Precision Neuroscience Appoints Brain–Computer Interface Pioneer John Donoghue As Scientific Advisor
Precision Neuroscience appoints brain-computer interface pioneer John Donoghue as Scientific Advisor.
Breaking News
Jul 24, 2026
Simantini Singh Deo

Precision Neuroscience Corporation, a company developing brain–computer interface (BCI) technologies, has announced the appointment of Dr. John Donoghue as Scientific Advisor. Dr. Donoghue, Professor Emeritus of Neuroscience, Cognitive and Psychological Sciences, and Engineering at Brown University, is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of the brain–computer interface field and brings decades of scientific and clinical research experience to the Company.
Dr. Donoghue played a foundational role in the development of brain–computer interface technology through the BrainGate project, which began at Brown University in the early 2000s. His research team produced some of the first demonstrations showing that people living with paralysis could control a computer cursor, operate a robotic arm, and even move a paralyzed limb using only neural signals generated by the brain. In a landmark 2006 study published in *Nature*, his team demonstrated that Matthew Nagle, a man paralyzed from the neck down, was able to control a computer cursor, access email, and play video games through brain signals alone. These achievements helped establish the scientific foundation for the modern commercial BCI industry.
Beyond his work at Brown University, Dr. Donoghue served as the inaugural Director of the Wyss Center for Bio- and Neuroengineering in Geneva from 2015 to 2019, where he led efforts to translate neurotechnology research into clinical applications. He is also a Fellow of the National Academy of Medicine and has been recognized with the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering for his contributions to the field.
As Scientific Advisor, Dr. Donoghue will work closely with Precision Neuroscience's scientific and engineering teams, providing guidance on device design, neural signal decoding, and overall clinical development strategy. His expertise is expected to support the continued advancement of the Company's brain–computer interface platform as it moves toward broader clinical evaluation and commercialization.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Donoghue said that his career has been dedicated to transforming brain signals into practical tools that can restore movement, communication, and independence for people living with paralysis. He noted that one of his current goals is to help advance the entire brain–computer interface field and expressed confidence in Precision Neuroscience's approach. According to Dr. Donoghue, the Company has developed a comprehensive technology platform that carefully integrates electrode design, electronics, signal processing, and patient-centered functionality to improve quality of life for individuals with severe neurological conditions.
Benjamin Rapoport, M.D., Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of Precision Neuroscience, said that few researchers have had a greater influence on the development of brain–computer interface technology than Dr. Donoghue. He explained that Precision's technology builds upon the scientific principles established through Dr. Donoghue's pioneering work while utilizing a cortical surface approach that records brain activity without penetrating brain tissue. Rapoport added that Dr. Donoghue's guidance will be invaluable as the Company continues to refine and expand its technology platform.
Precision Neuroscience stated that the appointment further strengthens its scientific leadership as it prepares for a long-term implant study and future commercial launch of its Layer 7™ brain–computer interface system. The Company's initial BCI platform is designed to help restore communication, mobility, and independence for people living with conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord injuries, and brainstem stroke, representing an estimated patient population of approximately 315,000 individuals in the United States.
The Company also highlighted continued progress in the development of its Layer 7 BCI system. Its Layer 7 cortical surface array has now been implanted in nearly 100 patients across leading academic medical centers, providing valuable clinical experience with the technology. In addition, Precision Neuroscience has raised approximately $180 million in funding from investors and has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for its Layer 7 cortical surface array, supporting the continued advancement of its brain–computer interface platform toward broader clinical adoption.
