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].

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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 facilities

Route description

How to get to Spinoza via public transportation or car.

Opening hours

Of Spinoza and when support staff are present.

How to get access

To the building and facilities

Available facilities

These include MRI scanners and peripheral equipment but also desks, internet, and meeting room.

User etiquette

Help us maintain a safe and productive environment for everyone

Contact information

Spinoza staff

How to contact Spinoza staff.

General communication

How to join general communication lists of Spinoza.

Spinoza User Meetings

Weekly presentations of staff, partners and other researchers.

Logos*

Spinoza Centre Logos

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Starting a new project

Below please find information if you would like to start a new MRI project at Spinoza. This information is primarily intended for researchers who are new to Spinoza.

Starting to use the facilities

Checklist

Checklist on how to start a project at Spinoza. These include compulsory actions far in advance and just prior to scanning.

Training and safety

MR training and certification

Prior to using the MR facilities please follow the MR safety training. Prior to scanning yourself you need to be trained as an MR operator.

Safety training schedule

Instructions on safety and evacuation training.

List of certified users*

If you want to start already you may enlist help of those who are already trained.

Metal detectors

How to use the metal detectors at Spinoza.

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Ongoing projects

Participant procedures

Participant recruitment (Sona)

Incidental finding protocol*

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

Public data sharing*

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

Flywheel Informatics Platform for Biomedical Research and Collaboration

Standard sequences @ 3T*

Peripheral MRI equipment, instructions and troubleshooting

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

Physiology

Advanced MRI procedures and troubleshooting

Patching the MRI scanners*

7T MRI procedures and documentation*

7T MRI Quality assurance*

Common warnings and error messages*

Spinoza log book for reporting and monitoring technical problems*