Measure & understand
Connect sensor measurements with biological evidence to explore how single and repeated head impacts affect the brain.
Real-world evidenceA new perspective on brain injury
Understanding head impacts.
Protecting futures.
Connecting neuroscience, engineering and artificial intelligence to better understand, predict and prevent traumatic brain injury.
Explore our approachAn interdisciplinary research hub backed by EPSRC.
People at the heart of researchSport & community
Research shaped around people's lives.
NeuroscienceBiomechanicsArtificial intelligenceMathematicsBehavioural science
01 / Our purpose
A head impact lasts a moment.
Its effects can last a lifetime.
From the sports field to our roads, head impacts are part of real life. Understanding what they mean for the brain remains a critical challenge.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when an external force damages the brain. Its effects can include physical disability, changes in thinking and behaviour, and long-term health problems.
Wearable sensors can help measure head impacts. But turning those measurements into meaningful estimates of injury risk is much harder. BRAIN-SAFE aims to bridge that gap, accounting for differences such as age, sex and previous head impacts.
From measurement to meaning Meet our researchers and partners02 / Our approach
Better understanding.
Better protection.
Our ambition is to connect real-world head impact data with the science of brain injury, and turn that knowledge into practical tools.
Model & predict
Develop adaptive computational models and AI methods to estimate brain injury risk, informed by individual differences.
Connected intelligenceTranslate & protect
Work towards decision-support tools, better protective equipment and evidence to inform safer practices and standards.
Practical preventionThese are research aims, not available clinical tools. Any future applications will require appropriate evaluation and validation.
03 / In the real world
One mission.
Many environments.
Different settings bring different challenges. We aim to build knowledge that can help protect people wherever head impacts occur.
On the field
Sport
Understanding head impacts in training and competition to inform participation, protective equipment and safer sporting practices.
On the move
Transport
Exploring brain injury in road traffic collisions to support better vehicle protection and evidence-informed safety standards.
In service
Defence
Investigating head impact exposure in military settings, with the aim of improving risk assessment and protection.
04 / People & partnerships
Built across disciplines.
Shaped by people.
Progress starts with listening, sharing knowledge and asking better questions together.
The hub brings together expertise in neuroscience, biomechanics, artificial intelligence, mathematics and behavioural science.
Community engagement is central to BRAIN-SAFE. We are committed to co-designing all our research and products with patients, the public and people with lived experience of brain injury, so their priorities and perspectives shape what we do. Their voices are essential to making our work relevant, responsible and useful.
Training and collaboration are also central to our plans: supporting a new generation of researchers who can work across disciplinary boundaries.
Research outputs
Publications
Research outputs from the BRAIN-SAFE programme will be listed here as they are published.
Updates
News
/ Funding announcement
EPSRC announces funding for BRAIN-SAFE
UKRI announces support for the Imperial-led hub as part of a programme of five new research and partnership hubs.
Read the announcementA little more context
About BRAIN-SAFE
What is traumatic brain injury?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is damage to the brain caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head. Its effects vary widely, from short-term symptoms to lasting changes in physical, cognitive and emotional health.
Is BRAIN-SAFE a clinical service?
No. BRAIN-SAFE is a research hub, not a clinical service or an injury assessment tool. This website provides general information about the research vision, not medical advice. If you are concerned about a head injury, seek medical help. See the NHS guidance on head injury and concussion for advice on when to get urgent help.
What stage is the project at?
UKRI announced funding for BRAIN-SAFE on 6 November 2026. Read our funding announcement for details. This website describes research aims, not validated clinical technology; further information on the programme will be shared as it develops.
Does this website use cookies or tracking?
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