Dr. Cassandra Sampaio Baptista is a Lecturer at the University of Glasgow's School of Psychology & Neuroscience. Her research focuses on brain plasticity in adulthood, particularly exploring how experiences like skill learning or rehabilitation influence structural and functional changes in the brain. She employs neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI neurofeedback and MRI to investigate mechanisms of myelin and white matter plasticity. Her work emphasizes translational applications, including stroke rehabilitation and promoting healthy aging. Key contributions include demonstrating myelin's role in motor learning and developing MRI protocols for white matter analysis. She collaborates on projects funded by the BIAL Foundation (2025–2026) and has supervised multiple postgraduate students. Recent publications highlight studies on oligodendrocyte dynamics, neurofeedback interventions for stroke survivors, and cross-species neuroscience approaches. While no specific awards are listed, her extensive publication record reflects her leadership in neuroplasticity research.
Dr Sue Caton is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Care and Social Work at Manchester Metropolitan University, within the Faculty of Health and Education. Her research focuses on social and health inequalities affecting people with intellectual disabilities, particularly digital inclusion, mental health medication decision-making, and pandemic impacts. She leads projects such as Digital Lifeline (NIHR-funded), Medications and My Mental Health (NIHR RfPB), and co-leads Our Digital Health (NIHR RfSC), emphasizing co-produced methodologies. Research Projects: Digital Lifeline: Evaluating tablet impact on social connections post-pandemic. Medications and My Mental Health: Empowering informed medication decisions for people with learning disabilities. Our Digital Health: Assessing digital health participation barriers. Key Expertise: Qualitative research, health inequalities, inclusive research design, and participatory methodologies. Her work addresses pandemic-related challenges faced by marginalized groups, including access to healthcare and social support. She has supervised four completed PhD students and currently mentors four PhD candidates exploring topics such as digital inclusion, animal-assisted interventions, and familial perspectives in parenting support. Dr Caton has led evaluations for initiatives like the Shared Lives 16+ project and the Us Too project on domestic abuse, demonstrating expertise in policy-informed research. Her contributions include over 50 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on digital participation, mental health, and pandemic resilience among people with intellectual disabilities. Awards: No specific scientific awards mentioned, though her work is funded by prestigious bodies like NIHR and UKRI. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams including Dudley Voices for Choice, Liverpool John Moores University, and the Universities of Dundee, Warwick, and Birmingham City.
Zhenhong Li is a Lecturer in Robotics and Control at the University of Manchester, holding an EPSRC Fellowship in physical human-robot interaction. He earned his B.Eng. from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (2013), and M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Control Engineering from the University of Manchester (2014 and 2019). Before joining Manchester in 2023, he was a Research Fellow in Rehabilitation Robotics at the University of Leeds (2019–2023). His research focuses on control technologies for human-robot systems, with applications in healthcare and industry. Key areas include physical human-robot interaction for rehabilitation, brain-computer interfaces, and neuromusculoskeletal modeling. He leads the Neurorobotics Lab (NRL) at Manchester and collaborates with healthcare professionals, industries, and designers via EPSRC/STFC/Wellcome Trust funding. Notable achievements include the 2019 Best Paper Award for Unmanned Systems and the 2020 EPS International Academic Pump-priming Award. In 2025, he was elected as a Senior Member of the IEEE. He actively organizes conferences and special issues, including the 2025 IEEE UK Robotics Conference and a Frontiers special issue on intelligent rehabilitation technology. Dr. Li supervises PhD candidates in robotics and control, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to human-robot interaction. His lab develops cutting-edge technologies like assistive exoskeletons and adaptive control systems for healthcare and industrial applications.
Christos Gatzidis serves as Executive Dean of Bournemouth University's Faculty of Science and Technology since October 2023, overseeing six departments including Computing and Informatics, Creative Technology, and Psychology. Previously Deputy Dean (2021-2023) and Head of Creative Technology Department (2016-2021), he was appointed Professor in Creative Technology in November 2019. The Faculty leads five REF Units of Assessment and secures funding from AHRC, NIHR, and Innovate UK for research spanning digital healthcare, gaming technologies, and cultural heritage applications. His educational qualifications include: PhD in Information Science, City University London (2010) PG Cert in Research Degree Supervision, Bournemouth University (2010) MA in Computer Animation, Teesside University (2003) BSc (Hons) in Computer Studies (Visualisation), University of Derby (2002) Professor Gatzidis specializes in computer graphics with research spanning virtual reality, serious games, and digital healthcare applications. His work bridges technical innovation and practical implementation, particularly in mindfulness prototypes for healthcare and stroke rehabilitation systems. Current projects focus on the multidisciplinary application of gaming technologies in medical contexts, emphasizing user experience and therapeutic outcomes through collaborations with industry partners. His publication record (2014-2025) demonstrates evolving expertise from foundational computer graphics research in terrain generation and deformation to applied work in healthcare, cultural heritage, and music education. Key trends include virtual reality for therapeutic mindfulness, usability studies in mobile gaming, and digital cultural presentation techniques, reflecting a trajectory toward socially impactful technological solutions with strong industry translation. No scientific awards are documented in the provided information. He has supervised PhD students and secured competitive research funding, including two Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. His principal investigator role in a virtual reality mindfulness prototype project exemplifies his approach to translating academic research into practical industry solutions, with current focus on expanding knowledge exchange activities to support the University's civic engagement mission. As Executive Dean, he leads faculty-wide research strategy across six departments, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations particularly in digital healthcare and cultural heritage. His personal research integrates computer graphics expertise with clinical applications through partnerships with healthcare providers and technology companies, driving innovation in therapeutic VR systems and educational gaming platforms.
Professor Dario Farina is Chair in Neurorehabilitation Engineering at the Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London. He has previously served as Full Professor at Aalborg University, Denmark, and at the University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany, where he founded and directed the Institute of Neurorehabilitation Systems. His research spans biomedical signal processing, neural control of movement, and neurorehabilitation technology, with extensive contributions to electromyography, motor unit analysis, and neural interfaces. Chair in Neurorehabilitation Engineering, Imperial College London Former Full Professor, Aalborg University and University Medical Center Göttingen Founder and Director, Institute of Neurorehabilitation Systems Key Affiliations: Centre for Neurotechnology, Artificial Intelligence Network, Robotics Forum, Neuromechanics and Rehabilitation Technology His research focuses on biomedical signal processing , neural control of movement , and neurorehabilitation technology . He investigates how neural signals control muscles, develops methods to decode motor unit activity from EMG, and designs neural interfaces for prosthetics and rehabilitation. His work integrates computational modeling, signal processing, and clinical applications to improve bionic systems and neurorehabilitation outcomes. The recent publications (2024–2025) show a strong emphasis on high-density EMG , real-time motor unit decomposition , peripheral and cortical neural interfacing , closed-loop control systems , and AI-driven biosignal analysis . Key themes include decoding spinal and cortical signals, improving prosthetic control, understanding tremor mechanisms, and developing open-source tools for motor unit analysis. The work bridges neuroscience, engineering, and clinical practice. Scientific awards and honors include: Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award (2016) IEEE EMBS Early Career Achievement Award (2010) Nightingale Prize for best paper in MBEC (2007) Elected Fellow of EAMBES (2016) Elected Fellow of AIMBE (2012) Professor Farina has advised numerous researchers and students in neuroengineering and rehabilitation technology. He has led major research grants in neural interfaces and neurorehabilitation. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology , an editor for IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering and The Journal of Physiology , and has held editorial roles in multiple journals. He was President of ISEK (2012–2014) and is a Senior Member of IEEE. He leads a research group focused on neuromechanics, neural decoding, and bionic systems. The team develops tools like I-Spin live and MUedit for real-time motor unit identification and contributes to open-source platforms such as NeuroMotion . The lab collaborates internationally on projects involving spinal cord stimulation, prosthetic control, and wearable robotics, aiming to translate neural engineering advances into clinical rehabilitation.
Dr. Ori Ossmy is an Associate Professor (Reader) and Head of the Physical Cognition Lab at Birkbeck College, University of London. His research examines physical cognition across development, injury, and rehabilitation using interdisciplinary approaches combining psychology, neuroscience, and computational methods. Research spans: Infant locomotor development and error learning Neurorehabilitation using VR-manipulated feedback EEG/EMG correlates of motor coordination ADHD interventions through embodied gaming Publication analysis shows strong emphasis on translational research with applications in pediatric healthcare, neurorehabilitation, and educational technology. Methodological innovations include motion tracking, VR environments, and machine learning. Honors include: Best Supervisor Award (2023) Innovative Methods Award from British Psychological Society (2022) Distinguished Early Career Award from ICIS Dr. Ossmy leads the Physical Cognition Lab with 11 PhD students/postdocs and has secured funding from Leverhulme Trust, UKRI, and Simons Foundation. Current projects examine motor learning in Parkinson's patients, infant movement quantification, and cognitive flexibility in ADHD children.
Fatemeh Mollaei is a Lecturer in Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading, affiliated with the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences. She is a core member of the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN), focusing on neurophysiological mechanisms of speech disorders. Her work integrates behavioral, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging techniques to study Parkinson’s disease (PD) and develops neuro-rehabilitation methods using non-invasive brain stimulation (e.g., TMS, tDCS). Her research explores how sensory and motor systems interact during speech production in PD, employing tools like EEG, fMRI, and MEG. She investigates microstructural white matter changes and auditory processing deficits linked to speech impairments, aiming to translate findings into clinical interventions. Her studies also address broader topics like sensorimotor adaptation and stuttering, emphasizing translational neuroscience. Publications highlight trends in neuroimaging of speech disorders, auditory feedback mechanisms, and neuroplasticity in PD. While no formal awards are listed, her contributions to understanding speech motor control and rehabilitation practices are significant. Advising and grant details are not explicitly provided, but her involvement in interdisciplinary CINN projects suggests active collaborative research. Labs/Teams: Active contributor to the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN) at the University of Reading, collaborating on translational neuroscience projects.
Professor Charlotte Stagg is based at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN) within the University of Oxford . She serves as Associate Director of the Oxford Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging and holds a Beale Fellow in Medicine position at St Hilda's College. Her research focuses on the physiological mechanisms of motor learning and stroke recovery, utilizing multimodal neuroimaging and brain stimulation techniques. Research Interests : GABA signaling, neuroplasticity, transcranial ultrasound, stroke neurorehabilitation Techniques : 7T MRI, MEG, non-invasive brain stimulation, neurochemistry Selected Scientific Awards : Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow Beale Fellow in Medicine, St Hilda's College Collaborations : Leads the Physiological Neuroimaging Group (PiNG), part of the Neuroplastics Collaborative Network with groups led by Heidi Johansen-Berg and Jacinta O'Shea. Current advisees include DPhil student Birtan Demirel and visiting researchers from HEC Montréal and The University of Manchester.
Dr. Ernesto Elias Vidal Rosas is a Lecturer at the School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton. Previously, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at UCL Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Department. He specializes in neuroimaging and optical technologies with extensive expertise in near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), diffuse optical tomography (DOT), and wearable brain imaging systems. He is currently accepting PhD students. Research Focus: Dr. Vidal-Rosas leads research in neuroimaging methodologies and brain-computer interfaces. His work emphasizes wearable technologies for clinical and home-based monitoring, with applications spanning from neonatal care to motor rehabilitation. Key research domains include: Development of high-density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT) systems Integration of EEG and fNIRS for brain-computer interfaces Real-time processing algorithms for neurofeedback applications Non-invasive monitoring of therapeutic responses in oncology He is currently involved in the Horizon Europe PUREMIND project focused on preventing mental illness through multimodal biomarker analysis. Academic Activities: Actively advises PhD candidates in Computer Science and teaches undergraduate courses including Healthcare Technology Design (ELEC2231) and Digital Control System Design (ELEC3206). His pedagogical research includes developing virtual tools for engineering education. Affiliations: Member of the Digital Health and Biomedical Engineering research group and the Institute for Life Sciences at Southampton.
Jörg Fachner is a Professor of Music, Health, and the Brain at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), serving as Co-Director of the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research. His research focuses on translational issues in interdisciplinary topics between medical, humanities, and music sciences. He holds a Dr. rerum medicinalium (Medical Sciences) from the University of Witten/Herdecke and a Diplom Pädagoge (Master in Education) from the University of Dortmund. **Research Interests:** Music therapy in neurorehabilitation, addiction treatment, dementia care, and mental health. Specializes in social neuroscience, EEG-based studies of therapeutic processes, and the neural dynamics of music-induced emotions. **Grants & Consultancy:** Major grants include the Josef Ressel Centre for Personalised Music Therapy Research in Neurorehabilitation (€1.1M), UKRI funding for RadioMe dementia technology (£35k), and collaborations with institutions like Aalborg University and Jyväskylä University. Consulted on projects such as depression and music therapy (NHS) and art therapies in addiction treatment (Germany). **Awards:** None explicitly listed, but recognized for contributions to music therapy research and clinical practice. **Labs/Teams:** Leads the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects like RadioMe and EEG hyperscanning studies. Supervises a global cohort of PhD students in music therapy and neuroscience.
Dr. Claire Williams is an Associate Professor in Psychology at Swansea University's School of Medicine, Health and Life Science. She specializes in applied neuropsychology and clinical research, particularly in traumatic brain injury (TBI), emotional functioning post-injury, and neurobehavioral assessment tools like the St Andrew’s-Swansea Neurobehavioural Outcome Scale (SASNOS). Her work spans interdisciplinary collaboration, public engagement, and improving healthcare accessibility. Her research interests include TBI's neurobehavioral legacies, decision-making in criminal justice for TBI defendants, and emotional eating mechanisms. She has developed the SASNOS, a multi-lingual tool aiding rehabilitation planning, and explored bilingualism's role in cognitive function among Welsh speakers. Key grants include projects on mock juror evaluations of TBI defendants (£30,000) and collaborative partnerships in neurorehabilitation (£30,416.57). She co-founded the Annual Brain Injury Conference and serves on the South Wales Acquired Brain Injury Forum. Dr. Williams supervises PhD students in TBI, forensic psychology, and neuropsychological assessments. She teaches modules on neuropsychology, forensic psychology, and research ethics, ensuring students achieve Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society.
Ayla Humphrey is an Assistant Professor and Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the University of Cambridge Department of Psychiatry . Her research focuses on early identification of mental health needs in children, cognitive therapy for trauma-exposed youth, and developmental disorders like autism and Tuberous Sclerosis . She serves as Course Director for the MPhil Foundations of Clinical Psychology and co-founded the NHS Cambridge Centre for Paediatric Neuropsychological Rehabilitation . Her research spans Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) integration with social care, trauma-focused cognitive therapy , and developmental disorder screening . Key collaborations include the NIHR-funded COACHES study and the PYCES (Parents and Young Children under Extreme Stress) project. Scientific awards include the 2017 British Psychological Society Award for Outstanding Contribution to Applied Practice . She actively supervises PhD students and contributes to school-based mental health identification frameworks . Her work emphasizes evidence-based service transformation and cross-sector collaboration.
Professor Huw Williams is a leading academic in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Exeter and Co-Director of the Centre for Clinical Neuropsychology Research (CCNR). His work bridges traumatic brain injury (TBI), criminology, and policy reform, with a focus on neuroimaging, emotion processing, and justice system integration. Co-Director, Centre for Clinical Neuropsychology Research (Exeter) Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology (2021-present) Former roles: Senior Lecturer (2004-2007), Associate Professor (2007-2021) Collaborations: Child Brain Injury Trust, British Psychological Society, UN agencies Research spans brain injury in youth justice populations , police trauma , and elite athletes , with policy impacts on prison healthcare, TBI screening, and economic cost analysis. His 2015-2017 work on TBI in young offenders and 2020-2025 studies on neurodevelopmental profiles highlight cross-disciplinary intersections. Scientific recognition : Fellow of the British Psychological Society (2019) Barbra Wilson Lifetime Achievement Award (2019) Editorial leadership: Special issue on TBI & Crime (Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation 2015, 2017 Lancet Neurology contributor)
Dr. Shabnam Sadeghi Esfahlani is an Associate Professor in Robotics at the School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Anglia Ruskin University , where she serves as Deputy Leader of the BORI research group and leads the Automation & Robotics MSc program. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans mechatronics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and serious games , with a focus on applications for rehabilitation, medical training, and autonomous systems . As a Chartered Engineer and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy , she has secured significant funding from Innovate UK, Horizon 2020, and GCRF , with grants exceeding £3 million. Education PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University BSc (First Class) in Statistics & Mathematical Science, Shahid Beheshty University Her research integrates AI with robotics for societal impact, exemplified by the open-source SROBO ground robot and projects like Rehabgame and the Assistive Feeding Robot . She has published over 45 peer-reviewed articles and contributes to academic communities as a journal guest editor and conference organizer . Key collaborations include IET, IMechE, and the Nuffield Foundation as a mentor for young students. Scientific Awards & Recognitions: Chartered Engineer (CEng), Engineering Council UK Senior Fellow (SFHEA), Higher Education Academy Student-Voted 'Made a Difference Award' (2018) Post-Graduate Certificate in Higher Education
Professor Kate Watkins is a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and Tutorial Fellow at St Anne's College, University of Oxford. Her research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying speech and language, particularly in developmental disorders such as stuttering and developmental language disorder (DLD). She employs neuroimaging (MRI/fMRI) and brain stimulation techniques (TMS/tDCS) to investigate speech perception, production, and motor control. Key contributions include discoveries about striatal iron concentrations in stuttering and cerebellar abnormalities in DLD. Watkins trained at the Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and the Montreal Neurological Institute. She co-founded the Neurobiology of Language journal and has held academic roles since 2003. Her work bridges clinical and experimental approaches, aiming to improve understanding of communication disorders and inform therapeutic strategies. Research interests span developmental stuttering, speech motor control, bilingual language processing, and neuroimaging methodologies. She collaborates with institutions like the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging and has published extensively on language lateralization, motor cortex plasticity, and neurobiological markers of speech disorders.
