Let’s move the boundaries of neuroscience together
What is Smarting Spectra Hyperscanning Neuroscience Contest all about?
The Smarting Spectra Hyperscanning Neuroscience Contest is a global call for researchers, students and labs who want to explore the brain in truly social settings. This contest invites proposals for naturalistic social neuroscience studies involving 4-6 participants interacting freely- wirelessly, naturally and simultaneously. We are looking for the studies that are:
- More than two. Real social interaction happens in groups, not pairs.
- Wireless and natural. No cables, no restrictions- let participants move, collaborate, compete, create.
- Real-time synchrony. Spectra captures the social brain in color and motion, revealing group-level dynamics.
And since social studies should go social, we encourage applicants to design studies that win visibility: publish, present, share and inspire.
Contest mechanics and details:
Step 1: Submit your proposal
Step 2: Eligibility check
Step 3: Winner selection
Step 4: Public announcement (March 2026)
Step 5: Study execution (6 months)
Step 6: Final presentation
Who can apply?
The challenge is open for:
- Early career researchers
- Academic labs
- Graduate student teams and social scientists exploring neuroscience
- Groups working in human-computer interaction, psychology or cognitive sceince clubs
- Interdisciplinary teams (design, social science, engineering, performance arts)
Evaluation criteria:
Each proposal will be scored on:
- Scientific merit & feasibility
- Innovation & use of Spectra features
- Expected impact
- Dissemination plan
Contest timeline
| Phase | Date |
|
Opens |
December 2025 |
|
Submission deadline |
February 23, 2026 |
|
Review period |
February 23 – March 15, 2026 |
|
Winner |
March 20, 2026 |
|
System delivery and |
April 2026 |
|
Lease Duration |
April – October 2026 (6 months) |
|
Study completion and |
November 2026 |
How to apply?
The proposal form is available HERE
Once your proposal is ready, please send it to out e-mail address: spectra.contest@mbraintrain.com.
Please keep the submission timeline in mind.
The proposals should consist of the written part (following the form) and a short video as specified in the instructions in the proposal form.
