PhD Position: Communication between a future biomimetic spike neuroprosthesis and a network of living neurons: design, characterisation and modelling of an in vitro physiological model

Brief summary of the PhD project:

The interdisciplinary project in which the thesis will be carried out is called Interconnect. It brings together three areas of research (neuroscience, BioMEMS, nanoelectronics) and relies on a partnership between two teams at IEMN, namely CSAM and BioMEMS. This project, at the crossroads of AI, neuroengineering and neurosystems, is positioned at the forefront of innovation in the field of neuromorphic technologies and implantable medical devices. From a scientific point of view, there are two challenges to be addressed. The first challenge concerns the development of a new generation of electronic implants, i.e. neuroprostheses based on artificial neurons and synapses. In terms of properties, the aim will be to develop adaptive biomimetic neuromorphic neuroprostheses that are embedded in vivo, self-powered, energy-efficient and equipped with learning capabilities to offer new solutions to neurodegeneration. The second challenge concerns the need to develop an in vitro physiological model, also known as a neurobiohybrid interface, that reproduces the brain environment and demonstrates that real-time, energyefficient, bidirectional communication is possible between the neuroprosthesis and living neurons. These actions Graduate School ENGineering and SYstems Sciences are undertaken in parallel with the development of a characterisation bench under tips, integrating calcium imaging, operating in analogue mode, at very low frequency, in real time, and adapted to measuring electrical responses issued from biological cells within new neurobiohybrid systems. The thesis work will focus on actions around the neurobiohybrid interface and on the need to test new cell types targeted with identified neurodegenerative diseases.

Faculty sponsor/ PI: Prof. Pr. Virginie Hoel (virginie.hoel@univ-lille.fr) and Pr. Christel Vanbesien (christel.vanbesien@univ-lille.fr)

Location/ Department: CSAM - BioMems, IEMN, Lille, France