Speakers

Mr Harith Akram MBChB PhD FRCS (Neuro.Surg) is a Consultant Functional Neurosurgeon at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, University College London Hospitals (UCLH), and an Honorary Clinical Associate Professor at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology.

He specialises in advanced neuromodulation and brain–computer interface (BCI) technologies, with particular expertise in deep brain stimulation (DBS), ablative neurosurgery, MR-guided focused ultrasound, and next-generation neural interfaces. His work sits at the intersection of precision neurosurgery, computational neuroscience, and translational neurotechnology.

Mr Akram is the Chief Investigator for the UK arm of the Neuralink PRIME study, leading one of the first European clinical investigations of fully implantable, high-channel-count brain–computer interface systems designed to restore communication and motor function in people with paralysis. The trial represents a landmark step in translating high-bandwidth neural recording technologies from laboratory development into regulated human clinical research.

Beyond clinical practice, he is actively involved in building multidisciplinary platforms that integrate neurosurgery, engineering, artificial intelligence, and industry collaboration. He is co-leading the development of a National Centre for Brain–Computer Interface Research and Development, bringing together clinicians, neuroscientists, device engineers, and data scientists to accelerate safe and scalable neural interface innovation.

Mr Akram serves on international committees within the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery and contributes to global efforts to advance ethical, evidence-based adoption of neurotechnology. His work focuses not only on technical innovation but also on regulatory rigor, clinical trial design, and long-term patient impact.