SNN-Unit

From August 5-9, we had the great opportunity to join the International Hearing-Aid Research Conference (IHCON) 2026 in Banff, Canada.

Beyond sharing our own research, IHCON 2026 gave us the chance to discover exciting development across the field, exchange ideas with fellow researchers, and gain valuable feedback on our work. A huge thank you to the organizers for bringing together an inspiring community and creating a great platform for scientific exchange. We’re already looking forward to the next IHCON!

We recently attended the 48th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC 2026), in Toronto, Canada. Two of our researchers presented posters on our ongoing work, on acoustic edge evoked potentials as indicators of attentional engagement in cinematic experience, and on decomposed facial flow as a correlate of effortful listening. In addition, Prof. Dr. Dr. Daniel J. Strauss gave a talk on understanding speech in “noise” and effortful listening in the soundscapes of the Anthropocene, highlighting the mismatch between evolutionarily shaped auditory priors and the acoustic environments of today. We look back on insightful presentations and a great exchange with the biomedical engineering community.

htw saar recently welcomed Dr. Ramanuj Banerjee, Counsellor (Science & Technology) at the Embassy of the Republic of India in Germany. The visit provided an opportunity to present current research and teaching activities at htw saar and to discuss potential collaborations with universities and research institutions in India through the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC), a joint initiative of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), Government of Germany.

Following the discussions, Dr. Banerjee toured the Systems Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Unit under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Dr. Daniel Strauss. The laboratory conducts interdisciplinary research spanning neuroscience, biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, and neurotechnology. Through close collaboration across disciplines, researchers investigate neural function and develop novel approaches for diagnosis, rehabilitation, and human–machine interaction. During the tour, ongoing projects and state-of-the-art research infrastructure were presented, highlighting the laboratory’s contributions to education, innovation, and scientific advancement in the field.

Dr. Banerjee also met with students enrolled in the international Master’s programme Neural Engineering, which attracts a significant number of students from India each year. During the interactive session, students shared their academic experiences, research interests, and future career aspirations. The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on higher education, research opportunities, and the growing scientific collaboration between India and Germany. Dr. Banerjee encouraged the students to continue serving as ambassadors of Indo-German cooperation through their academic and professional achievements.

The visit underlines htw saar’s role as an internationally connected university. Particularly in a dynamic field such as neurotechnology, cross-border collaboration creates valuable opportunities for innovation, research, and academic development while further strengthening scientific ties between Germany and India.

The Systems Neuroscience & Neurotechnology Unit (SNNU) was pleased to participate in the Info Mile of the Open Campus 2026 at Saarland University, where researchers, students, and visitors from across the region came together to explore the university’s diverse research landscape.

At our booth, visitors had the opportunity to discover how interdisciplinary research combines neuroscience, medicine, engineering, and artificial intelligence to develop innovative technologies for healthcare and human–machine interaction. Through interactive demonstrations and conversations with our researchers, guests gained insights into how neurotechnology can contribute to improving diagnostics, rehabilitation, and quality of life.

Throughout the afternoon, many visitors stopped by to experience our demonstrators firsthand and learn more about current research projects. From contactless physiological monitoring to neuroergonomics and human-centered systems, the exhibits illustrated how fundamental research is translated into practical applications. The interactive format encouraged visitors of all ages to ask questions, discuss future technologies, and experience how scientific discoveries move from the laboratory into real-world solutions.

The Open Campus also provided an excellent opportunity to introduce prospective students to the interdisciplinary nature of neuroscience and neurotechnology. Our team enjoyed discussing study opportunities, research projects, and career paths with pupils and future students interested in science, engineering, and medicine. We would like to thank everyone who visited our booth, shared their curiosity, and contributed to many inspiring conversations. We look forward to welcoming you again at future outreach events!

Last week, members of the SNNU team participated in the Hearing Across the Lifespan (HeAL) Conference 2026 in Padova, Italy

The Systems Neuroscience & Neurotechnology Unit (SNNU) is proud to announce that Philipp Flotho has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation. In his thesis, titled “Visual Computing for Motion Processing and Multimodal Imaging: Addressing Cross-Domain Challenges in Neuroscience Applications,” Philipp explored groundbreaking approaches at the intersection of computer vision, systems neuroscience, and bioinformatics. His research focused on advanced motion analysis in biomedical imaging, tackling complex challenges ranging from microscopic neuronal recordings to the dynamics of human facial expressions.

The defense took place on May 19th at Saarland University, where Philipp presented his findings and engaged in a stimulating scientific discussion with the examination committee, surrounded by colleagues, collaborators, friends, and family. Throughout his doctoral studies, Philipp has been an indispensable member of our unit. Beyond his scientific excellence, he contributed significantly through interdisciplinary collaboration and the mentoring of junior researchers. We sincerely congratulate Dr. Flotho on this outstanding academic milestone and wish him continued success in his future scientific and professional endeavors.