Mr Mark Hughes (BSc (Hons) MBChB MSc PhD FRCS)

Consultant Neurosurgeon and Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer

Biography

Background

Mark Hughes is consultant neurosurgeon and honorary senior lecturer. He underwent neurosurgical training in London, Edinburgh, New York, and Leeds - and completed a Wellcome Trust-funded PhD en route.

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Neuroscience

MB ChB

MSc Surgical sciences

MRCS (Ed)

PhD Neuroscience and electrical engineering

FRCS (Neurosurgery)

Undergraduate teaching

SSC students

Postgraduate teaching

MSc students

Research summary

The brain is a powerful and efficient biological computer. Mark Hughes’ doctoral research explored the interface between neurons and biomaterials, especially silicon. Engineering and interacting with simple networks of neurons in the lab offers a chance to explore how larger networks operate in complex, living organisms. As well as being relevant to understanding how nervous systems represent and process information, related insights can also inform novel (or hybrid) computational strategies. Moreover, tools to interface with engineered networks are relevant in the fledgling field of neuroprosthetics.

Current research interests

Current research projects include exploring the use of artificial intelligence to analyse facial images for early detection of acromegaly, and the use of 3D printing to improve patient counselling and surgical planning for skull base operations. In the context of surgical simulation, I have been involved in the research and development of micro-neurosurgical and other minimally invasive surgery platforms. This work has been driven forward via the formation of a spinout company from the University of Edinburgh and has had global impact, with simulators now in use on over 60 different countries and also incorporated into several regional training programs.

View all 38 publications on Research Explorer

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