UK Brain Blast
Repeated exposure to blast waves from military weapon systems may cause subtle changes in brain function that are difficult to detect using existing clinical assessments and imaging technologies. Whilst these effects are often short-lived, there is growing concern that cumulative exposure over a military career may contribute to longer-term brain health consequences. Understanding these effects is critical to ensuring the safety, health and operational effectiveness of Service Personnel.
What is UK Brain Blast?
UK Brain Blast is a Ministry of Defence-funded research programme that aims to transform our understanding of how blast exposure affects the brain. By combining exposure monitoring, advanced neuroscience, clinical assessment and cutting-edge quantum imaging technologies, the programme will generate the evidence needed to better understand blast-related changes in brain function and support future policy on safe working practices and exposure limits.
A central component of the programme is the development of a fully mobile magnetoencephalography (MEG) brain scanner capable of measuring the effects of blast exposure on military personnel in real time at training sites. Unlike conventional brain scanners, which are restricted to specialist facilities, the mobile system will be deployed directly to military training environments, rehabilitation centres and other operational settings. This will allow researchers to capture changes in brain function that would otherwise be missed, enabling researchers to track recovery over time.
The programme seeks to establish a detailed understanding of how different types of blast exposure affect brain health, identify objective markers of neurological change and recovery, and develop new approaches to monitoring personnel exposed to blast. The knowledge generated will support evidence-based decision-making across defence while also contributing to wider advances in concussion, traumatic brain injury and neurological health research.
Partners
Partners
UK Brain Blast is funded by the UK Ministry of Defence and led by Defence Medical Services. The programme brings together a multidisciplinary partnership including the University of Birmingham, the University of Nottingham, Cerca Magnetics, King's College London and H2 Cognitive Designs Ltd.