Dr Ines Violante
麻豆视频
Biography
Dr. Violante has a multidisciplinary background, spanning from cellular to human studies. She earned her BSc in Biochemistry and PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Coimbra. Following her PhD, she was awarded a Sir Henry Wellcome Fellowship, during which she conducted postdoctoral research at both Imperial College London and University College London.
She joined the 麻豆视频 in 2017 and was Senior Lecturer in Psychological Neuroscience until 2024. Dr Violante now holds a Senior Lecturer visiting position in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the 麻豆视频 and since 2024 is Senior Lecturer in Healthcare Engineering at the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London.
Areas of specialism
ResearchResearch interests
My research focuses on understanding the role of brain networks on cognitive functions and the use of brain stimulation as a neuromodulator. My research combines functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) to understand how brain stimulation (TMS, tACS, tDCS) can be used to modulate brain dynamics and behavioural performance. I am interested in how brain oscillations mediate long-range connectivity and particularly how neurostimulation can be used to improve network communication following neurological disorders.
A second strand of research that started during my PhD, has been focused on understanding the neurobiological basis of the cognitive deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). My research in this field is characterized by being interdisciplinary and translational, applying neuroimaging and neurophysiological techniques to translate the inhibitory hypothesis in NF1. I have used spectroscopy (MRS), molecular imaging (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiological alterations present in NF1.
Research projects
Dynamic modulation of brain states using brain stimulation and neuroadaptive Bayesian optimizationIn order to support cognitive functions, the brain must coordinate the interactions among large-scale networks that cooperate and compete to allow for efficient transitions between brain states. Understanding how these operate, giving rise to different behaviours is one of the greatest challenges facing modern neuroscience.
The overarching aim of this project is to develop a framework capable of shaping the interactions between brain networks. In order to do this, we will combine transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) with a novel approach, neuroadaptive Bayesian optimization.
TACS is a promising tool to modulate brain function. The oscillatory electrical activity imposed by tACS has been shown to result in neural modulations that spread along brain networks. However, there are two main limitations to the application of tACS to modulate brain function: 1) the brain networks targeted by stimulation cannot be verified in the absence of brain imaging; 2) the stimulation parameters vary across individuals, due to a multitude of variables, such as age, sex and genetic factors. Thus, identifying the optimal stimulation protocol that drives a particular brain state in a given individual is like 'finding a needle in a haystack'. To address these fundamental challenges, we propose to use neuroadaptive Bayesian optimization, which uses a close-loop search combining real-time fMRI with machine learning. This approach conducts an automatic and intelligent search across the multitude of tACS parameters in order to identify those that optimally elicit a particular target state.
This framework has translational potential, as several psychiatric and neurological conditions are associated with impaired function of large-scale brain networks. The results of this project can lead to the development of therapeutic interventions that harness the potential of brain stimulation.
Research collaborations
Prof. Robert Leech, King's College London
Dr. Adam Hampshire, Imperial College London
Dr. Nir Grossman, Imperial College London
Prof. David Sharp, Imperial College London
Prof. John Rothwell, University College London
Dr. David Carmichael, King's College London
Dr. Miguel Castelo-Branco, University of Coimbra
Indicators of esteem
Research Grants
2019 - 2021: Dynamic modulation of brain states using brain stimulation and neuroadaptive Bayesian optimization. BBSRC (PI)
2018 - 2019: Developing a measure of conscious level with electroencephalography and transcranial electrical stimulation. Imperial Confidence in Concept (Co-PI)
2016 - 2017: Tailored non-invasive brain stimulation for rehabilitation of TBI using real-time time fMRI. NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre (PI)
2014 - 2018: Stimulating brain network oscillations to improve attention after traumatic brain injury. Wellcome Trust (Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellow)
Honours, Awards and Fellowships
2013 Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship
2014 Finalist Young Investigator Award, World Molecular Imaging Conference, Seoul, South Korea
2013 Best Scientific Article - Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra
2012 Certificate of Merit Award, ESMRMB 29th Annuak Scientific Meeting
2012 Trainee Abstract Travel Award, Organization for Human Brain Mapping
2011 Best Scientific Poster, 3rd Annual Meeting, IBILI, Portugal
2009 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology Travel Award
2008 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology Travel Award
2008 European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology Travel Award
2008 PhD Fellowship, Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology
2006 Erasmus Student Fellowship
Research interests
My research focuses on understanding the role of brain networks on cognitive functions and the use of brain stimulation as a neuromodulator. My research combines functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) to understand how brain stimulation (TMS, tACS, tDCS) can be used to modulate brain dynamics and behavioural performance. I am interested in how brain oscillations mediate long-range connectivity and particularly how neurostimulation can be used to improve network communication following neurological disorders.
A second strand of research that started during my PhD, has been focused on understanding the neurobiological basis of the cognitive deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). My research in this field is characterized by being interdisciplinary and translational, applying neuroimaging and neurophysiological techniques to translate the inhibitory hypothesis in NF1. I have used spectroscopy (MRS), molecular imaging (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiological alterations present in NF1.
Research projects
In order to support cognitive functions, the brain must coordinate the interactions among large-scale networks that cooperate and compete to allow for efficient transitions between brain states. Understanding how these operate, giving rise to different behaviours is one of the greatest challenges facing modern neuroscience.
The overarching aim of this project is to develop a framework capable of shaping the interactions between brain networks. In order to do this, we will combine transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) with a novel approach, neuroadaptive Bayesian optimization.
TACS is a promising tool to modulate brain function. The oscillatory electrical activity imposed by tACS has been shown to result in neural modulations that spread along brain networks. However, there are two main limitations to the application of tACS to modulate brain function: 1) the brain networks targeted by stimulation cannot be verified in the absence of brain imaging; 2) the stimulation parameters vary across individuals, due to a multitude of variables, such as age, sex and genetic factors. Thus, identifying the optimal stimulation protocol that drives a particular brain state in a given individual is like 'finding a needle in a haystack'. To address these fundamental challenges, we propose to use neuroadaptive Bayesian optimization, which uses a close-loop search combining real-time fMRI with machine learning. This approach conducts an automatic and intelligent search across the multitude of tACS parameters in order to identify those that optimally elicit a particular target state.
This framework has translational potential, as several psychiatric and neurological conditions are associated with impaired function of large-scale brain networks. The results of this project can lead to the development of therapeutic interventions that harness the potential of brain stimulation.
Research collaborations
Prof. Robert Leech, King's College London
Dr. Adam Hampshire, Imperial College London
Dr. Nir Grossman, Imperial College London
Prof. David Sharp, Imperial College London
Prof. John Rothwell, University College London
Dr. David Carmichael, King's College London
Dr. Miguel Castelo-Branco, University of Coimbra
Indicators of esteem
Research Grants
2019 - 2021: Dynamic modulation of brain states using brain stimulation and neuroadaptive Bayesian optimization. BBSRC (PI)
2018 - 2019: Developing a measure of conscious level with electroencephalography and transcranial electrical stimulation. Imperial Confidence in Concept (Co-PI)
2016 - 2017: Tailored non-invasive brain stimulation for rehabilitation of TBI using real-time time fMRI. NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre (PI)
2014 - 2018: Stimulating brain network oscillations to improve attention after traumatic brain injury. Wellcome Trust (Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellow)
Honours, Awards and Fellowships
2013 Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship
2014 Finalist Young Investigator Award, World Molecular Imaging Conference, Seoul, South Korea
2013 Best Scientific Article - Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra
2012 Certificate of Merit Award, ESMRMB 29th Annuak Scientific Meeting
2012 Trainee Abstract Travel Award, Organization for Human Brain Mapping
2011 Best Scientific Poster, 3rd Annual Meeting, IBILI, Portugal
2009 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology Travel Award
2008 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology Travel Award
2008 European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology Travel Award
2008 PhD Fellowship, Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology
2006 Erasmus Student Fellowship
Supervision
Postgraduate research supervision
Postgraduate research supervision
If you are a student who is interested in undertaking PhD or postdoctoral research in my lab then please feel free to email me directly at ines.violante_at_surrey.ac.uk.
Current Students
Danielle Kurtin (PhD Candidate)
Henry Hebron (PhD Candidate)
Will Mayes (PhD Candidate) - Multi-sensory integration in Developmental Coordination Dirorder
Paul Knytl (PhD Candidate) - Dopamine & Meditation
Publications
2024
Mayes W, Gentle J, Ivanova M, Violante IR. . Human Movement Science (2024) 93, 103180
2023
Violante IR, Alania K, Cassar脿 AM, Neufeld E, Acerbo E, Carron R, Williamson A, Kurtin DL, Rhodes E, Hampshire A, Kuster N, Boyden ES, Pascual-Leone A, Grossman N. Nature Neuroscience (2023) 26, 1994鈥2004
Wessel MJ, Beanato E, Popa T, Windel F, Vassiliadis P, Menoud P, Beliaeva V, Violante IR, Abderrahmane H, Dzialecka P, Park C, Maceira-Elvira P, Morishita T, Cassara A, Steiner M, Grossman N, Neufeld E, Hummel FC. . Nature Neuroscience (2023) 26, 2005鈥2016
Auer T, Goldthorpe R, Peach R, Hebron H, Violante IR. . bioRxiv
Kurtin DL, Ara帽a鈥怬iarbide G, Lorenz R, Violante IR, Hampshire A. . Human Brain Mapping (2023)
Soleimani G, Nitsche MA, Bergmann TO, Towhidkhah F, Violante IR, Lorenz R, Kuplicki R, Tsuchiyagaito A, Mulyana B, Mayeli A, Ghobadi-Azbari P, Mosayebi-Samani M, Zilverstand A, Paulus MP, Bikson M, Ekhtiari H. . Translational psychiatry (2023) 1, 279.
Kurtin DL, Giunchiglia V, Vohryzek J, Cabral J, Skeldon AC, Violante IR. . NeuroImage (2023) 272, 120042.
Kurtin DL, Scott G, Hebron H, Skeldon AC, Violante IR. . NeuroImage (2023) 271, 119945.
2022
Brunoni AR, Ekhtiari H, Antal A, Auvichayapat P, et al. . Clinical Neurophysiology (2022) 143, 154-165.
Giustiniani A, Vallesi A, Oliveri M, Tarantino V, Ambrosini E, Bortoletto M, Masina F, Busan P, Siebner HR, Fadiga L, Koch G, Leocani L, Lefaucheur JP, Rotenberg A, Zangen A, Violante IR, Moliadze V, Gamboa OL, Ugawa Y, Pascual-Leone A, Ziemann U, Miniussi C, Burgio F. . Clinical Neurophysiology (2022), 141, 101-108.
Kurtin DL, Jaquiery M, Auer T, Hampshire A, Violante IR. . F1000Research (2022), 11, 377.
Bernardino B, Dion铆sio A, Violante IR, Monteiro R, Castelo-Branco M. . Frontiers in Psychiatry (2022), 13, 860448.
Hebron H, Lugli B, Dimitrova R, Rhodes E, Grossman N, Dijk DJ, Violante IR. , BioRxiv.
Wessel MJ, Beanato E, Popa T, Windel F, Vassiliadis P, Menoud P, Beliaeva V, Violante IR, Abderrahmane H, Dzialecka P, Park C, Maceira-Elvira P, Morishita T, Cassara A, Steiner M, Grossman N, Neufeld E, Hummel FC. . bioRxiv.
Violante IR, Alania K, Cassar脿 AM, Neufeld E, Acerbo E, Carron R, Williamson A, Kurtin DL, Rhodes E, Hampshire A, Kuster N, Boyden ES, Pascual-Leone A, Grossman N. . bioRxiv.
Ekhtiari, H., Ghobadi-Azbari, P., Thielscher, A. et al. Nature Protocols (2022), 17, 596鈥617.
2021
Mayes W, Gentle J, Parisi I, Dixon L, van Velzen J, Violante IR. Top-down inhibitory motor control is preserved in adults with Developmental Coordination Disorder. Developmental Neuropsychology (2021),
Kurtin DL, Violante IR, Zimmerman K, Leech R, Hampshire A, Patel MC, Carmichael DW, Sharp DJ, Li LM. . Brain Stimulation (2021), 14:5, 1261-1270
Soreq E, Violante IR, Daws R, Hampshire A. . Nature Communications (2021), DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22199-9
Parkin B, Daws RE, Das Neves I, Violante IR, Soreq E, Martin-Bastida A, Sandrone S, Roussakis AA, Lao-Kaim NP, Piccini P, Hampshire A. Brain Communications (2021)
Beppi C, Violante IR, Scott G, Sandrone S. . Brain and Cognition (2021) 148, 105677
2020
Ekhtiari H, et al. medRxiv 2020.12.23.20248579; doi:
Goldthorpe RA, Rapley JM, Violante IR. . Front. Neurol., (2020)
Cogdell-Brooke, L., Sowden, P., Violante, IR., and Thompson, HE. . Human Brain Mapping (2020) 1:21
Cogdell-Brooke L, Stampacchia S, Jefferies E, Violante IR, Thompson HE. . Neuropsychologia (2020)
Fagerholm ED, Tangwiriyasakul C, Friston KJ, Violante IR, Williams S, Carmichael DW, Perani S, Turkheimer FE, Moran RJ, Leech R, Richardson MP. . PLOS Computational Biology (2020)
Fagerholm, ED, Moran, RJ, Violante, IR, Leech R, Friston KJ. . NeuroImage (2020) 208: 116452
Arana-Oiarbide G, Daws RE, Lorenz R, Violante IR, Hampshire A. bioRxiv
Beppi C, Violante IR, Hampshire A, Grossman N, Sandrone S. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (2020) 14: 196
d鈥橝lmeida OC, Violante IR, Quendera B, Moreno C, Gomes L, Castelo-Branco M. . PLoS ONE (2020), 15(10): e0240907.
2019
Li LM, Violante IR, Zimmerman K, Leech R, Hampshire A, Patel M, Opitz A, McArthur D, Jolly A, Carmichael DW, Sharp DJ. Brain (2019) 142:3280-3293
Lorenz R, Simmons LE, Monti RP, Arthur JL, Limal S, Laakso I, Leech R, Violante IR. Brain Stimulation (2019) 12:1484-1489
Hampshire A, Daws RE, Neves ID, Soreq E, Sandrone S, Violante IR. . NeuroImage (2019) 192:88-100
Li LM, Violante IR, Leech R, Hampshire A, Opitz A, McArthur D, Carmichael DW, Sharp DJ. . NeuroImage (2019) 185:425-433
Li LM, Violante IR, Leech R, Ross E, Hampshire A, Opitz A, Rothwell JC, Carmichael DW, Sharp DJ. . Hum Brain Mapp. (2019) 40(3):904-915
2018
Lorenz R, Violante IR, Monti RP, Montana G, Hampshire A, Leech R. . Nature Communications (2018) 26;9(1):1227. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-03657-3.
Silva G, Duarte IC, Bernardino I, Marques T, Violante IR, Castelo-Branco M. . J Neurodev Disord. (2018) 22;10(1):11. doi: 10.1186/s11689-018-9230-4.
Carvalho Pereira A, Violante IR, Mouga S, Oliveira G, Castelo-Branco M. . J Autism Dev Disord. (2018) 48(5):1467-1482. doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3406-8.
d鈥橝lmeida OC, Violante IR, Quendera B, Castelo-Branco M. . Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology (2018) 256(12),2341-2348.
2017
Violante IR, Li LM, Carmichael DW, Lorenz R, Leech R, Hampshire A, Rothwell JC, Sharp DJ. . eLife (2017), Mar 14;6. pii: e22001. doi: 10.7554/eLife.22001.
Sliwinska M, Violante IR, Wise R, Leech R, Devlin J, Geranmayeh F, Hampshire A. . Journal of Neuroscience (2017), 3857-16; DOI:
Gon莽alves J, Violante IR, Sereno J, Leit茫o R, Cai Y, Abrunhosa A, Silva AP, Silva A, Castelo- Branco M. T Mol Autism. (2017) Sep 19;8:47. doi: 10.1186/s13229-017-0166-4. eCollection 2017.
Datta G, Violante IR, Scott G, Zimmerman K, Santos-Ribeiro A, Rabiner EA, Gunn RN, Malik O, Ciccarelli O, Nicholas R, Matthews PM. (2017) 23(11):1469-1478.
2016
Violante IR, Ribeiro MJ, Patricio M, Bernardino I, Rebola J, Abrunhosa AJ, Ferreira N, Castelo-Branco M. . Neurology (2016) 87(9):897-904
Silva G, Ribeiro MJ, Costa GN, Violante IR, Ramos F, Saraiva J, Castelo-Branco M. PLoS One (2016) 11(2):e0148600. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148600.
Lorenz R, Monti RP, Violante IR, Anagnostopoulos C, Faisal AA, Montana G, Leech R. Neuroimage (2016) 129:320-34.
2015
Ribeiro MJ, Violante IR, Bernardino I, Edden RAE, Castelo-Branco M. . Cortex (2015) 64:194-208.
2013
Violante IR, Ribeiro MJ, Edden RAE, Guimar茫es P, Bernardino I, Rebola J, Cunha G, Silva E, Castelo-Branco M. Brain 136:3 (2013) 918-25.
Violante IR, Ribeiro MJ, Silva E, Castelo-Branco M. . Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders 5:3 (2013) doi: 10.1186/1866-1955-5-3.
2012
Violante IR, Ribeiro MJ, Cunha G, Bernardino I, Duarte JV, Ramos F, Saraiva J, Silva E, Castelo-Branco M. . PLoS One. 7:6 (2012) e38785.
Duarte JV, Ribeiro MJ, Violante IR, Cunha G, Silva E, Castelo-Branco M. . Human Brain Mapping (2012) doi: 10.1002/hbm.22161
Ribeiro MJ, Violante IR, Bernardino I, Ramos F, Saraiva J, Reviriego P, Upadhyaya M, Silva ED, Castelo-Branco M. . Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 53:1 (2012) 287-293.
2007 - 2011
Delgado TC, Violante IR, Nieto-Charques L, Cerdan S. . J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 31:12 (2011) 2257-2266.
Rodrigues TB, Violante IR, Cerdan S. . Magn Reson Med. 63:4 (2010) 1088-1091.
Violante IR, Anastasovska J, Sanchez-Canon GJ, Rodrigues TB, Righi V, Nieto-Charques L, Parkinson JR, Bloom SR, Bell JD, Cerdan S. Magn Reson Med. 62:2 (2009) 279-283.
Ramirez BG, Rodrigues TB, Violante IR, Cruz F, Fonseca LL, Ballesteros P, Castro MM, Garcia-Martin ML, Cerdan S. . J Neurosci Res. 85:15 (2007) 3244-3253.
Conference Papers
Lorenz R, Monti RP, Hampshire A, Koush Y, Anagnostopoulos C, Faisal A, Sharp D, Montana G, Leech R, Violante IR. . (2016) 6th International Workshop on Pattern Recognition in Neuroimaging (PRNI) - Best Paper Award
Lorenz R, Monti RP, Violante IR, Faisal A, Anagnostopoulos C, Leech R, Montana G. . (2015) 5th NIPS Workshop on Machine Learning and Interpretation in Neuroimaging: Beyond the Scanner