Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering

Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering

We aim at understanding system-level dynamic functions of the human brain, mind, and body. The research, enabled by state-of-the-art technology and computational methods, leads to discoveries and technological breakthroughs that contribute to health and wellbeing. We bring together systems and cognitive neuroscience, biophysics, and biomedical engineering.

Illustration of combined TMS and EEG methods

Research

We focus on biomedical engineering, biophysics, and brain research. We combine experimental and computational methods and develop algorithms as well as new technologies to tackle major problems in human well-being and medical diagnostics. The levels of description range from molecular and cellular measures to noninvasive neuroimaging and behaviour. New generations of multidisciplinary scientists and engineers are educated by engaging them with cutting-edge science and technology.

The grand challenges in brain research are in better understanding the function of the human brain in health and disease, as studied in well-controlled and increasingly complex experimental settings, including during social interaction.

Ala-Laurila Lab

We study novel signal processing mechanisms and their adaptive dynamics at the synaptic and cellular-element level across the entire neural circuit of the retina.

Ala-Laurila Lab

Attention and Memory

In the Attention and Memory group, we investigate the neural mechanisms underlying attention and memory and the development of executive functions in healthy children, adolescents and adults, and in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Aalto University/Attention and memory group

Brain and Mind Laboratory

We study human cognitive, social, and affective functions in health and disorders.

Aalto University/Brain and Mind Laboratory

Cellular Biophysics

Our main interest is in the molecular mechanisms of photoreceptor signaling and increasingly in the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in certain retinal diseases.

Aalto-yliopisto, liput / kuvaaja: Aino Huovio

Empathy Building Neuro-lab

Empathy is a multifaceted and elusive phenomenon. Our multi-national lab investigates empathy at multiple levels.

Illustration by Yoni Levy; the “Virtual Reality” icon by Nikita Kozin is taken from thenounproject.com (CC attribution), and slightly modified.

Engineered Nanosystems

Our work aims at generating new insight on the physics and operation of photonic devices to improve their performance and to develop predictive physical models in close collaboration with experimentalists and enterprises.

Aalto-yliopisto, liput / kuvaaja: Aino Huovio

Imaging Language

Our group's work is necessary for a scientific description of language processing in a healthy human brain, but essential in providing the groundwork for an informed and efficient description and treatment of developmental and acquired language disorders.

Aalto University/Imaging language

Medical Image Computing

We develop AI tools for automatically analyzing medical imaging data.

"Accurate and robust whole-head segmentation from magnetic resonance images for individualized head modeling“ by Puonti et al. NeuroImage (2020), licensed under CC-BY-NC-ND

Medical Ultrasonics Laboratory (MEDUSA)

The main research goal of MEDUSA is to create novel technologies exploiting non-linear ultrasonics for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.

MEDUSA

MEG-MRI Brain Imaging Group

In the MEG-MRI group, we develop techniques and instrumentation for neuroscience and medicine, electromagnetic neuroimaging in particular.

MEG-MRI prototype and application

Molecular Nanoengineering

The Molecular Nanoengineering group operates at the interface between nanoscience, molecular self-assembly, DNA nanotechnology and nanoplasmonics with particular focus on DNA-based artificial molecular systems with functionalities tailored for biosensing, nanophotonics and biomimetics.

Molecular Nanoengineering

Multimodal Imaging of Aging

We study cognitive aging, and the structural and functional changes that take place in the brain as a consequence of normal aging and neurodegeneration. To do so, we combine functional measures from magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG), with structural measures based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Illustration by Mia Liljeström. Five images of the human brain seen from different angles.

Near-infrared spectroscopy and imaging group (NIRS)

The near-infrared spectroscopy and imaging (NIRSI) group at NBE is developing frequency domain instrumentation for High-Density Diffuse Optical Tomography (HD-DOT) primarily for neuroimaging applications.

Aalto-yliopisto, liput / kuvaaja: Aino Huovio

Neuroimaging methods group (NIMEG)

We work at the intersection of neuroscience and neurotechnology by developing novel measurement and analysis methods for studying human brain structure and function, as well as applying these methods to address important and challenging research questions in both basic and clinical neuroscience.

Left: OPM and SQUID sensor layouts. Right: OPM-MEG measurement session.

Sensorimotor Systems Neuroscience (MOTOR) group

We study structure and function of the healthy and diseased human sensorimotor system.

Sensorimotor systems group photos by Harri Piitulainen

Single-Molecule Dynamics in Cells

We work at the interface between physics, chemistry, and biology.

Two groups of cells with an elongated shape.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

TMS group conducts research on three interconnected areas: the group carries out neurophysiological experiments and develops methods for TMS–EEG signal analysis as well as instrumentation for TMS.

ConnecToBrain project, illustration by Otto Olavinen

Translational Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (Salmi Lab)

Salmi's Lab for naturalistic neuroscience, attention, and ADHD research

Picture showing the Translational Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratoty's research direction

Teaching

The Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering provides courses on Bachelor's, Master's and doctoral levels.

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Lecture on the BEST course in Life Science Technologies on 8 October 2019. Photo by Jaakko Järvinen.
Brain and Mind Symposium 2019 in Dipoli, Otaniemi. Photo by Jaakko Järvinen.

Doctoral Programme Brain & Mind

The Doctoral Programme Brain & Mind (B&M) is a doctoral education network 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
Students in front of whiteboard, photo by Unto Rautio / Aalto Material bank

Courses

Courses taught at NBE listed in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering
TMS-EEG Summer School 2016, photo by Lari Koponen

Special courses

Summer schools, workshops and special courses taught at NBE listed in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering

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 MEG Core and Aalto Behavioral Laboratory (ABL).

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ANI
Aalto Yliopisto Brain Centre

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.

Learn more!

Seven people wearing laboratory coats in a hospital room surrounded with medical devices

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, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) and University of Oulu 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.

Learn more!

News

Artificial intelligence models have been used in the design of the Natal Mind app and especially the cartoon-like digital therapists.
Press releases Published:

Digital doula helps mothers-to-be face the fear of childbirth

Aalto University introduces 12 new world-changing innovations at Slush. On of them is digital doula Natal Mind, a mobile app designed to support the emotional and mental journey undergone by mothers-to-be.
Nikos Makris in Helsinki, photo by Tiina Aulanko-Jokirinne
Research & Art Published:

Nikos Makris: Our common scientific goal is to understand how the brain works using multi-modal neuroimaging

'I feel extremely comfortable. I don’t see anybody judging and I have total freedom of speech.'
Mukana UKK-karkeloissa pyörivät myös valtapeleissä syrjään sysätyt UKK:n kilpailijat sekä tarinan viehko kertoja, Lottotyttö. Kuva: Kapsäkki.
Research & Art Published:

Can the impact of performing arts be measured? Researchers record applause and CO2 levels in Kapsäkki's UKK musical

The UKK musical, produced by Music Theatre Kapsäkki and Greta Production, is a vibrant cabaret about Finland’s political history during the era of President Kekkonen. Its impact is now being studied scientifically. The research, conducted in collaboration with Aalto University's MAGICS infrastructure, Greta Production, and Kapsäkki, measures audience and performer experiences through innovative methods, including various sensors and surveys.
Ana Triana was herself the subject of the research, monitored as she went about her daily life. Photo by Matti Ahlgren.
Press releases Published:

Echoes in the brain: Why today’s workout could fuel next week’s bright idea

In a rare, longitudinal study, researchers from Aalto University and the University of Oulu tracked one person’s brain and behavioural activity for five months using brain scans and data from wearable devices and smartphones.

Events

Hands-on data protection workshop
Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, Support for teams, Training to support research

Hands-on Data Protection, Dec 3 & 5, 2024

Learn about data protection in this two-day workshop with Data Agents Dr. Enrico Glerean, Dr. Essi Viitanen, and Legal Counsel Anniina Harju.
Doctoral hat floating above a speaker's podium with a microphone
Public defences

Public defence in Systems Neuroscience, M.Psych. Heidi Ala-Salomäki

Reliable MEG metrics of cortical language function (title of the thesis)
For Aalto community Lectures and seminars

Event on funding opportunities with the U.S. Department of Defense

FARIA (Finnish-American Research & Innovation Accelerator) is excited to invite you to an engaging event focused on the funding opportunities offered by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and expert guidance on developing research proposals. The event will feature international speakers with extensive experience in working with DoD funding, who will share valuable insights on the do's and don'ts of working with U.S. funding.
ACRIS open lock logo
For Aalto community Information sessions, Staff trainings, IT & digital tools, Training to support research

SCI ACRIS helpdesk, 11.12.2024

Join online drop-in session hosted by the Open Science and ACRIS team.

Contact us

Health Technology House

Otakaari 3 & Rakentajanaukio 2

Otakaari 3

Magnet house

Otakaari 5 I

magneettitalo

Nanotalo building

Puumiehenkuja 2

Nanotalo

Micronova

Tietotie 3

Micronova cleanroom kuva: Aino Huovio
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