Vanderbilt University · Data Science Institute · 2026

MaDeLaNe Workshop
2026

Multi-Area · High-Density · Laminar Neurophysiology
A three-day intensive workshop on state-of-the-art analysis of large-scale neural data.

📅 June 1–3, 2026 📍 DSI · Nashville, TN 👥 ~50 Participants 🎓 PhDs & Postdocs
View Schedule

About the Workshop

Big Data in Neuroscience.
Methods to Match.

Recent advances in neuronal recording now permit researchers to record from hundreds to thousands of sites in cortical and sub-cortical areas in both animal models and in human patients undergoing medical monitoring. Recordings are performed as subjects perform complex cognitive tasks, measuring both local field potential (LFP) activity and action potential discharges.

These multi-dimensional datasets generate a "big data" problem. How should researchers organize, process, analyze, and mine these data? How can both human and animal data be combined to inform our understanding of brain function? MaDeLaNe presents the latest state-of-the-art answers to these questions, with a focus on data from non-human primates and humans.

Topics include the latest recording techniques, multi-laminar analysis, spike sorting, cell-type specific circuit analysis, connectivity analysis, and detection of synchronous network activity. A combination of external and internal experts deliver presentations and data-driven tutorials, and workshop participants learn by actively participating in these tutorials.

3
Days of Training
~10
Tutorial Sessions
3
Keynote Lectures
~50
Participants
3rd
Annual Edition
Free
Registration

Curriculum

What You Will Learn

Three thematic days progress from raw data to population-level circuit insight. Each topic is delivered as a presentation followed by a hands-on tutorial, with a focus on data from non-human primates and human patients.

01
Recording Approaches
Historical limitations of traditional recordings. New approaches with flexible electrodes and applications in both human patients and animal models.
02
Spike Sorting
KIAsort, Kilosort, and Phy. From raw voltage traces to well-isolated single units. Analysis of interspike interval distributions and quality control.
03
Neurodata Without Borders
NWB data formatting standards and open-source tools for organizing, sharing, and reusing large-scale multi-site neurophysiology recordings.
04
Optogenetics in NHP
Basics of optogenetics and application in non-human primates. Opsin and laser selection, delivery methods, artifact handling, opto-tagging, and testing theories on cell-type function in cognition.
05
Multi-Laminar Spectral Analysis
The spectrolaminar motif, FLIP and vFLIP techniques. Comparison to current source density and discussion of relative strengths and weaknesses.
06
Biophysical Modeling
Using the Genetic Stochastic Delta Rule (GSDR) to reveal neurobiological insights about oscillations and neural circuit dynamics.
07
Human Intracranial Neurophysiology
Intracranial EEG and Utah array recordings from neurosurgical patients. Analysis of reward circuits, somatotopic modulation, and decoding of motor signals from human spiking data.
08
Functional Cell Classes & Population Coding
Clustering of spike waveforms, functional cell class analysis, population firing rate methods, spike sequences in population bursts, and information decoding during cognitive tasks.

2026 Program

3-Day Schedule

The full schedule for MaDeLaNe 2026 is confirmed. Sessions run 9 AM – 5 PM daily at the Vanderbilt Data Science Institute, with an evening social on Day 2.

01
From Spiking Data to Circuit Motifs

Recording Approaches, Spike Sorting, NWB & Optogenetics

Monday, June 1 · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

9:00–10:20 AM
Tutorial
Recording Approaches in Systems Neuroscience
Historical limitations of traditional recordings. New approaches pioneered in the lab with flexible electrodes, with applications in both humans and animals.
Led by Daniel Gonzales
10:20–10:40 AM
Break
Morning Coffee & Tea
10:40 AM–12:00 PM
Tutorial
Spike Sorting — KIAsort, Kilosort & Phy
From raw voltage traces to well-isolated single units. Analysis of interspike interval distributions and quality control metrics.
Led by Kianoush Boroujeni
12:00–1:00 PM
Lunch
Lunch — Provided by Vanderbilt Brain Institute
1:00–2:20 PM
Tutorial
Neurodata Without Borders (NWB)
Data formatting standards and open-source tools for organizing, sharing, and reusing large-scale multi-site neurophysiology recordings.
Led by Jacob Westerberg · Tutors: Sophy Xiong, Hamed Nejat
2:20–2:40 PM
Break
Afternoon Coffee & Tea
2:40–4:00 PM
Tutorial
Optogenetics in Non-Human Primates
Basics of optogenetics technique and application in NHP. Choice of opsin, laser, and delivery method. Consideration of artifacts, opto-tagging, and testing theories on cell-type function in cognition.
Led by Christos Constantinidis · Tutors: Rana Mozumder, Sophy Xiong
4:00–5:00 PM
Keynote
Keynote 1 — Using MaDeLaNe to Study Predictive Processing
An invited talk on predictive processing frameworks and their investigation using multi-area, high-density laminar recordings.
Sophy Xiong
02
Multi-Laminar Analysis & Human Neurophysiology

Spectrolaminar Motifs, Biophysical Modeling & Human Data

Tuesday, June 2 · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM + Evening Social

9:00–10:20 AM
Tutorial
Multi-Laminar Spectral Analysis
The spectrolaminar motif, FLIP and vFLIP techniques. Comparison to current source density and discussion of relative strengths and weaknesses of each method.
Led by Diego Mendoza-Halliday · Tutor: André Bastos
10:20–10:40 AM
Break
Morning Coffee & Tea
10:40 AM–12:00 PM
Tutorial
Biophysical Modeling with the Genetic Stochastic Delta Rule
Using the GSDR to reveal neurobiological insights about oscillations. How biophysical constraints shape population-level dynamics and spectral signatures.
Led by Hamed Nejat · Tutors: André Bastos
12:00–1:00 PM
Lunch
Lunch — Provided by Vanderbilt Brain Institute
1:00–2:20 PM
Tutorial
Reward Circuit Modulations in Human Intracranial EEG
Recordings of local field potentials from neurosurgical patients to understand reward circuit modulations that precede risk taking. Analysis of human intracranial data and unique advantages and limitations of human neuroscience using neurosurgical patients.
Led by Sarah Bick
2:20–2:40 PM
Break
Afternoon Coffee & Tea
2:40–3:40 PM
Tutorial
Spatial Analysis of Human Spiking Data with Utah Arrays
Somatotopic modulation of neural activity in human cortex in relation to digit movements. Decoding of human motor signals with Utah array spiking data.
Led by Anton Sobinov
4:00–5:00 PM
Keynote
Keynote 2 — A Spectrolaminar Framework for Cortical Electrophysiology
A comprehensive framework linking the spectrolaminar motif to canonical cortical circuits and its implications for understanding multi-area communication.
Diego Mendoza-Halliday
5:00–7:00 PM
Social
Evening Social — Hosted by the DSI
Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options. A relaxed opportunity to meet fellow participants and instructors. Open to participants 21+.
03
Connection to Human Neurophysiology at the Neuron Level

Functional Cell Classes, Population Coding & Human Spiking

Wednesday, June 3 · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

9:00–10:20 AM
Special Session
Roundtable Discussion with Scott Imbrie
A unique discussion with Scott Imbrie, who is implanted with Utah arrays in M1/S1, on the unique potentials of advancing neuroscience with human data. Roundtable moderated by Alex Maier, Diego Mendoza-Halliday, André Bastos, and Anton Sobinov.
Special Guest: Scott Imbrie
10:20–10:40 AM
Break
Morning Coffee & Tea
10:40 AM–12:00 PM
Tutorial
Functional Cell Classes
Clustering of spike waveforms, post vs. pre MUA ratio analysis, relationship to bursts and synchrony, spike-triggered MUA, time-resolved cross-correlation, and routing dynamics.
Led by Kia Banaie Boroujeni
12:00–1:00 PM
Lunch
Lunch — Provided by Vanderbilt Brain Institute
1:00–2:20 PM
Tutorial
Population Coding in Multi-Channel Human Spiking Data
Population firing rate methods for decoding information about content or representations of time. Applied to multi-electrode recordings in human cortex.
Led by Ian Bright & Kareem Zaghloul
2:20–2:40 PM
Break
Afternoon Coffee & Tea
2:40–4:00 PM
Tutorial
Coordinated Burst Spiking in Large-Scale Human Data
Techniques to determine spike sequences in population spiking activity. Illustration of how spike sequences can be used to decode information during cognitive tasks.
Led by Ian Bright & Kareem Zaghloul
4:00–5:00 PM
Keynote
Keynote 3 — Neuronal Sequences in Population Bursts Encode Information in Human Cortex
Closing keynote on how coordinated neuronal sequences within population bursts serve as a neural code for information storage and retrieval in human cortex.
Kareem Zaghloul

Instructors & Speakers

Workshop Faculty

MaDeLaNe 2026 brings together a distinguished group of systems neuroscientists working at the cutting edge of multi-area, high-density, and laminar neurophysiology — spanning non-human primate, rodent, and human patient research.

AB
André Bastos, PhD
Workshop Organizer
Vanderbilt University
DM
Diego Mendoza-Halliday, PhD
Instructor & Keynote 2 · Spectrolaminar Analysis
University of Pittsburgh
KZ
Kareem Zaghloul, MD PhD
Instructor & Keynote 3 · Human Spiking
NIH / NINDS
IB
Ian Bright, PhD
Instructor · Population Coding
NIH / NINDS
AS
Anton Sobinov, PhD
Instructor · Human Utah Array Data
University of Chicago
CC
Christos Constantinidis, PhD
Instructor · Optogenetics in NHP
Vanderbilt University
DG
Daniel Gonzales, PhD
Instructor · Recording Approaches
Vanderbilt University
SB
Sarah Bick, MD PhD
Instructor · Human iEEG & Reward
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
JW
Jacob Westerberg, PhD
Instructor · NWB
Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience
AM
Alex Maier, PhD
Instructor & Moderator
Vanderbilt University
SX
Sophy Xiong
Keynote 1 · Predictive Processing
Vanderbilt University
HN
Hamed Nejat
Instructor · Biophysical Modeling
Vanderbilt University
KBB
Kia Banaie Boroujeni, PhD
Instructor · Spike Sorting & Functional Cell Classes
Princeton University
SI
Scott Imbrie
Special Guest · Utah Array Implantee
Day 3 Roundtable Discussion

Location

Where & When

Venue
Data Science Institute (DSI)
1400 18th Ave South
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
Room
Classroom A2001A
Dates
Monday–Wednesday, June 1–3, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Getting Here
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is approximately 20 minutes from campus. Discounted rate lodging is available for participants and details will be provided upon acceptance..
📍
Data Science Institute
Vanderbilt University
1400 18th Ave South
Nashville, TN 37212
Visit DSI Website →

Registration

Apply to Attend

Space is limited to approximately 50 participants drawn from Vanderbilt and other institutes. Priority is given to PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in systems neuroscience and related fields, with advanced undergraduates and Masters students welcome if space permits.

Who Should Apply
  • PhD students in neuroscience or related fields
  • Postdoctoral researchers working with neural data
  • Advanced undergraduates or Masters students (space permitting)
  • Researchers interested in large-scale neural recordings
What Is Included
  • Lunch provided all three days, sponsored by Vanderbilt Brain Institute
  • Morning and afternoon coffee, tea, and snacks each day
  • Full access to all tutorial materials, slides, and code
  • Evening social event on Day 2 (participants 21+)
Applications for MaDeLaNe 2026 are now open. Click below to open the application form — it takes approximately 5 minutes to complete.
Ready to Apply?
The application takes about 5 minutes. You'll need your CV and a brief description of your research background.

Sponsors

Supported By

MaDeLaNe 2026 is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. Interested in sponsoring? Please contact the organizing team.