Nick Ramsey applies human fMRI and intracranial EEG to questions on working memory, language, and sensorimotor function. His primary goal is to acquire and translate neuro-scientific insights to solutions for patients with brain disorders, with a focus on brain-computer interfacing (BCI). Ramsey’s team in Utrecht implants BCI prototypes in people with Locked-in Syndrome using different prototypes.
His aim at Radboud University is to address challenges associated with decoding human brain signals and enhance user experience of BCI implants by engaging closed-loop learning mechanisms, a system which processes continuous feedback and adjusts its operation based on the output. Ramsey aims to bring the BCI field forward by translating research results to commercial BCI solutions and intends to contribute to the neurotechnology field by developing a multidisciplinary BCI master programme.
About Nick Ramsey
Nick Ramsey started his academic career at the University of Utrecht, where he completed his Master’s degree in Experimental Psychology in 1987. Ramsey continued at the University of Utrecht to carry out PhD research in neuro-psychopharmacology. His PhD research investigated brain regions and receptor systems involved in the development and maintenance of cocaine addiction, and was completed in 1991.
After completing his PhD research, Ramsey worked as a researcher for the Fogarty Fellowships at the National Institute in Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Institute for Mental Health (Bethesda, USA). He then returned to the Netherlands, where he was appointed associate professor at the Department of Psychiatry (1995-2007), professor at the Psychology Department ( 2007-2008), and professor at the Neurosurgery Department (2008-present), all at the University Medical Center in Utrecht.
In 2015, Ramsey co-founded the International BCI Society, an organisation with over 300 members located in over 24 countries around the world. From 2016-2018 he was appointed president of the society. In 2015 he co-founded Braincarta BV, a company for clinical fMRI, and remained CEO until 2023. From 2020 onwards, Ramsey worked as a Senior Scientific Advisor at the Wyss Center in Geneva as well. During his career, Ramsey received various personal and consortium grants, including a VIDI grant (NWO, 2002), a VICI grant (NOW, 2006), and an ERC Advance grant (EU, 2012).
Along with his appointment at the Radboud University, he will continue working as professor in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University Medical Center in Utrecht.