Galveston, TX, December 16, 2024 – Today marks a significant milestone in the field of neurotechnology and brain health as the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering and the Moody Brain Health Institute at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster international cooperation and collaboration.
A New Era of Collaboration
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by UTMB President Dr. Jochen Reiser and Wyss Center Director Dr. Erwin Böttinger. The signing ceremony, held at UTMB, was attended by elected state and local officials, and representatives of the Moody Foundation and both institutions, including Dr. Tracy Laabs, Head of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at the Wyss Center, and Dr. Giulio Taglialatela, Vice President of Brain Health and Director of the Moody Brain Health Institute.
This strategic partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both institutions to advance research, innovation, and translational applications in neurotechnology. By combining their unique resources and expertise, the Wyss Center and UTMB are poised to make significant strides in improving patient care and securing substantial research funding.
Key Areas of Collaboration
The partnership will focus on several key areas, including:
- Neurotech Program Development: Establishing a Neurotech Center within the Moody Brain Health Institute to integrate brain health and neurotechnology, supported by philanthropic contributions and other funding sources.
- Translational and Innovation Focus: Ensuring that discoveries and innovations are effectively translated into clinical applications for the benefit of patients.
- Economic Exploration and Joint Ventures: Exploring economic opportunities, including joint ventures, to commercialize technologies and innovations.
- Pioneering Neurotech and Brain Health: Developing cutting-edge technologies in neurotechnology and brain health, accelerating technological progress, and facilitating the commercialization of breakthrough products and therapies.
Collaborative Projects and Initiatives
The partnership will also focus on specific collaborative projects, such as:
- Microglia and Cognitive Resilience in Alzheimer’s Disease: Investigating the role of microglial phagocytosis in maintaining synaptic integrity and cognitive resilience in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
- AI-Powered EEG Analysis for Epilepsy Diagnosis: Collaborating with dEEGtal, a spinoff of the University Hospitals Geneva supported by the Wyss Center, to enhance epilepsy diagnosis through AI-powered EEG analysis.
Additionally, the Moody Brain Health Institute is recruiting a new Assistant/Associate Professor specializing in Neurotechnology/Neuroengineering to further advance research and innovation in this field.
About the Moody Brain Health Institute and UTMB
The Moody Brain Health Institute, part of UTMB, is a leading institute dedicated to advancing research and care in neurological and cognitive health. Established in 2022 with a transformative $25 million gift from the Moody Foundation and the Moody Medical Research Institute, the Institute fosters collaboration across various disciplines to address conditions like Alzheimer’s, chronic pain, and mental health disorders.
UTMB, with a history spanning over 130 years, is a renowned academic health center dedicated to education, research, and patient care. It operates a comprehensive healthcare network and is known for its pioneering research in areas such as infectious diseases, vaccine development, and brain health.
More information
- UTMB and Wyss Center to collaborate to advance neuroscience research
- Moody Brain Health Institute
- University of Texas Medical Branch
