NHC Presents: Transforming neurological care – The future of neurotechnologies
The world’s most exciting medical advances in the treatment of neurological conditions aren’t happening thousands of miles away – they’re happening right here in the North East. From pioneering neurotechnologies and neurosurgical procedures, first-of-their-kind clinical trials, and the ambitious vision for the recently established National Centre for Neurotechnology and Neurorestoration (NCNN).
Join us for this rare opportunity to hear from internationally recognised experts – Mr Akbar Hussain, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Newcastle Hospitals, Clinical Director NCNN and Dr Luke Bashford, Lecturer in Neuroscience and Neurotechnology at Newcastle University, Scientific Director NCNN, as they discuss the rapid rise and pace of development in modern neurotechnologies, such as brain-computer interfaces and neurostimulators, and combining advances in artificial intelligence. We are entering a new era of patient care, understanding the human brain, and restoring abilities that previously would have been unimaginable.
This is a fascinating discussion, not to be missed.
Chaired by Professor Anya Hurlbert, Professor of Visual Neuroscience and Dean of Advancement at Newcastle University.
Event details
Date: Wednesday 21 October 2026
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
Meet our speakers
Mr Mohammed Akbar Hussain, consultant functional neurosurgeon, Newcastle Hospitals
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 Newcaslte 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 is Professor of Visual Neuroscience and Dean of Advancement at
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.