This one-week immersive course, organised by Prof. Nick Ramsey, explores how neurotechnologies shape everyday life through key clinical applications such as Deep Brain Stimulation and brain–computer interfaces. Through lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and user interactions, participants examine the technical, clinical, and ethical dimensions of neurotechnology, supported by expertise from Radboud University and NeurotechEU partners.
Dates: 29 June – 3 July 2026
Location: On-site at Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
About the Winter School
This one-week, immersive course examines how neurotechnologies shape the daily lives of patients and users. Each day centers on a major clinical use-case, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Cochlear Implants, Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, Epilepsy Neuromodulation, and Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs), and combines foundational lectures, hands-on demonstrations and interactions with a real user.
We bring together clinicians, neuroscientists, engineers, ethicists, and industry partners to discuss clinical indications, device architectures, signal processing, evaluation methods, ethics and regulation, accessibility, risk–benefit trade-offs, and long-term follow-up. A engaging science communicator will facilitate the daily user sessions to foster empathetic, evidence-based dialogue and reflective practice.
The course leverages Radboud University and NeurotechEU partners to provide a multi-perspective view, building competence for translational neurotechnology and responsible innovation.
Learning objectives
- Engage in interdisciplinary dialogue with patients, clinicians, and engineers to identify ethical, accessibility, and design considerations for responsible neurotechnology innovation.
- Understand the fundamentals of electrophysiology relevant to neurotechnology (neuronal signaling, stimulation principles, and recording basics) and apply this knowledge to interpret device operation.
- Explain and compare the clinical indications, core components, and operating principles of major neurotechnologies: DBS, cochlear implants, peripheral/vagus nerve stimulation, epilepsy devices, and BCIs.
- Critically evaluate patient impact and outcome measures (clinical endpoints, quality-of-life metrics) through case studies and evidence-based discussion.
Admission requirements
The course is open to participants at the following levels: Advanced Bachelor, Master, PhD, Postdoc and Professionals. Applicants should have a background (supported by transcript and CV) in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, computer science, medicine, audiology, rehabilitation, or related fields.
Application
To apply, please send the following documents:
- Background supported by CV and transcript
- Short motivation letter (≤400 words) describing interest in patient-centered neurotechnology and goals for the course.
- Endorsement letter from your supervisor (PhD students)
Applications should be sent to neurotecheu@i-med.ac.at before March 29th 23.59
Financial support
Applicants will be pre-selected by MUI. Shortlisted candidates must subsequently be formally accepted by the Summer School organizers.
Financial support is available for up to two MUI students or postdocs who are accepted by the Summer School organization.