Surjo Soekadar

Title(s): Einstein Professor of Clinical Neurotechnology.

Current Position/Designation: Einstein Professor of Clinical Neurotechnology at the Charité – University Medicine Berlin

Institutional Affiliation: Charité – University Medicine Berlin 

Professor Surjo R. Soekadar, MD, is the Einstein Professor of Clinical Neurotechnology at Charité – University Medicine Berlin, where he leads groundbreaking research in neural-machine interfaces aimed at restoring brain function. He and his team made history by demonstrating that a non-invasive brain-hand-exoskeleton could enable quadriplegic individuals with complete finger paralysis to independently eat and drink in a restaurant setting. Prof. Soekadar’s pioneering work is focused on developing advanced technologies such as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that allow patients to control exoskeletons and other devices solely with their thoughts. His research is supported by prestigious funding agencies, including the European Research Council (ERC) and the Federal Ministry of Research and Education. His mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with neurological and psychiatric disorders through innovative neurotechnological interventions.

Relevant Professional Skills/Experiences

  • Expertise in neurotechnology, brain-computer interfaces, and neural-machine interfaces.
  • Innovator in non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for restoring motor functions in patients with neurological impairments.
  • Extensive experience in clinical translation of neurotechnological advances to improve patient outcomes.
  • Leader in the development of quantum sensors for more accurate brain activity measurement, improving the potential for brain-computer interface systems.
  • Skilled in managing cross-disciplinary research teams focused on the intersection of technology, psychiatry, and neurology.
  • Experienced in securing large-scale research funding from national and international institutions.

Relevant Career Highlights

  • Einstein Professor of Clinical Neurotechnology, Charité – University Medicine Berlin (since 2018).
  • Research supported by the European Research Council (ERC), with two million euros in funding for the development of next-gen brain-computer interfaces.
  • Developed the world’s first non-invasive brain-hand-exoskeleton that allowed quadriplegic patients to eat and drink independently.
  • Head of the Research Section Translation and Neurotechnology at Charité’s Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences.
  • Pioneer in the application of quantum sensors for enhanced brain-computer interface accuracy.
  • Authored numerous publications on the development and clinical application of neurotechnologies for psychiatric and neurological disorders.

THE LANCET