Trends and Challenges in Neuroengineering

Dear Colleagues,

Neuroengineering bridges the basic scientific research and clinical practice, translating discoveries into interventions that can improve human health and well-being. Neuroengineering emerged as an interdisciplinary field, building on advances in neuroscience, engineering, computer science, robotics, and prosthetics. Its roots trace back to early studies of the nervous system and the development of electrical devices. The invention of implantable devices, such as cochlear implants in the 1960s, marked a significant milestone by demonstrating an interface with neural tissue to restore a sensory function. Progress in neuroscience, microelectronics, materials science, and computational modeling propelled neuroengineering, enabling the creation of invasive and non-invasive human–machine interfaces, neural prosthetics, and advanced neuromodulation techniques. Neuroengineering has no borders and integrates the next generation of inter-multidisciplinary approaches to understand and develop innovative methods for interfacing with the nervous system. In recent years, rapid advances in technology, coupled with the creativity and drive of a new generation of scientists, have sparked a wave of innovation that is reshaping the field of neuroengineering. These early-career researchers are bringing fresh perspectives, introducing new theoretical frameworks, and designing interesting experimental approaches. By integrating sophisticated computational tools, machine learning techniques, and increasingly precise neural recording technologies, they are helping to bridge gaps between traditionally separate areas of research. This interdisciplinary momentum is opening up new ways to explore and interpret the complexity of nervous system function, from single-cell activity to large-scale neural networks. As the field continues to embrace open data sharing, collaboration across disciplines, and greater methodological rigor, these collective efforts are well-positioned to tackle fundamental challenges — from understanding the neural basis of behavior to developing more effective treatments for neurological disorders.

This Special Issue aims to explore motor, cognitive, auditory, visual, tactile, pain, and synesthetic trends and challenges in neuroengineering studies that will have a significant impact on local and global health priorities. Neuroengineering research can restore, augment, or understand the sensory, motor, and cognitive functions of the nervous system, ranging from basic to clinical research using wearable or invasive neurotechnologies. Recent cutting-edge research has shed light on a wide range of innovative approaches for neuromodulation, not only for controlling neural interfaces but also for modulating behavior. However, as these techniques advance with the potential to impact human cognition and behavior, there is an increasing need for scientific discussions addressing the ethical, legal, and social implications of such interventions.

In this issue, we encourage articles addressing:

• Next-generation brain–computer interfaces (BCIs): Non-invasive, invasive, and bidirectional BCIs for communication, motor control, sensorial, and cognition enhancement.
• Neural signal decoding and neural data analytics: Advanced algorithms, including deep learning, for decoding brain activity in real-time.
• Wireless and miniaturized neural implants: Developments in bioelectronics to enable chronic, untethered brain monitoring and stimulation.
• Neurophotonics and optical neuromodulation: Using light-based tools like optogenetics and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) for precise neural control.
• Flexible, biocompatible neurointerfaces: Materials science advancements for electrodes and scaffolds that conform to brain tissue.
• Closed-loop neuromodulation for neurological disorders: Therapies for epilepsy, Parkinson's, chronic pain, and depression.
• Neuroprosthetics and sensory restoration: Restoring motor and sensory function through interface-driven prosthetic systems.
• Neuroengineering for mental health: Brain stimulation and real-time monitoring tools for treating depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and addiction.
• Cognitive augmentation and memory enhancement: Experimental technologies aimed at boosting attention, learning, or memory storage/retrieval/erasure.
• Personalized brain therapies via artificial intelligence (AI): Using patient-specific data to create digital models of the brain for tailored treatment.
• Brain-inspired AI and neuromorphic computing: Mimicking neural architectures for low-power, high-efficiency computation.
• Connectomics and whole-brain mapping: High-resolution mapping of structural and functional networks in the human brain.
• Multiscale brain simulation models: Integrating molecular, cellular, and systems-level brain models for predictive neuroscience.
• Neuroengineering and machine learning convergence: Leveraging AI to model brain activity, classify disorders, and optimize neural device performance.
• Neuroethics: Addressing the right to brain privacy, identity, and agency in a neuroconnected world.
• Equity in access to neurotechnologies: Bridging socioeconomic and global gaps in availability and affordability.
• Data privacy and security in neural interfaces: Protecting sensitive neural data from misuse, especially in commercial BCI applications.
• Regulatory frameworks for neural devices: Accelerating policy development for safety, efficacy, and accountability in neuroengineering products.
• Human-AI symbiosis and hybrid intelligence: Designing systems where AI and the human brain cooperate, potentially enhancing both.
• Scalability and translation from lab to clinic: Overcoming barriers in manufacturing, clinical trials, and real-world usability of neural devices.
• Interdisciplinary capacitation and collaborative ecosystems in neuroengineering: Building cross-disciplinary teams and training frameworks to drive innovation.
• Translational neuroengineering: from bench to bedside: Advancing technologies from basic research to clinical and commercial implementation.
• Neuroengineering policy and public engagement: government, industry, and society: Fostering collaboration across sectors to ensure responsible, inclusive innovation.

Dr. Edgard Morya
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• neuroengineering
• human interface
• brain interface
• neuromodulation
• neurorobotic
• neuroethic
• artificial intelligence
• neurotechnology
• neurorehabilitation