Nottingham University scientists receive IOP award for wearable brain scanner

Elena Boto, Ryan Hill and Niall Holmes from the University’s School of Physics and Astronomy have been awarded the Clifford Paterson Medal from the Institute of Physics (IOP) in recognition of their work on a wearable, lightweight brain imaging technology that can provide images of human brain function with unprecedented accuracy, even whilst the patient is moving.

The team, which has worked on the project since 2015, has pioneered the rapid development of this new scanner, which employs quantum enabled sensors to measure magnetic fields above the scalp (a process termed magnetoencephalography (MEG)).

According to the University, the team used small, lightweight optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), which employ the fundamental quantum physics of atoms to measure the neuromagnetic field. The team were able to incorporate these sensors into a novel scanner design that can be worn as a helmet allowing people to move freely. The system can be adapted to anyone, and sensors can be placed much closer to the head, which enhances data quality. OPM-MEG is also said to be cheaper than conventional scanners.

“The work that Elena, Ryan and Niall have done is genuinely ground-breaking, with far reaching implications for healthcare,” said Professor Matt Brookes, MEG research lead at Nottingham University. “Individually, they are exceptional scientists, but working together they have achieved something that is truly and uniquely special. The Clifford Patterson Medal from the IOP is richly deserved, and a wonderful recognition of Elena, Ryan and Niall’s achievements.”

OPM-MEG has been commercialised by the launch in 2020 of Cerca Magnetics Limited, with Boto, Holmes and Hill as co-founders. In its first year, Cerca was profitable with over £1m of sales; sales of greater than £3m are predicted in 2022. Customers include major children’s hospitals and leading academic institutions worldwide.