Human Intracortical Brain-Computer Interfaces for Cognition and Control

Newcastle upon Tyne               ·                Full time

Funded PhD Studentship

Deadline: March 1st 2024

Title: Human Intracortical Brain-Computer Interfaces for Cognition and Control.

Description:

Human intracortical Brain-Computer Interfaces(BCIs) use features of single unit recordings from implanted electrode arrays to decode intended behaviours of users and out put this through external devices such as computers or prosthetic devices. Stimulation through the same electrode arrays can be used to evoke neural activity and behaviour. Together recording for control and stimulation for feedback can be used for a closed-loop BCI. To develop BCIs we implant humans in high level cortical areas where brain signals encode cognition and sensorimotor control. Human BCIs have been successfully used for restoring control and communication however much of the underlying neuroscience of this control and thus the potential for novel control algorithms remains to be elucidated. This is particularly important in the case of cognitive BCIs, intended to identify the neural activity underlying performance in human cognitive tasks and restore performance in clinical cases of cognitive deficit.

In this PhD project you will investigate the neural mechanisms underlying human sensorimotor and cognitive function and explore how neural signals could be decoded and modulated by closed-loop BCIs. This work will impact both basic science and clinical translation. Your research activities will be based on existing human data, and novel data collection through human clinical trials investigating intracranial and intracortical devices to restore function and quality of life in individuals with neurological injury or illness where there is a significant unmet clinical need. Data is collected and analysed through the establishment of novel trials at Newcastle University, UK, and in collaboration with ongoing trials at the University of Colorado, USA.

Contact: luke.bashford@newcastle.ac.uk