11th Science Factory: TMS–EEG Summer School and Workshop

Overview

The Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering at Aalto University School of Science will organize the 11th Science Factory: TMS–EEG Summer School and Workshop, on May 25th – 30th, 2025 (+ optional hands-on on May 24th). The main venue this year is Hotel Nuuksio at the beautiful Nuuksio National Park in rural Espoo, Finland. The event aims at continuing to enhance the interaction and discussion within the international TMS–EEG community. During the intensive week, the participants will share their ideas and results and beginners will learn about the methodology from more experienced researchers.

The participation fee includes accommodation for 5 nights (Sun–Fri), meals during the course, and bus transportation to Nuuksio and back. Students will be accommodated in double rooms. We recommend that participants will be granted 3 ECTS credits for the work done in preparation for and during the course.

Application

The course is targeted to students and researchers working with TMS, the emphasis being in TMS–EEG. The participants are chosen based on their applications and level of studies; primarily, master’s or doctoral students, and post-doctoral researchers are chosen. The applications are not currently open; more information about the process will be shared later.

Outline of the workshop

Different kinds of formats of teaching will be used in addition to lectures. The students will work in small groups, each team with its own senior coach, who is an experienced researcher in the field. The group members work together on tasks related to the lectures of the other teachers, while the coach works as a mentor. Students are expected to participate actively in the various sessions and events. TMS–EEG devices will be available for demonstrations and hands-on practice during the week. Each coach will conduct a teaching session on his/her own research area in an interactive manner. During each session, one team and its coach will act as designated opponents, while the remaining students are also expected to participate in the discussion.

The 11th Science Factory will include:

• Optional TMS–EEG hands-on session on Saturday 24th May 2025 (Aalto University campus, Espoo)
• A data analysis workshop on Sunday 25th May 2025 (Aalto University campus, Espoo)
• Core part of the workshop Monday 26th - Friday 30th May 2025 (Hotel Nuuksio, Espoo) 
  • Introductory lectures on TMS basics and TMS–EEG methodology
  • Teaching sessions where leading researchers will present their work and understanding, discuss the topics, and coach the students.
  • Demonstrations with TMS–EEG devices
  • Students’ presentations on their work and ideas, receiving feedback from top researchers of the field
  • Networking with the fellow researchers in the TMS–EEG field
  • Last but not least, some brains-off-duty time, including various possibilities to enjoy the beautiful nature around the venue, the lake, sauna, sports and other refreshing activities

Pre-tasks

Students will present their research work in an oral or a poster presentation during the course. Note that also old scientific posters (e.g. from previous conferences) are allowed in the poster presentation. Students are also expected to read some preparatory material prior to the course.

Faculty

Organizers

Prof. Risto Ilmoniemi, Aalto University
Prof. Marcello Massimini, University of Milan

Coordinator

Matilda Makkonen, Aalto University

Contact information

sciencefactory(at)aalto.fi