Ilka Diester | “Towards bi-directional neuroprosthetics”
Clinical neuroscience Manfred Eigen lecture theatre
Bidirectional brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) are critical for restoring sensorimotor function, yet most existing systems decode motor signals without providing sensory feedback. The primary somatosensory cortex (S1) represents a key target for restoring touch and proprioception. Here, we propose an optogenetic framework combining bicistronic expression, two-photon calcium imaging, and holographic stimulation to map and recreate tactile activity patterns in S1. Holographic optogenetics enables precise, spatially resolved writing of naturalistic population activity. We further discuss how stimulation timing aligned with local field potential burst states may define optimal intervention windows, and how projection-targeted activation strategies could enhance stimulation efficacy and network-level engagement.