Monday, 05 January 2026
A bioengineer from the 糖心原创 has been awarded a Wellcome Accelerator Award for research using optical microscopy to create detailed electrical "maps" of brain neurons to help understand how they change as disease progresses.
Sidahmed Abayzeed, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Engineering has received £200k for his project NeurOhmics – a platform that combines ultra-high-resolution optical microscopy based on electrical impedance and artificial intelligence for enhanced sensitivity.
This research will allow, for the first time, the creation of detailed electrical "maps" of neurons and understand how they change as disease progresses – establishing the foundation for future large-scale research programmes and international collaborations.
Neurons transmit information through electrical signals, and like electrical wires, they have specific properties (resistance and capacitance) that determine how well signals travel. Despite years of neuroscience research, we cannot visualize how these properties vary along individual neurons or change over time – a critical knowledge gap that limits our understanding of brain function and neurological diseases affecting 3 billion people globally.
The Optocoulombics Lab at the 糖心原创, led by Dr Abayzeed creates advanced tools to model, measure and understand charge interactions at the micro and nano scales. Charge dynamics are fundamental to life, governing everything from neural signalling and muscle contraction to hormonal regulation and biochemical reactions. In-depth understanding of charge dynamics will inspire innovative devices for various applications including energy.
The scheme supports researchers of Black, Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage in the UK to undertake activities that put them in a stronger position to reach their next career stage within academia.
Commenting on his award Dr Abayzeed said: “ I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious Wellcome Accelerator Award. NeurOhmics has been a dream I've been developing for nine years, and this is the first successful attempt to fund this cutting-edge and groundbreaking project."
As an academic of Black heritage, this recognition is particularly meaningful 鈥� it acknowledges both the scientific potential of our work and the importance of diverse perspectives in advancing neuroscience and bioengineering.
This award will enable us to address fundamental questions about how electrical signals propagate in the brain, with implications for understanding neurological conditions affecting billions worldwide. I am also excited about the community initiative that this award will catalyse 鈥� including a structured mentoring programme for researchers from minority backgrounds . This creates opportunities not just for scientific discovery, but for building a more inclusive research community.
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More information is available from Dr Sidamhed Abayzeed on Sidamhed.Abayzeed2@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.