Title：Systems-on-chips Based Implantable Brain-computer Interfaces to Treat and Predict Brain Diseases
Location: Grand Ballroom, 4th Floor, Crowne Plaza Hotel
Speaker: Prof. Mohamad Sawan, Westlake University, China, Polytechnique Montreal, Canada

Abstract: Wearable and implantable brain-computer interfaces (wiBCIs) are promising approaches to make a difference on sensing, treatment and prediction of complex Neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroelectronics’ approaches are facilitating the introduction of various wiBCIs, which are intended for closed-loop neuromodulation.  The later requires fast and very low-power miniaturized systems in particular when are intended to reside within the skull. Implemented to continuously operate without stop, these devices contain large channel counts to record data from brain neural regions and to microstimulate tissues to re-activate functions or to stop non desired events such as seizures.  We cover in this talk multimodal interfaces and implantable platforms grouping various biosensing techniques and other massively parallel neurorecording channels, as well as corresponding neuromorphic processing engines. For these systems implementation and validation, we deal with multidimensional design challenges such as miniaturisation, reliability, safety, self-powered operation, and high-data rate wireless communication. Case studies will include Epilepsy, Addictions, Vision, and Language decoding. 

Bio: 

Prof. Mohamad Sawan received the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, in 1990.  He joined Polytechnique Montréal, Canada, in 1991, where he was a Professor of Microelectronics and Biomedical Engineering. He is Chair Professor in Westlake University, Hangzhou, China, in 2019, where he is founder and director of the Center for Biomedical and Research And INnovation (CenBRAIN). Dr. Sawan was Deputy Editor-in Chief of the IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems-II: Express Briefs (2010-2013), Co-Founder, Associate Editor and Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems, Associate Editor of the IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, and the International Journal of Circuit Theory and Applications. He is founder of the International IEEE-NEWCAS Conference and the Polystim Neurotech Laboratory, and Co-Founder of the International IEEE-BioCAS Conference, and the International IEEE-ICECS. General Chair of the 2016 IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems (ISCAS), and General Chair of the 2020 IEEE International Medicine, Biology and Engineering Conference (EMBC). His scientific interests are the design and testing of analog and mixed-signal circuits and systems, signal processing, modeling, integration, and assembly. He was awarded the Canada Research Chair in Smart Medical Devices (2001-2015), and was is leading ReSMiQ, the Microsystems Strategic Alliance of Quebec (1999-2018). Dr. Sawan published more than 800 peer reviewed papers, two books, 10 book chapters, and 12 patents. He received several awards, among them the Barbara Turnbull 2003 Award for spinal cord research, the Bombardier and Jacques-Rousseau Awards. Dr. Sawan is Fellow of the IEEE, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and Fellow of the Engineering Institutes of Canada. He is also “Officer” of the National Order of Quebec.