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Neuralink, the brain-computer interface firm founded by Elon Musk, is just one example of the growing interest in the expanding field of neuroengineering. The discipline is expected to address critical challenges related to the early detection of neurodegenerative disorders, the development of cooperative robotic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and the creation of electronic instruments to enhance patients' quality of life.
“The fundamental goal of neuroengineering is to pioneer new technologies to assess and modulate nervous system function for improved screening, diagnosis, prognosis, rehabilitation, and repair,” explains Nicolae Lucanu, project coordinator on behalf of the Technical University Gheorghe Asachi from Iasi (TUIASI) in Romania.
The BrainTwin project aimed to accelerate the field through a network of training and support, coordinated from TUIASI. “With this multidisciplinary effort, we wanted to approach this challenge under a new light, by integrating expertise from life sciences and engineering fields while training young researchers in our university.”
International collaboration
One of the most significant outcomes of BrainTwin was the establishment of the International Projects Support Centre at TUIASI, which has been instrumental in preparing competitive applications for European funding.
“BrainTwin enabled the establishment of a well-functioning International Projects Support Centre at TUIASI, providing technical support for the preparation of competitive applications,” Lucanu says. This centre has successfully helped TUIASI secure funding for 11 projects under the Horizon Europe programme, significantly boosting the university's research capabilities.
The BrainTwin project placed a strong emphasis on the professional development of young researchers. Students and early-stage researchers were provided with valuable training and networking opportunities through activities such as Summer Schools, BarCamps, and the Short Term Staff Exchange Programme. These initiatives have sparked a deep interest in neuroengineering among TUIASI students and laid the groundwork for future innovations.
Cutting edge techniques
Although BrainTwin was a coordination and support action rather than a research-funding initiative, it played a crucial role in familiarising TUIASI research staff with cutting-edge neuroengineering discoveries. The project focused on enhancing the skills of early-stage researchers in disseminating their findings, improving TUIASI's reputation and networking capabilities, and increasing the institution's research excellence.
“Knowledge sharing of the latest state-of-the-art in neuroengineering topics was the main pillar of the project,” Lucanu emphasises. TUIASI researchers gained valuable insights into various neuroengineering fields, including brain functional network extraction and analysis, brain-computer interfaces, deep learning techniques for healthcare, and neuroengineering robotics.
Reflecting on the project's achievements, Lucanu states, “The most important outcome of the project was, in my opinion, the major boost in international collaborations that our institution achieved, exceeding the field of neuroengineering.” As a result of BrainTwin's networking activities and training in proposal writing, TUIASI has become part of the Ingenium European Universities Alliance and the Danube Transfer Centers network, further enhancing its research capabilities.
Looking ahead, Lucanu envisions a bright future for neuroengineering research in Romania. “The future of neuroengineering research in Romania is poised for growth and has the potential to make significant contributions to the global research community,” he explains. Continued investment in state-of-the-art research facilities, strategic international collaborations, and a focus on emerging technologies will be crucial in realising this potential.
Completed in August 2023, the BrainTwin project has successfully strengthened the research excellence of TUIASI, established a robust foundation for future neuroengineering advancements, and fostered international collaborations that will benefit the global research community. By continuing to build on these achievements, TUIASI is well-positioned to become a leader in neuroengineering research and innovation.