The Biomedical Neuroengineering Group of the University Miguel Hernández is a multidisciplinary research team that integrates biomedical engineering, medicine, and computational neuroscience to develop novel treatments and neural devices designed to restore vision and improve the lives of individuals with visual impairments.

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Our team brings together experts in neuroscience, neural engineering, clinical neuroscience, AI, and practicing clinicians (including neurologists, ophthalmologists, and neurosurgeons). This combination offers invaluable firsthand insights into both ophthalmological and neurological conditions. Additionally, the group coordinates the "Bidons Egara" Retinitis Pigmentosa Research Chair at Universidad Miguel Hernández, dedicated to promoting scientific and technological initiatives that enhance the quality of life for individuals with visual disabilities.

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Research & Ongoing Projects

Our research combines fundamental neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and clinical translation to advance next-generation implantable neurotechnologies. We have pioneered closed-loop Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), developed novel approaches to enhance the long-term biocompatibility of neural implants, and were among the first groups to incorporate neural coding into visual prostheses. Currently, we coordinate an international clinical trial investigating visual perceptions induced by intracortical electrical stimulation in blind individuals using intracortical microelectrode arrays (ClinicalTrials NCT02983370).

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We collaborate closely with multiple hospitals and are an active member of CIBER-BBN (Biomedical Networking Research Center in Spain), an initiative created by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) to foster research excellence in Biomedicine and Health Sciences.

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Current key projects include:

• Development and evaluation of cortical visual prostheses.

• Optimization of neural stimulation paradigms and analysis of intracortical responses.

• Design of advanced closed-loop systems.

• Long-term safety and functionality assessments of implantable devices.

 

Our research is supported by leading national and international organizations, including the European Commission (H2020), the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), Spain-USA Collaborative Projects, the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, and Generalitat Valenciana.

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Institutional Context & Facilities

The research group is based at the Bioengineering Institute (IBI) of the Universidad Miguel Hernández (Spain). Established in 2005 by Dr. Eduardo Fernández in collaboration with colleagues from the fields of Medicine, Engineering, Chemical Technology, and Computer Science, the IBI has grown into a leading center for multidisciplinary biomedical research. Today, the institute brings together more than 80 researchers, PhD candidates, and technical professionals dedicated to advancing innovation in bioengineering and biomedical technologies.

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Research Facilities & Equipment

Dr. Fernández’s laboratory is fully equipped for cutting-edge neuroscience and neurotechnology research, featuring specialized areas for electrophysiology, neurosurgery, cell culture, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry.

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Key capabilities and equipment include:

• Electrophysiology: In vivo and in vitro multi-channel recording setups for both animal models and human studies (capable of recording and stimulation for up to 516 electrodes simultaneously).

• Non-invasive Neuroimaging & Stimulation: High-density EEG systems (64, 128, and 256 channels) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) setups for human studies.

• Ophthalmic Imaging & Functional Testing: Spectralis HRA+OCT system (Heidelberg Engineering), standardized ERG and VEP recording equipment, and advanced tools for evaluating visual function (acuity, contrast sensitivity) and virtual optomotor tasks (ARGOS System, Instead Technologies).

• Street-Lab: A dedicated facility for behavioral & mobility studies: brings together advanced facilities, technical resources, and services dedicated to orientation and mobility research for blind and low-vision individuals, as well as the evaluation of assistive devices. Includes realistic street setups to examine daily challenges across various visual conditions, a fully furnished apartment for assessing activities of daily living (ADL), and an immersive virtual reality system with multiple levels of integration.