Congratulations to our MnDRIVE Neuromodulation Scholar, Dr. Sandipan Pati who received a 2026 Research Infrastructure Investment Award from the Research and Innovation Office (RIO). These awards are designed to facilitate interdisciplinary partnerships and strengthen the University’s research infrastructure. One-to-one matching funds from the collaborating colleges, institutes and/or centers were required for funding eligibility.
Shared Large-Animal Neurophysiology Platform for BCI, Neuromodulation, and Precision Neurotherapeutics
Sandipan Pati Bankim Behari Pati, Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Medical School
Matching Funds: Neurology Department Administration
Many promising neurotechnologies—including neuromodulation devices, brain–computer interfaces, and intracranial drug, gene, stem cell, or oncolytic virus delivery systems—fail to reach human clinical trials due to the lack of preclinical environments capable of rigorously evaluating safety and physiological effects under conditions resembling human clinical monitoring. Most animal studies focus on short-term surgical feasibility or mechanistic research and do not provide the long-term physiological monitoring required before IDE approval for first-in-human studies. We propose to establish a shared large-animal neurophysiology platform using swine models to support Good Laboratory Practice-aligned preclinical testing and early feasibility validation of emerging neurotechnologies. These models are not intended to study disease mechanisms, but to provide a human-relevant environment for evaluating safety, physiological impact, and functional performance prior to regulatory submission and first-in-human trials.The platform will enable long-term multimodal monitoring of brain activity, cardiac function, breathing, and behavior in freely moving animals over weeks to three months—capabilities not possible in acute experiments. Minnesota is a global hub for medical technology innovation, and this infrastructure will strengthen academic–industry collaboration, enabling GLP testing and accelerating translation of neurotechnologies from laboratory to clinical trial.
