Research groups
Colleges
Ioana Grigoras
MD MSc DPhil
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Investigating the neurophysiological mechanisms of motor learning
I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Physiological Neuroimaging Group, working with Professor Charlotte Stagg. My postdoctoral research uses multi-modal neuroimaging, TMS and transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) to explore the neurophysiological mechanisms of motor learning in healthy people and stroke survivors.
During my DPhil, I used behavioural tasks, neuroimaging and non-invasive brain stimulation to investigate how pharmacological modulation of GABA-mediated inhibition can influence motor learning and brain chemistry in healthy volunteers and stroke survivors.
Prior to my DPhil, I graduated with a medical degree (MD) from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Bucharest in Romania and then completed a M.Sc. in Neuroscience at the University of Oxford.
I am also a Lecturer in Medicine (Pharmacology) at St Hilda's College.
Key publications
Ultrasound system for precise neuromodulation of human deep brain circuits.
Journal article
Martin E. et al, (2025), Nat Commun, 16
Baclofen, a GABAb receptor agonist, impairs motor learning in healthy people and changes inhibitory dynamics in motor areas.
Journal article
Grigoras I-F. et al, (2025), Imaging Neurosci (Camb), 3
Dual-site beta transcranial alternating current stimulation during a bimanual coordination task modulates functional connectivity between motor areas.
Journal article
Gann MA. et al, (2025), Brain Stimul, 18, 1566 - 1578
Human motor cortical gamma activity relates to GABAergic intracortical inhibition and motor learning.
Journal article
Zich C. et al, (2025), Imaging Neurosci (Camb), 3
Recent advances in the role of excitation-inhibition balance in motor recovery post-stroke.
Journal article
Grigoras I-F. and Stagg CJ., (2021), Fac Rev, 10
Recent publications
Exploring the relationship between stroke lesion characteristics and sleep in chronic stroke survivors
Preprint
Guttesen AÁV. et al, (2025)
Ultrasound system for precise neuromodulation of human deep brain circuits.
Journal article
Martin E. et al, (2025), Nat Commun, 16
Baclofen, a GABA B receptor agonist, impairs motor learning in healthy people and changes inhibitory dynamics in motor areas
Preprint
Grigoras I-F. et al, (2025)
Baclofen, a GABAb receptor agonist, impairs motor learning in healthy people and changes inhibitory dynamics in motor areas.
Journal article
Grigoras I-F. et al, (2025), Imaging Neurosci (Camb), 3
Websites
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Our ultrasound device was highlighted in The Guardian
Read about our novel transcranial ultrasound stimulation device, as reported by the Guardian
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Advice for new students
Short video from the BrainBox Initiative with quick advice for new students