Research interests and ongoing work

Our groups investigate the neuronal mechanisms of visual perception, attention, learning and conscious processing, and translate this knowledge into visual brain prostheses for people who are blind. Our iBCI work aims to restore a useful form of vision by interfacing directly with the visual brain. We combine high-channel-count neural recording and intracortical microstimulation in behaving non-human primates with computational modelling, implant evaluation and translational preparation. Our work includes the visual cortex as well as the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). Together with engineering and clinical collaborators, we are developing next-generation flexible implants and preparing the pathway towards a future early feasibility study in humans.

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Relevant resources, collaborations and funding

Our groups have access to behavioural and neurophysiological research infrastructure for mice and monkeys, large-scale electrophysiology and electrical microstimulation, visual-task development, computational modelling, surgical planning, and histological assessment of implant performance and tissue responses. We work with engineers, neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, patient organisations and industrial partners, including Phosphoenix. Relevant funded programmes include INTENSE, EBRAINS-NeuroTech and the EIC-funded SIGHTED project, a collaboration between Phosphoenix and Institut de la Vision that is developing an LGN neuroprosthesis for vision restoration.