Second Einstein Professorship Awarded to Neurotechnology Pioneer Surjo R. Soekadar
The Einstein Foundation Berlin is proud to once again support the groundbreaking research of Professor and ECN Member Surjo R. Soekadar through the awarding of a second Einstein Professorship. An internationally acclaimed neuroscientist and pioneer in clinical neurotechnology, Professor Soekadar leads the Translational and Neurotechnology Research Division at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Over recent years, the three-time European Research Council laureate has made transformative advances in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. His patented methods have the potential to fundamentally improve therapeutic approaches. This professorship will enable him to further expand his research in Berlin and establish a NeuroTech Open Innovation Hub aimed at testing, commercializing, and integrating innovations into Germany’s healthcare system.
A trailblazer in clinical brain-computer interface applications, Professor Soekadar develops technologies that enable direct communication between patients' nervous systems and external devices, facilitating the restoration of motor and cognitive functions. His dedication to strategic collaborations, such as between Charité and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in quantum sensing, has been instrumental in building Berlin’s world-class research infrastructure. Moreover, he has significantly shaped Berlin’s brain health research agenda.
The core of the professorship lies in an integrative approach: combining neurotechnology with psychotechnology, i.e., the fusion of neurobiological, digital, and psychosocial interventions, to pioneer a new generation of holistic and highly effective therapies. The clinical translation of neurotechnology will be accelerated through the NeuroTech Open Innovation Hub, ensuring that cutting-edge research reaches patients faster.
“Through this professorship, we are creating a unique platform for developing and clinically testing neurotechnological innovations,” emphasizes Professor Soekadar. “Our goal is to rapidly make new therapies available and to establish Berlin as a global leader in neurotechnology and its transfer.”
The NeuroTech Open Innovation Hub will foster a vibrant environment for startups, industry partners, and international talents, providing a strong boost to Berlin’s reputation as an innovation hub. Supported by the Einstein Foundation, the initiative also lays the groundwork for a novel co-creation model: so-called Clinician Innovators will collaborate with industry to develop, validate, and bring new therapeutic approaches and care models to market together with end users. “This model can bring groundbreaking neurotechnology and artificial intelligence ideas - whether from Germany or abroad - quickly to market maturity, clinically validate them, and integrate them into patient care. It closes a critical gap in Germany, where pioneering inventions often leave the country for the US or Asia to be developed and commercialized. While further conditions must be created, such as regulatory navigation support and improved access to venture capital, Berlin already offers excellent foundations through the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH) and UNITE,” Soekadar adds.
Professor Martin Rennert, Chair of the Einstein Foundation, comments: “Strong neuroscience in the health city of Berlin is no given; it thrives on individuals who shape and advance it. Professor Soekadar is undoubtedly one of its pillars. We are therefore delighted to contribute to keeping this outstanding scientist and inspiring personality at the Berlin research location with renewed funding, following his initial appointment six years ago.”
Charité also warmly welcomes the new professorship. Professor Joachim Spranger, Dean of Charité, states: “I am very pleased that the Einstein Foundation can continue to support Professor Soekadar. He is a tremendous asset to our neuroscience focus, and I am confident he will provide important impulses for future technological developments, especially at the brain-computer interface. We hope our patients will directly benefit from this.”
Source: Einstein Foundation Press Release
The Einstein Foundation Berlin is a nonprofit, independent, and science-driven institution founded in 2009. It promotes interdisciplinary and international excellence in science and research in and for Berlin. To date, it has supported around 240 scientists - including three Nobel laureates - over 70 projects, and eight Einstein Centers.