Spatiotemporally precise neuromodulation with intermittent interferential currents
PhD - Gent | Just now
Intermittent interferential current stimulation is a promising and recent neuromodulation technology that enables non-invasive electronic spatial steering towards both deep and superficial targets in nerve tissue. In the peripheral nervous system, this allows to selectively target specific fascicles associated with specific organs and functions. Recently, imec demonstrated that intermittent interferential current stimulation (i2CS) is able to entrain small bronchopulmonary-specific fascicles with high temporal resolution, while avoiding undesired co-stimulation of larger laryngeal muscle fascicles (Rossetti et al. (2025)) (attached figure). Here, activation of the bronchopulmonary branch has beneficial effects on modulating the breathing rate, while undesired stimulation of laryngeal fascicles is related to side-effects, such as hoarseness and cough.
In this PhD project, a multi-scale computational framework will be developed that couples electric-field simulations of i2CS with detailed neuron model simulations. Subsequently, this framework will be used to optimize i2CS protocols (e.g., electrode placement, carrier and beat frequencies, pulse repetition frequency, etc.) for treatment effectiveness and to minimize side-effects. The framework will be used for the optimization of spatiotemporally precise vagus nerve stimulation. Here, the vagus nerve is an important target for the treatment of various neurological and inflammatory diseases (e.g., epilepsy, major depressive disorder, ischemic stroke rehabilitation). In a later stage of the PhD, also other peripheral nerve targets can be considered (e.g., trigeminal nerve for the treatment of migraine). The PhD student will collaborate with imec-NL on preclinical experiments to validate the model predictions. The developed models are expected to improve our understanding of i2CS neuromodulation (e.g., characterization of various types of axonal blocking) and will result in more effective and safe treatments for various neurological and inflammatory disorders.Required background: M. Sc. Electrical, Physics, Biomedical Engineering or a related field.
Type of work: 70% modelling, 30% experimental
Supervisor: Emmeric Tanghe
Co-supervisor: Thomas Tarnaud
Daily advisor: Thomas Tarnaud, Emmeric Tanghe
The reference code for this position is 2026-114. Mention this reference code on your application form.