Neuroengineering and Brain Interfaces

Mission and Background

At the IT'IS Foundation, we develop and apply computational methods to investigate how electromagnetic (EM), ultrasound, and other neuromodulation modalities interact with the nervous system across spatiotemporal scales—from ion channels and axons to neurons, circuits, and whole-brain networks.

Our mission is to enable effective and safe therapeutic applications and devices, accelerate in silico design and testing, and advance evidence-based regulations that guard against unintended stimulation. We aim for rigorous, quantitative, uncertainty-aware, and reproducible modeling to address real-world problems, guide design choices, inform regulatory dialogue, and ultimately benefit patients.

Our Research Integrates

• Physics-based EM field modeling: Application of Virtual Population (VIP) reference anatomies, subject-specific models, and image-derived regional models to quantify exposure and assess neuro-activation in the brain, spine, and complex nerves.
• Neuro-functionalized anatomical models: Coupling of EM field modeling with electrophysiologically and morphologically detailed neurons (axons, single cells, populations, circuits) to elucidate interaction mechanisms.
• Neural-mass and network modeling: Investigation and prediction of brain-wide dynamics and network responses under stimulation.
• Personalized therapy planning: Utilization of Sim4Life’s image-based workflows for invasive and noninvasive neuromodulation (including temporal interference stimulation, TIS) to optimize targeting for research and clinical applications.
• Model-based signal analysis: Analysis of neural recordings (EEG, MEG, LFP, eCAP, EIT) to support interpretation and maximize the information content of neural interfaces.
• Closed-loop concepts: Integration of modeling, recording, and control to shift from open-loop "dosage" to adaptive, outcome-driven neuromodulation.
• Clinical translation: Collaboration with hospitals, universities, regulators, and standardization committees to validate models, refine safety/dose constraints, de-risk clinical deployment, and derive international standards

What We Offer

• Teaching and training: Development of materials to teach underlying theory and train researchers to successfully deploy our methods and tools.
• Custom research and development (R&D): Execution of customized R&D—from model building and simulation workflows to device optimization and regulatory-grade safety assessment—in close collaboration with clinicians, manufacturers, and regulators.
• Research fellowships: (i) Katja Poković Research Fellowship, specifically for female applicants; (ii) Katja Poković Research Projects, project support for IT'IS-employed project leaders, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate students.