EMBS

Technical Committee on Neuroengineering (TCNE)

　What is Neuroengineering?

Neuroengineering is a relatively recent field which is concerned with the quantitative understanding of neural systems (from single neurons to large-scale neural networks) in order to advance medical technology in applications related to the nervous system. It also relates to using models of neural systems in order to solve problems in other disciplines (e.g., pattern recognition, robotics).
Neuroengineering involves a convergence of knowledge and methodology from diverse disciplines, such as neuroscience, mathematics, engineering, biophysics, computer science, and psychology

Topics under Neuroengineering include:
　-Understanding information transmission and coding in neural systems
　-Neuronal and neural modeling
　-Neuronal and neural signal analysis
　-Neuroimaging (including EEG/MEG, MRI and f-MRI)
　-Sensory input / motor output modeling
　-Prostheses to restore and enhance sensory or motor function
　-Neuro-electronic interfacing
　-Brain stimulation technology
　-Brain-computer interfacing (BCI)
　-Robotic vision, navigation, and behavior

Significant recent contributions of Neuroengineering include:
　-Processing and modeling of neural data (e.g., understanding spatio-temporal neuronal activity; 　
　 development of epileptic seizure prediction methodologies based on pre-ictal EEG patterns)
　-Multimodal neuroimaging (e.g., EEG/MEG coupled to f-MRI)
　-Devices and procedures for neurosensing, neuromodulation and restoration of function
　 (e.g., 　artificial　retina; 　deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease)
　-BCI for restoration of communication and control (e.g., via classification of motor imagery tasks)

Promising current and future directions of Neuroengineering include:
　-Study of spontaneous behavior and learning capabilities of live neural networks
　-Advanced neuroprostheses (e.g., at the cellular level) for sensing, stimulation and restoration
　of function 　(e.g., artificial hippocampus for memory restoration)
　-Live neural tissue prostheses
　-Effective clinical BCI applications (e.g., closed-loop non-invasive DBS)
　-New neuroimaging modalities (e.g., near-infrared spectroscopy for brain hemodynamics studies)

What is the scope and mission of the Technical Committee on Neuroengineering (TCNE)?
TCNE is a standing IEEE EMBS technical committee which provides technical expertise in major areas within the neuroengineering (NE) field. It contributes to a public debate on important issues in the NE field via special conferences, workshops, symposia and special issues in related journals. In particular, it advises the Conference and Publications leadership of EMBS regarding NE interests and promotes these interests by interacting with (a) the Technical Program Chair of the Annual Engineering in Medicine and Biology Conference in the organization of NE technical sessions for the Conference, and (b) the Editorial Board of EMBS publications (e.g., TBME, TNSRE) in the organization of special issues on NE topics. Other TCNE activities include the organization of special conferences and workshops on NE, as well as interaction with other societies (e.g., The Society for Neuroscience) on matters of mutual interest.