MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences UnitCOGNESTIC
Cognitive Neuroimaging Skills Training In Cambridge
15-26 September 2025
MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge
Join us in Cambridge for the two-week Cognitive Neuroimaging Skills Training In Cambridge (COGNESTIC) Summer School, designed to equip emerging researchers in cognitive neuroscience with cutting-edge techniques for open neuroimaging research. This immersive program focuses on MRI, fMRI, and EEG/MEG methodologies, ideal for those beginning or planning to initiate your own neuroimaging research projects. Because the emphasis of this course is on open, transparent and reproducible analysis, there is considerable programming and scripting involved (with little use of GUIs). While we will provide videos on the theoretical background of neuroimaging analysis methods in advance, the focus of our workshops will be on demos and hands-on practice.
What to Expect:
- Hands-on Training with Open-Source Tools: Engage with powerful neuroimaging analysis software like DiPy, Nilearn, MNE-Python, FSL, Freesurfer, fMRIprep, and BIDS tools. Learn to build reproducible analysis pipelines based primarily on Python for reliable and robust data analysis.
- Expert-led Theory and Practice: Each session combines theoretical foundations with practical demonstrations and hands-on practice, giving you ample opportunity to apply new techniques.
- Comprehensive Pre-course Materials: Access online materials before the event, including custom video content from our expert tutors, to maximize your learning experience.
- Guest Lectures: Hear from leading principal investigators about the latest advancements in cognitive and clinical neuroscience applications.
- Guided Lab Tours: Explore the state-of-the-art CBU lab facilities, with discussions on best practices in data acquisition.
This summer school offers a collaborative environment where you can connect with tutors and peers, share insights, and build skills essential for success in neuroimaging research.
COGNESTIC 2025 Registration Details:
The registration fee for COGNESTIC 2025 is £950, which includes lunches, refreshments, and three exciting social events. Please note that accommodation and dinners are not included. We are pleased to offer a 50% discount for attendees from UNESCO-designated low and lower-middle-income countries.
To express your interest in attending, please email cognestic (at) mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk with the following information:
- Current affiliation and status (e.g., PhD student, post-doc)
- A brief description of your research interests and your motivation for attending COGNESTIC
If selected, you will have until 31 March 2025 to pay the registration fee. After this date, the remaining places will be available on a first-paid, first-served basis. Cancellations made up to one month before the event are eligible for a refund.
Feedback from previous COGNESTIC attendees:
Schedule
There may still be minor changes to this schedule nearer the event. Click on the names of the presenters to learn more about them.
| Mon, 15 | Tue, 16 | Wed, 17 | Thu, 18 | Fri, 19 | Sat, 20 | |
| 9-12.00 |
Introduction Primer on Python |
Statistics |
Structural MRI II – Advanced Methods |
Diffusion MRI II – Tractography and the anatomical connectome |
fMRI II – Analysis |
(fMRI, EEG/MEG, TMS) 10-12.00 |
| Lunch, Q&A | ||||||
| 13.00-16.00 |
MRI Image Handling & BIDS |
Structural MRI I – Introduction to Group Analyses |
Diffusion MRI I – Preprocessing, model fitting and group analysis |
fMRI I – Preprocessing |
Data Clinic All |
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| Tea, Q&A |
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16.30 PI Talks |
Using MVPA/RSA to understand visual attention |
Brain plasticity for alternative hand control: From phantoms to robotic fingers Followed by Nibbles, Drinks and Pizza in the CBU garden |
Large-scale, multimodal imaging: the CamCAN example |
Multimodal imaging for clinical research |
Social: Night out at the Tivoli |
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Mon, 22 |
Tue, 23 | Wed, 24 | Thu, 25 | Fri, 26 |
Sat, 27 |
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| 9-12.00 |
fMRI Connectivity I |
EEG/MEG I – Pre-processing |
EEG/MEG III – Time-Frequency Analysis |
MVPA I – Classification |
MVPA III – EEG/MEG |
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| Lunch, Q&A |
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| 13.00-16.00 |
fMRI Connectivity II |
EEG/MEG II – Source Estimation |
EEG/MEG IV – Statistics & BIDS
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MVPA II – RSA |
Data Clinic All |
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| Tea, Q&A | ||||||
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16.30 PI Talks |
Multimodal imaging and brain stimulation for semantic cognition and its disorders |
Using MRI protocols from the Human Connectome Project for precision imaging of the multiple demand system |
Localising and understanding the neural systems for processing spoken words |
Applying neuroimaging to understand rare genomic disorders Followed by Social event at the CBU
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Selected Topics
Possible funding options (please check for eligibility):
Possible accommodation options:
Please note we do not offer accommodation as part of the course, but you may find the following links useful.
University Rooms (College accommodation)
