NHC Presents: A new era of brain health: science, technology and the future
The world’s most exciting advancements in the treatment of neurological conditions aren’t happening thousands of miles away – they’re happening right here in the North East.
Discover how pioneering science and cutting-edge neurotechnology are changing our understanding of the brain and opening up new possibilities for people living with neurological conditions. From technology that allows the brain to communicate with devices to innovative treatments that manage symptoms, artificial intelligence and advances in neurosurgery, what once seemed like science fiction is becoming reality.
Join internationally recognised experts for a fascinating evening exploring the breakthroughs shaping the future of brain health, the treatments being developed today, and the possibilities that lie ahead. You’ll hear about pioneering research, innovative clinical trials and the ambitions of our new National Centre for Neurotechnology and Neurorestoration (NCNN).
Whether you’re curious about the brain, interested in the future of healthcare, or simply excited to discover the remarkable innovations taking place on your doorstep, this is your opportunity to explore a field with the potential to transform lives.
Speakers:
Mr Akbar Hussain, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Newcastle Hospitals and Clinical Director of the National Centre for Neurotechnology and Neurorestoration (NCNN)
Dr Luke Bashford, Lecturer in Neuroscience and Neurotechnology at Newcastle University and Scientific Director of the NCNN
Chaired by Professor Anya Hurlbert, Professor of Visual Neuroscience and Dean of Advancement at Newcastle University
Event details
Date: Wednesday 3 February 2027.
Time: 5:30pm – 7pm (5:30pm – 6pm for drinks and canapés; 6pm – 7pm for the discussion)
Venue: Piano Room (reception), CRB Lecture Theatre (discussion), Peacock Hall, Royal Victoria Infirmary
Secure your place
Meet our speakers
Mr Mohammed Akbar Hussain, consultant functional neurosurgeon
Mr Hussain is a consultant functional neurosurgeon at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. He specialises in surgical management of movement disorders, nerve-related pain, epilepsy and surgery in eloquent areas of the brain, using intraoperative monitoring and advanced neuroimaging techniques. Mr Hussain is the Neuro-oncology lead of the Newcastle Neuo-oncology Tessa Jowell Centre of excellence.
Over recent years he have worked with industry and academic colleagues to bring the most innovative neurotechnologies to the UK and NHS patients. The interest in this space has led to the founding of the National Centre for Neurotechnology and Neurorestoration here in Newcastle. We have been the first to bring closed loop therapy to Parkinsons patients, led the UK and Europe in brain computer interface research and broken new frontiers in pain neuromodulation.
Dr Luke Bashford, Lecturer in Neuroscience and Neurotechnology
Dr Luke Bashford, PhD, is the Scientific Director of the UK NHS National Centre for Neurotechnology and Neurorestoration, based at Newcastle Hospitals, Lecturer in Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University and Assistant Adjunct Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado, USA. Lukes research lab conducts implanted Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and neurostimulation clinical studies to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying human sensorimotor and cognitive function for basic science and clinical translation. Additionally, Luke conducts regulatory science and policy projects, particularly concerning the translation of neurotechnologies, to accelerate clinical studies for all stakeholders. Luke supports and advises third sector organisations, industry, and governments.
Anya Hurlbert, Professor of Visual Neuroscience and Dean of Advancement
Anya Hurlbert is Professor of Visual Neuroscience and Dean of Advancement at Newcastle University, where she co-founded the former Institute of Neuroscience and now steers the Centre for Neuroscience. She holds degrees from US and UK (Princeton University, MIT, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge University), in physics, physiology, brain and cognitive sciences, and medicine.
Her 200+ scientific publications include papers in Nature, Science and Current Biology, handbook chapters, and invited reviews. Her research interests follow two themes: fundamental and applied science of human colour vision, using psychophysics, computational modelling, and neuroimaging, with applications in colour vision deficiency, imaging, lighting, and visual art; and AI-based retinal image analysis. She co-authored the book Color in Nature (Princeton University Press; 2024), received the Newton Medal (the Colour Group GB; 2022) and the Edridge-Green Medal (the Royal College of Ophthalmologists; 2017) amongst other awards.
She is Associate Editor of the Journal of Vision, member of the Rank Prize Optoelectronics Committee, former Vice President of the Vision Sciences Society, Director of the International Colour Vision Society, former Scientific Trustee of the National Gallery, a current Trustee of the Science Museum Group and Chair of the Advisory Board of the National Science and Media Museum.