Brain & Mind doctoral education network
The Brain & Mind doctoral education network (B&M) is for students at the University of Helsinki and Aalto University whose thesis work relates to the study of brain and mind.
Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering
The Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering (NBE) is home to world-class multidisciplinary research in human systems neuroscience, multimodal neuroimaging, neurostimulation, experimental biophysics, and biomedical engineering. The levels of description in the research and education at the department range from molecular and cellular measures to noninvasive neuroimaging and behavioral measurements.
Our graduates assume positions in academia, industry, and government and emphasize the importance of scientific evidence in our society. Our research discoveries and innovations pave the way for new companies contributing to health, wellbeing, and prosperity.
Quick links
Research
New generations of multidisciplinary scientists and engineers are educated by engaging them with cutting-edge science and technology. Our strong emphasis on research is also reflected in our wide-ranging collaborations, the highly international composition of our staff, and a broad spectrum of funding sources.
Teaching
The Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering provides courses on Bachelor's, Master's and doctoral levels.
Courses
Courses taught at NBE listed in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
Special courses
Summer schools, workshops and special courses taught at NBE listed in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
Aalto NeuroImaging (ANI) Infrastructure
ANI research infrastructure houses three functional neuroimaging modalities, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at Advanced Magnetic Imaging (AMI) Centre, magnetoencephalography (MEG) at...
Aalto Brain Centre (ABC)
ABC is a neuroscience and neurotechnology initiative of the Aalto University. ABC is a thematic center, formed by research teams of several departments of the Aalto University School of Science (Aalto SCI), including the Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering. ABC aims to stimulate synergy and collaboration in research on systems-level neuroscience, neuroimaging, and neurotechnology.
Biodesign Finland
Biodesign Finland is a strategic initiative within the Aalto University School of Science, hosted by the Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering (NBE). Biodesign Finland is organized together with Aalto University and Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) in collaboration with Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
Biodesign Finland is a need-driven medical technology innovation and training program, which produces experts in health technology, solutions to healthcare, and new business.
Biodesign aims to offer the best starting point for creating medical technology for the benefit of the patient globally.
News
Inside the narcissistic brain: fMRI research sheds light on the narcissist’s struggle with empathy
Interested in the relationship between empathy and grandiose narcissism, neuroscience researchers from Aalto University used functional MRI (fMRI) to investigate how narcissistic traits influence brain activation in a situation mirroring everyday life. The findings showed that narcissistic brains were less in sync with one another during moments where people usually experience a sense of shared embarrassment.
Health x technology: Magnetic stimulation activates neurons to target depression
Brain stimulation has helped depression patients for years, yet only a small minority can access the therapy. Researchers are now making it easier, faster, and more personalised.
Prejudices are more complex than stereotypes suggest
According to social psychologists, individuals who belong to one’s own group, as well as those associated with highly esteemed and approachable groups, more often elicit admiration or respect compared to those who belong to less esteemed or perceived-as-distant groups. New brain research shows that the emotions people evoke depend not only on the social group, but also on the emotional expression and the distance from the viewer.
Funding available for collaboration with the USA
Aalto University and the University of Washington are welcoming joint proposals for ambitious and impactful initiatives strengthening collaboration between researchers based at Aalto University and UW. Funding call is open until November 9th.Events
Public defence, Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, MSc Ossi Kaikkonen
Retinal thermometry with electroretinography: adaptive dosimetry for non-damaging retinal laser therapy.
Doing qualitative research in conversation with AI, Nov 10, 2026
How to responsibly do qualitative research with AI tools? With Dr. Emrecan Gulay
NFDI4ING RDM tools for engineers, Nov 10, 2026
NFDI4ING offers domain-specific tools, AI-assisted platforms, and training to help engineers manage, share, and publish data.
Measuring What We Mean: Neural Properties and the Tools That Stand In for Them
Daniele Marinazzo (Ghent University) will discuss the conceptual tension between the neural properties we aim to characterize and the statistical or mathematical tools we use as proxies for them, highlighting how generative modeling and forward simulation can help clarify which claims about neural mechanisms our measurements can actually support.Contact us
Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering
Aalto University School of Science
P.O. Box 12200
FI-00076 AALTO, Finland
Health Technology House
Rakentajanaukio 2 C
02150 Espoo, Finland
Magnethouse
Otakaari 5 I
02150 Espoo, Finland
Nanotalo building at Puumiehenkuja 2 has the MEG Core facility. Marsio building at Otakaari 2 has ABL measurement rooms.
Tietotie 1A and Micronova at Tietotie 3 host Engineered Nanosystems group labs and offices.
