Prime Highlights
- The UK has launched its first centre dedicated to clinical trials in advanced neurotechnology, aiming to transform care for neurological conditions.
- The new facility in Newcastle focuses on developing innovative treatments using devices that work directly with the brain and nervous system.
Key Facts
- The centre specializes in technologies such as brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) and neurostimulators to support patients with movement, sensation, cognition, and mood disorders.
- Created through a partnership between Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle University, the centre will serve as a national hub to accelerate neurotechnology research and clinical trials.
Background
The UK’s first centre dedicated to clinical trials using advanced neurotechnology has opened in Newcastle, marking a major step forward in treating and understanding neurological disorders. The National Centre for Neurotechnology and Neurorestoration, created through a partnership between Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle University, will act as a national hub for developing implanted devices that work with the brain and nervous system.
The centre will work on technologies like brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neurostimulators to create new treatments for conditions that affect movement, feeling, thinking, and mood. By coordinating trials and expanding research capacity, the facility aims to speed up the creation of life-changing therapies for people with complex neurological conditions.
Mr Akbar Hussain, Clinical Director, said the launch reflects a transformative moment in the field. “Modern neurotechnologies and advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping how we approach disorders of the brain and nervous system,” he said. “Newcastle has a long history of leading successful clinical trials in this area, and this centre allows us to expand our capacity to meet growing demand. It brings us closer to establishing a new standard of care and ensuring that more patients can access breakthrough treatments.”
Scientific Director Dr Luke Bashford highlighted that the timing of the centre aligns with a crucial turning point for the discipline. “The neurotechnology industry is rapidly expanding and seeking specialised healthcare partners,” he said. “We are entering a period where access to the human brain for research is unprecedented in scale. This centre will ensure that academic partners, industry, and clinicians have the regulatory and clinical support needed to progress their work without delay.”
Bashford added that the facility will help drive research that could transform the lives of people with severe neurological challenges, enabling them to manage symptoms and regain abilities once thought impossible.
By centralising expertise and creating an adaptable research environment, the centre aims to accelerate current studies and prepare the NHS for the next generation of neurotechnology innovations, ensuring patients across the UK benefit from the most recent advances.
