Brown University Hosts National Academy of Engineering Symposium on Neurotechnology

By Kai March 19, 2025
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Brown University recently hosted the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) regional meeting and symposium, bringing together leading researchers from across the Northeast and beyond. The event, titled “Hacking the Nervous System: The Convergence of Data, Devices and Decision-Making,” explored advancements in neurotechnology and neural engineering.

Experts at the symposium discussed how engineering can be used to understand the nervous system better and develop treatments for neurological injuries and diseases. Brown University’s commitment to multidisciplinary research was a key theme of the event.

“Brown is at the forefront of transformative research that addresses some of society’s most pressing problems,” said Tejal Desai, dean of Brown’s School of Engineering. “In areas like neuroengineering and hacking the nervous system, we need a multidisciplinary approach.”

Breakthroughs in Neuroengineering
Professor Leigh Hochberg from Brown University presented the latest research from BrainGate, a project focused on implantable electrode arrays that decode brain activity to control external devices like robotic arms. Speaking about paralysis patients, he said, “I know you’re not able to move right now, but there is a technology that can restore that mobility. That’s part of where we hope this field is going.”

Kimani Toussaint, professor and associate dean of engineering at Brown, highlighted the complexities of health integration. “It requires a convergence of expertise and institutional commitments that bring people together,” he stated.

Lessons from COVID-19

Brown University researchers also examined key lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on health equity and societal impact. Scholar Larry Warner noted, “Our experience with COVID-19 was a real-time lesson in health equity. Socioeconomic status, race, access to vaccines, and work opportunities all influenced disease patterns.”

By hosting this symposium, Brown University reinforces its position as a leader in cutting-edge research, strengthening the United States’ role in advancing neurotechnology and healthcare innovation.

Source: SHIKSHA

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