The Volunteer Centre: Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation

Leading the first UK Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation research studies
Brain Stimulation Lab
Better understanding of the brain regions involved with psychiatric disorders like alcohol use disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and others starts with you.
Researching to help understand how new technologies interact with the brain to help change it is crucial to advance our understanding of the disorders.
Together, we can help bring about an end to the suffering of thousands of people.
 
An ultrasound to change brain activity
Ultrasounds have been used in different clinical settings for decades. Well known for monitoring pregnancies at low intensity, high-intensity ultrasound, on the other hand, is also used to treat certain tumours in the body.
Transcranial ultrasound stimulation uses ultrasound at low intensity to induce changes in specific areas of the brain with pinpoint accuracy, giving it the potential to help treat mental illnesses, as well as neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease. It can change the way some brain areas behave, potentially leading to long-term beneficial changes.
It is non-invasive, and has been shown to be safe and reversible in more than 200 people that have taken part in our previous study.
 

Volunteer for a research study

Recruiting now
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) research study
Volunteers are needed for this research study that is exploring the effects of transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation on people suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
If you have problems with drinking alcohol or have been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, you can take part in this study and support a better future for those that find themselves in the same position.
Recruiting now
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) research study
Volunteers are needed for this research study that is exploring the effects of transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation on people suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Be part of the first UK research study using ultrasound brain stimulation for OCD.
 
Leading the way in Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation
The University of Plymouth's pioneering research in transcranial ultrasound stimulation has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people with mental health conditions as well as neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
Professor Elsa Fouragnan is a leading authority on transcranial ultrasound stimulation research in the UK, and is recognised internationally. Her lab is one of the few in the UK to apply TUS in humans.
This research is hosted at the University’s Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC) – the most advanced multi-modal brain research facility in the South West.
Photograph of Dr Elsa Fouragnan
Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC)
BRIC’s vision is to translate human neuroscience into clinical applications with tangible societal impact through partnership with NHS, particularly through Derriford Hospital, the largest in the South West.
With seven cutting-edge human research laboratories, BRIC includes an MRI suite with a 3-Tesla scanner, compatible EEG-fMRI, a suit of non-invasive brain stimulation technique, including TUS, TMS and tDCS, a pharmacological lab and more.
BRIC