Foreword
The  International  Brain-Computer  Interface  (BCI)  Meeting  Series  occupies  a  unique  place  among  conferences  for BCI  research  by  bringing  together  researchers  and  stakeholders  from  diverse  disciplines.  Neurologists,  computer scientists,  rehabilitation  engineers,  physicians,  sensor  engineers,  psychologists,  speech-language  pathologists, ethicists,  and  actual  BCI  users  are  all  active  participants  in  the  BCI  Meeting  Series.  Further,  the  inclusive,  retreat-like  atmosphere  of  the  BCI  Meeting  Series  provides  extensive  opportunities  for  interaction  and  development  of collaborations. The impact of the BCI Meetings Series is demonstrated by the high percentage of citations received by papers from attendees. Of the 499 articles published in 2011 and listed in Web of Science with a topic of “brain-computer  interface”or “brain-machine  interface,”28  (5.6%)  were  part  of  the  special  issue  resulting  from  the  last meeting. However, citations of the articles in the special issue represent 15.7% of the 776 citations ofthe BCI papers published in 2011.The Fifth International BCI Meeting represents the graduation of the BCI Meeting Series to joint organization by a Steering Committee of prominent BCI researchers from around the world. The diversity of BCI research represented in  this  planning  process  has  resulted  in  a  vibrant,  exciting  Meeting  with  increased  involvement  from  the  many sectors that make up BCI research. The  papers  in  these  Proceedings  show  the  increasing  focus  on  the  future  of  BCI  research  and  the  importance  of translational issues to make BCIs practical for people who need them. These papers describe: Technical  and  protocol  innovations  to  enable  successful  BCI  use  by  people  with  the most  severe  motor impairments. The importance, flexibility, and advantages of different types of input signals for BCI research. Innovative new applications for BCI use by people with and without impairments. The interpretation of signals associated with movement, grip, and recognition of errors. Appropriate evaluation of BCI performance to understand and improve BCI usefulness. Therapeutic effects of BCIs to not only accommodate for impaired function, but facilitate healing. Together,  this  BCI  Meeting  and  its  Proceedings  represent  the  breadth  of  BCI  research  and  help  us  to  define  the future of BCIs as successful, beneficial tools.On behalf of the BCI Meeting Steering Committee, I thank you for your interest in the BCI Meeting and hope to see you at this and future installments in the BCI Meeting Series.