Almost forty years after leaving his native city, world-renowned scientist Professor Scott Kelso (pictured) has returned to join Ulster’s Intelligent Systems Research Centre (ISRC) at Magee as a Visiting Professor.

Professor Kelso is considered to be one of the world’s leading experts on how the human brain controls and coordinates complex behaviour on multiple levels. He uses brain imaging techniques such as Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, high-density electrode arrays (EEG) and Magnetoencephalography (MEG), along with computational methods and models to discover principles and mechanisms underlying human brain functions and disorders.

The founder of the Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences at Florida Atlantic University, (Boca Raton, Florida, USA), where he served as Director from 1985-2000, Professor Kelso holds the Glenwood and Martha Creech Eminent Scholar Chair in Science and is also Professor of Psychology, Biological Sciences and Biomedical Sciences.

Professor Kelso is delighted to return to his hometown after nearly 40 years in the US to take up a position as a Visiting Professor and member of ISRC’s Advisory Board.

He is expected to play a key leadership role, helping to devise and implement strategy for the newly established Computational Neuroscience Research Team at Magee’s internationally recognised Intelligent Systems Research Centre.  Computational Neuroscience will complement existing research programs in Neuroengineering, Brain-Computer Interfaces and Cognitive Robotics.

Computational Neuroscience explores basic neuroscience research in order to develop theoretical/computational models of how the brain works during typical cognitive functions like perception, memory, decision-making and movement. This is essential for the understanding and treatment of neurological disorders and mental illness, as well as for the development of intelligent computational machines.

Professor Martin McGinnity, Director of the ISRC says it is a great honour to have such a distinguished and world renowned scientist as Professor Kelso contributing to the work of the ISRC.

“We are extremely fortunate to be able to attract such an eminent research scholar to join us in the ISRC. Professor Kelso’s experience, insight and depth of scientific understanding, together with his extensive international collaborations and profile will be of immense value in helping us develop our important new CNRT research team. We look forward to working together with him on many successful research initiatives”.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office, Department of Communication and Development
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