The UK launches its first National Centre for Neurotechnology and Neurorestoration in Newcastle to advance cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials for people living with neurological conditions
The UK has launched its first National Centre for Neurotechnology and Neurorestoration in Newcastle, marking a significant milestone in neurological research and treatment. Led by experts from Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle University, the centre will focus on developing and testing advanced neurotechnologies to help restore movement, sensation, and function for people affected by severe neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and spinal cord injury.
Specialising in neurotechnology and clinical trials
The national centre will be the first UK facility dedicated to clinical trials using neurotechnology, with a focus on implanted devices that require surgical procedures to place them in or near the brain and nervous system.
The centre will specialise in devices such as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neurostimulators to understand disabling neurological conditions. Additionally, the centre will drive scientific research into the human brain and future neurotechnologies, supporting people living with neurological conditions in accessing clinical trials and new technologies.
Clinical director Akbar Hussain said: “Through the rapid rise and pace of development in modern neurotechnologies and advances in artificial intelligence, we are entering a new era in treating disorders of the brain and nervous system.
“In Newcastle, we have a track record of successful clinical trials in this specialist field, and I’m excited to be involved in taking this to the next level.
“The centre will allow us to strengthen and grow our capacity and skills to meet demand and will mean we can pave the way for a future standard of care in neurological disorders, allowing more life-changing treatments to be brought to patients.”
A national hub for neurotechnology projects
The National Centre for Neurotechnology and Neurorestoration will serve as a pivotal organisation, uniting diverse expertise and experience from distinguished professionals across various fields. This centre is designed to serve as a national hub for neurotechnology initiatives in the United Kingdom, fostering collaboration between academic institutions and industry partners. By facilitating research, development, and practical application of cutting-edge neurotechnologies, the centre will not only advance scientific understanding but also promote innovative solutions that have the potential to transform patient care and enhance neurological health. Through strategically aligned projects and a multidisciplinary approach, the National Centre will be instrumental in advancing the field of neurotechnology and its societal impact.
Scientific director Dr Luke Bashford said: “The national centre has been formed to meet a breakthrough moment in human neuroscience.
“The neurotechnology device industry is burgeoning and seeking expert healthcare partners, and the scientific community is entering a period of unprecedented scale of access to the human brain for research.
“The centre will provide all stakeholders with the academic, regulatory and clinical support to ensure that there are no delays to performing the full spectrum of UK neurotechnology work.
“We will lead and facilitate scientific research and clinical trials that will revolutionise our understanding of the human brain and allow individuals with complex neurological conditions to manage symptoms and regain abilities that would otherwise be unthinkable.”
