Dear IEEE Brain Community:
I am honored to share my vision as the chair of IEEE Brain, a technical community designed to unite the fields of neuroscience, medicine, industry, and engineering. By leveraging expertise from data science, neurology, neurosurgery, engineering, materials science, and cell, molecular, cognitive, and behavioral neuroscience, we aim to foster collaboration among scientists, engineers, and clinicians to advance novel therapies with the support of various IEEE societies.
I envision building a unique interactive IEEE Brain platform that will facilitate brainstorming, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas surrounding the development of novel neurotechnology and data science for brain discovery. This platform will also explore the application of these technologies in clinical settings. As the neurotechnology market rapidly grows, it is poised to surpass investments and market values in the cardiovascular technology industry in the coming decades. However, a significant challenge we face is the urgent need for brain/neurotech innovations that improve healthcare quality, provide patient-centric management, reduce costs, and enhance the overall well-being of people globally. To ensure the effectiveness of these innovations, it is vital that they are practical—sustainable, scalable, and affordable. Empowering patients to monitor their health and lifestyles and make informed choices is a crucial step toward effective treatment.
Our mission is to promote brain research and educational innovations that enhance humanity’s well-being and raise public awareness of the impact of brain-centered engineering innovations and the ethical implications inherent in the development and use of neurotechnology on local, national, and global scales. To achieve these goals, we aim to create a vibrant global ecosystem for idea exchange, research dissemination, and collaborative data sharing. This comprehensive brain/neurotech platform will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, clinicians, and technologists (neural engineers and scientists) to interact with, embrace, and advance emerging technologies.
As part of our ongoing strategic plans, the IEEE Brain Discovery and Neurotechnology Workshop will be held at the University of Illinois, Chicago, on October 3-4, 2024, as a satellite event to the 2024 Society for Neuroscience Conference. This workshop will focus on three strategic areas: emerging neurotechnology, machine learning and computer paradigms for brain discovery, along with clinical applications. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in poster sessions and live demonstrations, allowing them to observe and explore innovative devices and concepts alongside research findings. This workshop offers an excellent opportunity for researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals to collaborate and share insights in the rapidly evolving field of neurotechnology. We look forward to seeing you there!
KEY GOALS AND INITIATIVES
- Develop an Interactive IEEE Brain Platform to facilitate brainstorming, collaboration, and idea exchange for neurotechnology and data science as well as explore clinical applications of neurotechnologies.
- Foster a vibrant Global Ecosystem for idea exchange, research dissemination, and collaborative data sharing among entrepreneurs, investors, clinicians, and technologists.
- Promote Neurotechnology Innovations that emphasize practical sustainable, scalable, and affordable solutions.
- Engage Stakeholders through organizing technical activities, sharing insights on global neurotechnology landscapes (e.g., roadmaps), and creating multiple opportunities for collaboration between clinical, academic, and industry partners as well as key organizations (FDA, CDC, ECPDC and others).
- Enhance Member and Public Engagement by providing valuable resources, insights, and activity opportunities to students, young professionals, and members; and launching a comprehensive multimedia and public relations outreach program.
- Expand IEEE Brain Influence by engaging more IEEE Societies, furthering partnerships with non-IEEE societies, developing a publication venue, technical activities, and promoting the voices of underrepresented and globally diverse communities.
I am confident that IEEE Brain will continue to make meaningful differences in the lives of others and positively impact the careers of our students and members. Ultimately, we will raise public awareness of the vital role engineering innovations play in our global community.
Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to working together to realize this vision.
Best regards,
Metin Akay
2024 Chair, IEEE Brain
