Ian Loram

Professor Ian Loram is a leading academic in neuromuscular control and human movement science at Manchester Metropolitan University's Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement and Health (IRM). He holds roles as Academic Director of IRM and Academic Lead of the Biomechanics and Motor Control Research Group. His research focuses on sensorimotor control, postural stability, and applications of deep learning in medical imaging. Key contributions include studies on neuromuscular disorders, balance control mechanisms, and automated analysis of muscle function using ultrasound and neural networks.

• Education: PhD from University of Birmingham (2003)
• Awards: Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship (2004-2005)
• Grants: EPSRC Grants EP/F068514/1, EP/F069022/1, and EP/F06974X/1 ("Intermittent Control of Man and Machine")

His research interests span neuromuscular control, biomechanics, postural dynamics, and clinical applications of imaging technologies. Recent work emphasizes automated analysis of muscle structure via ultrasound and deep learning, with clinical relevance to conditions like spinal muscular atrophy and cervical dystonia.

Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, integrating control theory, neurophysiology, and computational methods to understand human movement. His lab develops tools for objective assessment of trunk control in children with cerebral palsy and explores the role of intermittent control in motor learning and balance.

• Labs/Teams:
  • Biomechanics and Motor Control Research Group
  • Healthcare Science Research Institute