Donders takes a leading role in European neurotech research

"It is about developing AI-based theory and technology to take steps forward in neurotechnology."

An ICAI lab is a partnership with companies or other Dutch academic institutes. In this ICAI lab, AI for Neurotech, which will start in September, the different sections will work together on the next generation of AI technologies for neuroscience.

Marcel van Gerven is scientific director of the ICAI lab and explains: “We have received a Crossover Grant from NWO. Together with the partners in this project, we set up the ICAI lab to enhance the profile of AI and neurotechnology. We want to expand that further in the coming years. ”

AI for Neurotech Lab partners include: Advanced Bionics, Abbott, Phosphoenix and the OnePlanet Research Center. In addition, a number of scientific institutes from the Netherlands participate.

Three ICAI labs in Nijmegen

It is the third ICAI lab to open in Nijmegen. Earlier, the Thiralab and Radboud AI for Health were established. Thiralab is a collaboration of the Radboud university medical center with Thirona from Nijmegen and Delft Imaging Systems, who work in the lab on medical image analysis of CT scans of the lungs, chest X-rays and retinal scans. The Radboud AI for Health lab is committed to making healthcare cheaper, better and more efficient.

Restoration of cognitive functions

The aim of this third lab is to restore various cognitive functions, which are damaged or have disappeared in patients. This may include seeing or hearing better, but also preventing seizures or restoring control over movement and communication.

The Donders Institute focuses more broadly on this subject: “We also recently received a European FET (Future and Emerging Technologies) grant on the same theme. This is more focused on fundamental research in neurotechnology. ” Van Gerven explains that this research is close to recent AI developments. For example, the neural networks used in self-driving cars are the same networks the institute uses to drive visual implants. Thus, the focus is on the relationship between artificial intelligence and biological intelligence.

European University of Brain and Technology

Another initiative of Donders is the participation of Radboud University in the European European Universities Initiative. Initially, this will be in the field of brain and technology.

This University of Brain and Technology is a collaboration between seven leading universities. This makes it possible to exchange education, research and employment. Students can take classes at all institutions involved without restrictions. In this way, they gain international experience and can opt for specific expertise from the various universities. Scientists have more opportunities to collaborate (internationally) on research.   >> The original article is on The Economic Board.