About the Society
NSUKI is the voice of Neuromodulation in the United Kingdom and Ireland. As an official regional chapter of the International Neuromodulation Society (INS), we work to unite clinicians, scientists, nurses, and associated healthcare professionals across all disciplines practising in this rapidly evolving field.
NSUKI promotes the advancement of neuromodulation and supports clinical research throughout the UK and Ireland. We provide an independent forum for discussion and promote high-calibre, university-accredited education for both patients and healthcare professionals.
The Voice
Championing clinical neuromodulation standards across the UK and Ireland.
Research Support
Advancing clinical trials, scientific data collection, and research grants.
Education Forum
Delivering accredited training for multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
History of NSUKI
The International Neuromodulation Society (INS) held its first meeting in Rome in 1992. Following the establishment of the North American chapter (1995) and the Italian chapter (1999), the UK chapter was born in 2001. Its first President was Dr Simon Thomson, who hosted the inaugural meeting in Basildon in 2001. Dr Thomson went on to become President of the INS in 2009 and served two terms, stepping down in 2015.
The INS now has over 2,200 members worldwide and 20 National Chapters. Since its inaugural meeting, NSUKI has seen its membership grow from just 24 founding clinicians to over 100 members representing the UK and Ireland’s foremost neuromodulation talent.
What is Neuromodulation?
Neuromodulation is the application of electrical stimulation or chemical agents targeted at the central or peripheral nervous system which alters the activity of nerves, often leading to diverse and beneficial effects remote from the point of stimulation or drug treatment.
Although its primary direction has been treating chronic intractable pain where conventional treatments have failed, rapid technological advances have seen its application extended to chronic angina, cancer pain, critical limb ischaemia, and complex pelvic disorders.
Cranial applications including Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), now established as a therapy of choice in drug-resistant Parkinson’s disease, have expanded to complex tremor, dystonia, and severe obsessive-compulsive disorders. Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is established for refractory epilepsy and depression, and is being actively investigated for systemic bio-electric medicine.
Aims & Objectives of NSUKI
- Unite Clinicians: Bring together clinicians and scientists across all surgical, medical, and allied disciplines practising neuromodulation.
- Public & Clinical Awareness: Raise evidence-based awareness of neuromodulation therapies among patients, carers, and referring primary & secondary care teams.
- Academic Platform: Organise the Annual Scientific Congress, award competitive scientific research grants, and deliver accredited training curricula.
- Professional Standards: Serve as the authoritative advisory body for NICE, NHS England, and regional healthcare boards in developing clinical practice guidelines.
Past & Present Presidents of NSUKI
| Term | President | Specialty & NHS Base |
|---|---|---|
| Current | Prof Vivek Mehta | Consultant in Pain Medicine, Barts Health NHS Trust, London |
| 2022 – 2024 | Mr James Fitzgerald | Consultant in Neurosurgery, Oxford University Hospitals |
| 2020 – 2022 | Dr Ashish Gulve | Consultant in Pain Medicine, South Tees Hospitals |
| 2018 – 2020 | Dr Ganesan Baranidharan | Consultant in Pain Medicine, Leeds Teaching Hospitals |
| 2016 – 2018 | Ms Stana Bojanic | Consultant in Neurosurgery, Oxford University Hospitals |
| 2014 – 2016 | Mr Roger Strachan | Consultant Neurosurgeon, James Cook University Hospital |
| 2012 – 2014 | Dr Sam Eldabe | Consultant in Pain Medicine, South Tees Hospitals |
| 2010 – 2012 | Dr Jon Raphael | Consultant in Pain Medicine, Dudley Group of Hospitals |
| 2008 – 2010 | Dr Francis Luscombe | Consultant in Pain Medicine, Portsmouth Hospitals |
| 2006 – 2008 | Dr Jon Valentine | Consultant in Pain Medicine, Norwich |
| 2004 – 2006 | Mr Paul Eldridge | Consultant Neurosurgeon, The Walton Centre, Liverpool |
| 2001 – 2004 | Dr Simon Thomson (Founding President) | Consultant in Pain Medicine, Basildon / INS President 2009–2015 |
NSUKI Annual Scientific Meetings
Since 2001, NSUKI has hosted acclaimed scientific meetings across the UK and internationally:
On This Page
Society Milestones
Executive Board
Steered by President Prof Vivek Mehta and a multidisciplinary committee of neurosurgeons and pain medicine consultants.
Meet the Executive BoardSociety Governance
NSUKI is a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in England and Wales.