Our team, in collaboration with ISRAAC Somali Community Centre, has submitted a manuscript to the Journal of Neural Engineering on fostering inclusive participation in neurotechnology research, supported by NeuroMod and ARIA.
Manuscript Submission
We are delighted to share that our team has submitted a manuscript to the Journal of Neural Engineering, titled:
Fostering Inclusive Participation in Non-Invasive Neurotechnology Research among African Ethnic Minority Communities in the UK.
This study, supported by both the NeuroMod project and ARIA’s Precision Neurotechnologies programme, represents the first UK community-led investigation into barriers and enablers of neurotechnology participation within African ethnic minority communities.
Collaboration with ISRAAC
A central part of this work was our close collaboration with ISRAAC Somali Community Centre in Sheffield. From the outset, the study was designed through a co-creation process:
- Community involvement in framing research questions.
- Collaborative workshop design and delivery, ensuring cultural relevance.
- Capacity-building through mutual learning between researchers and community members.
Importantly, community partners from ISRAAC went beyond participation — they are co-authors on the manuscript, reflecting their integral contribution to both the research and its dissemination. This marks a step towards equitable recognition of lived experience and community expertise in academic outputs.
Key Contributions
- Identified barriers: structural inequalities, cultural and religious considerations, limited awareness, and trust/accountability concerns.
- Practical solutions: culturally adapted protocols, interpreter support, gender-matched facilitators, and a prototype EEG electrode suitable for textured hair.
- Technical validation: community-based EEG and fNIRS recordings demonstrated usable quality comparable to lab-based sessions.
- Impact: participants reported increased trust, greater confidence in neurotechnology, and willingness to engage in future studies.
Why This Matters
This paper demonstrates that inclusive, co-created research is both possible and powerful. By working hand-in-hand with ISRAAC and recognising community members as co-authors, we have developed a replicable framework that can inspire similar approaches worldwide.
As neurotechnologies rapidly advance, this type of collaboration will be essential to ensure that innovations are not only scientifically robust but also socially grounded, culturally respectful, and equitably accessible.
👉 We will share updates when the manuscript is accepted and published.