Ben Seymour

Ben Seymour is a prominent Professor of Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Oxford and an invited executive researcher at the National Institute for Information and Communications Technology (NICT) in Osaka, Japan. His research primarily focuses on computational neuroscience, particularly in the areas of pain perception, decision-making, and neurotechnology.

Academic Background and Career

• Current Positions:

  • Professor of Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Oxford since April 2020.
  • Wellcome Senior Clinical Fellow at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience.
  • Honorary Consultant Neurologist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
  • Guest Professor at Osaka University since April 2014.
  • Principal Investigator at NICT from April 2012 to March 2020.

• Previous Experience:

  • He has held various roles, including Wellcome Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge and Honorary Lecturer at University College London, where he specialized in imaging neuroscience.

Research Focus

Ben Seymour's work integrates engineering principles with neuroscience to explore how the brain processes pain. He employs advanced methodologies such as machine learning, AI, and brain imaging techniques to develop models that explain pain as a control system. His goal is to create innovative neuroengineering technologies aimed at treating chronic pain conditions.123

He has been involved in significant research projects that utilize AI to understand and potentially alleviate chronic pain, including developing biomarkers for back pain through machine learning analysis of brain imaging data.23 His approach emphasizes the role of pain as a learning signal that can inform behavioral responses, ultimately aiming to design targeted therapies for pain management.25

Publications and Contributions

Ben Seymour has authored numerous influential publications that address the intersection of pain, learning, and control systems in the brain. His research has garnered attention for its interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from neuroscience, engineering, and behavioral science.456

Personal Background

Seymour holds a BSc MB ChB MRCP PhD and is proficient in both English and Japanese. His clinical training includes experience in various hospitals across Manchester, London, and Cambridge, culminating in his qualification as a consultant neurologist in 2012.13

Overall, Ben Seymour's contributions to neuroscience are marked by his innovative use of computational models to better understand complex brain functions related to pain and decision-making.