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
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.
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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.
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.
Brain and Mind Laboratory
We study human cognitive, social, and affective functions in health and disorders.
Cellular Biophysics
Our main interest is in the molecular mechanisms of photoreceptor signaling and increasingly in the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in certain retinal diseases.
Empathy Building Neuro-lab
Empathy is a multifaceted and elusive phenomenon. Our multi-national lab investigates empathy at multiple levels.
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.
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.
Medical Image Computing
We develop AI tools for automatically analyzing medical imaging data.
Medical Ultrasonics Laboratory (MEDUSA)
The main research goal of MEDUSA is to create novel technologies exploiting non-linear ultrasonics for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.
MEG-MRI Brain Imaging Group
In the MEG-MRI group, we develop techniques and instrumentation for neuroscience and medicine, electromagnetic neuroimaging in particular.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Sensorimotor Systems Neuroscience (MOTOR) group
We study structure and function of the healthy and diseased human sensorimotor system.
Single-Molecule Dynamics in Cells
We work at the interface between physics, chemistry, and biology.
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.
Translational Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (Salmi Lab)
Salmi's Lab for naturalistic neuroscience, attention, and ADHD research
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 MEG Core and Aalto Behavioral Laboratory (ABL).
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, 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.
News
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.
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.
New research project aims for earlier dementia risk detection
Aalto University researchers Shrikanth Kulashekhar and Hanna Renvall have received funding from the Finnish Research Impact Foundation to develop diagnostics for early detection of dementia risk. The need is great, as there are at least 50 million people with memory problems worldwide, a number that is expected to double in the following 20 years.
New Read & Publish agreement with American Chemical Society
Aalto University has signed a new Read & Publish agreement with ACS.Events
Artificial Intelligence, Medical Decision Making and Research Ethics, Oct 31, 2024
Learn about artificial intelligence, medical decision making, and research ethics with Professor Riitta Salmelin.
Public defence in Biomedical Engineering, M.Sc. Amit Jaiswal
Improving a non-invasive functional brain imaging technique for neuroscience research and clinical applications.
AI in Research Work, Nov 4, 2024
Learn about artificial intelligence in research work with Data Agents Dr. Pedro Silva and Dr. Enrico Glerean.
ABC Seminar: Studying feedforward and feedback influences in the human brain
This time, Seppo Ahlfors (Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, USA) will present his research on feedforward and feedback influences in the human brain, investigating the hierarchical organization among cortical areas through MEG and biophysical computational modeling.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.
Tietotie 1A and Micronova at Tietotie 3 host Engineered Nanosystems group labs and offices.
Health Technology House
Otakaari 3 & Rakentajanaukio 2
Magnet house
Otakaari 5 I
Nanotalo building
Puumiehenkuja 2
Micronova
Tietotie 3
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