The BCI AWARD Podcast
The BCI Award Podcast Series by Neurocareers
This podcast series is a spotlight on nominees and winners from the BCI Award by Dr. Milena Korostenskaja.
08/26/2023
The Bridge for Regained Walking: Brain-Spine Interface with Henri Lorach, PhD
Dr. Henri Lorach
Imagine a world where spinal cord injuries no longer result in permanent paralysis. The groundbreaking brain-spine interface (BSI) includes implanted systems that link cortical signals directly to epidural electrical stimulation. This targets specific spinal cord regions crucial for walking. Published in Nature in 2023, this exceptional project restores movement control and enhances neurological recovery through BSI-powered neurorehabilitation.
Dr. Henri Lorach from NeuroX Institute at EPFL, Switzerland, was instrumental in this groundbreaking project. As a senior researcher and Head of the Brain Spine Interface Unit, Dr. Lorach brings a wealth of experience and insight to this remarkable work.
08/20/2023
Speaking Silently: The Power of Brain-Driven Communication with Sean Metzger
Sean Metzger
Ever wondered about the possibility of harnessing the power of silent speech, using only the activity of your brain? Consider the transformative impact this could have on the lives of individuals who are unable to communicate through traditional means. Delve into a future where communication transcends the limitations of severe paralysis. Today's episode unveils another astonishing project from the Laboratory of Dr. Edward Chang. Building upon the groundbreaking work, we explored previously with Dr. David Moses and the award-winning 2021 project "A direct-speech BCI for decoding words and sentences in a person with severe paralysis and anarthria," we're about to embark on a journey that takes us even further.
08/13/2023
Neurorecovery Beyond Limits: BCIs and Spinal-Cord Stimulation with Ilia Borishchev, Drs. Lavrov, Lebedev, & Cuellar
Ilia Borishchev
Dive into the heart of neuromodulation and neuronal repair after spinal cord injuries, where every aspect of neural recovery is meticulously considered. This project is a beacon of hope for those seeking the restoration of motor functions through advanced technologies. The team behind it is a symphony of expertise featuring Dr. Igor Lavrov, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology and Biomedical Engineering at Mayo Clinic, pioneering new dimensions in neurology. Alongside him stands the visionary Dr. Mikhail Lebedev, a leading world figure in Neurophysiology and Brain-Computer Interfaces, illuminating the path toward innovative solutions. Dr. Carlos Alberto Cuellar, a relentless advocate for neurotechnologies from Universidad Anáhuac México, and Ilia Borishchev, a spacecraft engineer turned entrepreneur and the founder of VIBRAINT company in Canada, complete this stellar team that spans across borders to shape the future of neurorehabilitation.
08/07/2023
From Paralysis to Motor Control: The Brain-Body Interface with Elena Losanno
Elena Losanno
What can help a paralyzed person control their body? In this remarkable episode, we unlock the potential of an innovative project: "An implantable brain-body interface using intrafascicular stimulation to restore hand functions." Imagine a future where individuals with tetraplegia can effortlessly control their movements through the power of their minds alone. Elena Losanno and her visionary colleagues dared to turn this vision into reality with their groundbreaking neuroprostheses, designed to create a unique assistive solution through a brain-body interface (BBI). Through this groundbreaking concept, users gain voluntary control over their bodies, transforming the landscape of neurotechnology and rehabilitation.
07/31/2023
Virtual Sensations: Implantable BCI for Neurohaptics in VR with Courtnie Paschall, PhD
Courtnie Paschall, PhD
What does a virtual object feel like? Imagine this: depending on the stimulation waveform, it might feel like a blow of air, bumpy, smooth, or, like nothing at all. Intrigued? We thought you might be! Join our special BCI Award Neurocareers podcast series as we delve into the groundbreaking project "In virtualis re: An Intracortical Neurohaptic Interface in Virtual Reality." This revolutionary project introduces the first-ever application of VR in an implantable BCI development platform, using direct brain stimulation to provide neurohaptic feedback during virtual object interactions.
07/24/2023
TMS and Beyond: A Journey into Multimodal BCI with Colin Simon
Colin Simon
Ever wondered how we can optimize Brain-Computer Interfaces using muscle responses and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the brain? Join us on the latest episode of the BCI Award Neurocareers podcast series, where we unravel the mysteries of this groundbreaking project: "A multimodal Brain-Computer Interface approach using muscle responses to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the brain."
05/08/2023
The KITE-BCI Project: Revolutionizing Neurorehabilitation with Lazar Jovanovic
Dr. Lazar Jovanovic
Have you ever wondered how brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can aid patients who have experienced a stroke? In this exciting episode of the BCI Award Neurocareers podcast series, Dr. Milena Korostenskaja sits down with Dr. Lazar Jovanovic to discuss his innovative work in developing the KITE-BCI system for functional electrical stimulation therapy, which has the potential to significantly improve the rehabilitation of patients who have experienced a stroke.
05/01/2023
Innovating BCI Decoding with Victoria Peterson, PhD
Victoria Peterson, PhD
Victoria's team has developed a groundbreaking approach to transfer learning that promises to improve cross-session BCI decoding without requiring extensive retraining between sessions. This has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach BCIs and could significantly impact the future of this field.
Join us in the latest episode of the BCI Award Neurocareers podcast series as we explore Dr. Victoria Peterson's groundbreaking approach to transfer learning with BCIs. Discover how her team's approach is revolutionizing the way we decode signals from the brain to control devices, paving the way for new possibilities in neurotechnologies.
04/24/2023
From Code to Care: Computer Science and Neurotech to help ALS Patients with Mohammad Sahal
Mohammad Sahal
What if you could help revolutionize how we care for people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)? Mohammad Sahal, with his unique blend of computer science and neuroscience expertise, is doing just that! Join us for the third episode of the BCI Award Neurocareers podcast series as we take a deep dive to learn how the non-invasive, low-cost, portable neuroergonomic BCI system is transforming the way we care for ALS patients. Discover how custom augmented reality displays are helping patients improve their quality of life from the comfort of their own homes and how this technology is breaking down barriers and revolutionizing healthcare!
04/16/2023
Speech Neuroprosthesis: The Future of Communication with David Moses, PhD
Dr. David Moses
Welcome to the Neurocareers podcast, where we explore the exciting world of careers in neurotechnologies! In this special episode of our BCI Award series, we are joined by Dr. David Moses. He will share his insights on the groundbreaking project, "A direct-speech BCI for decoding words and sentences in a person with severe paralysis and anarthria," that received 2nd place in the International Annual BCI Award in 2021. This project was conducted with a team of talented scientists in neurosurgeon Edward Chang, MD's laboratory at UCSF, known around the globe for studies on neural bases of speech.
04/09/2023
The Stentrode Revolution: Endovascular Neural Interfaces with Nicholas Opie, PhD, MBA
Prof. Nicholas Opie
Prof. Opie, a biomedical engineer and the founding CTO of Synchron, knows what it takes to succeed in the innovative field of neurotech. Prof. Opie's Stentrode project won 1st place in the International BCI Award competition in 2021. In this podcast episode, he'll share his top tips for winning the International BCI Award and building a successful career in the industry.
04/03/2023
BCI Award: Tips and Tricks from the Pros - Drs. Guger, Krusienski, Rutkowski & Allison
Dr. Christoph Guger
Welcome to the new Neurocareers BCI Award podcast series! In this first episode, Dr. Milena Korostenskaja was meeting with Dr. Christoph Guger, Dr. Dean Krusienski, Dr. Tomasz Rutkowski, and Dr. Brendan Allison, founding members, judges, and winners of the prestigious International Brain-Computer Interface Award.
With their years of experience, cutting-edge knowledge, and contagious enthusiasm, their expertise will show you how to make the impossible possible in neurotechnologies. They'll share their tips and tricks for success, from brainstorming to submitting your project and persevering through the process.