Contact

T +49 89 4140 4041

E office.ethics@mh.tum.de

Mon-Thu: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Fri: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (core hours)

Neurotechnology in Mental Health (NEUROTECH)

The TUM Innovation Network for Neurotechnology in Mental Health (NEUROTECH) deals with key issues relating to mental illnesses, which represent one of the biggest medical problems in our society. These include, in particular, cognitive deficits (e.g. in the form of aphasia), depression or chronic pain, which may be attributable to disorders of the nervous system. The NEUROTECH innovation network is developing new approaches and technologies for a more precise diagnosis and better treatment of mental illnesses.

The network consists of a consortium of several teams that use various electrophysiological methods to measure processes in the human brain. The project also involves the development of innovative neuronal sensors, software for data evaluation and diagnosis as well as therapeutic options (e.g. in terms of stimulation). 

The researchers not only want to better understand clinical pictures and differentiate between them more precisely, but also find individualized treatment strategies for patients. In doing so, they follow strict ethical guidelines and at the same time investigate the ethical and social consequences for people and society of disruptive technologies in neuroscience, neurology and psychiatry.

Partner

Prof. Dr. med. Simon N. Jacob (Translational Neurotechnology, TUM School of Medicine and Health); Prof. Dr. med. Markus Ploner (Department of Neurology, TUM School of Medicine and Health); Prof. Dr. Ruth Müller (Munich Center for Technology in Society, TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology, TUM School of Management); Prof. Dr. Julijana Gjorgjieva (Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, TUM School of Life Sciences); Prof. Dr. med. Daniel Rückert (Institute for AI and Informatics in Medicine, TUM School of Medicine and Health, TUM Department of Informatics); Prof. Dr. med. Josef Priller (Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, TUM School of Medicine and Health); Prof. Dr. Bernhard Wolfrum (Munich School of Bioengineering, TUM Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering); Prof. Dr. med. Bernhard Hemmer (Department of Neurology, TUM School of Medicine and Health); Prof. Dr. med. Bernhard Meyer (Department of Neurosurgery, TUM School of Medicine and Health)

Subproject

The following Research questions are being investigated in the NEUROTECH network:

  • Which disorders in the nervous system are responsible for cognitive deficits (e.g. in the form of aphasia), depression or chronic pain?
  • What innovative technologies can be used to measure these disorders in the nervous system?
  • Can the measurement results be used to develop new technology, diagnosis and therapy options? What could these look like?
  • What ethical and socially responsible consequences could the neurotechnologies that are already in use, but also those that are in the pipeline, have for people and society?

Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine
Tel.: +49 89 4140 4041
Mail: medizinethik.med@tum.de
Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich

Project Management:
Prof. Dr. med. Alena Buyx

Period:
01.02.2022 - 31.01.2026

Project Type:
TUM Innovation Network

Funding source:
Excellence strategy of the federal and state governments

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