Haris Themistocleous

Professor at UiO | Founder of Open Brain AI

I am a computational neurolinguist investigating how human speech, language, and communication patterns can be leveraged to decode the health of the brain. My work bridges the gap between clinical linguistics and artificial intelligence, focusing on the development of objective digital biomarkers for neurodegenerative conditions.

My research program centers on crafting machine learning models for the automatic detection, differential diagnosis, and longitudinal tracking of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), Alzheimer’s disease, and Mild Cognitive Impairment. By utilizing multimodal data—including spoken language, structural and functional MRI, and neurophysiological assessments—we aim to transform early clinical diagnostics.

As the technical founder of Open Brain AI, I architected and engineered a comprehensive computational platform that automates speech and language analysis for both clinical research and practice.

Operating at the highly interdisciplinary intersection of computational linguistics, cognitive neuroscience, and clinical neurology, my work emphasizes real-world applicability and ethical AI. Because solving complex neurological challenges requires diverse expertise, I actively collaborate with international research centers across the USA, Sweden, and Greece.

Having benefited from supportive academic mentorship, I am deeply committed to fostering inclusive research environments. I actively support early-career researchers—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—in navigating the nexus of computational and clinical neuroscience.

Current Positions

• Professor of Speech, Language, and Communication 2022 – Present Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo (UiO)
  Directing a multidisciplinary research program focused on identifying digital biomarkers for cognitive decline, securing grant funding, and mentoring PhD and Postdoctoral researchers.
• Founder & Lead Architect 2023 – Present Open Brain AI
  Engineered the full-stack infrastructure and integrated machine learning pipelines to translate academic theories into scalable, clinical diagnostic tools.

Past Academic Appointments

• Associate Professor of Speech 2022 University of Oslo
• Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Neurolinguistics 2018 Johns Hopkins University
• Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Linguistics 2016 University of Gothenburg
• Visiting Research Scholar 2015 Princeton University