# Open Software Summer School


We are excited to announce the second **NIU Open Software Summer School**, taking
place in **August 2026** at the [Sainsbury Wellcome Centre](https://maps.app.goo.gl/CzWFFjXJZwX87aMj6) 
in **London, UK**. This event will bring together researchers, developers, and users of open-source software for some hands-on training, community-building and hacking.

[The 2025 event](2025/index) (known as Open Software Week) brought together 44 attendees from 12 countries to learn 
about open-source approaches for handling large images, processing microscopy data and analysing video behavioural data. 
In 2026, we will return, with an expanded two-week program adding a new *Extracellular Electrophysiology* track, 
additional satellite events, guest lectures and opportunities for researchers to present their own work. 

:::{admonition} Applications are now closed!
:class: info
If you have any questions, please ask on our [Zulip chat](https://neuroinformatics.zulipchat.com/#narrow/channel/542225-Open-Software-Summer-School). 
Alternatively, please <a href="mailto:adam.tyson@ucl.ac.uk ?subject=Open Software Summer School">email Adam Tyson</a>.
:::

## Schedule
![](/_static/osw_images/OSSS_2026_schedule.png)


There are four tracks targeted to different audiences.
We encourage you to read each track's description and choose the one(s) that best fits your interests. 

:::: {grid} 1 1 2 4

:::{grid-item-card} {fas}`video;sd-text-secondary` Animals in Motion
:img-top: /_static/osw_images/animals-in-motion-card.png
:link: track-animals-in-motion-2026
:link-type: ref

Use open-source tools to track
and analyse animal motion from video footage.

:::

:::{grid-item-card} {fas}`layer-group;sd-text-primary` Large Array Data
:img-top: /_static/osw_images/big-imaging-data-card.png
:link: track-large-array-data-2026
:link-type: ref

Learn about strategies and use open source tools to process large array data (e.g. imaging, videos, electrophysiology,...)

:::

:::{grid-item-card} {fas}`brain;sd-text-warning` BrainGlobe
:img-top: /_static/osw_images/brainglobe-card.png
:link: track-brainglobe-2026
:link-type: ref

Use the BrainGlobe ecosystem of computational neuroanatomy tools
to analyse whole-brain microscopy datasets.
:::

:::{grid-item-card} {fas}`bolt;sd-text-info` Extracellular Electrophysiology
:img-top: /_static/osw_images/ephys-card.png
:link: track-extracellular-ephys
:link-type: ref

Using open source tools to process and analyse large extracellular electrophysiology data (e.g. from silicon probes)
:::

::::

:::{admonition} Registration
:class: info
You may register for week 1, week 2 or both. However, you can only register for one track per week, i.e:

- **Week 1**: either *Animals in Motion* or *Large Array Data*.
- **Week 2**: either *BrainGlobe* or *Extracellular Electrophysiology*.
:::

## Key Dates

| Date               | Event |
|--------------------| --- |
| December 1st 2025  | Applications open |
| February 15th 2026 | Applications close |
| March 2026         | Applicants are notified of acceptance |
| July 2026          | Optional preparatory month begins |
| August 17-21 2026  | Week 1: *Animals in Motion* & *Large Array Data* |
| August 24-28 2026  | Week 2: *BrainGlobe* & *Extracellular Electrophysiology* 


## Symposium
On the first day of each track (Monday afternoon), there will be a symposium, shared with participants of the other track held that week. 
All attendees will be expected to present a poster describing their past, present or planned work. 

(target-preparatory-month)=
## Preparatory month
All four tracks require a basic knowledge of scientific Python programming. If you don't have this background, that's 
totally fine, we will be running an asynchronous preparatory course in the month before the summer school. Training 
materials and exercises will be shared with participants, and OSSS instructors will be available to answer any questions.

**This preparatory course is mandatory for those without Python experience, and requires a minimum of four hours per week 
commitment for four weeks prior to the summer school**

## Fees
- **Academic or self funding**: £300 per week
- **Industry**: £600 per week

Fees include all materials needed, and lunch/refreshments each day.

### Financial Assistance
A number of fee waivers will be available to applicants who would not otherwise be able to attend the summer school. 
A limited number of travel stipends will also be available, but we encourage applicants to apply for 
[independent travel funding](funding).


## Feedback from previous summer schools

![](/_static/osw_images/OSW_2025.jpg)
**Participants (having a great time) at the hackathon in 2025**

### Selected quotes from previous attendees
> Sparked a bit of a eureka moment after months of agonising over how to analyse my data!

> Thank you again for organizing this amazing event

> My whole PhD feels doable now!

> The heterogeneity of the attendees was truly enriching.

> Atmosphere was very friendly and down to earth.

## Funding

The Open Software Summer School is supported by the [Sainsbury Wellcome Centre](https://www.sainsburywellcome.org/), [AIBIO-UK](https://aibio.ac.uk/) and [The Neuro – Irv and Helga Cooper Foundation Open Science Prize](https://www.mcgill.ca/neuro/open-science/open-science-awards-and-prizes/neuro-irv-and-helga-cooper-foundation-open-science-prizes).


```{toctree}
:maxdepth: 1
:caption: Index
:hidden:

2026/application_questions
funding
2025/index
2026/animals-in-motion
2026/large-data
2026/brainglobe
2026/extracellular-electrophysiology
```