Moving the World by Thought: Dimensions and Perspectives of Brain-Computer Interfaces

Brain-computer interface technology is revolutionizing the way individuals interact with their environment. On Nov. 7, 2013, leading neuroscientists from the U.S. and Germany will discuss recent advances in the field of neurotechnology at the German Center for Research and Innovation (GCRI).

NEW YORK (October 29, 2013) – It is an old dream of humankind to communicate and interact with the environment by only using the power of thoughts. Recent advances in sensor technology and computational capacities suggest that this dream is starting to become a reality. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) translate electric or metabolic brain activity into control signals for external devices. People unable to communicate or move can learn to use such systems to interact with their environment and regain lost functions or
impaired abilities.

On Thursday, November 7, 2013, two renowned neuroscientists from Germany and the U.S. will discuss their pioneering interventions on brain metabolic self-regulations in psychiatric disorders and how this technology will change the general view of brain function and self-control.

Dr. Niels Birbaumer, Senior Professor and Director of the Institute of Medical and Behavioral Neurobiology at the University of Tübingen and 1995 Leibniz Prize Recipient, will address how his research has greatly benefited patients with brain injuries, as well as those with psychiatric and neurological disorders. His research strengths include neural plasticity and learning, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and pain illnesses.

He will be joined by Dr. Leonardo G. Cohen, Chief of the Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Cohen's lab is interested in the mechanisms underlying plastic changes in the human central nervous system and in the development of novel therapeutic approaches for recovery of function based on the understanding of these mechanisms

Dr. Eva-Maria Streier, Director of the New York Office for the German Research Foundation (DFG), will moderate the discussion. Busso von Alvensleben, Consul General of the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in New York, will provide the welcome remarks.

This discussion on the unprecedented progress in brain-computer interface technology over the last two decades will take place on Thursday, November 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the German House New York (871 United Nations Plaza, First Avenue, btw. 48th & 49th Streets). To register for the event by November 4, please visit: http://form.jotformpro.com/form/32866582711965

Unable to attend? Follow @gcri_ny and the hashtag #BCI for live tweets.

A video recording will be available on www.germaninnovation.org shortly after the event.

The event is co-sponsored by the German Center for Research and Innovation (GCRI) and the German Research Foundation (DFG).

The German Center for Research and Innovation provides information and support for the realization of cooperative and collaborative projects between North America and Germany. With the goal of enhancing communication on the critical challenges of the 21st century, GCRI hosts a wide range of events from lectures and exhibitions to workshops and science dinners. Opened in February 2010, GCRI was created as a cornerstone of the German government’s initiative to internationalize science and research and is one of five centers worldwide.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Audet
Communications Officer
German Center for Research and Innovation
871 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
Audet@GermanInnovation.org
(212) 339 8680, ext. 302

This release was published on openPR.