Connectionists: Essex BCI-NE webinar: Building Inclusive BCIs and Neurotechnologies by Prof. Mahnaz Arvaneh

[Perdikis, Serafeim]

Gentle reminder for tomorrow's BCI-NE University of Essex seminar:


https://www.linkedin.com/company/essex-bcine-lab/

The Essex BCI-NE Lab invites you to join our next monthly webinar:

Beyond Accuracy: Building Inclusive BCIs and Neurotechnologies for Diverse Communities

Delivered by

Prof. Mahnaz Arvaneh
Professor of Intelligent Human-Machine Interfaces, Physiological Signals and Systems Laboratory, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom

The webinar will take place over Zoom on Wednesday, 24th June 2026, at 2 PM UK time
RSVP: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7469814451047784448


Abstract: Brain–computer interfaces and neurotechnologies are often developed and validated in participant groups that do not reflect the diversity of the communities they aim to serve. This creates risks of unequal performance, limited adoption, and exclusion from future benefits. In this talk, I will discuss inequities in BCI and neurotechnology research, focusing on barriers faced by marginalised communities in participation, trust, accessibility, and adoption. Drawing on findings from the ARIA-funded Neurotech4All programme, I will highlight how technical, cultural, practical, and psychological factors can shape user engagement. I will conclude with recommendations for designing more inclusive, acceptable, and scalable neurotechnologies.


Speaker Biography: Mahnaz Arvaneh is Professor of Intelligent Human–Machine Interfaces at the University of Sheffield and Director of the Physiological Signals and Systems Laboratory. Her research focuses on AI-powered, user-centred neurotechnologies, with particular expertise in brain–computer interfaces, EEG signal processing, machine learning, and closed-loop systems for cognitive and physical rehabilitation. She has led multiple interdisciplinary projects spanning healthcare, neurotechnology, and human–machine interaction, including the development of home-based BCI rehabilitation systems for stroke survivors. She currently leads the ARIA-funded Neurotech4All programme, which investigates barriers to participation and adoption of neurotechnology among marginalised communities and develops recommendations for more equitable and inclusive neurotechnology design. Professor Arvaneh serves as Associate Editor for several leading journals and has contributed to national and international initiatives shaping the future of neurotechnology.

The Essex BCI-NE Lab webinars series takes place monthly (usually, on the second or third Wednesday of the month) over Zoom and is open to all. Speakers are invited to talk about their research for 45-50 minutes followed by Q&A.

Where speakers allow it, we record the talks and make them available to everyone on our YouTube channel. You can watch previous talks at: https://www.youtube.com/@essexbcis

If you don’t want to miss our next webinars, please email serafeim.perdikis at essex.ac.uk to ask to be added to our webinars mailing list.

Best wishes,
Simis


Dr Serafeim Perdikis, Associate Professor (Senior Lecturer)
Brain-Computer Interfaces and Neural Engineering Laboratory
School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ
United Kingdom
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