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Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering

Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering

The Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering (NBE) is home to world-class multidisciplinary research in human systems neuroscience, multimodal neuroimaging, neurostimulation, experimental biophysics, and biomedical engineering. The levels of description in the research and education at the department range from molecular and cellular measures to noninvasive neuroimaging and behavioral measurements.

Our graduates assume positions in academia, industry, and government and emphasize the importance of scientific evidence in our society. Our research discoveries and innovations pave the way for new companies contributing to health, wellbeing, and prosperity.

Illustration of combined TMS and EEG methods

Research

New generations of multidisciplinary scientists and engineers are educated by engaging them with cutting-edge science and technology. Our strong emphasis on research is also reflected in our wide-ranging collaborations, the highly international composition of our staff, and a broad spectrum of funding sources.

Ala-Laurila Lab

We study novel signal processing mechanisms and their adaptive dynamics at the synaptic and cellular-element level across the entire neural circuit of the retina.

Ala-Laurila Lab

Attention and Memory

In the Attention and Memory group, we investigate the neural mechanisms underlying attention and memory and the development of executive functions in healthy children, adolescents and adults, and in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Aalto University/Attention and memory group

Brain and Mind Laboratory

We study human cognitive, social, and affective functions in health and disorders.

Aalto University/Brain and Mind Laboratory

Cellular Biophysics

Our main interest is in the molecular mechanisms of photoreceptor signaling and increasingly in the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in certain retinal diseases.

Aalto-yliopisto, liput / kuvaaja: Aino Huovio

Empathy Building Neuro-lab

Empathy is a multifaceted and elusive phenomenon. Our multi-national lab investigates empathy at multiple levels.

Illustration by Yoni Levy; the “Virtual Reality” icon by Nikita Kozin is taken from thenounproject.com (CC attribution), and slightly modified.

Engineered Nanosystems

Our work aims at generating new insight on the physics and operation of photonic devices to improve their performance and to develop predictive physical models in close collaboration with experimentalists and enterprises.

Aalto-yliopisto, liput / kuvaaja: Aino Huovio

Imaging Language

Our group's work is necessary for a scientific description of language processing in a healthy human brain, but essential in providing the groundwork for an informed and efficient description and treatment of developmental and acquired language disorders.

Aalto University/Imaging language

Medical Image Computing

We develop AI tools for automatically analyzing medical imaging data.

"Accurate and robust whole-head segmentation from magnetic resonance images for individualized head modeling“ by Puonti et al. NeuroImage (2020), licensed under CC-BY-NC-ND

Medical Ultrasonics Laboratory (MEDUSA)

The main research goal of MEDUSA is to create novel technologies exploiting non-linear ultrasonics for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.

MEDUSA

MEG-MRI Brain Imaging Group

In the MEG-MRI group, we develop techniques and instrumentation for neuroscience and medicine, electromagnetic neuroimaging in particular.

MEG-MRI prototype and application

Molecular Nanoengineering

The Molecular Nanoengineering group operates at the interface between nanoscience, molecular self-assembly, DNA nanotechnology and nanoplasmonics with particular focus on DNA-based artificial molecular systems with functionalities tailored for biosensing, nanophotonics and biomimetics.

Molecular Nanoengineering

Multimodal Imaging of Aging

We study cognitive aging, and the structural and functional changes that take place in the brain as a consequence of normal aging and neurodegeneration. To do so, we combine functional measures from magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG), with structural measures based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Illustration by Mia Liljeström. Five images of the human brain seen from different angles.

Near-infrared spectroscopy and imaging group (NIRS)

The near-infrared spectroscopy and imaging (NIRSI) group at NBE is developing frequency domain instrumentation for High-Density Diffuse Optical Tomography (HD-DOT) primarily for neuroimaging applications.

Aalto-yliopisto, liput / kuvaaja: Aino Huovio

Neuroimaging methods group (NIMEG)

We work at the intersection of neuroscience and neurotechnology by developing novel measurement and analysis methods for studying human brain structure and function, as well as applying these methods to address important and challenging research questions in both basic and clinical neuroscience.

Left: OPM and SQUID sensor layouts. Right: OPM-MEG measurement session.

Sensorimotor Systems Neuroscience (MOTOR) group

We study structure and function of the healthy and diseased human sensorimotor system.

Sensorimotor systems group photos by Harri Piitulainen

Single-Molecule Dynamics in Cells

We work at the interface between physics, chemistry, and biology.

Cells images in Jarno Mäkelä lab at NBE

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

TMS group conducts research on three interconnected areas: the group carries out neurophysiological experiments and develops methods for TMS–EEG signal analysis as well as instrumentation for TMS.

ConnecToBrain project, illustration by Otto Olavinen

Translational Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (Salmi Lab)

Salmi's Lab for naturalistic neuroscience, attention, and ADHD research

Picture showing the Translational Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratoty's research direction

Teaching

The Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering provides courses on Bachelor's, Master's and doctoral levels.

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Lecture on the BEST course in Life Science Technologies on 8 October 2019. Photo by Jaakko Järvinen.
Brain and Mind Symposium 2019 in Dipoli, Otaniemi. Photo by Jaakko Järvinen.

Doctoral Programme Brain & Mind

The Doctoral Programme Brain & Mind (B&M) is a doctoral education network for students at the University of Helsinki and Aalto University whose thesis work relates to the study of brain and mind.

Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering
Students in front of whiteboard, photo by Unto Rautio / Aalto Material bank

Courses

Courses taught at NBE listed in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering
TMS-EEG Summer School 2016, photo by Lari Koponen

Special courses

Summer schools, workshops and special courses taught at NBE listed in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering

Aalto NeuroImaging (ANI) Infrastructure

ANI research infrastructure houses three functional neuroimaging modalities, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at Advanced Magnetic Imaging (AMI) Centre, magnetoencephalography (MEG) at MEG Core and Aalto Behavioral Laboratory (ABL).

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ANI
Aalto Yliopisto Brain Centre

Aalto Brain Centre (ABC)

ABC is a neuroscience and neurotechnology initiative of the Aalto University. ABC is a thematic center, formed by research teams of several departments of the Aalto University School of Science (Aalto SCI), including the Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering. ABC aims to stimulate synergy and collaboration in research on systems-level neuroscience, neuroimaging, and neurotechnology.

Learn more!

Seven people wearing laboratory coats in a hospital room surrounded with medical devices

Biodesign Finland

Biodesign Finland is a strategic initiative within the Aalto University School of Science, hosted by the Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering (NBE). Biodesign Finland is organized together with Aalto University, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) and University of Oulu in collaboration with Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.

Biodesign Finland is a need-driven medical technology innovation and training program, which produces experts in health technology, solutions to healthcare, and new business. 

Biodesign aims to offer the best starting point for creating medical technology for the benefit of the patient globally.

Learn more!

News

Lukiolaisia Shaking up Tech -tapahtuman messualueella
Studies Published:

Shaking up Tech encourages young women and minorities to explore technology

The Shaking up Tech event will take place on 22 January 2026. The Event is aimed at young women and gender minorities who are considering their future study and career paths.
Aalto Scientific Computing
Research & Art, Studies Published:

Scientific Computing Skills: a new umbrella course for all researchers

Today, computing skills are essential not only in academic research but also across industries. Take part in hands-on trainings provided by Aalto Scientific Computing and by partner organisations such as CodeRefinery and CSC IT Center for Science.
Aino Pekkarinen. Kuva: Matti Ahlgren / Aalto-yliopisto
Appointments Published:

Aino Pekkarinen appointed communications manager at the School of Science

Aino Pekkarinen took up her role in August 2025.
Laboratory work at the School of Chemical Engineering
Cooperation Published:

Join the Unite! Engineering Biology second online matchmaking event on 25 September

The Unite! Engineering Biology initiative aims to unite researchers from all the nine partner universities in the Unite! alliance to advance key technologies and sustainable processes.

Events

ABC Seminar - Jamie Ward
Lectures and seminars

Studying the Social Brain using Wearables and Theatre

This time, Jamie Ward (Goldsmiths, University of London, UK) will present studies on live performance using techniques such as wearable EEG hyperscanning, eye-tracking, and motion capture, to explore how theatre can serve as a laboratory for real-world neuroscience and for developing novel wearable sensing methodologies.
Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, IT & digital tools, Support for teams, Training to support research, Workshops

Aalto AI Talks: Studying and Teaching with AI 21.10.2025

Studying and Teaching with AI: challenges and opportunities
Text on the yellow background: Current trends in OA publishing: Introduction to Rights Retention Strategy (RRS)
Information sessions, Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, Support for teams, Training to support research

Current trends in open access publishing: Introduction to Rights Retention Strategy (RRS), Oct 21, 2025

Learn about the Rights Retention Strategy (RRS) with experts from Legal and Research Services.
Red and white graphic with text 'Prompt engineering for researchers' and two circular photographs of Enrico Glerean and Pedro Silva.
Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, IT & digital tools, Support for teams, Training to support research

Prompt engineering for researchers, Oct 23, 2025

Learn how to create effective prompts when using AI tools.

Contact us

Health Technology House

Otakaari 3 & Rakentajanaukio 2

Otakaari 3

Magnet house

Otakaari 5 I

magneettitalo

Marsio

Otakaari 2

Marsio

Nanotalo building

Puumiehenkuja 2

Nanotalo

Micronova

Tietotie 3

Micronova cleanroom kuva: Aino Huovio
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