The Center for Neural Communication Technology (CNCT) stands at the crossroads where biomedical engineering and neuroscience meet and looks to a future when technology will interface with the brain, creating opportunities for scientific discovery and ushering in revolutionary treatments, therapies, and neural repair. CNCT’s core research includes advanced probe technology, electrical and chemical interfaces, biocompatibility studies, and drug delivery systems.

CNCT’s efforts are aimed at pushing the leading edge of neuroscience by developing increasingly sophisticated devices to implant in the brain. A critical enabling technology will be the next generation of microfabricated neural probes that can interface with the central nervous system at both cellular and network levels. As the premier resource for neural communication technology, CNCT offers a systematic, sequenced research and development program that integrates cutting-edge neurotechnologies with pioneering neuroscience applications.

The Center works closely with its collaborators to define, refine, and test new techniques and devices that are directed at providing more powerful neural interfaces. Beyond its core research program, CNCT disseminates the latest information available to its diverse communities; offers training and develops protocols; and provides key services to facilitate device delivery and set benchmarks for performance.

CNCT sets a high standard of excellence and its program embraces a broad swath of user communities—from collaborators and invited users to clinicians and the research community at large. Staff members include senior scientists and engineers who are leaders in the development and application of neural interface technologies.

The Center is one of a network of biotechnology resource centers supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is funded by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB, P41 EB002030). The Center is housed on the campus of the University of Michigan in the Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building. Professor Daryl R. Kipke serves as CNCT Director, with Professor William Shain as Associate Director.