9th Science Factory: TMS–EEG Summer School and Workshop

When? May 28 – June 2, 2023 (+ optional hands-on on May 27)

Where? Espoo, Finland

When to apply? Application period starts January 16th, 2023

Participation fee: 1200 €

Overview

The Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering at Aalto University School of Science will organize the 9th Science Factory: TMS–EEG Summer School and Workshop, on May 28 – June 2, 2023 (+ optional hands-on on May 27). The main venue is Hotel Nuuksio (Espoo, Finland), a beautiful place in rural Espoo. The last day includes program in the BrainSTIM conference in Aalto University campus. The Science Factory 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 the beginners will learn about the methodology from more experienced researchers.

The participation fee (1200€) includes accommodation for 5 nights (Sun–Fri), meals during the course, and bus transportation to Hotel Nuuksio and back. Students will be accommodated in double rooms. We recommend that the participants will be granted 3 ECTS credits for the work done during the course and during preparation for the course and presentations there.

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.

Please use Webropol to submit your application: 1) fill the registration form and 2) add a short motivation letter (max. one page, in PDF format), describing why you want to participate in the course. Please note that the number of students is limited to 40. The application form opens on Monday, January 16, 2023, and the deadline is on Friday, March 3, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact sciencefactory(at)aalto.fi.There is a possibility to submit an abstract for the BrainSTIM conference as part of the application form, since the first day of the conference is included in the 9th Science Factory. In the form, you can also indicate your willingness to join the second day of the conference for the additional fee of 100€.

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. 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 9th Science Factory will include:

• Optional TMS–EEG hands-on session on Saturday 27 May 2023 (Aalto University campus, Espoo)
• A data analysis workshop on Sunday 28 May 2023 (Aalto University campus, Espoo)
• Core part of the workshop Monday 29 May – Thursday 1 June 2023 (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
• Participation in the first day of the BrainSTIM conference Friday 2 June 2023 (Aalto University campus, Espoo)

For an additional price of 100€, participation in also the second day of the BrainSTIM conference on Saturday 3 June 2023 is possible.

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. The students giving the oral presentations have been selected and notified by email. Students are also expected to read some preparatory material prior to the course, which has been shared in the workshop Slack channel.

Confirmed Teachers

Prof. Risto Ilmoniemi, Aalto University, Finland
Prof. Til Ole Bergmann, University of Mainz, Germany
Prof. Hartwig Siebner, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark
Prof. Domenica Veniero, University of Nottingham, UK
Prof. Satu Jääskeläinen, University of Turku, Finland
Prof. Hanna Renvall, Aalto University and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
Prof. Silvia Casarotto, University of Milan, Italy
Prof. Mario Rosanova, University of Milan, Italy
Dr. Paolo Belardinelli, University of Trento, Italy
Dr. Marta Bortoletto, Neurophysiology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Italy
Dr. Matti Stenroos, Aalto University, Finland
Dr. Pantelis Lioumis, Aalto University, Finland
Dr. Victor Hugo Souza, Aalto University, Finland

Faculty

Organizers

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

Coordinator

Matilda Makkonen, Aalto University

Collaborators

Aalto Brain Centre (ABC), Aalto University, Finland
BioMag Laboratory, HUS Medical Imaging Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
ConnectToBrain, Aalto University, Finland, University of Tübingen, Germany, University of Chieti–Pescara, Italy
Nexstim Oyj, Finland
Bittium Oyj, Finland

Cancellation policy
Cancellations should be communicated by email to sciencefactory(at)aalto.fi. For cancellations made until April 27, 100% of the fee will be refunded. For cancellations made until May 12, 50% of the fee will be refunded. For cancellations after May 12, we unfortunately cannot give refunds. The Science Factory organizer cannot be held liable by delegates for any damages, costs or losses (e.g. travel and accommodation costs or any other financial losses) incurred in the event that the Science Factory is cancelled or is postponed due to events beyond the control of the Science Factory organizer (force majeure) or due to events, which are not caused wilfully or by gross negligence of the Science Factory organizer. Force majeure means an event, which prevents organizing the Science Factory at the time specified or renders it unreasonably difficult. Such events include (but are not limited to) war, insurrection, natural disaster, epidemics, interruption in the general energy supply, fire, strike, embargo, material restriction imposed by the State or other equally significant and uncommon reason beyond the Science Factory organizer’s control.

Contact information

sciencefactory(at)aalto.fi