From Raw Signals to Behavior-Linked Activity
How do we move from raw extracellular recordings to interpretable neural activity linked to behavior?
This hands-on workshop series introduces an open-source workflow for neural data analysis, from spike sorting and curation to time-series analysis and modeling. Across four complementary modules, participants will discover how SpikeInterface, Bombcell, Pynapple, and NeMoS can be combined into a coherent and reproducible analysis pipeline.
Format
The series will take place online in two connected parts. Participants can register for one or both parts.
Part 1: Spike Sorting and Curation
October 19–20, 2026
09:00–12:00 EDT / 15:00–18:00 CEST each day
Modules: SpikeInterface + Bombcell
Registration: Please find the registration form HERE.
Part 2: Behavior-Linked Analysis and Modeling
October 26–27, 2026
09:00–10:30 EDT / 14:00–15:30 CET each day
Modules: Pynapple + NeMoS
Registration: Please find the registration form HERE.
Each module will combine conceptual background with practical examples and demonstrations, with time for questions and discussion.
Program
Part 1: Spike Sorting and Data Curation
SpikeInterface
Monday, October 19, 2026
09:00–12:00 EDT / 15:00–18:00 CEST
Format: Half-day workshop (~3 hours)
Instructors:
Alessio P. Buccino, Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics
Chris Halcrow, University of Edinburgh
Samuel Garcia, Centre de Recherche en Neuroscience de Lyon (CNRS)
A hands-on introduction to SpikeInterface, an open-source framework for reproducible extracellular electrophysiology analysis and spike sorting. Participants will explore the main steps of a SpikeInterface workflow, from loading and preprocessing raw extracellular recordings to running spike sorters, inspecting their outputs, and preparing results for downstream curation and analysis. This workshop will establish the first step of the analysis pipeline and provide the foundation for the following Bombcell session on spike-sorting curation.
Bombcell
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
09:00–12:00 EDT / 15:00–18:00 CEST
Format: Half-day workshop
Instructor: Julie Fabre, Princeton University
A hands-on introduction to Bombcell, an open-source toolbox designed to support automated and reproducible curation of spike-sorting outputs. Participants will learn how to assess unit quality, compute and interpret quality metrics, classify clusters, and identify well-isolated neuronal units. The workshop will also explore how curated spike-sorting results can be prepared for downstream analyses. Together with the preceding SpikeInterface workshop, this module will take participants from raw extracellular recordings to a curated set of units ready for further analysis.
Part 2: Behavior-Linked Analysis and Modeling
Pynapple
Monday, October 26, 2026
09:00–10:30 EDT / 14:00–15:30 CET
Format: Short hands-on workshop (~1h30)
Instructor: Guillaume Viejo, Flatiron Institute
A practical introduction to Pynapple, an open-source Python library designed for analyzing neural and behavioral time series. Participants will learn how to work with time-indexed neural and behavioral data, align neural activity to behavioral events, and explore relationships between neuronal activity and behavior. The workshop will demonstrate how curated electrophysiological data can be transformed into interpretable analyses of behavior-linked neural dynamics.
NeMoS
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
09:00–10:30 EDT / 14:00–15:30 CET
Format: Short hands-on workshop (~1h30)
Instructor: Edoardo Balzani, Flatiron Institute
A practical introduction to NeMoS, an open-source framework for building interpretable statistical models of neural activity. Participants will explore how neural activity can be modeled in relation to behavioral and experimental variables, and how these models can be used to characterize relationships between neuronal responses and behavior. Building on the Pynapple session, this workshop will introduce modeling as the final step of the series, moving from time-series analysis toward quantitative descriptions of neural activity.
Who should attend?
This series is designed for students and researchers interested in:
- extracellular electrophysiology
- spike sorting and curation
- neural and behavioral time series
- behavior-linked neural activity
- Python-based open-source workflows
Some familiarity with Python and neural data analysis will be helpful. Installation instructions and practical requirements will be shared before the workshops.