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Neuroscience Research

At Queen's

Our Research

Queen’s research encompasses a wide range of topics related to neural underpinnings of sensorimotor, cognitive and behavioural functions. This work extends from fundamental (with the aim of understanding the mechanisms underlying human performance, mobility, health and well-being) to applied (utilising fundamental knowledge to improve health and well-being across the lifespan, and enhance functional capacity in multiple domains).

We have access to extensive facilities for behavioural and neurophysiological studies. These include: multiple 3D motion tracking systems; equipment for electromyography (EMG); functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS); transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with Neuronavigation; electroencephalography (EEG); posturography (Neurocom Balance Master); eye tracking, sound-synthesis, gait analysis (AMTI force-plates); and a range of stimulus presentation systems, including immersive VR environments. Off-site, we have access to commercial services for magnetic resonance imaging (1.5 Tesla).

The current research interests of neuroscience researchers at Queen’s includes: the restoration of upper limb function in stroke survivors; goalkeeper movements during free kicks; the neural basis of interception; balance control across the lifespan, in clinical and atypical populations; movement sonification strategies for visually impaired people; diagnostic biomarkers for motor neurone disease; the neural basis of individual differences in the preservation of cognitive and motor function in later life; and motor learning in music and other skill domains.

Research topics

  • Healthy Ageing

    Academics at Queen’s are exploring healthy ageing. Recent research in this area has focused on white matter fibre density, structural brain signatures and demarcations of cognitive dysfunction.

  • Motor Control Learning

    Recent motor control learning research at Queen’s has identified the potential role of Brain-Computer Interfaces, cross-education in early-stage rehabilitation and methods to assess response inhibition.

  • Parkinson’s Disease

    Parkinson's@NI is a hub for connecting local stakeholders and research partners interested in improving quality of life for people with Parkinson's.

    The hub facilitates research, evidence, data and expertise to take advantage of opportunities and find place-based solutions to challenges that matter to the local community of people living with Parkinson's in NI.

  • Sport

    Neuroscientific sport research at Queen’s has shared insights on how expert player’s detect opponent movement intentions through sound and what external factors impact a goalkeeper’s performance in stopping free kicks.

  • Stroke

    Queen’s stroke researchers have recently considered the role of mechanistic knowledge in rehabilitation, the ‘Why’ of Brain-Computer Interface for neurorehabilitation, and the potential challenges and opportunities for these interfaces.

  • Techniques in Neuroscience

    Queen’s researchers explore an extensive list of techniques in neuroscience as part of their research, including tractography and experimental design in electromyography.

  • Neural Plasticity

    Academics at Queen’s have researched neural plasticity in various capacities. Topics include transcranial alternating current stimulation, cortico-cortical associative stimulation, neuromuscular stimulation and characteristics of corticospinal projections to the intrinsic hand muscles in skilled harpists.

  • Visual Impairment

    Neuroscientific research on visual impairment at Queen’s recently involved using a vibrotactile device to orient and walk to targets, and refreshing refreshable braille displays.

  • Cognitive Neuroscience

    Extensive cognitive neuroscience research takes place at Queen’s University. Research focus has ranged from predicting substance use later in life, to non-invasive brain stimulation in the treatment of depression, and Self-regulation of the brain’s right frontal Beta rhythm using a brain-computer interface.

  • Human-Robot Interactions

    Academics have begun to research human-robot interactions, with a focus on hand-eye-object tracking for human intention inference.

Our Academics

Dr Matthew RodgerDr Matthew Rodger
Dr Kathy RuddyDr Kathy Ruddy
Dr Joost C. DessingDr Joost C. Dessing
Dr Mihalis DoumasDr Mihalis Doumas
Professor Richard CarsonProfessor Richard Carson
Dr Andrew MonaghanDr Andrew Monaghan
Dr Anna TruzziDr Anna Truzzi
Dr Emmet McNickleDr Emmet McNickle