News

What’s next 

In 2026, we aim to further improve the research infrastructure offered by the CNSR, initiate new research projects, and expand the range of services for our users. With this in mind, the following projects are planned:

• Implementation of the new eye-tracking systems 
• Revision of the website to improve usability and better showcase the CNSR’s offerings 
• Development of the CNSR wiki with method-oriented content 
• Expansion of the CNSR Python toolbox for the analysis of psychophysiological data 
• Organization of an eye-tracking workshop in the first half of the year 
• Organization of an fNIRS workshop in the second half of the year
• Strengthening teaching through dedicated hands-on workshops for students  
• Offering laboratory internships
• Strengthening science communication 
• Participation in the WDR initiative “Türen auf mit der Maus”

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Funding Boost for Our Eye-Tracking Lab 

We are pleased to announce that our lab has grant funding from the Research Council des Field of Focus 4. This support allows us to expand our eye-tracking lab with a new stationary device and two mobile eye-tracking glasses.

The additional equipment strengthens our laboratory work and enables us to carry out studies in real-world environments. The new equipment will help us to conduct research that can capture visual behavior in situations where controlled lab studies are not sufficient.

We are grateful for the funding and excited about the developments it will bring. The upgraded setup lays the groundwork for new projects and collaborations, and we look forward to sharing the results soon.

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Visitors from Tübingen 

Last week, participants in the NeNa 2025 conference for young neuroscientists (https://nenaconference.github.io/) visited the Core Facility for Neuroscience of Self-Regulation. During their visit, the young scientists from Tübingen were able to familiarize themselves with the basic idea behind our core facility and gained valuable insights into various studies currently underway at the CNSR. We would like to thank Marie-Luise Otte (University of Heidelberg, Department of General Psychiatry), Antonia Schlieder (University of Heidelberg, IWR, Visual Computing Group), and Michaela Kroth (Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Psychology and Neurobiology of Sleep and Memory) for presenting their research.

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Neurocognition for kids 

We had a fantastic time on October 3rd at the “Open Doors with the Mouse” event and would like to thank all the helpers, as well as the children and parents who joined us.

In small groups, elementary school-aged children explored five different stations that offered playful insights into brain research. We were delighted to welcome more than 60 guests in total.

Each of the five stations showcased different scientific methods in an engaging and hands-on way:

In our eye-tracking lab, we played mind-reading games and let participants control a helicopter using only their eyes.

In the virtual reality lab, children experienced what it feels like to stand on the roof of a skyscraper and how this affects heart rate.

At the social robotics station, our colleagues demonstrated how human-robot interaction can be used in research.

In the fNIRS lab, participants steered a helicopter using the power of their thoughts.

At the face-reader station, children expressed emotions through facial expressions. Those who performed best were awarded the CNSR “Mauscar” at the end.

We’re committed to participating in the event series again next year!

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4EU+ fNIRS Data Analysis Retreat 

Last week, we hosted a focused work retreat with our colleagues from Charles University in Prague, with whom we are collaborating on a project about dialect processing in toddlers. The project is funded by a grant from the 4EU+ University Alliance. Our main focus during the retreat was advancing our fNIRS data analysis.

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