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NWB Workshops and Hackathons

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NeuroDataReHack 2025

Generate new insights from existing neurophysiology data through secondary analysis

Dates and Location

Objective

The DANDI Archive now has 300+ neurophysiology datasets in the Neurodata Without Borders format spanning many species, brain areas, task types, and imaging modalities. These include high-value datasets, e.g. from Allen Institute OpenScope, the MICrONS project, and the International Brain Laboratory Brain Wide Map, as well as diverse contributions from neuroscience labs around the world. In this workshop, we will teach attendees about the open neurophysiology datasets available on the DANDI Archive and train them on how to maximally utilize the archive and the NWB standard to incorporate existing data into their scientific workflows. Feedback from attendees will be used to improve the software and data standard to better enable reanalysis workflows.

Prior to the workshop, we are organizing Open Neurodata Showcase where attendees can meet the contributors behind the neurophysiology datasets and explore virtual posters. Visit the event page to sign up and read more about this feature event.

Example projects include but are not limited to:

This event will primarily focus on analyzing existing data in NWB and on DANDI, not converting data to NWB. If you are interested in learning how to convert data, consider signing up for an NWB Data Conversion Workshop.

Eligibility

This course is intended for PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, principal investigators, or similar. Applicants should have basic programming experience in Python or MATLAB and experience with neurophysiology research.

Application

Space for the event is limited. Apply to attend NeuroDataReHack 2025 here.

Logistics

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of The Janelia Research Campus, this event will be free to participants:

Organizing Committee

Program chairs:

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Ben at ben.dichter [at] catalystneuro [dot] com

Resources

Resources will be posted here to help participants prepare for the event.

What to bring?

Bring a laptop with appropriate software installed. Python should be installed and MATLAB is optional. For instructions on how to install PyNWB, see the PyNWB documentation. For instructions on how to install MatNWB, see the MatNWB documentation

Past events

Testimonials from NeuroDataReHack 2024

This workshop was enlightening, and I’m excited to bring these tools back to my research group and my university!

The Hackathon was an incredible experience. I had the opportunity to get familiar with not only NWB but also the expanding NWB ecosystem. Additionally, the week was fantastic for connecting with others working on similar topics. I established potential collaborations and learned from people working on different topics as well.

NeuroDataReHack 2024 is a inspiring tour to the ecosystem that the NWB and DANDI has supported, including a set of useful tools, datasets, and example notebook to hand on. Great opportunities to meet the organizers that make those things happen, and to connect with other researchers interested in dataset reuse.

The sessions on the DANDI archive and NWB format and accessible analysis tools were extremely helpful and made the tools fairly easy to use considering how powerful they are. The organizers and presenters did a great job breaking down complex topics and were really approachable and helpful throughout. Plus, getting to meet people from all over with similar interests was great. Big thanks to everyone who put this together – it was educational and fun.

NeuroDataReHack was a transformative experience. I left the hackathon inspired, equipped with new skills, and excited about the future of neuroscience. I highly recommend checking out the DANDI Archive, Neurodata Without Borders, and training opportunities like NeuroDataReHack for anyone looking to enhance the quality of their own research, promote the open exchange of neurodata, and contribute to the global success of neuroscience research.

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