The National Centre for Neurotechnology and Neurorestoration, hosted by Newcastle Hospitals and in collaboration with Newcastle University, will support research and delivery of the latest neurotechnologies aimed at understanding the brain, restoring function and improving health.
The centre will be the first UK facility dedicated to clinical trials using pioneering technology, with a focus on implanted devices which require surgical procedures to place them in or near the brain and nervous system.
Specialising in state-of-the-art devices including brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neurostimulators, the centre’s work will look at cutting-edge treatments for a wide range of disabling neurological conditions, such as those that cause issues with movement, sensation, mood and cognition.
The centre will also drive scientific research to further the understanding of the human brain and expand the potential of future neurotechnologies. This will provide people living with neurological conditions with safe access to the latest clinical trial opportunities using the most current technologies under development.
The expertise and experience of the centre’s team will also provide a national hub to quickly and safely facilitate projects in the UK, helping academic and industry partners from this country and overseas who want to research, develop, and use neurotechnologies.
Having a dedicated national centre will support a step-change in how the health service can deliver today’s studies and also adapt quickly to support tomorrow’s innovation.
Mr Akbar Hussain, clinical director of the centre and consultant neurosurgeon at Newcastle Hospitals said:
“Through the rapid rise and pace of development in modern neurotechnologies, and advances in artificial intelligence, we are entering a new era in treating disorders of the brain and nervous system.
“In Newcastle we have a track record of successful clinical trials in this specialist field and I’m excited to be involved in taking this to the next level.
“The centre will allow us to strengthen and grow our capacity and skills to meet demand and will mean we can pave the way for a future standard of care in neurological disorders, allowing more life-changing treatments to be brought to patients.”
Scientific director Dr Luke Bashford said:
“The national centre has been formed to meet a breakthrough moment in human neuroscience.
“The neurotechnology device industry is burgeoning and seeking expert healthcare partners, and the scientific community is entering a period of unprecedented scale of access to the human brain for research.
“The centre will provide all stakeholders with the academic, regulatory and clinical support to ensure that there are no delays to performing the full spectrum of UK neurotechnology work.
“We will lead and facilitate scientific research and clinical trials that will revolutionise our understanding of the human brain and allow individuals with complex neurological conditions to manage symptoms and regain abilities that would otherwise be unthinkable.”
To find out more visit National Centre for Neurotechnology and Neurorestoration – Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
