The Chris Jagger Foundation is funding groundbreaking work that allows scientists to literally hear electrical signals from human neurons, using a project called Neusic. The research began at Monash University, where Dr Patrick Kwan and his team recorded signals from neurons grown from human stem cells. These signals were then transformed into sound by software engineer and musician Dr Matthew Walsh, revealing patterns of brain activity in a way never before experienced.

In April 2024, Chris Jagger personally donated a blood sample through University College London, allowing cells to be grown into stem cells and then neurons, connecting him directly to the research that now bears his name.

“I’m proud to support research that combines science and creativity — and that could offer new insights into brain health and mental wellbeing,” said Chris Jagger.

The idea for the Foundation was sparked in 2023, when Dr Kwan met Clive Hines, Director at Rewire and part of Chris’s management. Together, they envisioned a foundation that would unite science, music, and creativity to improve mental health and neurological research.

“This Foundation is about backing bold, collaborative research that brings neuroscience and sound together,” said Clive Hines, Founding Board Member.

“The potential for new understanding — and new hope — is what drives us.”

The Foundation’s founding board, established in May 2025, includes Clive Hines, Dr Patrick Kwan, Carrie Keller, Sherry Daly, Sharon Roux, Michael Overman and Matt Smith.

“Neusic showed us that brain activity can be translated into sound in a way that’s both scientifically meaningful and creatively powerful,” said Dr Patrick Kwan, Monash University. “The Foundation will help grow this work through collaboration and research support.”

The Chris Jagger Foundation now supports interdisciplinary research, creative-science collaborations, and public engagement initiatives aimed at inspiring new ways of thinking about the brain.