Leading Neuroscientists, Technologists, Regulators, and
Venture Capitalists Convening in West
Virginia
MORGANTOWN, W.Va., Aug. 9, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- West Virginia
University (WVU) Medicine will
host an international gathering of scientists, engineers,
researchers, physicians, and industry leaders at the Brain-Machine
Interface (BMI) Summit this coming weekend. Organized by Dr.
Peter Konrad of WVU Medicine
and Dr. Jose "Pepe" Contreras-Vidal of the University of Houston, the event is a key
programming component of the National Science Foundation's (NSF)
Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers (IUCRC).
The conference aims to advance the accessibility and
sustainability of BMI technologies for patients with neurological
conditions by underscoring the need for increased collaboration
across industry, government, and university systems.
The BMI Summit will feature presentations and panel discussions
with prominent figures from the FDA, NIH, NSF, and VA, alongside
industry leaders from companies including Blackrock Neurotech,
Precision Neuroscience, and Synchron. Three pioneering patients –
Ian Burkhardt, Nathan Copeland, and Jen
French – who have been at the forefront of BMI device
trials, demonstrating the transformative potential of these
technologies will be sharing their crucial patient perspective for
those dealing with disabling conditions like paralysis, stroke,
speech loss, vision loss, pain, and brain injury.
"For 20 years, we've seen incredible advancements in BMI
technology, but the journey from laboratory to bedside has too
often been slow and fragmented," said Dr. Konrad. "This summit is
about changing that trajectory and delving beyond established
science and technology to focus on transforming innovative research
into real-world applications."
Ben Rapoport, Co-Founder and
Chief Science Officer at Precision Neuroscience, emphasized, "The
innovations happening in neurotechnology today are not just
incremental—they're potentially transformative. This gathering is
about harnessing those innovations and turning them into scalable,
clinically viable solutions. It's a crucial step in making the
science of today the standard of care tomorrow."
Prior to the weekend's agenda, the initial two days
(August 8-9) are dedicated to a
closed, invite-only session for members of the NSF research
consortium, composed of five universities: University of Houston, Arizona
State University, West Virginia University, University of Maryland Baltimore County, and
Georgia Tech.
"We're not here to discuss what's possible; we're here to
determine how we can make it happen," continued Dr. Konrad.
Following the conference, a comprehensive white paper will be
produced outlining actionable steps for advancing BMI technologies
from experimental phases to widespread clinical use.
"This summit covers critical topics that ensure the future of
neurotechnology," said Rob Franklin,
Senior VP of Brain-Computer Interface at Blackrock Neurotech. "The
collaborative efforts of leading researchers, industry experts, and
regulatory bodies are essential to safely and effectively push the
boundaries of what's possible and bring innovative solutions to
those who need them most. By working together, we can accelerate
the development and deployment of BMI technologies, ultimately
improving the quality of life for countless individuals and their
families."
Event Details:
- Date: August 10-11, 2024
- Location: Marriott, Morgantown,
WV
- Website: http://www.bmisummit.org/
- Registration: Required, with applicable fees
About the West Virginia
University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute
The WVU
Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI) is a comprehensive
multidisciplinary patient care, education, and research institute
providing neurological and mental healthcare for 275,000 patients
annually. The 250 physicians and scientists of the RNI improve
lives by pioneering advances in neuroscience, brain health, and
therapeutics. The RNI team uses the latest technologies with
academic, government, and industry partners to make tangible
progress to combat public health challenges ranging from addiction
to Alzheimer's disease. For more information about the WVU
Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, visit WVUMedicine.org/RNI.
Media Contact:
Kate
Salo, 215-806-9332 or 381620@email4pr.com
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SOURCE WVU Medicine