Rising topics in Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, Robotics, and AI.

New trends in the field of BrainLinks-BrainTools

Learning from other disciplines – moving forward together: this is perhaps the best way to describe the spirit of the symposium. Over 100 researchers from the fields of neurosciences, microsystems technology, robotics, and AI gathered for a day at IMBIT to discuss trends and new collaborations. Right at the start, the center’s spokesperson Prof. Ilka Diester highlighted: “The center’s mission – Intelligent Interfaces between Brain and Machines – is as relevant as ever.”

“The center’s mission – Intelligent Interfaces between Brain and Machines – is as relevant as ever.”

Prof. Ilka Diester

Spokesperson of the Center BrainLinks-BrainTools

The numerous new opportunities for collaboration in this field became evident through the subsequent presentations delivered by the invited guests. Prof. Heinz Wiendl, Medical Director of the Clinic for Neurology and Neurophysiology, presented his new research approaches “Towards a data and biology driven characterization of Multiple Sclerosis,” Jun-Prof. Maria Kalweit gave an overview of her research focus “Robust and Explainable AI”, Prof. Svenja Knappe reported on the state of developments in the measurement of brain signals using the cutting-edge technology OPM MEG, and, Prof. Demian Battaglia span the bridge to multi-scale functional system dynamics that he and his colleagues investigate in Strasbourg.

In addition, there were numerous short presentations of major new research initiatives inspired by BrainLinks-BrainTools covering all involved disciplines.

The ideas of researchers in the early stages of their careers were another highlight of the meeting. A total of 26 posters were presented in two poster sessions. The support of the “Förderverein Biologie” enabled the center to award a prize for the best poster and a jury evaluated the posters according to the criteria of interdisciplinarity, quality of research, novelty of the idea, and presentation of material. We are delighted that Yara Baslan, a doctoral researcher at the BMT Lab, won the prize for the best poster, as her poster “PDMS Cranial Windows ” not only stands out for its high scientific quality, but also for its innovative approaches and lived interdisciplinarity.

“It’s impressive to have so much inspiring research in a condensed symposium format—it’s fun, motivating, and makes me proud of the team!” Prof. Thomas Stieglitz, co-speaker of the center, said and Prof. Ilka Diester encouraged everybody: “Get active—create your own dream project in the field of Intelligent Machines-Brain Interfaces with the support of the BrainLinks-BrainTools center.”