Stéphanie P. Lacour (Full professor at the School of Engineering at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

Soft microfabricated electrodes are unlocking new possibilities in neural engineering by providing adaptable, biocompatible interfaces that seamlessly integrate with biological tissues. This talk explores recent advancements in these electrodes, focusing on two key applications: auditory prostheses and brain organoid research. In auditory systems, soft, multichannel implants are especially suited for conforming to the complex, curved surface of the cochlear nucleus, enabling precise stimulation for patients who are not candidates for traditional cochlear implants. In brain organoid research, innovative electrode designs such as stretchable MEAs and the self-actuating “e-Flower” electrode provide high-resolution recordings of neural activity, even under mechanical strain. These applications highlight the transformative potential of soft electrodes to bridge the gap between engineered devices and complex neural systems, advancing both clinical therapies and fundamental neuroscience.

Stéphanie P. Lacour is full professor at the School of Engineering at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.  She received her PhD in Electrical Engineering from INSA de Lyon, France, and completed postdoctoral research at Princeton University (USA) and the University of Cambridge (UK).  She joined EPFL in 2011.  She is the director of EPFL Neuro X institute – a new interschool department focused on interdisciplinary and translational neuro-research located at EPFL-associated campus – Campus Biotech in Geneva.