Das Klinikum

ERC Synergy Grant

ConnectToBrain will introduce whole-brain multi-locus transcranial magnetic stimulation (mTMS), in which
the brain-stimulating electric-field location, direction, magnitude and timing are controlled electronically
based on real-time high-density electroencephalography (hdEEG) information of activity and connectivity in
brain networks. The final mTMS apparatus will consist of 50 coils. Superpositions of electric fields produced
by the different overlapping coils allow spatiotemporally millimeter- and millisecond-precise stimulus
sequences to arbitrary cortical sites without physical movements of the coil set. Spatial targeting of mTMS
will be further improved by measuring individual brain conductivity distributions with ultra-low-field MRI.
The proposed hdEEG methodology uses a brain–computer interface (BCI) and a computer–brain interface
(CBI) in a closed, algorithmically-controlled loop. BCI receives real-time information about brain activity
and connectivity from hdEEG, while CBI adapts mTMS to drive brain activity and connectivity into desired
directions. ConnectToBrain will allow unprecedented tracking of dynamic changes and reorganization of
brain networks in real time, and network-targeted closed-loop stimulation. This radically novel technology
will cause a paradigm shift from current open-loop practice that is only moderately effective in therapy. We
will apply ConnectToBrain to reach new levels of efficacy of therapeutic applications. Patients after stroke
and with Alzheimer’s disease will be tested and treated as models of network disorders.
Our high-risk, high-gain endeavor will reach the ambitious goals only through the Synergy of the 3 PIs,
world leaders in their complementary areas of expertise (instrumentation, algorithms, translation). If
ConnectToBrain succeeds, we expect the value of societal, health and industrial benefits in Europe to exceed
€1 billion annually, not to mention the immense value of alleviating human suffering from brain disorders.

Laufzeit: 2019-2027

Fördersumme: 10.000.000 €