Navigating the Future of Brain-Computer Interface Technology
Dana Foundation
Advancing neuroscience that benefits society and reflects the aspirations of all people
A conversation with Jennifer French
By Seimi Rurup
With groundbreaking technologies promising the potential to transform lives, neuroscience and society are growing increasingly entwined. Neurotechnology, for the lay audience, may conjure images of virtual reality systems or implantable chips as seen in movies or read in science fiction novels, while in fact, it’s an established field that holds great potential for improving the lives of individuals with neurological conditions. But despite nearly 50 years of work, critical questions around clinical research, development, and access continue to emerge.
In our latest episode of NeuroSociety Stories, Dana Foundation President Caroline Montojo interviews Jennifer French , a trailblazer in the field of neurotechnology. French has lived with an implanted neuroprosthesis for the last 25 years, witnessing firsthand the successes and copious failures when it comes to new devices on the market. As a Paralympian, advocate, and executive director of the Neurotech Network , she shares her insights on the evolving neurotech landscape and the vital role of community engagement and patient perspectives.
“Community engagement is not just helping developers understand the medical process and how people interact with the healthcare system, whether they’re affluent, underprivileged, or living in rural areas,” French says. “It’s also about understanding how they interact socially and within their communities—their norms, values, and beliefs.”
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French also sheds light on systemic challenges in the field and stresses the need for collaborative efforts to bridge this divide. Last year, with support from the Dana Foundation and together with neurologist Leigh Hochberg and pathologist Joe Lennerz, French created the Implantable Brain-Computer Interface Collaborative Community (iBCI-CC) to encourage the cross-sector relationships needed to overcome development hurdles.
The conversation between Montojo and French underscores a crucial shift in neuroscience: the growing emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity. By integrating community voices into the research process, the field can move beyond the lab and deliver tangible benefits to society. This approach not only enhances the quality of life for individuals with neurological conditions but also strengthens the societal impact of neuroscience as a discipline.
Watch the full interview below or on our YouTube along with previous episodes.