MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit
14-25 September 2026
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 2026 Registration Details:
The registration fee for COGNESTIC 2025 is £990, 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 host institutions in UNESCO-designated low and lower-middle-income countries.
To apply for a place, please email cognestic (at) mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk before 31 January 2026 and provide the following information collated into one PDF document:
- Your full name, current status (e.g. PhD student or post-doc), and your current affiliation with city and country (no abbreviations).
- Your statement (max 250 words), focussing on your reasons to apply for a place at COGNESTIC, briefly describing your scientific background (current and planned research) and how COGNESTIC will benefit your future work.
- A brief statement from your supervisor in support of your application (max 1 page), confirming the plan to obtain funding.
- A brief statement how you are planning to fund your registration and stay in Cambridge during COGNESTIC (note that we do not provide accommodation).
We will let you know by mid February 2026 if your application was successful. You will then have until 31 March 2025 to pay the registration fee. After this date, we will offer the remaining places to other applicants on a first-paid, first-served basis. Cancellations made up to one month before the event will be eligible for a full 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, 14 | Tue, 15 | Wed, 16 | Thu, 17 | Fri, 18 | Sat, 19 | |
| 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 |
Q&A and Self-Practice All |
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| Tea, Q&A |
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16.30 PI Talks |
Large-scale, multimodal imaging: the CamCAN example |
Localising and understanding the neural systems for processing spoken words Followed by Drinks and Pizza in the CBU garden |
Multimodal imaging for clinical research |
Brain mechanisms underlying the inhibitory control of thought |
Social event: TBD |
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Mon, 21 |
Tue, 22 | Wed, 23 | Thu, 24 | Fri, 25 |
Sat, 26 |
|
| 9-12.00 |
fMRI Connectivity I |
EEG/MEG I – Pre-processing |
EEG/MEG III – Time-Frequency and Functional Connectivity 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 |
Q&A and Self-Practice All |
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| Tea, Q&A | ||||||
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16.30 PI Talks |
What can fMRI tell us about the function of lateral parietal cortex |
Building networks to understand neurodevelopment |
Brain plasticity for alternative hand control: From phantoms to robotic fingers |
Applying neuroimaging to understand rare genomic disorders Followed by Night out at the Tivoli
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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)
