Our mission
We use cutting-edge technology grounded in computational neuroscience to restore lost neurological function. We rebuild the bridge between body, mind, and self.
Where are we making the difference
At the intersection of neuroscience, engineering, and digital innovation, we are redefining what’s possible in neurorehabilitation and assistive technologies. From restoring sensorimotor functions to revolutionizing vagus nerve stimulation and transforming at-home therapy through digital health platforms, our work is driven by one goal: empowering people to reclaim autonomy and quality of life.
Bioelectronic medicine
Sensorimotor bionics
Digital health
Running grants
DiabeteManager
The DiabetManager project aims to develop the first fully implantable, closed-loop neuroprosthesis for personalized glucose regulation in diabetes. Unlike current therapies that rely on patient compliance and often cause side effects, our solution uses intelligent vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to regulate metabolism automatically and adaptively. Our approach integrates advanced AI models, bioelectronic interface design, and experimental validation in both animals and humans. By uncovering the mechanisms of VNS and creating targeted, side-effect-free stimulation protocols, we lay the foundation for a new generation of bioelectronic medicine, transforming diabetes care into a precise, automated process.
NEURO-SOCK
NEURO-SOCK is a non-invasive, fully wearable device designed to restore natural sensation in individuals affected by sensory loss due to diabetes, amputation, or neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis. The system integrates soft robotic stimulation with wearable sensors that capture real-time environmental interactions. These signals are processed by AI algorithms that tailor electrical stimulation to target specific nerves, reawakening lost sensations. Successfully tested in 12 patients with diabetic neuropathy, NEURO-SOCK has already demonstrated the ability to restore foot sensation. Current efforts focus on optimizing the device and evaluating its long-term health benefits, including improved skin health, reduced cardiovascular stress, and decreased risk of complications associated with inactivity and neuropathy-related conditions. With no immediate solutions currently available, NEURO-SOCK offers a promising new avenue for rehabilitation and quality-of-life improvement.
Publications
Click on the picture to be redirected to the article’s DOI
The Lancet – Digital Health
March 2025
Clinical trials for implantable neural prostheses: understanding the ethical and technical requirements
M Ienca, G Valle, S Raspopovic
iScience
January 2025
Amputees but not healthy subjects optimally integrate non-spatially matched visuo-tactile stimuli
GV Aurucci, G Preatoni, G Risso, S Raspopovic
Nature Communications
December 2024
Wearable non-invasive neuroprosthesis for targeted sensory restoration in neuropathy
N Gozzi, L Chee, I Odermatt, S Kikkert, G Preatoni, G Valle, N Pfender, F Beuschlein, N Wenderoth, C Zipser, S Raspopovic
Cell Med
December 2024
Unraveling the physiological and psychosocial signatures of pain by machine learning
NGozzi, G Preatoni, F Ciotti, M Hubli, P Schweinhardt, A Curt, S Raspopovic
Nature Communications
July 2024
Towards enhanced functionality of vagus neuroprostheses through in silico optimized stimulation
F Ciotti, R John, N Katic Secerovic, N Gozzi, A Cimolato, N Jayaprakash, W Song, V Toth, T Zanos, S Zanos, S Raspopovic
Latest news
Neuroprosthetics Offer New Hope for Diabetic Neuropathy
More than 600,000 people in Austria suffer from diabetes, and around a quarter of them develop what is known as neuropathic foot syndrome. Type 2 diabetics, in particular, develop such nerve damage in one or even both feet. If circulatory disorders also occur, this leads to chronic wounds and infections. Research is underway at the Medical University of Vienna on special “socks” for patients.
Guide to the Future: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
The first destination is Switzerland, home to two Federal Institutes of Technology: ETH in Zurich and EPFL in Lausanne. Both institutes bring together top scientists from around the world, including researchers from Serbia.
At ETH Zurich, a research group led by Prof. Dr. Staniša Raspopović is developing neural prostheses — systems that connect the patient’s nervous system to a prosthetic limb replacing an amputated arm or leg.
Leg prosthesis with feeling
A new leg prosthesis that uses neurostimulation—i.e., implanted electrodes—to stimulate the nerves in the leg stump restores a sense of the foot and the ground. Patients also suffer less from phantom pain.
Our team
Here we are!
Prof. Dr. Stanisa Raspopovic
Dr. Andrea Cimolato
Dr. Natalija Secerovic
Anna Sparapani
Thien Le
Titouan Brossy
Melina Lorenz
Felix Zadro
Arianna Aresi
Giulia Lucia Maioli
Hyunjeong Lee
Gian Maria Velardi
Samuel Stolarik
Alumni
Valerio Aurucci
Now working at Hamilton, Chur, Switzerland
Dr. Noemi Gozzi
Now working at META, New York City, US
Noemi Paparo
Now PhD Student at Università degli Studi di Pisa
Laboratory of Prof. Alberto Greco
Zahra Taraghdari
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Open positions
Master thesis - Development of an AI-Powered Digital Twin for Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Master Thesis: Development of an AI-Powered Digital Twin for Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Goal
This thesis aims to develop a computational platform that predicts vagus nerve (VN) fibers responses to different electrical stimulation patterns. We developed a highly realistic model of VNS using the technology we were establishing for 10 years that is based on hybrid FEM modeling. Here we aim to replace complex anatomical and physical models with machine learning that would estimate the responses in less time, while maintaining high accuracy. It will enable rapid, personalized VNS optimization by accounting for individual variability and different neuromodulation devices, enhancing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing side effects. This work will provide a critical tool for optimizing VNS parameters and guiding the design of novel neurostimulation approaches.
Side goal :
If willing, the student will also be encouraged to participate in pre-clinical experiments involving pigs, specifically during the implantation of the vagus neuroprosthesis. Their role will be limited to observational support, such as notetaking during the procedures.
Recommended skills
good programming skills (Python), knowledge of AI and Machine Learning algorithms, signal processing and statistical
analysis, FEM, COMSOL; highly motivated, prone to work as part of the bigger team.
Keywords
vagus nerve stimulation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational modeling
Contacts details:
Titouan Brossy, PhD student, email: titouan.brossy@meduniwien.ac.at
Dr. Natalija Secerovic, PostDoc, email: natalija.secerovic@meduniwien.ac.at
Dr. Stanisa Raspopovic, Full Professor, email: stanisa.raspopovic@meduniwien.ac.at
Master Thesis - AI-Driven Markerless Pose Tracking for Upper Limb Assessment
Master Thesis: AI-Driven Markerless Pose Tracking for Upper Limb Assessment
Goal
This thesis focuses on developing a robust AI-based markerless motion capture system for quantitative assessment of upper limb function in patients with motor impairments. The work builds on an existing multi-camera computer-vision platform developed within the NeuroClasp project to track upper limb kinematics without physical markers. The core objective is to eliminate current clinical bottlenecks by using AI-driven solutions that operate consistently across patients, environments, and movement conditions.
Recommended skills
good programming skills (Python/C++), familiarity with Machine Learning techniques, computer vision fundamentals.
Keywords
markerless motion capture, computer vision, artificial intelligence, upper limb assessment, neuroprosthetics, clinical biomechanics
Contacts details:
Thien Le, PhD student, email: thien.le@meduniwien.ac.at
Dr. Andrea Cimolato, PostDoc, email: andrea.cimolato@meduniwien.ac.at
Master thesis - Intuitive Control of Upper-Limb Neuroprostheses
Master Thesis: Intuitive Control of Upper-Limb Neuroprostheses
Goal
This thesis aims to develop intuitive and reliable control strategies for electrically stimulated upper-limb neuroprosthetic systems. Building on an existing proof-of-concept platform developed within the NeuroClasp project, the objective is to analyze current system performance and design improved control algorithms for functional electrical stimulation and neural stimulation.
The project focuses on translating neural and muscular signals into effective electrical stimulation commands, enabling more natural, responsive, and functional neuroprosthetic control.
Recommended skills
Good programming skills (Python/C++), experience with signal processing and data analysis, familiarity with EMG and sensor-based systems.
Keywords
neuroprosthetics, intuitive control, EMG, human–machine interaction, neural interfaces
Contacts details:
Thien Le, PhD student, email: thien.le@meduniwien.ac.at
Dr. Andrea Cimolato, PostDoc, email: andrea.cimolato@meduniwien.ac.at
Open Clinical Trials
Virtual reality platform and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for stroke rehabilitation
[deutsche Version unten]
Virtual reality platform and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for stroke rehabilitation
Are you recovering from a stroke and looking to improve your arm movement and body perception?
We are conducting a clinical study at the Medical University of Vienna to test a new rehabilitation approach that combines Virtual Reality and electrical stimulation. The goal is to find out whether this innovative therapy can enhance recovery more effectively than standard physiotherapy.
🏥 Location: Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna
⏳ Duration: 5 weeks
👥 Who can join: People suffering from stroke with arm or hand movement difficulties (acute phase: within 1 week from the last stroke event)
💡 What you do: Take part in 12 short therapy sessions, plus a few medical assessments
💬 Share your experience: A short interview about how you felt during the program
🎥 Sessions are recorded for analysis — but your identity is protected
Participation is voluntary and free of charge. You can withdraw at any time without affecting your medical care.
If you’re interested or want to learn more, please contact us with the apposti form.
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Virtuelle Realitätsplattform und transkutane elektrische Nervenstimulation zur Schlaganfallrehabilitation
Wir führen an der Medizinischen Universität Wien eine klinische Studie durch, in der eine neue Rehabilitationsmethode getestet wird, die Virtuelle Realität und elektrische Nervenstimulation kombiniert. Ziel ist es herauszufinden, ob diese innovative Therapie die Erholung wirksamer unterstützen kann als herkömmliche Physiotherapie.
🏥 Ort: Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, Medizinische Universität Wien
⏳ Dauer: 5 Wochen
👥 Wer kann teilnehmen: Personen nach einem Schlaganfall mit Beeinträchtigungen der Arm- oder Handbewegung (akute Phase: innerhalb von 1 Woche nach dem letzten Schlaganfallereignis)
💡 Was Sie erwartet: Teilnahme an 12 kurzen Therapieeinheiten sowie einigen medizinischen Untersuchungen
💬 Ihre Erfahrung zählt: Kurzes Interview darüber, wie Sie das Trainingsprogramm erlebt haben
🎥 Die Sitzungen werden zu Analysezwecken aufgezeichnet – Ihre Identität bleibt dabei geschützt
Die Teilnahme ist freiwillig und kostenlos. Ein Ausstieg ist jederzeit möglich, ohne dass Ihre medizinische Betreuung beeinträchtigt wird.
📧 Wenn Sie interessiert sind oder mehr erfahren möchten, kontaktieren Sie uns bitte.
A telemonitoring tool to longitudinally monitor pain and its multidimensional components in patients
[deutsche Version unten]
A telemonitoring tool to longitudinally monitor pain and its multidimensional components in patients
Are you struggling with chronic pain?
We are conducting a clinical study at the Medical University of Vienna to test a new AI-based telemonitoring system designed to track and understand pain in all its dimensions — physical, emotional, and cognitive. This tool could improve how pain is monitored and managed in the future.
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🏥 Location: Special Anesthesia and Pain Therapy, University Hospital Vienna
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⏳ Duration: Approx. 2 weeks
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👥 Who can join: Individuals with who experience chronic pain
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💡 What you do: Use the digital tool, take part in assessments, and share your experience
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💬 Optional interview to give feedback about the system
Participation is voluntary and free of charge. You may withdraw at any time without affecting your care.
Interested or want to know more? Contact us with the apposit contact form.
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Ein Telemonitoring-Tool zur langfristigen Erfassung von Schmerz und seinen multidimensionalen Komponenten bei Patient:innen
Leben Sie leiden an chronischen Schmerzen?
Wir führen an der Medizinischen Universität Wien eine klinische Studie durch, um ein neues KI-basiertes Telemonitoring-System zu testen, das Schmerzen in all ihren Dimensionen – körperlich, emotional und kognitiv – erfassen und besser verstehen soll. Dieses Tool könnte die Überwachung und Behandlung von Schmerzen in der Zukunft erheblich verbessern.
🏥 Ort: Spezielle Anästhesie und Schmerztherapie, Universitätsklinikum Wien
⏳ Dauer: Ca. 2 Wochen
👥 Wer kann teilnehmen: Personen, die unter chronischen Schmerzen leiden
💡 Was Sie tun: Anwendung des digitalen Tools, Teilnahme an Bewertungen und Teilen Ihrer Erfahrungen
💬 Optionales Interview, um Feedback zum System zu geben
Die Teilnahme ist freiwillig und kostenlos. Sie können jederzeit ohne Auswirkungen auf Ihre medizinische Versorgung aus der Studie aussteigen.
Interessiert oder möchten Sie mehr erfahren? Kontaktieren Sie uns über das entsprechende Kontaktformular.
