Patrick Degenaar, Reader in Neuroprosthesis, Newcastle University
Biography
I am a reader in biomedical engineering and came to Newcastle in 2010 to develop world class collaborations between the school of EEE and the Institute of Neuroscience. I have a BSc (1st class) and MRes in applied physics from Liverpool University, and a PhD in bioimaging from the Japan Advanced Institute for Science and Technology. After some time in the software industry, I did two post-doctoral projects at Imperial College before getting an RCUK fellowship in 2005. From 2005-2010 I was a lecturer and then senior lecturer in Imperial College, before coming to Newcastle. In my time I have had numerous research awards and published numerous papers in the key journals in the biomedical field.
At the heart of these efforts is my pioneering use of CMOS-micro-LED optoelectronics in combination with optogenetic gene therapy solutions. These will lead to highly advanced forms of prosthetic intervention not previously possible. This has led to a number of highly cited papers in key biomedical engineering journals. Furthermore I have explored impact through patient trials and commercial translation.
To achieve my aims I have been part of a number of large research consortia. Between 2010-2014 I coordinated the FP7 OptoNeuro project. More recently I am the engineering team leader on the £10M CANDO project to develop a next-generation prosthesis for epilepsy. Currently I have a large highly dedicated team of RAs, and PhD students.
Full details of my research can be found in my research page: http://research.ncl.ac.uk/neuroprosthesis/
Nick Donaldson, Professor of Neuroprosthesis Engineering, UCL
Biography
Nick Donaldson studied Engineering and Electrical Sciences at Cambridge University. From 1977 to 1992 he worked for the Medical Research Council, Neurological Prostheses Unit, under the direction of Professor G.S. Brindley. On Brindley’s retirement in 1992 and closure of the MRC Unit, he brought the engineers to UCL and has since directed the Implanted Devices Group in the Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering. He studied for the PhD as a student in non-university laboratory and obtained a doctorate from UCL in 1990. His research interests now include implanted device technology, the development of devices that use natural nerve signals as inputs; stimulators of nerve roots and spinal cord in paraplegia; the use of electrical stimulation for recreational exercise of paralysed legs; and methods to encourage functional neurological recovery after injury. He has published over 90 papers in peer-reviewed journals on subjects as diverse as electrical and electronic design, materials, biomechanics, exercise physiology, electrodes and neural signal processing. He has been an investigator in over thirty projects since coming to UCL.