Keynote Speaker - Natalie Mrachacz-Kersting

KEYNOTE

Natalie Mrachacz-Kersting

Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Germany

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) have emerged as a promising tool for the restoration and replacement of lost motor function in patient populations. A variety of control signals have been extracted from the ongoing electroencephalographic (EEG signal) both in the frequency and time domain. In this talk I will present the approach we have taken from the basic idea and the underlying neurophysiology to the final BCI tested in clinical populations. I will demonstrate why knowledge of the mechanisms behind memory and learning is vital for the development of rehabilitation technology, specifically BCIs, and further how factors such as plasticity induction, fatigue or even tremor may greatly impact on the system accuracy.

Prof. Dr. Natalie Mrachacz-Kersting member of IEEE, received her Ph.D. degree in biomedical engineering from Aalborg University, in 2005, and currently holds the Chair for Neuroscience and Neuroscience in Sport at the Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg. She is the Practitioner Representative for the IEEE Engineering Medicine and Biology Society, Chair of the IEEE WI(BM)E and on the Initiative Steering Committee of the IEEE Brain. Since 2019 she has been serving on the International BCI Society Board where she heads the fundraising committee. She has previously held positions at Aalborg University, Denmark, FH Dortmund and at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Natalie does research in Medical Technology, Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience. She has authored over 80 articles in peer-reviewed journals, over 130 conference articles/abstracts, ten book chapters and one book. She is working on several projects specifically within the area of Brain-Computer-Interfaces (BCIs) involving patient populations such as those suffering from stroke or ALS. Dr. Mrachacz-Kersting received several awards including the international BCI award in 2017.