GSoC 2025 Project #35 EBrains :: Personalized hemodynamic response function in computational models of fMRI activity (350h)

GSoC
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Mentors: Daniele Marinazzo daniele.marinazzo@ugent.be

Skill level: Intermediate. The difficulty decreases if the contributor is already familiar with The Virtual Brain

Required skills: Python, C++, and git required. Knowledge of (computational) neuroscience, BIDS format, The Virtual Brain.

Time commitment: Large (350h)

Forum for discussion

About: The contributor will extend the current implementation of The Virtual Brain present on EBRAINS to add a personalized hemodynamic response function (HRF) to the computational model of fMRI activity.

Aims:

  • Updated version of code; tutorial in form of notebook.
  • Baseline goal: implement the personalized HRF in The Virtual Brain and document the code. More advanced goals: comparative testing on several datasets present on EBRAINS.
  • Milestones:
    • Retrieve the personalized HRF from one sample brain region
    • Substitute it to the Balloon-Windkessel model in TVB
    • Check results
    • Scale to whole brain/different datasets
    • Produce documentation and tutorial

Website: rsHRF - Tools - EBRAINS

Tech keywords: Python, C++

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Dear @Daniele_Marinazzo

Thank you for your response.

I will start reviewing the Python implementation of rSHRF and exploring The Virtual Brain platform as suggested. I’ve also joined the Neurostars forum and posted this message there as a follow-up to your email reply, so that we can continue the discussion on the forum as recommended.

Additionally, I would appreciate it if you could share any information regarding the application process or next steps to get formally involved in the project.

Best regards,
Demir Ege Ortaç

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Dear Demir
For the formal application please refer to the INCF blog post https://incf.org/blog/incf-marks-its-15th-year-anniversary-google-summer-code-mentor-organization and links therein.

1 Like
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Dear Dr. Daniele,
Thank you for the link and guidance. I’ll go through the blog post and related resources carefully.

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Dear Daniele,

I am Gemma Qu, a student at Smith College pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Psychology. I have a solid foundation in Python, with particular strengths in modular design and algorithmic problem-solving. Additionally, I have experience working with R for data analysis and visualization.

I am very drawn to this project and I will submit my proposal as soon as possible. I’m looking forward to your reply and excited about the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to this project and work with your team!

Best regards,
Gemma Qu