Neuromodulation Research

In the neuromodulation lab the main focus is to understand the basic neurophysiological mechanisms that underpin neuromodulation methods. We then aim to leverage this new knowledge to improve the application of neuromodulation therapies in patients. To achieve this we use a wide range of approaches from computational modelling, electrophysiology in both rodents and humans, healthy volunteer and patient behavioural testing. We aim to build on the current expertise in cochlear implants (CI) within ExpORL and apply this to other neuromodulation methods. Concrete examples include the transferring of knowledge developed within ExpORL on CI novel pulse forms to improve therapeutic outcomes in deep brain stimulation (DBS) patients. Additionally, we have built upon expertise and skills within ExpORL on measuring EEG in cochlear implant users to develop new EEG-based biomarkers in DBS patients. Besides our work on DBS, we also seek to improve and understand non-invasive neuromodulation methods (such as tDCS and tACS) and then apply these improved methods to treat neurodegenerative disorders.