{"685293":{"#nid":"685293","#data":{"type":"news","title":"From Lab to Life: Inside the Institute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe brain is the most intricate system known to science \u2014 billions of cells forming dynamic networks that allow us to think, feel, move, and adapt. Yet despite decades of research, much about how the brain works remains a mystery. At the same time, neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions are on the rise, affecting more than one-third of the global population and costing trillions in healthcare and lost productivity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnderstanding the brain is key to unlocking human health and flourishing. The need has never been more urgent, but this challenge is too vast for any single discipline to solve alone.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat\u2019s why Georgia Tech \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/georgia-tech-launches-two-new-interdisciplinary-research-institutes\u0022\u003Erecently launched\u003C\/a\u003E the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EInstitute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society\u003C\/a\u003E (INNS). A step toward a more connected, collaborative future, INNS brings together experts from across Georgia Tech\u2019s seven colleges and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gtri.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Research Institute\u003C\/a\u003E (GTRI) to study the brain in ways that connect scientific discovery with technological innovation and real-world societal needs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EINNS supports research that crosses traditional academic boundaries. As an\u0026nbsp;Interdisciplinary Research Institute (IRI), it builds community, fosters collaboration, and fills critical gaps in education, professional development, and research infrastructure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech has a long-standing culture of interdisciplinary collaboration \u2014 it\u2019s in our DNA,\u201d says INNS Executive Director \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/user\/1109\u0022\u003EChris Rozell\u003C\/a\u003E. Rozell also serves as Julian T. Hightower Chaired Professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cINNS builds on that strength to create a space where breakthroughs in neuroscience and neurotechnology can move from lab to life, impacting real people in real ways.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Community Built to Collaborate\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EINNS is home to a growing network of faculty, students, and research centers spanning the full spectrum of Georgia Tech\u2019s research expertise.\u0026nbsp;This diversity is not just a feature, it\u2019s the foundation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat foundation was laid over decades of growth, vision, and grassroots momentum. Georgia Tech welcomed its first neuroscience-focused faculty member in\u0026nbsp;1990, sparking a steady expansion of brain-related research across campus. As more faculty joined and new focus areas emerged, a vibrant, cross-disciplinary community began to take shape.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn\u0026nbsp;2014, that community organized under the name GT Neuro, a grassroots initiative that united researchers who shared a passion for understanding the brain. This collective energy led to new educational programs, including the launch of Georgia Tech\u2019s undergraduate neuroscience major in the College of Sciences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur undergraduate students absolutely love teaching others about Neuroscience,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/people\/christina-ragan\u0022\u003EChristina Ragan\u003C\/a\u003E, director of Outreach for the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neuroscience.cos.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EUndergraduate Neuroscience Program\u003C\/a\u003E and senior academic professional in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cI\u0027m really excited to explore ways for INNS to connect our neuroscience community at Tech with the public.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy 2023, the Neuro Next Initiative launched to bring together leaders from across campus and chart a strategic path forward \u2014 the result of nearly two years of community-driven planning to formalize and expand Georgia Tech\u2019s neuroscience ecosystem.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe launch of INNS has built on the momentum of the Neuro Next Initiative, which ignited crucial conversations and fostered new collaborations between researchers at GTRI and Georgia Tech faculty,\u201d says \u003Cstrong\u003ETabitha Rosenbalm\u003C\/strong\u003E, GTRI senior research engineer. \u201cThe remarkable demonstration at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/interfaceneuro-highlights-atlantas-growing-role-neurotech-revolution\u0022\u003EInterface Neuro\u003C\/a\u003E \u2014 witnessing a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/unveiling-human-stories-behind-brain-implants\u0022\u003Equadriplegic man walk and communicate\u003C\/a\u003E thanks to innovative research \u2014 underscores the transformative breakthroughs possible when academic and applied researchers unite. INNS is uniquely positioned to serve as a catalyst, propelling Atlanta, Georgia Tech, and GTRI as national leaders in neurotechnology, driving advancements in both human health and engineering innovation.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EINNS is also helping shape the future of education. A new\u0026nbsp;interdisciplinary \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/training-page\/graduate-academic-programs\/phd\u0022\u003EPh.D. program\u0026nbsp;in neuroscience and neurotechnology\u003C\/a\u003E welcomed its first cohort this fall, and INNS is poised to support it with professional development, research opportunities, and community engagement.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBreaking Boundaries to Advance Brain Science\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether it\u2019s developing neurotechnologies, designing therapeutic environments, or exploring the ethical implications of brain research, INNS is here to support work that spans fields and impacts lives.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTo responsibly address the societal and human impacts of advances in neuroscience and neurotechnology, we first need to understand them,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/margaret-e-kosal\u0022\u003EMargaret Kosal\u003C\/a\u003E, professor and director of Graduate Students in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cThat requires real and substantive collaboration beyond traditional engineering or biology labs.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne example of INNS in action is the\u0026nbsp;Smart Transitional Home Lab, a project funded by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/georgia-tech-shepherd-center-award-inaugural-seed-grants\u0022\u003Einaugural INNS\/Shepherd Center Seed Grant\u003C\/a\u003E. This initiative brings together experts in architecture, inclusive design, neuroengineering, and rehabilitation to prototype environments that actively support stroke recovery, blending rigorous research with human-centered design.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe establishment of INNS creates a powerful platform where diverse minds, from neuroscience to architecture to rehabilitation, can converge around a shared mission to advance human health,\u201d says \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arch.gatech.edu\/people\/hui-cai\u0022\u003EHui Cai\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arch.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Architecture\u003C\/a\u003E, executive director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/simtigrate.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESimTigrate Design Center\u003C\/a\u003E, and co-leader of the project. \u201cIt enables interdisciplinary work with the potential to transform lives and redefine how we design for healing and recovery.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFrom whole brain recordings, to mapping the connectome, to the incredible advances in artificial intelligence, it\u0027s never been a more exciting time to study the mind and brain,\u201d says \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/psychology.gatech.edu\/people\/robert-wilson\u0022\u003EBob Wilson\u003C\/a\u003E, director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coco.psych.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECenter of Excellence for Computation and Cognition\u003C\/a\u003E and associate professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/psychology.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Psychology\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cI\u0027m extremely excited for INNS to act as a central hub, building the neuroscience community at Georgia Tech and beyond.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJoin Us\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EINNS is more than an institute, it\u2019s a growing, vibrant community of researchers, educators, students, and partners. Together, we\u2019re working to understand the brain, develop technologies that improve lives, and ensure those innovations serve society responsibly.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether you\u0027re a student, researcher, policymaker, or simply curious about the brain,\u0026nbsp;INNS is your gateway to interdisciplinary neuroscience at Georgia Tech. Get involved at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/email-list-subscriptions\u0022\u003Eneuro.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENeuroscience at Georgia Tech is entering a new era \u2014 one defined by interdisciplinary research, educational innovation, and real-world impact.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Neuroscience at Georgia Tech is entering a new era \u2014 one defined by interdisciplinary research, educational innovation, and real-world impact."}],"uid":"35575","created_gmt":"2025-09-25 19:32:18","changed_gmt":"2025-10-08 17:17:15","author":"adavidson38","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-09-25T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-09-25T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678148":{"id":"678148","type":"image","title":"Brain-pop-art3.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResearchers across Georgia Tech are joining forces to explore the brain \u2014 advancing science, technology, and society through interdisciplinary collaboration.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1758828752","gmt_created":"2025-09-25 19:32:32","changed":"1758828752","gmt_changed":"2025-09-25 19:32:32","alt":"Researchers across Georgia Tech are joining forces to explore the brain \u2014 advancing science, technology, and society through interdisciplinary collaboration.","file":{"fid":"262135","name":"Brain-pop-art3.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/Brain-pop-art3.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/Brain-pop-art3.png","mime":"image\/png","size":6940748,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/25\/Brain-pop-art3.png?itok=Imvl-fen"}},"678149":{"id":"678149","type":"video","title":" Inside the Institute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFrom lab to life, INNS is building a collaborative future for brain science.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1758829774","gmt_created":"2025-09-25 19:49:34","changed":"1758829774","gmt_changed":"2025-09-25 19:49:34","video":{"youtube_id":"rtiZfZzdMLQ","video_url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=rtiZfZzdMLQ"}}},"media_ids":["678148","678149"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/georgia-tech-shepherd-center-award-inaugural-seed-grants","title":"Georgia Tech, Shepherd Center Award Inaugural Seed Grants"},{"url":"https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/rozell-named-inaugural-executive-director-new-neuroscience-institute","title":"Rozell Named Inaugural Executive Director of New Neuroscience Institute"},{"url":"https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/georgia-tech-launches-two-new-interdisciplinary-research-institutes","title":"Georgia Tech Launches Two New Interdisciplinary Research Institutes"}],"groups":[{"id":"66220","name":"Neuro"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"172970","name":"go-neuro"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193656","name":"Neuro Next Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:audra.davidson@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAudra Davidson\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EResearch Communications Program Manager\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["audra.davidson@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}