Workshops

Lin Yao
Jianjun Meng
Ning Jiang
Gan Huang

Abstract

BCI is a promising technology that has demonstrated abundant exciting demos and clinical translation possibilities in recent years. However, many challenges still need to be resolved before BCI could be translated into clinical treatment and daily life augmentation. Experimental paradigms are increasingly important in enhancing BCI performance, e.g., inducing sensory information in motor imagery. This session highlights the importance of expanding traditional experimental paradigms to enhance BCI performance. For example, visual and peripheral sensory information contributes up to 80% to control muscle activation. Following central nervous system lesions, the lack of this feedback leads to a decline in the ability of patients to perform daily activities.

In this workshop, we will present and discuss various experimental paradigms that enhance the role of feedback from vision, auditory, and skin receptors for human movement. We will then demonstrate, using specific examples, how adding this feedback as part of a BCI may benefit the decoding and rehabilitation process and increase the effectiveness of BCIs designed for rehabilitation and augmentation of movement.
Moreover, we will show and quantify the potential benefit of integrating visual information, peripheral tactile information for the novel BCI designation, and ways to improve the BCI performance.

Intended Audience

Engineers, clinicians, industry

Learning Objectives

1. Learn about methods to induce sensory experience and form closed-loop sensory feedback in BCIs
2. Learn about methods to induce visual or auditory guidance to form better closed-loop feedback in BCI decoding and potential rehabilitation
3. Learn about the potential applications of integrating various visual, auditory, and sensory feedback in enhancing BCI performance

Henri Lorach
Robert Gaunt
Giacomo Valle
Solaiman Shokur

Abstract

Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs) using real-time, closed loop stimulation of the nervous system aim to restore natural movements and sensations in individuals with severe motor disabilities. Contrary to open-loop stimulation, responsive closed-loop stimulation is driven by the direct or indirect action of the brain, synchronizing cortical commands with the stimulation of the individual’s own neural pathways. Closed-loop stimulation of the nervous system is a promising approach to restore body functions and facilitate rehabilitation. With a high temporal and spatial resolution of the brain neuronal activity recording, invasive BCIs are particularly effective in achieving the synchronization necessary to produce a wide range of natural (realtime, low latency) movements or sensations with stimulation. Stimulation can be applied at various points along the neural pathway, including muscles, nerves, spinal cord, or directly on the cortex. This workshop will provide a comparative discussion of these techniques, examining their purposes, advantages, and disadvantages in movement and sensation restoration and rehabilitation. We invite dialogue between research teams working with implanted closed-loop BCIs and neurostimulation at different levels of the neural pathway.

Intended Audience

This workshop is particularly translational. It aims to bring together all those interested in clinical applications of BCI, in particular, in BCI controlled stimulation for movement and sensation restoration. Intended audience includes clinicians, BCI researchers, engineers and industrials. We aim at establishing a lively dialogue between them. The workshop will address stimulation patterns calibration, brain decoder training, and system communication. Finally, participants will discuss patient training and progress evaluation.

Learning Objectives

Thanks to this workshop the participants will:

• Be able to identify main drawbacks and advantages of different techniques for muscles and nerves stimulation to restore movements;
• Learn in what extent and which sensations can be retrieved when using stimulation;
• Learn future research and development directions for a fully integrated BCI to restore both movement and sensation

Presenters

Betts Peters
Jessie Liu
Nicholas Card
Tab Memmott

Abstract

With the proof-of-concept phase completed for communication BCIs (cBCIs), we now must transition towards offering systems to users who present with different expectations, conditions, skills and needs. This next stage of development requires personalization of cBCI parameters, whether they be features for generating messages with language models, customized voice output, complex speech decoding, or creative interfaces (i.e., RSVP keyboards, avatars) that are sensitive to sensory, motor or cognitive skills of users. This workshop is uniquely positioned to address the skills and needs that users bring to BCI tasks and how technical software and user interface features affect optimal communication performance. We will ask questions about what optimal communication performance is and how we measure it when determining the best parameters for each user. Regardless of whether a user is participating in implantable or non-implantable BCI trials, software features and parameterization have a cost. Determining the cost versus benefit is important to all who engage with the process. Using clinical and technical experience, we will discuss what benefits or hinders our ability to add more critical features. What features are considered essential by the workshop attendees who have experience with personalization, end-user performance and user satisfaction?

Intended Audience

BCI researchers with special interests in software and user interface development, industry representatives, as well as clinicians who work with users and prescribe cBCIs should attend. The workshop is intended for people from both implantable and nonimplantable cBCI teams.

Learning Objectives

Participants will list 5 software features and parameters that influence personalization of cBCIs.
Participants will describe 3 measures that are used to examine optimal performance in both nonimplantable and implantable cBCIs.
Participants will describe 5 successful features that have optimized communication performance.

Sébastien Rimbert
Sebastian Halder
Bjørn Erik Juel
Valerie Marissens Cueva

Abstract

This workshop will explore the state-of-the-art applications of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) in general anesthesia monitoring. BCIs offer the potential to improve patient care by providing direct neural feedback, giving clinicians real-time insights into brain activity during anesthesia through EEG-based tools to monitor awareness and the depth of anesthesia. We will focus on integrating BCIs in clinical settings, emphasizing how they can enhance anesthesia precision and enable more individualized care. Following brief introductions and discussions of relevant research methodologies and empirical findings (i.e., neural markers of awareness, machine learning tools, experimental protocols to study depth of anesthesia, etc.), we aim to open a dialogue on the implications of BCIs in the operating room and their potential to transform general anesthesia practice. In particular, better monitoring through BCIs could significantly reduce the incidence of intraoperative awareness, a rare but serious complication where patients regain consciousness during surgery. Participants will gain an understanding of the technical challenges, ethical considerations, and potential clinical benefits of employing BCIs for anesthesia monitoring. The workshop will provide a platform for cross-disciplinary discussion, inviting contributions from experts in neurotechnology, anesthesiology, and clinical practice to advance the state of knowledge in this rapidly evolving field.

Intended audience

This workshop is designed for researchers, clinicians, and engineers working in the fields of neurotechnology, anesthesia, and/or brain-computer interfaces (BCI). Participants should have a basic understanding of neuroscience or BCI technology. The workshop will be particularly relevant for those interested in the clinical application of BCI for monitoring brain activity during general anesthesia. Attendees will gain insights into how BCIs can improve patient safety and outcomes, especially in reducing the occurrence of intraoperative awareness. Prior experience with neuroimaging, electrophysiology, or anesthesiology is recommended but not required.

Learning objectives

In this workshop, we will explore a range of key topics aimed at advancing the use of BCIs in anesthesia monitoring. Among these, we will discuss promising algorithms for BCI applications, technical challenges related to EEG recording in the operating room, and the critical metrics BCIs should measure—whether awareness, amnesia, or consciousness. Ethical considerations for data collection, as well as the sensitivity, selectivity, and precision required for a successful BCI, will also be covered. We will tackle practical questions such as identifying suitable ‘ground truth data’ and testing BCI methods in clinical settings. Based on these topics, participants will achieve the following learning objectives:

• Participants will be able to learn about 3 existing research projects exploring the use of BCI for anesthesia monitoring;
• Participants will be able to identify at least three key technical challenges related to integrating BCIs for anesthesia monitoring in clinical settings;
• Participants will be able to discuss ethical considerations and propose solutions for data collection and patient safety in the context of BCI monitoring during surgery;
• Participants will be able to outline a roadmap for the clinical integration of BCI technology in anesthesia, identifying critical steps and potential barriers.

Martin Schuettler
Jonas Zimmermann

Abstract

Brain-Computer interfaces for people who will benefit from our technology consist of three parts: hardware, algorithms and user actuation/interaction. The academic community set all three parts in motion. Commercial entities are now largely responsible for the availability of the hardware, whereas algorithms and user actuation/interaction is still mostly in the academic realm. As a community we are in an interesting time where technology readiness level 9 (actual system proven in operational environment) for BCIs is on the horizon. How do we go from here to bring the technology to the home of the user? Will commercial entities enter the second and third part of a BCI? In this workshop profit/non-profit organizations are showcasing their new products, ready to go into early feasibility studies, and are commenting on their journey towards a fully implantable BCI solution. They will present their rationale for starting this journey and their vision of the future direction of implantable BCIs. After these presentations, the audience is divided into groups with mixed background and expertise to discuss scenario’s for the near and far future, inspiring new design input, alliances and hopefully clinical trials.

Intended Audience

The intended audience for this workshop is all who are interested to bring implantable BCIs to the homes of people who will benefit from a BCI. That includes academic researchers, clinicians, experts working on user centered design, algorithm developers, hardware developers, business developers. The intention of this workshop is to bring people from diMerent backgrounds together and to exchange ideas with each other.

Learning Objectives

Academic researchers will learn of at least two BCI devices that are ready for clinical trials. Algorithm developers and developers on user interaction learn the specifications of these state-of-the-art implanted BCIs to use in their designs. During the discussion members of each background/expertise subgroup learns from members of the other 5 subgroups with diMerent background and expertise. Hardware developers and user interaction designers are expected to learn at least two ideas for design input. All groups learn at least three requirements for a clinical trial with an implantable BCI

Zoran Nenadic
Charles Liu
Nicole Stanchina
Robert Raike

Abstract

BCIs may be a promising tool for rehabilitation, whether as a tool for neuromodulation or as a prosthetic. The process of translating ideas into viable medical devices has many obstacles that need to be overcome. This workshop will survey the current state of BCI clinical applications, their promises and pitfalls, and generate consensus on future directions. Short lectures will cover topics on unmet clinical needs in clinical rehabilitation, engineering challenges that need to be overcome in order for practical deployment of BCIs, and putting BCIs in the context of other rehabilitation treatments and emerging treatments, e.g., standard physiotherapies, neuromodulation, and regenerative medicine. This workshop will provide background on the clinical translational process, including the regulatory and clinical trial process for invasive and non-invasive BCIs, and medical device economics. Building on these fundamentals, small and large group discussions will be undertaken, facilitated by the panelists, to discuss important open questions on clinical BCI applications. Each small group will discuss their findings with the larger group to develop a compilation of consensus statements and outstanding matters. The workshop’s ultimate aim is to facilitate the field to successfully develop BCI-based clinical applications that will serve as meaningful treatment options for unmet neurorehabilitation needs.

Intended Audience

The intended audience includes clinicians, engineering trainees/researchers, medical device industry professionals, and regulatory experts. For trainees, this workshop provides a survey and tutorial on the clinical applications of BCIs and the clinical translation process. For experienced researchers, this is a forum to contribute their insight to the field’s future directions, including opportunities, challenges, and pitfalls that merit attention, research effort, and funding. Medical device industry professionals and regulatory experts can help to define opportunities for synergy between industry, regulatory bodies, and academia. Attendees should gain a better understanding of where BCIs can address clinical needs and be able to plan their endeavors in the context of the complex bench-to-bedside pathway.

Learning Objectives

1. Attendees will be able to identify at least 3 examples unmet clinical needs that may be addressed by BCI technology;
2. Attendees will be able to identify the critical research and development activities necessary to translate BCIs from the bench to the bedside;
3. Attendees will be able to identify what public health, regulatory, and commercialization considerations should be factored into clinical BCI research.

Presenters

Eli Kinney-Lang
Ali Etemad
Matthias Dold
Hatem Abou-Zeid

Abstract

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data have moved at lightspeed over the past two years, with an explosion of interest in topics such as foundational models (FMs), large language models (LLMs), AI Agents, and generative AI models. These tools have the potential to transform BCIs in their development and application. However, the diverse impact potential of BCIs for a variety of populations, including extremely vulnerable populations, require critical and careful consideration when developing relevant AI and ML models and tools. This workshop aims to bring together those who have extensive knowledge in the advancing AI space, with those who have substantial and unique data together, to build a collaborative approach to the ethical development of these tools. Through a “Literal Data Blitz”, where Data Champions and AI Experts are paired together in a speed-dating format, we will build the foundations for understanding how to develop and use advanced AI techniques to improve BCI systems as a community.

Intended Audience

The workshop is intended for any researcher who is interested in advanced AI tools such as LLMs, FMs, AI Agents, Generative AI models, for their BCI experiments and/or has data which they would want to explore with these techniques. It is also for researchers who are developing these techniques and need greater quantities of unique BCI recording data to help develop and/or finetune the AI models. Additionally, every researcher who is curious about capabilities of current AI systems and techniques in BCI or looking for available
datasets is welcome to participate in the workshop and Data Blitz. No specific background knowledge is required, but the workshop is intended for a technical audience who is involved in developing experiments with the tools.

Presenters

Ian Burkhart
Jamie Brannigan
K. Michelle Patrick-Krueger
Jose Contreras-Vidal

Abstract

Implanted brain-computer interfaces (iBCI) are progressing quickly, with over 25 years of research on long-term electrode implantation for communication and motor control applications. Despite this progress, as of December 2024, no iBCI systems have U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, nor are they validated as lifelong solutions. A significant barrier to further advancement is the limited availability of comprehensive data on past and ongoing clinical trials. To bridge this gap, we reviewed all identified clinical trials of iBCIs for communication and motor control or restoration of tactile perception conducted with long-term electrode implantation occurring before October 2024, identifying key research groups, implanted participants, and devices used. A critical next step is establishing a registry of iBCI users, capturing their long-term outcomes and diverse experiences. This registry could be a vital resource, advancing research and fostering ethical, standardized approaches for clinical measures in iBCI studies. In this workshop, we will propose action items, including developing this registry, promoting governed data sharing, and fostering inclusivity in participant populations, clinical measures, and team science.

Intended Audience

This workshop is intended for participants with lived experiences, students and researchers working, participating, or interested in the iBCI field. As the iBCI field is cross-disciplinary and success depends on team science, the target audience for this workshop should come from different backgrounds, including one or more of neuroscience, engineering, clinical, regulatory, participants with lived experience, industry, etc. Participants will be able to identify at least 6 challenges facing iBCI translation to the end-user. Participants will be able to contribute to the development of action items to address at least two of the challenges identified in the workshop.

Anouck Schippers
Nicholas Card
Theresa Vaughan

Abstract

For BCIs to reach their full potential for end-users, the technology must be functional outside of controlled laboratory settings, inside the homes of the end-users. At-home BCI use can provide valuable insights that can be used for the development of robust decoding algorithms that enable reliable BCI performance regardless of the environment where the BCI is used. Clinical translation of BCIs from lab to daily life can provide also highlight additional functionalities desired by the end-user and their caregivers that, when implemented, can boost technology adoption. However, at-home research or independent, unsupervised home use of BCIs are not yet standard practice. This workshop aims to promote the clinical translation of BCIs towards home use by sharing the experiences of various research groups, and by discussing the potential hurdles that face at-home BCI use.

Intended Audience

This workshop may provide valuable insight to participants with all backgrounds, and is focused on researchers, end-users, caregivers, and clinicians directly involved with the use of BCIs at the end-user’s home, and those who want to extend their BCI research outside of the lab. Participants should be interested in discussing: the necessary steps to make the translation from controlled laboratory environments to daily life situations; factors that can negatively or positively aHect BCI reliability in a home setting; and the role of the end-user and their needs and wishes in the development of BCI technology.

Learning Objectives

This workshop will focus on the following learning objectives. At its conclusion, attendees should be able to:

• Identify potential obstacles to conducting research sessions at the homes of participants and propose solutions.
• Identify potential hurdles to independent, unsupervised, BCI home use and propose solutions.
• Identify the steps necessary to take BCI research out of the lab settings, into daily life of end-users.

Janna Van Grunsven
Betts Peters
David Moses

Abstract

Implantable speech BCIs bear the promise of ‘restoring naturalistic communication’ for users who have lost this capacity due to severe paralysis (Metzger et al., 2023). The promise of restoration to naturalistic communication raises the question: what does it mean to communicate naturally, and is this the same as what people with severe paralysis desire in their communication? Ethicists have been raising the concern that designers of AAC devices often work with the narrow assumption that restoring communication equates to translation of semantic information into discrete action, such as signaling basic needs or ringing an alarm, thereby missing out on other more subtle and embodied types of communication such as nodding, facial expressions, cadence, tone, and intonation (Van Balen 2024;Van Grunsven, Van Balen & Bollen, 2024). This workshop will center around a philosophical and a practical question: “What does it mean for users of implantable speech-BCIs to communicate well and which lessons for future design can we learn from this?”We approach these questions from an interdisciplinary angle, with contributions from experts in the fields of ethics, user-perspectives, AAC-design, and neuroscience (part 1). In part 2 we will do a critical design exercise with participants in groups, whereafter we will list concrete design recommendations in a plenary discussion.

Intended Audience

This workshop will be of interest for anyone working in the field of implantable speech BCIs for people with severe paralysis and communication impairment. The workshop is thus suitable for people with backgrounds in neuroscience, engineering, software developers, clinicians, ethicists, AAC-designers, end-users, etc. After the workshop, participants will be able to articulate pitfalls and opportunities for designing speech BCIs that facilitate ‘good’ communication for users.

Fabien Lotte
Jonathan Wolpaw
Amy Orsborn
Sonja Kleih-Dahms

Abstract

Despite sustained progress and intensive research efforts, BCI are still scarcely used outside laboratories, notably due to their relatively low reliability & usability and large inter-user and intra-user variabilities. To address these issues, most BCI research is based on trial-and-error, e.g., exploring classification or training approaches in the quest for the most effective ones, without underlying theory that could explain or predict why some methods work and some others do not. This is bound to lead to suboptimal BCI design and/or slow scientific progress. Most studies are addressing problems without the guidance that coherent theories of BCI structure and function could provide. There is thus a strong need for theories in BCI research. We focus here on theories as defined, e.g., by the American Psychology Association: “a principle or body of interrelated principles that purports to explain or predict a number of interrelated phenomena.”

Intended Audience

This workshop is intended for scientists interested in fundamental BCI research, ideally with a broad interest in the various components of a BCI. This workshop will indeed be highly multidisciplinary, covering notably neuroscience, human factors, and computational methods. Note that newcomers in BCI are welcome, as their fresh point of view on BCI research and the challenges it faces will certainly contribute to identifying the specific issues for which useful theories are most needed. At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to identify three theories explaining BCI performance and/or outcome, and two major BCI issues or problems for which adequate theories are still needed.

Learning Objectives

This workshop aims to: (1) present several theories that are emerging regarding BCI user training, neurophysiological changes associated with BCI control, and mental state decoding; and (2) create a roadmap for further theoretical developments, for their experimental assessments, and ultimately for their translation into reliable effective BCIs suitable for widespread dissemination and use outside the laboratory.

Presenters

Ceci Verbaarschot
Alexander Remsik
Isabelle Rosenthal
Roberto  M. De Freitas
Annike Bekius

Abstract

In this workshop, we focus on improving the sensory and motor capabilities of a person’s upper limbs using Brain-Computer Interfacing (BCI). Although the idea of restorative BCIs is not new, the applied methodologies have changed significantly over the past few years; from primarily non-invasive open-loop BCI to invasive closed-loop BCI with or without synchronous spinal cord stimulation. The latter has demonstrated incredible functional improvements in motor control even years after, e.g., a spinal cord injury. As these exciting developments progress, we wonder (1) what role sensory feedback plays in the restoration of lost function and improvement of quality of life, (2) how artificially-evoked sensations may provide an effective substitute during rehabilitation, and (3) how we can best fit our research goals to benefit our target user. A team of scientists, ethicists and people living with sensory and motor deficits will provide their perspective on achieved and desired success in restorative BCI. We will discuss alternative forms of sensory feedback across various levels of intervention; from non-invasive neuroimaging techniques to invasive brain recordings coupled with spinal cord stimulation. Together, we aim to spotlight the role of sensory feedback in neuro-rehabilitation and define measurable research goals that clearly serve our target user.

Intended Audience

This workshop is suitable for anyone with an interest in the neural control of upper limb movement, as well as the assistance, enhancement, or restoration of sensorimotor abilities via neural recordings and/or stimulation. We particularly invite people with a background in biomedical engineering, brain-computer interfacing, spinal cord stimulation, ethics, physical/occupational therapy, neurology, and neurosurgery, as well as people with sensory and/or motor deficits or user experience in neural rehabilitation. The scheduled talks in the workshop will present the specific background information needed to complete the planned activities.

Learning Objectives

In this workshop, people get the unique opportunity to actively engage in discussions with both scientists, ethicists and people living with sensory and motor deficits.
Together, we will:
• Learn about state-of-the-art non-invasive and invasive techniques in sensory and motor
rehabilitation.
• Learn about the importance of sensation in the (interrupted) sensorimotor loop.
• Learn about different approaches to evoke alternative forms of sensory feedback.
• Familiarize ourselves with existing clinical measurements for sensory and motor control.

Presenters

Dejana Nikitovic
John Andersen
Alicia Hilderley
Dion Kelly

Abstract

The Stronger Together: Harnessing the Power of Patient Partner Engagement in BCI workshop will focus on priority setting for patient partner engagement in brain-computer interface (BCI) research. Building on the BCI community’s extensive experience of working closely with BCI users, the workshop will explore different levels of patient engagement, from patient-oriented design to patient-led research. The workshop objectives are: 1) discuss patient partner engagement in the BCI context, 2) share research, clinical and industry examples of patient partner engagement in BCI projects, and 3) work together to identify what is necessary to build strong, impactful, effective partner engagement programs within the complex transdisciplinary field of BCI. Workshop participants will brainstorm the benefits, opportunities, and challenges of partner engagement initiatives as part of small groups that will include researchers, BCI users and their families/caregivers with lived experience. The workshop will serve as a first step in developing communityinformed recommendations for patient partner engagement in BCI research. Following the workshop, attendees will be invited to participate in a Delphi process to finalize recommendations to be shared broadly.

Intended Audience

The workshop is designed for all members of the BCI community interested in patient partner engagement. While our teams focus on the pediatric population and simple noninvasive BCI systems, discussions will be relevant for both pediatric and adult settings. Our goal is to engage with the full spectrum of diverse BCI community members to create patient engagement priorities and recommendations. Prior experience with the patient partner engagement is not needed.

Luke Bashford
Cristin Welle
David Mcmullen
Guangying Wu

Abstract

Early feasibility studies (EFS) of implantable Brain-Computer Interfaces (iBCIs) have demonstrated promising initial safety and efficacy results for recovering communication and sensorimotor functions in patients with paralysis from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal cord injury (SCI). International pivotal trials to demonstrate clinical effectiveness and the definitive benefits to patients are expected in the next 5 years. To navigate the critical evidence to be collected in the pivotal trials, industry and academics in the BCI field need guidance about clinical trial considerations specific to this stage and type of research. Towards this end, an initial public workshop jointly organized by the FDA/NIH was held in 2024 focused on developing iBCI Clinical Outcome Assessments (COAs). The objective of this BCI Society conference workshop is to present current thinking on BCI clinical trial considerations, with a focus toward clinical trial design and outcome assessments, and seek further input from stakeholders in the BCI society. Given this is an international meeting, FDA/NIH will be joined by other national regulators such as MHRA, UK. The outcome of this workshop will be an initial consensus of clinical trial considerations and CoA measures to be used in BCI pivotal trials.

Intended Audience

Participants will be those who have experience with implantable BCI clinical research and development, those who provide healthcare, and those who may benefit from the daily use of BCI in their home environments. Participants will be able to engage in the discussion and provide feedback about best practices for developing and implementing pivotal clinical trials and about optimal CoA measures in communication, upper extremity function, and mobility of ALS and SCI patients

Adam Kirton
Mariska Vansteensel
Alistair Mcewan
Eli Kinney-Lang

Abstract

Implantable BCI systems are maturing rapidly. For those with pediatric onset conditions affecting motor and speech function, such as cerebral palsy, implantable BCIs are a revolutionary technology that could greatly enhance their independence and support them in activities of daily living, leading to potential life-long use. However, implantable BCIs for this population have not yet been possible due to many complex barriers. This workshop aims to collaboratively build a 5-year roadmap for tackling these barriers, to encourage the inclusion of this large global population in the rapidly developing implantable BCI space. The workshop will include a review of the past 18 months of collaborative work that followed the 1st International Summit on Implantable BCIs for Children withComplex Needs in early 2024, as a starting place for small-group development and discussion. It will include sessions on several themes relevant to advancing implantable BCIs for children and adults with pediatric onset conditions and complex needs. These themes include:

1. Brain structure and function in pediatric onset conditions
2. Functionalities of implantable BCIs and their current barriers
3. Advantages and disadvantages learned from other implanted technologies
4. User-centered designs for implantable BCIs across the lifespan

Intended Audience

The workshop is intended for anyone interested in advancing implantable BCIs for children and adults with lifelong pediatric onset conditions. No specific background knowledge is required, but the workshop may include technical or domain specific knowledge. Attendees from the 2024 Summit on Implantable BCIs for Children and subsequent workshops are strongly encouraged to attend. Audience members will be encouraged to review relevant materials provided by the workshop organizers (including videos and summaries) in advance to help support their contributions towards the goals of the workshop.

Ashley Feinsinger

Abstract

While ethicists, researchers, and study participants have expressed the importance of lived experience engagement in brain-computer interface (BCI) studies, there is neither consensus nor widespread guidance on what engagement in these studies would encompass, why it should be done, and how to do it. Community engagement is limited to mechanisms of consultation with people with lived experience prior to designing a study, during study recruitment, and results dissemination. While important, this ignores the significant expertise of individuals who are participating in long term BCI clinical trials that often require years of intensive involvement, sometimes including surgery to implant the device, with no promise of direct clinical benefit. Companies are seeking to bring BCIs to market so now is a crucial time to advance guidance on participant engagement to maximize the benefits of technology for current and future participants. However, we recognize that participant engagement comes with challenges and uncertainties about how to do it effectively. The workshop will describe the current state of community and participant engagement, gaps in current practices and underappreciated opportunities for improved participant engagement, and the ethical foundations that should guide increased engagement efforts. Breakout groups will inform the development of guidance for participant engagement.

Intended Audience

This workshop will benefit from broad participation of all BCI-related stakeholders: users, researchers, clinicians, ethicists, industry leaders, regulators, and government officials. They will gain an understanding of the current state of community and participant engagement in BCI and contribute to identifying gaps, opportunities, and challenges for participant engagement in the future.

Peter Brunner
Johannes Grünwald
Kai Miller
Martin Schuettler

Abstract

Neuromodulation systems use brain-computer interface operating principles to deliver targeted neurostimulation directly to the nervous system, and to realize therapies for neurological and psychiatric conditions such as epilepsy, depression, and movement disorders. Progress in the research and development of neuromodulation therapies depends on a cadre of investigators who understand clinical needs, can identify relevant research questions, and can translate their research interests into effective interdisciplinary research programs. This workshop aims to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of open-loop and closed-loop neurostimulation approaches, as well as insight into research methodology, technical design, and clinical applications. Designed for neurophysiologists, clinicians, engineers, and researchers, this workshop offers an interdisciplinary examination of invasive neuromodulation-based BCI technology. It features presentations by experts at the forefront of their respective fields, covering topics ranging from advanced methodologies in data interpretation, system design and implementation, and clinical applications of neuromodulation. Through interactive presentations, this workshop will engage participants who will break out into group discussions to discuss challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of neuromodulation-based BCIs in clinical practice.

Intended Audience

This session is designed for an interdisciplinary audience with diverse expertise and interests in advancing neuromodulation and BCI technologies. Specifically, it addresses neurophysiologists who want to explore novel methodologies for investigating brain function through invasive BCIs; clinicians who are focused on the therapeutic potential and applications of neuromodulation systems; engineers interested in the practical challenges and innovations required for implementing open-loop and closed-loop systems; and researchers seeking to deepen their understanding of the scientific principles and rationale underlying these technologies.

Presenters

Hunter Schone
David Bjånes
Mathew Glasser
Frank Willet
Sanne Kikkert
Stephen Foldes
David McMullen
Jorge Gonazlez-Martinez
Nick Ramsey

Abstract

Are you planning on implanting a human participant with an intracortical BCI? BCI functionality is largely constrained by the neural tuning of the neurons your implanted electrodes interface with; thus, precise targeting of the desired implant site is essential for maximizing research and therapeutic outcomes. Given the diversity in cortical surface geometry across individuals, neuroanatomical markers alone may not be sufficient to target the same functional area across participants. Over the last decade, a variety of targeting strategies have emerged to identify optimal implant sites including: non-invasive neuroimaging (fMRI, MEG) to awake intraoperative neural recordings and stimulation. To date, academic and industry groups have worked independently with limited discourse on the success of attempted approaches. In this workshop, we invite all intracortical BCI stakeholders to engage with our panel of experts in neuroimaging, neurosurgery and neural engineering to openly discuss existing targeting strategies. The workshop will be structured based on function, starting with motor control (of speech and hand/arm) and then sensory BCIs, concluding with a clinical perspective on participant needs and surgical considerations. Throughout each section, we will facilitate discussion where attendees can ask questions, discuss pitfalls and expertise required for each methodology. Ultimately, this workshop aims to propel the field towards greater consensus on successful implant targeting strategies for BCIs.

Intended Audience

We invite all BCI stakeholders to our workshop. The intended audience is anyone interested in identifying cortical regions of interest using functional or electrical mapping techniques. The specific validation data of these techniques will be from implanted intra-cortical arrays; however, these data will be applicable to a large variety of cortical interfaces (SEEG, ECoG, etc) across the BCI community. With an emphasis on surgical and patient considerations, this workshop will also interest a diverse group of clinical populations for a variety of BCIs: speech, motor control, sensory restoration.

Serafeim Perdikis
Tristan Venot

Abstract

BCIs constitute a promising tool for treating or circumventing neurological symptoms and promoting neurorehabilitation strategies. Yet, they fail to detect mental intentions in about 30% of the users. Multiple ways to tackle this issue have been proposed, mainly by either establishing a machine capable of sensing subtle variations in the data that are consistent enough for a precise controller or by finding consistent behavior and patterns of training. In this workshop, we propose to bridge the gap between these aspects by focusing on the identification, the selection, and the assessment of the information used to translate the brain activity into commands, namely, the features.
The workshop will be split into three parts. In the first part, an overview of existing and emerging features will be presented. The second part will be dedicated to the clinical relevance of novel features. The third part will focus on guidelines and concrete recommendations when dealing with the BCI features’ instability. Finally, to structure the general discussion in direct alignment with the challenges faced by the community, the discussion will be guided by a selection of pre-arranged questions asked by the participants head on.

Intended Audience

This workshop is designed for participants with a minimal background in both neuroscience and engineering and, ideally, with some familiarity with signal processing techniques. By the end of the workshop, participants will get acquainted with various types of traditional and emerging features used in BCI, the pros and cons of each of these, their limitations, and of course, their ideal BCI applicability context. Finally, attendees will bring home new types of neurophysiologically grounded analysis and open-source tools to use on their own data to better characterize the subjects’ intents.

Jaimie Henderson
Marc Slutzky
Kaylo Littlejohn
Maitreyee Wairagkar

Abstract

During the last BCI Society meeting in 2023, we hosted a workshop titled “Understanding and utilizing the neural basis of speech: from basic science to neuroprostheses”. The workshop attracted significant interest from the meeting attendees and highlighted advances in brain-computer interfaces for communication in individuals who have lost the ability to speak. Novel research directions have emerged since then, including decoding of individual voice characteristics from brain activity, use of minimally invasive stereo-EEG recordings and decoding facial movements for verbal and non-verbal communication. These studies contribute to our understanding of speech representation in the brain, and demonstrate the potential of transferring this knowledge to applications in end users. However, many challenges remain on the path to clinical application. Key questions persist around the ethical use of artificial intelligence and large language models, the practicalities of real-world deployment, and the effectiveness of brain-to-text, brain-to-voice, and brain-to-face decoding approaches. This year’s workshop will provide an update on the latest advancements in the field and host a panel discussion on scientific progress and clinical translation.

Intended Audience

Researchers and stakeholders of BCIs for communication, including potential end users, patient organizations, industrial partners and policy makers.

Joel Ye
Matthew Perich

Abstract

Modern deep learning research has demonstrated that large deep networks trained on large datasets can provide a strong base model that enables rapid, high performance modeling in subsequent settings. This initial phase is termed pretraining, and when performed at sufficiently large scale, these models are termed foundation models. The effectiveness of foundation models has enabled a qualitatively different route to progress in disciplines such as natural language processing and computer vision, centered primarily around the study of how to best create strong base models that can be efficiently adapted to many downstream use cases. Scaling pretraining for brain-computer interfaces raises a number of challenges that are currently studied independently across neural data domains. For example, each new proposed model will include discussion of modality-specific data processing, preparation over large volumes of heterogeneous data, and evaluation challenges dependent on the downstream use cases. Establishing best practices for these choices is particularly important given the high expense and complexity of preparing these foundation models.

Intended Audience

This workshop is for anyone interested in either the use or development of large scale neural data models for decoding BCIs. There will be a computational focus, but we invite researchers interested in dataset creation, model design, and decoder evaluation, from any BCI data modality. The talks will provide background for the needed machine learning concepts to understand individual approaches and model performance scaling.

Learning Objectives

This workshop brings together experts from different neural data modalities — EEG, ECoG, single-unit spiking activity — to discuss cross-cutting challenges of creating the first foundation models for BCI. Our first goal is to compare how the performance of pretrained models across modalities improve when scaling their training data and model size. Our second goal is to identify systemic bottlenecks in the field, such as lack of pretraining data or uncontrolled downstream evaluation. After this workshop, participants will be able to describe the steps required to create and use foundation models, and will learn the primary factors impacting deep network performance scaling in BCIs.

Harry Lambert
Allanah Beazley
Reinhold Scherer

Abstract

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) offer real-time insights into mental states, enhancing human-machine interaction, particularly for those with neurological conditions and disorders. While research emphasizes neuroscientific and technological advancements, ethical considerations, and commercialization standards, the legal implications remain underexplored. This workshop addresses critical legal questions arising in BCI research, clinical applications, and commercialization. Participants will learn when BCIs qualify as medical devices under the European Medical Device Regulation, understand the legal consequences of BCI malfunctions and data breaches, and examine issues related to GDPR compliance and discrimination. Additionally, we will explore how BCI-derived insights into human behavior can influence legal accountability and potentially lead to new legal frameworks. Through interactive activities, attendees will gain the legal expertise necessary to navigate litigation involving BCIs, fostering the development of more sophisticated and legally compliant technologies.

Intended Audience

This workshop is designed for professionals and students in neuroscience, engineering, law, ethics, healthcare, policy-making, and technology development. It is suitable for those interested in the legal aspects of BCI technology, including regulatory compliance, data protection, and ethical considerations. Attendees should have a basic understanding of BCI technology or legal frameworks and a desire to explore how law intersects with neuroscience and technology.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

1. Understanding Medical Device Classification: Explain the criteria that classify BCIs as medical devices under the European Medical Device Regulation.
2. Applying International Legal Differences: Compare and contrast the legal frameworks affecting BCIs in the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom.
3. Analysing Legal Consequences of BCI Malfunctions: Examine and articulate the legal implications and potential liabilities associated with malfunctions in BCIs.
4. Evaluating General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Compliance: Assess the impact and consequences of GDPR violations in the context of BCI applications.
5. Identifying and Recognizing Unlawful Discrimination: Detect and describe instances of unlawful discrimination that may be facilitated by the use of BCIs.

Ricardo Chavarriaga
Katharine “Katya” Hill
Luigi Bianchi
Mariska Vansteensel

Abstract

Since the 2023 standardization workshop, the BCI Society has emphasized the need for a clear definition of BCI/BMI to ensure a shared understanding. Concurrently, the IEEE SA WG P2794 has developed a reporting checklist to improve reporting of BCI research. To finalize and validate this checklist, we plan to host a workshop to develop consensus around the proposed standard using a modified Delphi method (1). Before the workshop, subject matter experts will review the draft checklist, and the checklist will be made available in advance to all workshop participants. During the workshop, at least 20 workshop members will participate in anonymous, iterative survey rounds via smartphones to refine the checklist. Moderated feedback will follow each round, with discussions to address any concerns. An online consensus meeting will take place two weeks after the workshop, and the final checklist will be submitted for publication.
Reporting checklists have been widely adopted in medical and assistive technology research (2) to improve the quality and interpretability of study reporting. Introducing an observational and interventional reporting checklist for BCI research is expected to improve reporting quality, increase citation counts (3), and enhance the likelihood of translating research findings into practical applications.

Intended Audience

We intend to engage experts from a wide variety of backgrounds to reach a broad consensus, including academics, clinical practitioners, industry representatives, patient advocates, regulatory affairs experts, and BCI end users as well as representatives from the publishing industry. Users of BCIs and people with expertise in conducting systemic reviews are particularly encouraged to attend and contribute to the consensus.

Presenters

Brendan Allison
Patrick Britz
Conor Russomanno
Jonathan Wolpaw
Christoph Guger
Ramses Alcaide
Jörn Rickert

Abstract

The last decade has seen the rise of “Big BCI” programs from huge entities including Facebook, Neuralink, and Galvani Bioelectrics. Concordantly, large companies such as Morgan Stanley and Gartner and other entities like Neurotech Reports have recently produced reports that analyze challenges, opportunities, companies, and stakeholders involving BCIs. As BCIs continue to grow, business and tech reports about BCIs will become more prominent. These commercial reports and analyses could benefit from engagement with people who use or work with BCIs. This reflects a common concern within the BCI community: stakeholder fragmentation. Experienced BCI researchers, companies, and users could improve the completeness, quality, and trustworthiness of these reports. Increased interaction could also help companies that produce neurotechnologies engage large-scale investors and provide more helpful information to readers. 

Intended Audience

This workshop is meant for people who want to be involved with interaction between BCI practitioners and companies that analyze and report on BCIs. This includes BCI practitioners who want to contribute to business reports, consulting, and other interactive efforts. Attendees should have a background in business and/or BCIs (broadly defined), including underlying disciplines such as medicine, neuroscience, signal processing, and engineering. We also welcome people concerned with reducing stakeholder fragmentation – one of the most trenchant and damaging problems throughout the history of BCIs. 

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn who many stakeholders are, how to engage them, and examples of reports and statements.