Webinar | MEDUSA©: An Innovative Software Ecosystem to Accelerate BCI and Cognitive Neuroscience Experimentation.

16 April, 2024 - 16 April, 2024

Neurotechnologies have the potential to reshape our society. However, unlocking their full potential requires overcoming significant barriers. While the field has seen rapid development, challenges persist in conducting experiments, particularly those involving complex software such as brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and cognitive neuroscience research. Existing platforms often fall short in functionality and adaptability to meet researchers; evolving needs. This webinar introduces MEDUSA © (www.medusabci.com), an innovative software ecosystem designed to address these limitations. MEDUSA © , includes a comprehensive suite of signal processing functions, deep learning architectures, and functional connectivity analysis tools. Moreover, MEDUSA© empowers researchers with ready-to-use BCI and neuroscience experiments while recording synchronized biosignal data (e.g., EEG, ECG, EOG), highlighting BCI spellers based on code- modulated visual-evoked potentials and event-related potentials, motor imagery, neurofeedback and neuropsychological evaluation tasks. Additionally, we will delve into the development process behind MEDUSA © , emphasizing its modularity, flexibility, scalability and extensive compatibility with biosginal recording equipment. Built using Python—an open-source programming language—MEDUSA © leverages its high-level syntax and vast community packages, reducing development costs while enhancing accessibility. Notably, the platform facilitates the creation of custom experiments, fostering collaboration and reproducibility through an app market accessible via our website. In conclusion, MEDUSA © stands as a pioneering software ecosystem to transform modern neurotechnology experimentation. By providing cutting-edge tools and fostering community engagement, MEDUSA © drives innovation and progress in this field. Join us to learn more about this project in the webinar.

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– About the speakers –

Dr. Víctor Martínez-Cagigal

Founder and Software Developer at MEDUSA^©

Dr. Víctor Martínez-Cagigal is an Assistant Professor at the University of Valladolid in Spain and a member of the Center of Biomedical Research in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN). His expertise lies in the development of noninvasive Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), as well as neuroscience, signal processing, artificial intelligence, swarm intelligence, and large-scale software development. His previous research in BCIs includes stroke neurorehabilitation, cognitive training for the elderly, and the development of systems for communication and control for motor-disabled populations. Currently, his research primarily focuses on overcoming the new challenges hindering the advancement of code-modulated visual evoked potentials (c-VEP) based BCIs towards plug-and-play systems. Throughout his career, Dr. Martínez-Cagigal has received numerous awards, including the PhD Extraordinary Award (Cum Laude & International Mention), and recognition for the best article published in 2022 by the Spanish Society of Biomedical Engineering, among others. He is also founder and developer of MEDUSA© (www.medusabci.com), a software ecosystem for the development of BCIs and neuroscience experiments.

Dr. Eduardo Santamaría-Vázquez

Founder and Lead Developer at MEDUSA^©

Dr. Eduardo Santamaría-Vázquez is a PhD Research Scientist in the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) at the Dpt. of Signal Theory and Communications of the University of Valladolid (UVa), member of the Biomedical Engineering Group at UVa (GIB-UVa, 2017), and member of the Center of Biomedical Research in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN). Dr. Santamaría-Vázquez’s interdisciplinary research bridges engineering and neuroscience to implement new technological solutions through the analysis of brain activity, leveraging his expertise in signal processing, artificial intelligence, and large-scale software development. His main research focus is to advance both scientific knowledge and practical applications of BCI technology. He has developed deep-learning models for enhanced EEG decoding in assistive BCIs aimed to improve the quality of life and independence of people with severe disabilities. Currently, he is also investigating the potential of this technology in the fields of cognitive training, to prevent cognitive decline in the elderly, and neurorehabilitation, to facilitate recovery after brain damage. Additionally, his has made contributions to identify biomarkers associated to different aspects of brain function. For instance, he has actively contributed to different projects aimed at understanding the neurophysiological footprint of central nervous system disorders such as dementia, migraine, and neuropsychiatric conditions, thereby paving the way for improved prevention and treatment, or monitoring brain activity through EEG during sleep and general anesthesia. This research has been recognized with several national and internation awards. Dr. Santamaría-Vázquez is also committed to transfer the knowledge generated from his research to both society and industry. He is a regular consultant to neurotechnology companies for the implementation of passive and active BCI approaches. In addition, Dr. Santamaría-Vázquez leads the development of MEDUSA © (www.medusabci.com), an innovative platform to accelerate experimentation in BCI and cognitive neuroscience currently used by research groups and companies around the world. This platform provides state-of-the-art tools and encourages the participation of the community to make a difference for the progress of these fields.