Dr. James Fitzgerald

Biography

James FitzGerald studied Physics and Medicine at Oxford University. He trained in Neurosurgery at Nottingham and Cambridge, obtaining a PhD in Neuroelectronic Interfacing from Cambridge University. He returned to Oxford where he holds an academic faculty position in the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences and a Consultant appointment in Neurosurgery at the John Radcliffe Hospital. He leads the Oxford Neural Interfacing Group and his clinical practice focuses on Neuromodulation for Movement Disorders and Chronic Pain. His main research works on developing a novel type of interface capable of recording signals from motor axons in severed peripheral nerves post-amputation, with the aim of using these signals to control sophisticated prosthetic limbs. This research requires advances in polymer microfabrication techniques, implantable electrophysiological recording systems, microsurgical implantation methods, and developing multichannel signal processing and pattern recognition algorithms. Additionally, he addresses challenges such as the foreign body response to surgical implants, which can lead to scar tissue deposition and device failure. Current work involves techniques for long-term scar suppression, showing promise with drug elution. He is a consultant neurosurgeon specializing in Functional Neurosurgery and is involved in the UK's largest clinical practice for deep brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, and treatment for movement disorders and neuropathic pain. He also has leadership roles in the Neuromodulation Society of the UK and Ireland and the International Neuromodulation Society.

Research Interests