-- NeurotechRI temporary website until final website is completed --
Neurotech Research and Innovation (NeurotechRI) brings together seven research-intensive universities in Europe to transform cooperation in research and innovation in the European University for Brain and Technology (NeurotechEU). We propose an actionable and sustainable plan to develop a pan European, inter-institutional and inter-sectoral strategy to help Europe realize its full potential in the global knowledge economy. Pushing the boundaries of fundamental research and applied science will mobilize innovation ecosystems, including the NeurotechEU ecosystem we are forming while actively engaging citizens to transform how we innovate, educate, and impact the society at large. Our primary objectives for the next three years are:
Formation and implementation of a scalable and modular governance organization for multi-institutional, international and intersectoral research collaboration and cooperative innovation.
Creation of an integrated, long-term and sustainable RI strategy for systemic impact.
Formulating an action plan for sharing resources to foster scientific cooperation and innovation cooperation regardless of borders.
Development of joint structures with external stakeholders in order to foster (RI) collaboration with other European Universities Alliances and universities in Europe.
Fostering academia business cooperation to facilitate professionalization among researchers and enhance innovation capacity.
Supporting a balanced circulation of knowledge and researchers to counteract the brain drain.
Fostering diversity, gender equality and inclusiveness in research and innovation for the equitable workforce and sustainable growth.
Mainstreaming Open practices in education, research and innovation.
Engagement of citizen, civil society and public authorities in research and innovation.
Promotion of fair and transparent practices to help the Alliance to achieve all of its goals
NeurotechEU is the European University Alliance for Brain and Technology. Currently consisting out of eight partners in total, the Alliance aims to serve as the backbone of neurotechnology in Europe by bringing together leading universities across Europe to create a unique educational environment where the new generation of Europeans are able to cooperate and work. Furthermore, the Alliance serves as the hub where European and global cultures can come together across borders, sectors, and disciplines.
Neurotech Research and Innovation (NeurotechRI) brings together seven research-intensive universities in Europe to transform cooperation in research and innovation in the European University for Brain and Technology (NeurotechEU). NeurotechRI is complementing NeurotechEU by providing the (research) infrastructure and learning benches required for the educational programmes in NeurotechEU, and beyond. Whereas NeurotechEU is depicted as an educational programme (Erasmus+), NeurotechRI is research and innovation oriented (Horizon2020).
More specifically, NeurotechRI complements NeurotechEU in three specific categories:
Strategic planning and Reporting.
Education and Society.
Platforms and Infrastructures.
Societal activities and RI Infrastructures
The focus throughout these categories remains twofold, being societal activities and (research) infrastructures. In many of the activities, these are combined. As neurotechnology is a relatively novel field, there is scepticism towards and controversy about emerging technologies amongst a part of society. In addition, there might be a lack of understanding about emerging neurotechnologies. Due to its focus, the Neurotech Alliance is aware of its possible impact on society, and, therefore, sees it as responsibility to properly inform society at large about the brain in general and possible technologies that are used to treat neuropathologies. Examples of infrastructures include:
The eXperience Induction Machine (XIM): This immersive room equipped with sensors and effectors serves as a multi-purpose and portable environment for studying human behaviour and conducting mixed-reality experiments. Additionally, it can educate and inform society about advancements in brain technology through simulated mixed reality experiences. The XIM setup is transportable, allowing the hub to be hosted by all European partners. Amongst others, XIM allows its visitors to explore 3D models of the human brain and learn about their practical applications in an interactive way.
Video of XIM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JbZcs66-5s
Re(M)ind: multimodal journey into consciousness
Re(M)ind is a pioneering multimodal immersive performance where the audience experiences soundscapes, musicians, computer-generated music, interactive generative graphics, and interactive dance. Re(M)ind actively engages and exposes its audience to an introspective experience that contemplates human reality and the post-human future. By fusing artistic expression with technologies, such as motion capture, brain signals recording technologies (EEG), and insights into memory and consciousness, Re(M)ind stimulates the exploration of the innermost thoughts and perceptions, projecting them forward towards new shadows of an imagined future. As a multimodal production encompassing science, technology, and performance arts, Re(Mind) is designed for repeated performances through collaborative efforts and outreach events to engage with society actively.
Digital twins of infrastructures
Starting at the MRI lab of the Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging (Radboud University), the Neurotech Alliance aims to build digital twin infrastructures of existing research infrastructures to train students and other lifelong learners. In this online environment, students and learners can be trained remotely in virtual laboratories, acquiring the skills to conduct scientific research before setting foot in the lab. Furthermore, the e-infrastructures can be used for tutorials and lab tours with applications ranging from staff training to public outreach.