pascual will lead the technical implementation of the experimental protocols, based on his experience in closed-loop tremor reduction systems. All the members will be actively involved in the design of the studies and the interpretation of the results. The teams at ICL and UCL have collected preliminary data that prove the feasibility of the project. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines bioengineering/neural interfacing (ICL team) with neurological and clinical expertise (UCL team). No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Characterization of the clinical and neuromodulatory effects of transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation in Essential Tremor. Dario Farina, Alejandro Pascual Valdunciel, Anna Latorre, Kailash Bhatia |
| Organisation | University College London |
| Department | Institute of Neurology |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £79,406.38 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Characterization of the clinical and neuromodulatory effects of transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation in Essential Tremor, using funds from the network. Prof. Farina (ICL) with large experience in neural interfacing will lead the coordination of the project, assuring successful fulfilment of the goals. Dr. Latorre (UCL) will lead the clinical research regarding experimentation with patients, which will also be supported by Prof. Bhatia. Dr. Pascual will lead the technical implementation of the experimental protocols, based on his experience in closed-loop tremor reduction systems. All the members will be actively involved in the design of the studies and the interpretation of the results. The teams at ICL and UCL have collected preliminary data that prove the feasibility of the project. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines bioengineering/neural interfacing (ICL team) with neurological and clinical expertise (UCL team). No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Clinical Trial Readiness for Non-Invasive Therapeutic Neuromodulation in Ataxia Telangiectasia. Rob Dineen, Stephen Jackson, Caroline Blanchard, Alex Turner, William Whitehouse |
| Organisation | Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust |
| Department | Children's Clinical Research Facility |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,960.65 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Clinical Trial Readiness for Non-Invasive Therapeutic Neuromodulation in Ataxia Telangiectasia, using funds from the network. This interdisciplinary collaborative team includes Dineen (Lead, Medicine), expertise in ataxia telangiectasia and research interests in imaging guided neuromodulation, Jackson (Psychology), expertise in clinical trials in MNS and mechanisms of motor control, outcome measures in MNS trials, Blanchard (Early-career researcher, Medicine), neuroscientist with experience in movement analysis and A-T research, who will deliver the activity in this grant. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, neuroscience, clinical psychology as described above. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Clinical Trial Readiness for Non-Invasive Therapeutic Neuromodulation in Ataxia Telangiectasia. Rob Dineen, Stephen Jackson, Caroline Blanchard, Alex Turner, William Whitehouse |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Department | School of Computer Science |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,960.65 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Clinical Trial Readiness for Non-Invasive Therapeutic Neuromodulation in Ataxia Telangiectasia, using funds from the network. This interdisciplinary collaborative team includes Dineen (Lead, Medicine), expertise in ataxia telangiectasia and research interests in imaging guided neuromodulation, Jackson (Psychology), expertise in clinical trials in MNS and mechanisms of motor control, outcome measures in MNS trials, Blanchard (Early-career researcher, Medicine), neuroscientist with experience in movement analysis and A-T research, who will deliver the activity in this grant. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, neuroscience, clinical psychology as described above. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Clinical Trial Readiness for Non-Invasive Therapeutic Neuromodulation in Ataxia Telangiectasia. Rob Dineen, Stephen Jackson, Caroline Blanchard, Alex Turner, William Whitehouse |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Department | School of Medicine |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,960.65 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Clinical Trial Readiness for Non-Invasive Therapeutic Neuromodulation in Ataxia Telangiectasia, using funds from the network. This interdisciplinary collaborative team includes Dineen (Lead, Medicine), expertise in ataxia telangiectasia and research interests in imaging guided neuromodulation, Jackson (Psychology), expertise in clinical trials in MNS and mechanisms of motor control, outcome measures in MNS trials, Blanchard (Early-career researcher, Medicine), neuroscientist with experience in movement analysis and A-T research, who will deliver the activity in this grant. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, neuroscience, clinical psychology as described above. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Clinical Trial Readiness for Non-Invasive Therapeutic Neuromodulation in Ataxia Telangiectasia. Rob Dineen, Stephen Jackson, Caroline Blanchard, Alex Turner, William Whitehouse |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Department | School of Psychology Nottingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,960.65 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Clinical Trial Readiness for Non-Invasive Therapeutic Neuromodulation in Ataxia Telangiectasia, using funds from the network. This interdisciplinary collaborative team includes Dineen (Lead, Medicine), expertise in ataxia telangiectasia and research interests in imaging guided neuromodulation, Jackson (Psychology), expertise in clinical trials in MNS and mechanisms of motor control, outcome measures in MNS trials, Blanchard (Early-career researcher, Medicine), neuroscientist with experience in movement analysis and A-T research, who will deliver the activity in this grant. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, neuroscience, clinical psychology as described above. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Closed-loop focused neuromodulation: Testing different strategies in healthy human participants. Marcus Kaiser, Mohammad Zia Katshu, James Choi, Sophie Morse |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Department | Department of Bioengineering |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £79,517.32 granted. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Closed-loop focused neuromodulation, using funds from the network. Marcus Kaiser (Professor of Neuroinformatics) will lead this project including supervision of experiments and data analysis. Mohammad Zia Katshu is Clinical Associate Professor, an expert in assessment of mental health symptoms and cognitive functions, and runs Early Intervention Psychosis service and TMS services. Zia will supervise measurements to assess cognitive performance. James Choi will be consulted on the experimental set-up of closed-loop FUS. Sophie Morse is an expert on ultrasound protocols and will inform on the protocols that are tested. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines bioengineering, neuroinformatics, ultrasound and clinical psychology as described above. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Closed-loop focused neuromodulation: Testing different strategies in healthy human participants. Marcus Kaiser, Mohammad Zia Katshu, James Choi, Sophie Morse |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Department | School of Medicine |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £79,517.32 granted. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Closed-loop focused neuromodulation, using funds from the network. Marcus Kaiser (Professor of Neuroinformatics) will lead this project including supervision of experiments and data analysis. Mohammad Zia Katshu is Clinical Associate Professor, an expert in assessment of mental health symptoms and cognitive functions, and runs Early Intervention Psychosis service and TMS services. Zia will supervise measurements to assess cognitive performance. James Choi will be consulted on the experimental set-up of closed-loop FUS. Sophie Morse is an expert on ultrasound protocols and will inform on the protocols that are tested. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines bioengineering, neuroinformatics, ultrasound and clinical psychology as described above. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Developing a dual neuromodulation approach for major depressive disorder: understanding action on frontal cortex using functional near infra-red spectroscopy (fNIRS). Paul Briley, Richard Morriss, Sudheer Lankappa, Peter Liddle |
| Organisation | Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19.943.05 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on developing a dual neuromodulation approach for major depressive disorder, using funds from the network. Dr Briley has developed the tACS-synchronised TMS approach and is currently running the single-session non-patient study. He will lead the project and participate in stimulation delivery, recording and analysis of measurements (including fNIRS). Dr Lankappa was Nottingham PI for the recently completed BRIGhTMIND TMS trial and is head of the Nottingham Neuromodulation Centre. He will likewise be involved in stimulation delivery and recording of measurements including fNIRS. Prof. Liddle has extensive experience in neuromodulation and neuroimaging techniques and is involved in protocol development and interpretation of findings. Prof. Morriss was CI for the BRIGhTMIND TMS trial, provides condition expertise, has extensive experience in recruitment of the target population, and is involved in protocol development and results interpretation. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines bioengineering with neurological and clinical expertise. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Development of Patient and Public Involvement for Neurotechnologies. Antonio Valentin, Tamar Makin, Tiago Da Silva Costa, Kat Richardson, Amparo Guemes |
| Organisation | King's College London |
| Department | Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,091.91 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Development of Patient and Public Involvement for Neurotechnologies, using funds from the network.Antonio Valentin is a clinician specialised in epilepsy at King's College London, King's College Hospital (KCH) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). He will provide clinical neurological perspective and his experience in previous PPI. Tiago Costa is specialised in depression at Newcastle University and the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust. He will provide clinical perspectives from psychiatry and his experience in previous PPI. Tamar Makin, a professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Cambridge, will provide a research perspective. Amparo Guemes at the University of Cambridge, with a background in engineering, will bring expertise in the development and application of neurotechnology. Kat Richardson, manager of the CloseNIT network, brings experience in project management and organising PPI events. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering with clinical neurology, clinical psychiatry, cognitive neuroscience, and PPI experience. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Development of Patient and Public Involvement for Neurotechnologies. Antonio Valentin, Tamar Makin, Tiago Da Silva Costa, Kat Richardson, Amparo Guemes |
| Organisation | Newcastle University |
| Department | Faculty of Medical Sciences |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,091.91 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Development of Patient and Public Involvement for Neurotechnologies, using funds from the network.Antonio Valentin is a clinician specialised in epilepsy at King's College London, King's College Hospital (KCH) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). He will provide clinical neurological perspective and his experience in previous PPI. Tiago Costa is specialised in depression at Newcastle University and the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust. He will provide clinical perspectives from psychiatry and his experience in previous PPI. Tamar Makin, a professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Cambridge, will provide a research perspective. Amparo Guemes at the University of Cambridge, with a background in engineering, will bring expertise in the development and application of neurotechnology. Kat Richardson, manager of the CloseNIT network, brings experience in project management and organising PPI events. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering with clinical neurology, clinical psychiatry, cognitive neuroscience, and PPI experience. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Development of Patient and Public Involvement for Neurotechnologies. Antonio Valentin, Tamar Makin, Tiago Da Silva Costa, Kat Richardson, Amparo Guemes |
| Organisation | University College London |
| Department | Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,091.91 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Development of Patient and Public Involvement for Neurotechnologies, using funds from the network.Antonio Valentin is a clinician specialised in epilepsy at King's College London, King's College Hospital (KCH) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). He will provide clinical neurological perspective and his experience in previous PPI. Tiago Costa is specialised in depression at Newcastle University and the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust. He will provide clinical perspectives from psychiatry and his experience in previous PPI. Tamar Makin, a professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Cambridge, will provide a research perspective. Amparo Guemes at the University of Cambridge, with a background in engineering, will bring expertise in the development and application of neurotechnology. Kat Richardson, manager of the CloseNIT network, brings experience in project management and organising PPI events. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering with clinical neurology, clinical psychiatry, cognitive neuroscience, and PPI experience. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Development of Patient and Public Involvement for Neurotechnologies. Antonio Valentin, Tamar Makin, Tiago Da Silva Costa, Kat Richardson, Amparo Guemes |
| Organisation | University of Cambridge |
| Department | Department of Engineering |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,091.91 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Development of Patient and Public Involvement for Neurotechnologies, using funds from the network.Antonio Valentin is a clinician specialised in epilepsy at King's College London, King's College Hospital (KCH) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). He will provide clinical neurological perspective and his experience in previous PPI. Tiago Costa is specialised in depression at Newcastle University and the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust. He will provide clinical perspectives from psychiatry and his experience in previous PPI. Tamar Makin, a professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Cambridge, will provide a research perspective. Amparo Guemes at the University of Cambridge, with a background in engineering, will bring expertise in the development and application of neurotechnology. Kat Richardson, manager of the CloseNIT network, brings experience in project management and organising PPI events. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering with clinical neurology, clinical psychiatry, cognitive neuroscience, and PPI experience. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Fostering Acceptance and Inclusivity of Non-Invasive Neurotechnology in African Ethnic Minority Communities. Mahnaz Arvaneh, Daniel Blackburn, Lise Sproson, Ismail Yussuf |
| Organisation | Israac Somali Community & Cultural Association |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,993.00 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Fostering Acceptance and Inclusivity of Non-Invasive Neurotechnology in African Ethnic Minority Communities, using funds from the network. Mahnaz Arvaneh, expert in non-invasive BCI and brain stimulation, will lead the project. Daniel Blackburn, Consultant Neurologist, will provide insights on neuroscience and neurological diseases that might be treated by non-invasive neuroethology. Lise Sproson is the Patient and Public Involvement Lead, expert in designing and delivering meaningful user-centred PPI workshops. Sarah Goodwin is PPI Officer, helping in designing and delivering PPI workshops, Ismail Yussuf, Israac and Operations Manager, will facilitate accessing to Somalian community and organising the user-centred workshops. Sahra Abdi and Muse Jama, D4D Community Research Associates and Israac Advice and Support Workers, will identify potential participants, coordinate and set up of the workshops, assist with translation and administration of the reimbursement vouchers. Jake Toth and Mian Kou, University of Sheffield researchers specializing in non-invasive brain stimulation and imaging, will lead the literature review, design workshops, create questionnaires, analyze data, 3D print alternative solutions, and deliver the final report. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, clinical neurology, imaging, PPI. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Fostering Acceptance and Inclusivity of Non-Invasive Neurotechnology in African Ethnic Minority Communities. Mahnaz Arvaneh, Daniel Blackburn, Lise Sproson, Ismail Yussuf |
| Organisation | National Institute for Health Research |
| Department | NIHR Devices for Dignity Healthcare Technology Co-Operative |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,993.00 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Fostering Acceptance and Inclusivity of Non-Invasive Neurotechnology in African Ethnic Minority Communities, using funds from the network. Mahnaz Arvaneh, expert in non-invasive BCI and brain stimulation, will lead the project. Daniel Blackburn, Consultant Neurologist, will provide insights on neuroscience and neurological diseases that might be treated by non-invasive neuroethology. Lise Sproson is the Patient and Public Involvement Lead, expert in designing and delivering meaningful user-centred PPI workshops. Sarah Goodwin is PPI Officer, helping in designing and delivering PPI workshops, Ismail Yussuf, Israac and Operations Manager, will facilitate accessing to Somalian community and organising the user-centred workshops. Sahra Abdi and Muse Jama, D4D Community Research Associates and Israac Advice and Support Workers, will identify potential participants, coordinate and set up of the workshops, assist with translation and administration of the reimbursement vouchers. Jake Toth and Mian Kou, University of Sheffield researchers specializing in non-invasive brain stimulation and imaging, will lead the literature review, design workshops, create questionnaires, analyze data, 3D print alternative solutions, and deliver the final report. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, clinical neurology, imaging, PPI. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Fostering Acceptance and Inclusivity of Non-Invasive Neurotechnology in African Ethnic Minority Communities. Mahnaz Arvaneh, Daniel Blackburn, Lise Sproson, Ismail Yussuf |
| Organisation | University of Sheffield |
| Department | Automatic Control and Systems Engineering |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,993.00 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Fostering Acceptance and Inclusivity of Non-Invasive Neurotechnology in African Ethnic Minority Communities, using funds from the network. Mahnaz Arvaneh, expert in non-invasive BCI and brain stimulation, will lead the project. Daniel Blackburn, Consultant Neurologist, will provide insights on neuroscience and neurological diseases that might be treated by non-invasive neuroethology. Lise Sproson is the Patient and Public Involvement Lead, expert in designing and delivering meaningful user-centred PPI workshops. Sarah Goodwin is PPI Officer, helping in designing and delivering PPI workshops, Ismail Yussuf, Israac and Operations Manager, will facilitate accessing to Somalian community and organising the user-centred workshops. Sahra Abdi and Muse Jama, D4D Community Research Associates and Israac Advice and Support Workers, will identify potential participants, coordinate and set up of the workshops, assist with translation and administration of the reimbursement vouchers. Jake Toth and Mian Kou, University of Sheffield researchers specializing in non-invasive brain stimulation and imaging, will lead the literature review, design workshops, create questionnaires, analyze data, 3D print alternative solutions, and deliver the final report. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, clinical neurology, imaging, PPI. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Fostering Acceptance and Inclusivity of Non-Invasive Neurotechnology in African Ethnic Minority Communities. Mahnaz Arvaneh, Daniel Blackburn, Lise Sproson, Ismail Yussuf |
| Organisation | University of Sheffield |
| Department | Department of Neuroscience |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,993.00 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Fostering Acceptance and Inclusivity of Non-Invasive Neurotechnology in African Ethnic Minority Communities, using funds from the network. Mahnaz Arvaneh, expert in non-invasive BCI and brain stimulation, will lead the project. Daniel Blackburn, Consultant Neurologist, will provide insights on neuroscience and neurological diseases that might be treated by non-invasive neuroethology. Lise Sproson is the Patient and Public Involvement Lead, expert in designing and delivering meaningful user-centred PPI workshops. Sarah Goodwin is PPI Officer, helping in designing and delivering PPI workshops, Ismail Yussuf, Israac and Operations Manager, will facilitate accessing to Somalian community and organising the user-centred workshops. Sahra Abdi and Muse Jama, D4D Community Research Associates and Israac Advice and Support Workers, will identify potential participants, coordinate and set up of the workshops, assist with translation and administration of the reimbursement vouchers. Jake Toth and Mian Kou, University of Sheffield researchers specializing in non-invasive brain stimulation and imaging, will lead the literature review, design workshops, create questionnaires, analyze data, 3D print alternative solutions, and deliver the final report. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, clinical neurology, imaging, PPI. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Imperial-RIKEN collaboration on the dynamic engram |
| Organisation | RIKEN |
| Country | Japan |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | This is a new collaboration between Imperial College and the RIKEN Center for Brain Science in Tokyo, triggered in part by results of the EPSRC/Wellcome project "Statistical Physics of Cognition" (SPC) as well as the NEURMOD+ project, and which provides one avenue for follow-on work from that grant. At Imperial we are collecting data based on a two-photon mesoscale that has been constructed as part of the SPC grant. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The RIKEN team (headed by Tom McHugh) are providing data and insight into how to apply the techniques developed in SPC to questions relating to the consolidation of memory from the hippocampus into the neocortex. |
| Impact | A new collaboration, so not yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Neurochemical basis of Focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) on Memory. JeYoung Jung, Marcus Kaiser, Matthew Lambon Ralph, Elena Stylianopoulou |
| Organisation | Cardiff University |
| Department | School of Psychology |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £75,709.24 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Neurochemical basis of Focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) on Memory, using funds from the network. JeYoung Jung is an early career, assistant professor and has combined online/offline non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS and tDCS) with neuroimaging. She is leading an Academy of Medical Sciences-funded study on the neurochemical mechanisms of memory in dementia. Marcus Kaiser is Professor of Neuroinformatics, Chair of Neuroinformatics UK, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology. He is a world renowned scholar in human connectomes and contributes his expertise in measuring brain connectivity and predicting FUS effects. Matt Lambon Ralph is the director of MRC Cognition and Brain Science Unit and a world-leading scholar in semantic memory and dementia. He provides his expertise to evaluate memory function using cognitive experimental paradigms and neuroimaging. Elena Stylianopoulou has MSc in cognitive neuroscience and clinical psychology and will focus on the proposed project during her PhD. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and involves neuroimaging, neuroinformatics, cognitive neuroscience and clinical psychology. Research Datasets, Databases & Models: in the middle of data collection. We have collected 20 healthy participants' data of FUS combined multimodal imaging for project 1 (2 visits, total = 40 sessions). No other outputs yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Neurochemical basis of Focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) on Memory. JeYoung Jung, Marcus Kaiser, Matthew Lambon Ralph, Elena Stylianopoulou |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Department | School of Medicine |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £75,709.24 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Neurochemical basis of Focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) on Memory, using funds from the network. JeYoung Jung is an early career, assistant professor and has combined online/offline non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS and tDCS) with neuroimaging. She is leading an Academy of Medical Sciences-funded study on the neurochemical mechanisms of memory in dementia. Marcus Kaiser is Professor of Neuroinformatics, Chair of Neuroinformatics UK, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology. He is a world renowned scholar in human connectomes and contributes his expertise in measuring brain connectivity and predicting FUS effects. Matt Lambon Ralph is the director of MRC Cognition and Brain Science Unit and a world-leading scholar in semantic memory and dementia. He provides his expertise to evaluate memory function using cognitive experimental paradigms and neuroimaging. Elena Stylianopoulou has MSc in cognitive neuroscience and clinical psychology and will focus on the proposed project during her PhD. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and involves neuroimaging, neuroinformatics, cognitive neuroscience and clinical psychology. Research Datasets, Databases & Models: in the middle of data collection. We have collected 20 healthy participants' data of FUS combined multimodal imaging for project 1 (2 visits, total = 40 sessions). No other outputs yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Neurochemical basis of Focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) on Memory. JeYoung Jung, Marcus Kaiser, Matthew Lambon Ralph, Elena Stylianopoulou |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Department | School of Psychology Nottingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £75,709.24 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Neurochemical basis of Focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) on Memory, using funds from the network. JeYoung Jung is an early career, assistant professor and has combined online/offline non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS and tDCS) with neuroimaging. She is leading an Academy of Medical Sciences-funded study on the neurochemical mechanisms of memory in dementia. Marcus Kaiser is Professor of Neuroinformatics, Chair of Neuroinformatics UK, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology. He is a world renowned scholar in human connectomes and contributes his expertise in measuring brain connectivity and predicting FUS effects. Matt Lambon Ralph is the director of MRC Cognition and Brain Science Unit and a world-leading scholar in semantic memory and dementia. He provides his expertise to evaluate memory function using cognitive experimental paradigms and neuroimaging. Elena Stylianopoulou has MSc in cognitive neuroscience and clinical psychology and will focus on the proposed project during her PhD. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and involves neuroimaging, neuroinformatics, cognitive neuroscience and clinical psychology. Research Datasets, Databases & Models: in the middle of data collection. We have collected 20 healthy participants' data of FUS combined multimodal imaging for project 1 (2 visits, total = 40 sessions). No other outputs yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Optimising transcranial electrical stimulation for motor neurone disease. Alekhya Mandali, James Alix |
| Organisation | University of Sheffield |
| Department | Department of Neuroscience |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,875.00 granted. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Optimising transcranial electrical stimulation for motor neurone disease, using funds from the network. Alekhya Mandali has expertise in various non-invasive stimulation protocols and electrophysiological/behavioural analyses in healthy and clinical groups. Dr Mandali has managed complex multi-session projects combining electrophysiology and tES. Dr Mandali will focus on design, data analysis, and dissemination of findings. James Alix is a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Neurophysiology and honorary Consultant Clinical Neurophysiologist with a particular interest in motor neurone disease. Dr Alix has expertise in various aspects of MND, from pathophysiology to clinical application-based projects, and he has established threshold tracking-TMS as a standard investigation for MND in Sheffield. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, electrophysiology, neurophysiology, clinical psychiatry. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Optimising transcranial electrical stimulation for motor neurone disease. Alekhya Mandali, James Alix |
| Organisation | University of Sheffield |
| Department | Department of Psychology |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,875.00 granted. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Optimising transcranial electrical stimulation for motor neurone disease, using funds from the network. Alekhya Mandali has expertise in various non-invasive stimulation protocols and electrophysiological/behavioural analyses in healthy and clinical groups. Dr Mandali has managed complex multi-session projects combining electrophysiology and tES. Dr Mandali will focus on design, data analysis, and dissemination of findings. James Alix is a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Neurophysiology and honorary Consultant Clinical Neurophysiologist with a particular interest in motor neurone disease. Dr Alix has expertise in various aspects of MND, from pathophysiology to clinical application-based projects, and he has established threshold tracking-TMS as a standard investigation for MND in Sheffield. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, electrophysiology, neurophysiology, clinical psychiatry. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Remediating depressive cognition using a novel brain stimulation device. Jacinta O'Shea, Tim Denison, Verena Sarrazin, Emile Radyte, Fatima Khokar, Majid Memarian, Michael Browning |
| Organisation | Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £67,784.82 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | O'Shea is a neuroscientist with expertise in developing cognitively designed brain stimulation therapies for psychiatric and neurological brain disorders. She will lead data acquisition, analysis and interpretation. Denison leads the team that developed the programmable TMS device. He and Mermarian will provide engineering support. Sarrazin has expertise in recruiting/testing volunteers with depression. She will co-lead and supervise junior team members in data acquisition, analysis and interpretation. Browning is a Consultant Psychiatrist who leads the Oxford Health Mood Clinic. He will provide ad hoc psychiatric consultation, cover and support. Radyte and Khokhar will collect the data and be trained in analysis and interpretation. We will consult our BRC-funded Depression Therapeutics Lived Experience panel at the project's start, middle and end, and recruit one consultant to embed within our team to advise us on EDI optimization. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, clinical psychiatry, neurology, PPI. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Remediating depressive cognition using a novel brain stimulation device. Jacinta O'Shea, Tim Denison, Verena Sarrazin, Emile Radyte, Fatima Khokar, Majid Memarian, Michael Browning |
| Organisation | The Magstim Company Limited |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £67,784.82 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | O'Shea is a neuroscientist with expertise in developing cognitively designed brain stimulation therapies for psychiatric and neurological brain disorders. She will lead data acquisition, analysis and interpretation. Denison leads the team that developed the programmable TMS device. He and Mermarian will provide engineering support. Sarrazin has expertise in recruiting/testing volunteers with depression. She will co-lead and supervise junior team members in data acquisition, analysis and interpretation. Browning is a Consultant Psychiatrist who leads the Oxford Health Mood Clinic. He will provide ad hoc psychiatric consultation, cover and support. Radyte and Khokhar will collect the data and be trained in analysis and interpretation. We will consult our BRC-funded Depression Therapeutics Lived Experience panel at the project's start, middle and end, and recruit one consultant to embed within our team to advise us on EDI optimization. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, clinical psychiatry, neurology, PPI. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Remediating depressive cognition using a novel brain stimulation device. Jacinta O'Shea, Tim Denison, Verena Sarrazin, Emile Radyte, Fatima Khokar, Majid Memarian, Michael Browning |
| Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Department | Department of Engineering Science |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £67,784.82 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | O'Shea is a neuroscientist with expertise in developing cognitively designed brain stimulation therapies for psychiatric and neurological brain disorders. She will lead data acquisition, analysis and interpretation. Denison leads the team that developed the programmable TMS device. He and Mermarian will provide engineering support. Sarrazin has expertise in recruiting/testing volunteers with depression. She will co-lead and supervise junior team members in data acquisition, analysis and interpretation. Browning is a Consultant Psychiatrist who leads the Oxford Health Mood Clinic. He will provide ad hoc psychiatric consultation, cover and support. Radyte and Khokhar will collect the data and be trained in analysis and interpretation. We will consult our BRC-funded Depression Therapeutics Lived Experience panel at the project's start, middle and end, and recruit one consultant to embed within our team to advise us on EDI optimization. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, clinical psychiatry, neurology, PPI. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Remediating depressive cognition using a novel brain stimulation device. Jacinta O'Shea, Tim Denison, Verena Sarrazin, Emile Radyte, Fatima Khokar, Majid Memarian, Michael Browning |
| Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Department | Department of Experimental Psychology |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £67,784.82 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | O'Shea is a neuroscientist with expertise in developing cognitively designed brain stimulation therapies for psychiatric and neurological brain disorders. She will lead data acquisition, analysis and interpretation. Denison leads the team that developed the programmable TMS device. He and Mermarian will provide engineering support. Sarrazin has expertise in recruiting/testing volunteers with depression. She will co-lead and supervise junior team members in data acquisition, analysis and interpretation. Browning is a Consultant Psychiatrist who leads the Oxford Health Mood Clinic. He will provide ad hoc psychiatric consultation, cover and support. Radyte and Khokhar will collect the data and be trained in analysis and interpretation. We will consult our BRC-funded Depression Therapeutics Lived Experience panel at the project's start, middle and end, and recruit one consultant to embed within our team to advise us on EDI optimization. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, clinical psychiatry, neurology, PPI. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Remediating depressive cognition using a novel brain stimulation device. Jacinta O'Shea, Tim Denison, Verena Sarrazin, Emile Radyte, Fatima Khokar, Majid Memarian, Michael Browning |
| Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Department | Department of Psychiatry |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £67,784.82 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | O'Shea is a neuroscientist with expertise in developing cognitively designed brain stimulation therapies for psychiatric and neurological brain disorders. She will lead data acquisition, analysis and interpretation. Denison leads the team that developed the programmable TMS device. He and Mermarian will provide engineering support. Sarrazin has expertise in recruiting/testing volunteers with depression. She will co-lead and supervise junior team members in data acquisition, analysis and interpretation. Browning is a Consultant Psychiatrist who leads the Oxford Health Mood Clinic. He will provide ad hoc psychiatric consultation, cover and support. Radyte and Khokhar will collect the data and be trained in analysis and interpretation. We will consult our BRC-funded Depression Therapeutics Lived Experience panel at the project's start, middle and end, and recruit one consultant to embed within our team to advise us on EDI optimization. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, clinical psychiatry, neurology, PPI. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Sharp-wave ripple triggered neuromodulation for memory enhancement. Simon Schultz, Hayriye Cagnan, Ashwini Oswal, David Dupret |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Department | Department of Bioengineering |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £78,890.00 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Sharp-wave ripple triggered neuromodulation for memory enhancement, using funds from the network. Simon Schultz will lead the overall project, coordinating the individual research actions and leading efforts to leverage results into a larger-scale externally funded research programme. His group will develop the optogenetic mouse model of SWR-triggered neuromodulation. Hayriye Cagnan will provide expertise on human MEG imaging. Ashwini Oswal will provide clinical input on the treatment of memory disorders in human patients, as well as collaborating on the MEG imaging to take place in Oxford. David Dupret is an expert on the use of electrophysiological techniques to study memory in mice. He will provide specific guidance on the measurement of sharp-wave ripples in the optogenetic model. We will consult with potential users (patients, lay-people, clinicians, carers) to gather feedback on what type of noninvasive neuromodulation system subjects will be most comfortable with, and how studies using the equipment should be designed. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines bioengineering, electrophysiology, clinical expertise. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Sharp-wave ripple triggered neuromodulation for memory enhancement. Simon Schultz, Hayriye Cagnan, Ashwini Oswal, David Dupret |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Department | MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit at the University of Oxford (BNDU) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £78,890.00 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Sharp-wave ripple triggered neuromodulation for memory enhancement, using funds from the network. Simon Schultz will lead the overall project, coordinating the individual research actions and leading efforts to leverage results into a larger-scale externally funded research programme. His group will develop the optogenetic mouse model of SWR-triggered neuromodulation. Hayriye Cagnan will provide expertise on human MEG imaging. Ashwini Oswal will provide clinical input on the treatment of memory disorders in human patients, as well as collaborating on the MEG imaging to take place in Oxford. David Dupret is an expert on the use of electrophysiological techniques to study memory in mice. He will provide specific guidance on the measurement of sharp-wave ripples in the optogenetic model. We will consult with potential users (patients, lay-people, clinicians, carers) to gather feedback on what type of noninvasive neuromodulation system subjects will be most comfortable with, and how studies using the equipment should be designed. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines bioengineering, electrophysiology, clinical expertise. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | State-dependency of deep-brain transcranial ultrasonic neurostimulation. Miriam Klein-Flugge, Lilian Weber, Johannes Algermissen, Elsa Fouragnan, Siti Yakuub |
| Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Department | Department of Experimental Psychology |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,216.30 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on state-dependency of deep-brain transcranial ultrasonic neurostimulation, using funds from the network. Miriam Klein-Flügge brings experience of work with TUS in healthy participants. Elsa Fouragnan has recently completed and published the first human ultrasound study using offline-TUS in the UK, using theta-burst protocol. The team has extensive expertise with TUS in macaque monkeys and have trained several group members in running ultrasound experiments. Both Plymouth and Oxford offer support from colleagues in other departments. Key team members and collaborators have received training in TUS. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience, experimental psychology. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | State-dependency of deep-brain transcranial ultrasonic neurostimulation. Miriam Klein-Flugge, Lilian Weber, Johannes Algermissen, Elsa Fouragnan, Siti Yakuub |
| Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Department | Department of Psychiatry |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,216.30 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on state-dependency of deep-brain transcranial ultrasonic neurostimulation, using funds from the network. Miriam Klein-Flügge brings experience of work with TUS in healthy participants. Elsa Fouragnan has recently completed and published the first human ultrasound study using offline-TUS in the UK, using theta-burst protocol. The team has extensive expertise with TUS in macaque monkeys and have trained several group members in running ultrasound experiments. Both Plymouth and Oxford offer support from colleagues in other departments. Key team members and collaborators have received training in TUS. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience, experimental psychology. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | State-dependency of deep-brain transcranial ultrasonic neurostimulation. Miriam Klein-Flugge, Lilian Weber, Johannes Algermissen, Elsa Fouragnan, Siti Yakuub |
| Organisation | University of Plymouth |
| Department | Psychology Plymouth |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £19,216.30 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on state-dependency of deep-brain transcranial ultrasonic neurostimulation, using funds from the network. Miriam Klein-Flügge brings experience of work with TUS in healthy participants. Elsa Fouragnan has recently completed and published the first human ultrasound study using offline-TUS in the UK, using theta-burst protocol. The team has extensive expertise with TUS in macaque monkeys and have trained several group members in running ultrasound experiments. Both Plymouth and Oxford offer support from colleagues in other departments. Key team members and collaborators have received training in TUS. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience, experimental psychology. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Ultrasound neuromodulation with real-time 3-photon imaging. Sophie Morse, Simon Schultz, James Choi, Ann Go |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Department | Department of Bioengineering |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £79,990.00 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on ultrasound neuromodulation with real-time 3-photon imaging, using funds from the network. This project will be led by Sophie Morse, head of the Ultrasound Therapy and Modulation Laboratory, an expert in the preclinical development of ultrasound technologies to modulate the activity of neurons and glia for the treatment of brain diseases. Her team will perform the in vivo ultrasound neuromodulation testing of the device. James Choi, who leads the Noninvasive Surgery and Biopsy Laboratory, will provide expertise in the design of ultrasound devices for brain applications. Simon Schultz and Ann Go will provide expertise in multi-photon calcium imaging during cognitive tasks and will perform the 3-photon imaging when testing the device. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines bioengineering, 3-photon imaging, ultrasound neuromodulation. Further funding: The team has expanded and in collaboration with Marcus Kaiser and Mohammad Zia Katshu we were awarded another NeuroMod grant in the 2024 round "Closed-loop focused ultrasound neuromodulation: testing different strategies in healthy human participants". Research tools & methods: Working on the prototype of a device for simultaneous ultrasound and photon imaging. Awards & recognition: Sophie Morse: invited talk at Alzheimers Society Research Retreat, June 2024 |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Understanding the mechanisms by which low intensity focussed ultrasound is able to modulate neural activity. Tracy Farr, Marcus Kaiser, Anna Lion, Tim England |
| Organisation | Royal Derby Hospital |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £78,783.44 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Understanding the mechanisms by which low intensity focussed ultrasound is able to modulate neural activity, using funds from the network. Dr Farr has experience with preclinical models of neurological injury, including developing and testing novel therapeutic and rehabilitation strategies, and is interested in low intensity focussed ultrasound as a therapy for stroke. The preclinical models offer the advantage of improving our mechanistic understanding of the basis of this neuromodulation technique. Professor Kaiser is optimising cerebellar stimulation. Professor England is a consultant in stroke and will bring clinical relevance for stroke based projects as well as guidance for working with patient populations. Dr Lion will supervise the modelling and manufacture of the system. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, clinical neurology, focussed ultrasound. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Understanding the mechanisms by which low intensity focussed ultrasound is able to modulate neural activity. Tracy Farr, Marcus Kaiser, Anna Lion, Tim England |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Department | School of Life Sciences |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £78,783.44 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Understanding the mechanisms by which low intensity focussed ultrasound is able to modulate neural activity, using funds from the network. Dr Farr has experience with preclinical models of neurological injury, including developing and testing novel therapeutic and rehabilitation strategies, and is interested in low intensity focussed ultrasound as a therapy for stroke. The preclinical models offer the advantage of improving our mechanistic understanding of the basis of this neuromodulation technique. Professor Kaiser is optimising cerebellar stimulation. Professor England is a consultant in stroke and will bring clinical relevance for stroke based projects as well as guidance for working with patient populations. Dr Lion will supervise the modelling and manufacture of the system. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, clinical neurology, focussed ultrasound. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Understanding the mechanisms by which low intensity focussed ultrasound is able to modulate neural activity. Tracy Farr, Marcus Kaiser, Anna Lion, Tim England |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Department | School of Medicine |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Neuromod+ feasibility study funding award of £78,783.44 granted |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team will conduct a feasibility study on Understanding the mechanisms by which low intensity focussed ultrasound is able to modulate neural activity, using funds from the network. Dr Farr has experience with preclinical models of neurological injury, including developing and testing novel therapeutic and rehabilitation strategies, and is interested in low intensity focussed ultrasound as a therapy for stroke. The preclinical models offer the advantage of improving our mechanistic understanding of the basis of this neuromodulation technique. Professor Kaiser is optimising cerebellar stimulation. Professor England is a consultant in stroke and will bring clinical relevance for stroke based projects as well as guidance for working with patient populations. Dr Lion will supervise the modelling and manufacture of the system. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multidisciplinary and combines engineering, clinical neurology, focussed ultrasound. No outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Neuromod+ Co-creation event - March 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Co-creation workshop bringing together network members to discuss and define themes and challenges for Neuromod+, and brainstorm new developments in minimally invasive neuromodulation, ahead of the first network funding call. Objectives and Outcomes were to build from the Launch in November 2022, enable co -creation of ideas on non invasive techniques for brain modulation for possible funding from the Neuromod+ network, to facilitate networking and continue to build the network and discuss the network's Ethics Charter. The event enabled further definition of network priorities, discussion and development of emerging research challenges/themes, refinement of the ethics charter and suggestions for further action, plus networking and building collaborations. Almost half (47%) of attendees went on to apply for funding in the first or second Neuromod+ funding call. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://neuromodplus.org/events/ |
| Description | Neuromod+ launch event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Online network launch to introduce the aims objectives and outcomes of the Network, introduce the NeuroMod+ team and our planned activities, engage participants in the shaping of the network, and to start the process of building a community and the co-creation of broad research ideas. Over 80 attendees joined the event. The event started with a networking session followed by introductions to network aims, activities and team. Three discussion sessions followed, with recorded video insight talks from network members discussing unmet clinical need and opportunities, to stimulate discussion. the event enabled members to meet and network with one another and resulted in definition of network priorities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://neuromodplus.org/events/ |
| Description | Neuromod+ website |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Launch of Neuromod+ website, including information on network aims and priorities, team and funding opportunities, calendar of events, news items, online registration form and online searchable members directory. Also included are videos giving patient, clinician, academic and charity perspectives on how Neuromod+ could help address the challenge of treatment for brain disorders and the facility for members to create special interest groups. Presence of the website has increased network registrations, registrations to network events and funding calls and allowed members to network/find colleagues working in areas of interest. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://neuromodplus.org |