Unlocking the Brain: Cambridge NeuroWorks–PolyU PAIR Joint Seminar Debuts with Breakthroughs in Neurotechnology

On 27 May 2026, the Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR Joint Seminar Series made its debut, opening with a keynote delivered by renowned neurosurgeon Prof. Edward CHANG from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). The event marked the launch of a new collaboration between the University of Cambridge and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Co-hosted by Prof. George MALLIARAS, Cambridge NeuroWorks Scientific Lead and Prince Philip Professor of Technology at the University of Cambridge, and Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science at PolyU, the online seminar drew over 14,000 viewers worldwide from academia, industry, and the public.

Opening remarks by Prof. Sir John ASTON, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Cambridge, and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU highlighted the critical role of international, cross-disciplinary collaboration in advancing neurotechnology into affordable, scalable clinical solutions.

In his keynote, Prof. Chang presented pioneering work on deciphering the “Neural Code of Speech” and developing the world’s first speech neuroprosthesis. Aimed at restoring communication for paralysed patients at a natural rate of 150–160 words per minute, his FDA-approved BRAVO trial successfully translated brain signals from paralysed patients into real-time text, synthesised speech, and expressive digital avatars.  Prof. Chang also demonstrated bilingual decoding (English and Spanish) from the same cortical regions. He envisioned that the commercialisation of fully wireless, implantable brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) would take place within the next two to three years.

Following the keynote was a pitching session featuring translational neurotech research from both institutions:

• Ms. Lucy JUNG (Former Cambridge NeuroWorks Fellow) introduced LYEONS heart, a non-invasive device that uses rhythmic cues (e.g., visual, tactile and auditory) to regulate physiological arousals and panic attacks.
• Mr. Jonathan FISHER (Cambridge NeuroWorks Fellow) presented Peter, a wearable using personalised auditory cueing to assist Parkinson’s patients with mobility.
• Prof. Sonata YAU (PolyU PAIR Research Institute for Smarter Ageing Member) highlighted exercise-related biomarkers and a patented traditional Chinese medicine formula with neuroprotective and antidepressant effects.
• Prof. Bolton CHAU (PolyU PAIR Mental Health Research Centre Associate Director) demonstrated how ultrasound stimulation of key brain regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the human-unique frontal polar cortex, can drive adaptive behaviours.

The seminar concluded with an interactive panel discussion moderated by Prof. George Malliaras and Prof. ZHANG Weixiong (PolyU PAIR Associate Director). Discussions covered BCI privacy, speech decoding for aphasia, dream decoding, and the shift towards “brain-trained” AI. Speakers emphasised that translating research into clinical impact requires deep integration among patients, clinicians, academia, and industry—a shared vision that both Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR are dedicated to advancing through continued innovation and joint efforts.