GSoC 2025 Project #22 HNN Projects :: Develop Python API for multi-network simulations in Human Neocortical Neurosolver (350h)

Mentors: Austin Soplata <austin_soplata@brown.edu>, Dylan S. Daniels <dylan_s_daniels@alumni.brown.edu>, Nicholas Tolley

Skill level: Intermediate

Required Skills: Experience with Python programming, experience with Git version control, experience with Pytest or software testing (optional), experience in neuroscience data analysis (optional)

Time commitment: Full time (350 hours)

Forum for discussion

About: Human Neocortical Neurosolver (HNN) is a software for interpreting the neural origin of macroscale magneto-/electro-encephalography (MEG/EEG) data using biophysically-detailed microcircuit simulations. HNN-core can be run through a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) or through a Python API as a library.

Resources:

Aims: The current codebase for HNN-core assumes that only one model Network is being simulated at a time. However, there is strong scientific motivation for simulating multiple distinct cortical networks which interact with each other (such as primary sensory cortex versus an association cortex). HNN-core needs the ability to create multiple distinct networks, create connections both within and between networks, and simulate them all. Subgoals include:

  • Develop the Network API to be able to add long-range connections to other Network objects.
  • Develop the fundamental simulation API to support multiple networks, including Dipole etc. output tied to each individual network.
  • Develop existing or new analysis and plotting functions for analyzing the output of multiple networks, including inter-network communication

Website: https://hnn.brown.edu/

Tech keywords: Python, computational neuroscience, open-source, simulation, neuron

2 Likes

hi @asoplata ,@ Nicholas Tolley ,@ Dylan S. Daniels
this side dikshant jha ,I am a machine learning enthusiasts and would like to contribute in this project #22 of HNN-CORE ;which demands to develop an api to achieve the following funtionality .I do have a decent idea of hnn-core so ,It would be great if we can discuss regarding this and can you provide me some references of neuroscience data analysis in order to become comfortable with them .

Hi,

I’m Peicheng Li, an sophemore student majoring in Computer Science & Mathematics at the University of Minnesota. I’m really excited about the opportunity to contribute to the HNN-core project, specifically the development of the Python API for multi-network simulations.

With experience in Python, Git, and computational neuroscience, I’m eager to help expand the HNN-core to support multiple cortical networks and inter-network communication. I’d love to learn more about how the simulation API will be structured and how we can ensure smooth integration between networks.

Looking forward to contributing!
Email: li003347@umn.edu

hi @asoplata ,is there something we can look upon like any references for this project so that we can give our best in the proposal

Hello Dikshant and Peicheng, we (the HNN developers) thank you both for your interest. I have responded to your questions and messages directly via email.

Hello!

My name is Vincent Ho, and I am a first-year Data Science major at the University of California, Irvine. I have a strong interest in leveraging software and statistical methods to improve healthcare outcomes. Currently, I am involved in research on mobile health data and stress escalation at my university’s lab, as well as developing maternal health risk prediction models for CareTech at UCI.

I am particularly interested in contributing to the Python API development for multi-network simulations in HNN. My background in health data analysis has shown me the importance of computational tools in medical research, and I’m eager to contribute to a project with this meaningful clinical applications.

Through my coursework and projects, I’ve gained experience with, Python programming and machine learning/data visualizations library development, Git version control for collaborative projects, and data analysis and visualization techniques

I would love the opportunity to learn more about this project and how I could contribute.

Best,
Vincent Ho
vincenntho@gmail.com

Hi @asoplata , Nicholas Tolley and Dylan S. Daniels

I am Varnika Khare, I am currently a PhD scholar in Cognitive Science at IIT Hyderabad, India, working on motor memory consolidation.

While my research primarily involves behavioural and neural data analysis, I have experience with Python (especially for data visualization), and reinforcement learning and I currently use MATLAB for EEG signal processing.

I am interested in applying for this GSoC project “Develop Python API for multi-network simulations in Human Neocortical Neurosolver (HNN)”.

I am currently going through the websites provided in the description. I would love to know what my next steps are and where should I report to regarding my progress.

Best Regards.

Hello Vincent and Varnika, thank you for your interest in contributing to HNN-Core ( hnn-core — hnn-core documentation ) via the Google Summer of Code 2025 program. To gauge the seriousness of your application, we request that you submit a Pull Request containing some kind of small update to our code, and work with us to get it approved. If you are interested, please start by reading our Contributing Guide here Contributions — hnn-core documentation and abide by our Code of Conduct here hnn-core/CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md at master · jonescompneurolab/hnn-core · GitHub . You can find good issues to start with here: GitHub · Where software is built . If you need help during the installation necessary for contributing, please start a new discussion at our Discussions page here jonescompneurolab/hnn-core · Discussions · GitHub and we can help you.