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nEAR-LINK Initiative: In-Ear Affective BCI-AI Research Network

Advancing in-ear closed-loop Social BCI technologies and empowering the next generation of global research leaders to

transform the future of digital healthcare.

KEYWORDKeyword

Multimodal AI Biosensors BioMEMS Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Affective AI

OBJECTIVE Objective

The nEAR-LINK Initiative is pioneering next-generation closed-loop Social BCI (Brain–Computer Interface) technologies by integrating in-ear multimodal biosignal sensing, non-invasive magnetic neurostimulation, affective AI, and on-device edge computing.
Our mission is to establish a new paradigm of human–AI interaction that can continuously understand and proactively modulate users’ emotional, stress, and cognitive states in real time. Through this vision, we aim to drive innovation in digital healthcare and human-centered artificial intelligence, shaping the future of personalized neurotechnology and intelligent health systems.
To achieve this goal, we foster a highly interdisciplinary research environment where experts in AI, neuroscience, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, computer science, and related fields collaborate closely. Through this collaborative ecosystem, we are committed to nurturing outstanding postdoctoral researchers and empowering them to become the next generation of global research leaders in neurotechnology, AI, and digital healthcare.

INTRODUCTION Director's Message



Dear Prospective Researchers,
Welcome to the nEAR-LINK Initiative.

At nEAR-LINK, we are pioneering next-generation closed-loop Social Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) technologies by integrating in-ear multimodal biosignal sensing, non-invasive magnetic neurostimulation, affective AI, and on-device edge computing.

Our vision is to create a new paradigm of human–AI interaction that can continuously understand and proactively modulate users’ emotional, stress, and cognitive states in real time. Through this research, we aim to advance the frontiers of digital healthcare, mental health, assistive technologies, and human-centered artificial intelligence. We believe that future neurotechnology should seamlessly integrate into everyday life, enabling personalized and adaptive support for human well-being.

Beyond scientific discovery, a core mission of nEAR-LINK is to cultivate the next generation of research leaders. We provide an interdisciplinary environment where researchers from neuroscience, artificial intelligence, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, computer science, and related disciplines collaborate closely to tackle ambitious challenges. Our goal is not only to produce impactful research, but also to empower postdoctoral researchers to develop independent research visions and grow into future principal investigators and global leaders in their fields.

If you are passionate about exploring new frontiers in neurotechnology, AI, and digital healthcare, and aspire to make a meaningful impact through
interdisciplinary research, we warmly invite you to join us on this exciting journey. We look forward to shaping the future together.

Sincerely,
Seung Woo Lee, Ph.D.
Director, nEAR-LINK Initiative
Associate Professor, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences
KAIST

IMPACT Impact

Scientific and Technological Impact

- Establish next-generation closed-loop Social BCI technologies by integrating in-ear multimodal biosignal sensing, non-invasive magnetic neurostimulation, affective AI, and edge computing.
- Move beyond laboratory-bound BCIs and introduce a new paradigm of human-centered neurotechnology for real-world applications.
- Advance interdisciplinary research at the intersection of neuroscience, artificial intelligence, electrical engineering, and biomedical engineering, strengthening global research competitiveness.

Industrial and Economic Impact

- Enable new opportunities in digital therapeutics (DTx), mental healthcare, wearable health technologies, assistive and rehabilitation robotics, and personalized AI services.
- Promote technology transfer, intellectual property generation, startup creation, and commercialization of core sensing, stimulation, AI, and edge-computing technologies.
- Contribute to the growth of the AI–BCI–Digital Healthcare ecosystem as a future engine of economic growth.

Societal Impact

- Improve mental well-being through real-time monitoring and modulation of emotional, stress, and cognitive states.
- Address emerging challenges associated with aging populations through innovative healthcare, caregiving, and rehabilitation technologies.
- Accelerate the adoption of personalized, human-centered healthcare solutions that enhance quality of life.

Talent Development Impact

- Train interdisciplinary researchers with expertise spanning AI, neuroscience, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, and digital healthcare.
- Foster the next generation of independent investigators and global research leaders through a comprehensive postdoctoral development program.
- Build an international collaborative research network that cultivates globally competitive scientific talent.

TALENT Ideal Talent

Interdisciplinary Research Capability
- Ability to integrate knowledge across neuroscience, artificial intelligence, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, computer science, and related disciplines.
- Capacity to develop innovative solutions by bridging sensing, neurostimulation, AI, and neurotechnology.

Creative Problem-Solving
- Ability to formulate novel research questions and develop original solutions to complex scientific and technological challenges.
- Willingness to pursue ambitious, high-impact research beyond conventional disciplinary boundaries.

Research Independence and Leadership
- Ability to establish an independent research vision and lead research projects proactively.
- Potential to grow into a future Principal Investigator (PI) and scientific leader.

Global Collaboration and Communication
- Ability to collaborate effectively with researchers from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.
- Strong communication skills for international research partnerships and scientific dissemination.

Innovation and Translation
- Ability to translate scientific discoveries into real-world impact through patents, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and commercialization.
- Commitment to developing technologies that address societal and healthcare challenges.

FACULTY Faculty