Professor Nurmikko conducts research in neuroengineering, brain sciences, nanophotonics and microelectronics, especially for the translation of device research to new technologies in biomedical, life science, and photonics applications.

His current interests include development of implantable wireless neural interfaces, nanoscale neural circuit sensors, compact red/green/blue/UV semiconductor lasers, and high resolution acoustic microscopy.

He has published in several fields (about 400 articles), led many multi-institutional research teams, advised federal funding agencies, and lectured worldwide.

He has been the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, and elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

He is also a member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters.