From a mechanistic understanding of neural systems to AI-driven neuromodulation
Stanisa Raspopovic, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne - Monday 30th June 11h Salle des Voûtes
Bio: Stanisa Raspopovic has been a Full Professor of Biomedical Engineering at MedUni Vienna, Austria, since 2025. He was previously an Assistant Professor of Neuroengineering at ETH Zurich and a Senior Scientist at EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland. His research interest is focused on the development of innovative methods for treatment of neurologically disabled persons. In particular, he develops mechatronic systems directly interfacing the environment with the residual nervous system. Stanisa achieved the groundbreaking translational research results in the field of neural stimulation in patients with amputations, diabetes, SCI and pain. He has substantial international experience in research in neural engineering culminating with the award of the Science & PINS Prize in Neuromodulation 2021 and ETH Latsis Prize 2021. He won multiple prestigious Euriopean grants such as ERC Starting Grant in 2018 and ERC Consolidator Grant in 2023.
Abstract : Advances in nervous system interfacing present a promising venue for rehabilitation of individuals with different neurological disabilities. Subjects with pain, stroke, or diabetes frequently do not engage fully in everyday activities because they are afraid of falls. They also tend to have reduced mobility, which can induce a sedentary lifestyle that promotes disease development and hinders reinsertion into society, while the neuropathic pain is also common and poorly managed with current medications. Despite a wide range of possibilities for human-machine interfacing, the nature of the optimal human-machine interaction remains poorly understood. Knowledge gained from in-silico modelling of targeted neural structures can inform an optimized design of such interfacing, therefore we develop the exact models of different nerves, enabling for AI-based personalized treatments. We have pioneered a human-machine systems that translates artificial sensors’ read-outs into “language” understandable by the nervous system. The “smart orthosis” for diabetics “speaks” to their residual healthy nerves while diminishing pain. Their effects at the brain level were evaluated, observing important benefits. These studies not only provided clear evidence of the benefit of neuromodulation for neurologically disabled subjects but also provided insights into fundamental mechanisms of supraspinal integration of the restored sensory modalities.
https://neuro-marseille.org/en/events/neuroschool-seminar-stanisa-raspopovic/
Neuoschool - Program of the session
- 9:00 am discussion among students to discuss the papers – For PhD students only
- 10:00 am Special discussion time with the speaker for PhD students only
- 11:00 am Seminar – Open to all – Online – Upcoming link
📢 PhD students: register on AMETICE and remember to sign the presence sheet in order for your hours to be counted. Attendants get 3 hours, chairpersons 4 hours.