Main Page

This site provides technical and procedural information for users of the Spinoza Centre. All users are invited to contribute their knowledge by editing content here. It is important that you verify the accuracy of any information that you post.

Please note that some parts of the wiki are only accessible by logging in (indicated with a "*"). You can request the login information by sending an email to [email protected].

General information

The Spinoza Centre for Neuroimaging supports fundamental and clinical research programs in the fields of neuroscience and cognition but also facilitates academic and industrial research programs in areas other than the brain. The Centre houses a variety of techniques designed to visualize and study the brain. Central to the infrastructure are the 3 Tesla and 7 Tesla human Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanners (MRI). Ultra-high field MR (≥ 7 Tesla) allows human brain function, structure and metabolism to be visualized at unprecedented detail. The peripheral equipment installed at the scanners includes material for visual, auditory and sensory stimulation, eye tracking and electroencephalography (EEG) recordings, all of which can be performed simultaneously with the MRI acquisitions. Several testing rooms are available in the suite to help people who are collecting surveys, patient briefing or for obtaining behavioural and EEG measures. This allows for a wide range of possible experimental manipulation and physiological measurements to complement the MRI data. In addition to the MRI equipment the Spinoza Centre houses a 'mock' MRI scanner for training humans, and several groups share their setups for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) with the facility.

The building

Route description on how to get to Spinoza via public transportation or car.

Opening hours of Spinoza and when support staff are present.

Guidelines for user etiquette to help us to continue to maintain a safe and productive environment for everyone.

How to get access to the building and facilities.

Communication

Contact Spinoza staff

Spinoza e-mailing lists

Spinoza Centre logos*

Talks and meetings

Spinoza User Meeting (presentations)

Spinoza Centre User Meeting (forum agenda and minutes)*

Available facilities

Below please find an overview of the available:

• research facilities, including MRI scanners and peripheral equipment.
• office space facilities, including desks, internet, printer and meeting room.

Starting a new project

Checklist prior to using the facilities

Prior to using the facilities please follow the checklist for starting a project.

MRI safety training and procedures

MR training and certification

Safety instruction and evacuation training schedule

List of certified users*

Metal detectors and use

Participant procedures

Participant recruitment (Sona)

Incidental finding protocol*

MRI screening forms and (example) participant information / informed consent*

Basic MRI procedures

MRI costs and contacts for applying for partner hours*

Booking the scanner and cancellation policy

Piloting MRI projects

Data export and deletion policy

Standard sequences @ 3T*

Peripheral MRI equipment and instructions

Stimulus computer

MRI compatible LCD screen (BOLDscreen)

MRI compatible button boxes (fORP)

MRI compatible audio system (MRConfon)

MRI compatible eye trackers

Auxilliary EMG, ECG and GSR recordings (BrainAmp)

EEG-fMRI recordings (EGI)

Electrical stimulator

Ongoing projects and troubleshooting

Advanced MRI procedures and troubleshooting

Patching the MRI scanners*

7T MRI procedures and documentation*

Common warnings and error messages*

Spinoza log book for reporting and monitoring technical problems*

Troubleshooting peripheral equipment

Setting the correct screen layout, resolution and refresh rate on the 3T-stimulus computer