Redefining Neurotechnology: Prof. John A. Rogers of Northwestern University on Soft Bioelectronics

Soft bioelectronics advances took centre stage at the second Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR Joint Seminar on 21 July 2026, featuring renowned bioelectronics pioneer Prof. John A. ROGERS of Northwestern University.  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 PAIR and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science at PolyU, the online seminar, titled “Bioelectronic Systems as Neural Interfaces”, drew over a total of 14,600 Zoom participants and live steam audience worldwide, bringing together researchers, industry experts and members of the public from 20 countries and regions.

Opening the event, Prof. Sir John ASTON, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research of the University of Cambridge, emphasised that the seminar is about “sharing ideas and creating long-term partnerships and friendships across the world – about creating a global community determined to improve the lives of billions of people.”  Echoing this sentiment, Prof. ZHENG Zijian, Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) at PolyU, noted that the series aims to “build a community of researchers who share a common goal: improving lives through science, technology and innovation.”  Both highlighted the critical role of international and multidisciplinary collaboration in advancing neurotechnology into affordable, scalable clinical solutions.

In his keynote address, Prof. Rogers explored the transformative field of bioelectronic neural interfaces, which is reshaping neuroscience and opening up new avenues for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.  He also discussed how advanced electronic and optoelectronic technologies can be seamlessly integrated with soft biological tissues, enabling the precise monitoring and modulation of neural circuits across one-, two- and three-dimensional architectures.

The seminar continued with a pitching session showcasing translational neurotechnology research from both institutions:

• Mr Sam KAMALI, CEO of Myonerv and Former Fellow of Cambridge NeuroWorks, introduced a closed-loop neurostimulator designed to remotely monitor and treat stroke-induced paralysis;
• Ms Allie WILLIAMS, Research Assistant at Plasticity Lab, University of Cambridge and Fellow of Cambridge NeuroWorks, presented “Ms Smarty Pants”, a novel device that helps maintain pelvic and musculoskeletal health;
• Prof. LIANG Haulou, Interim Head of Division of Artificial Intelligence and the Humanities, Associate Director of University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience, and Chair Professor of Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence, PolyU, highlighted the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) in predicting dementia from speech; and
• Prof. Vivian HUI, Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing, PolyU, demonstrated how LLMs can bridge the gap between clinical education, surgical care and patient narratives.

The seminar concluded with an engaging panel discussion moderated by Prof. George Malliaras and Prof. ZHANG Weixiong, Associate Director of PAIR, PolyU.  The panellists explored critical themes, including the clinical translation of neurotechnologies into human applications, real-world success stories of neural interfaces, and pathways to patient impact.  They emphasised that translating research into meaningful clinical outcomes requires close collaboration among patients, clinicians, researchers and industry partners.  This collaborative approach lies at the heart of the shared vision of Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR, which they continue to advance through innovation and partnership.