AqNWB: Directly collecting neurophysiology data in a standard format
Official title: AqNWB - Enabling data acquisition in the Neurodata Without Borders data standard
Funded at University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab · NIH-11416599 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant supports improving AqNWB so researchers can collect neurophysiology data directly in the NWB format, making data handling easier and more reliable for scientists and patients whose brain research could lead to better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $262,089 |
| NIH project number | 5R03NS145401-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416599 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Researchers and clinicians who collect or analyze neurophysiology data and require standardized data formats.
✕Less likely to help
Patients themselves are not research participants in this grant, but benefits come through faster translation of brain research.
What this research studies
The project aims to make AqNWB production-ready with stronger tests, easier installation, and clearer documentation, while expanding support for multi-modal data like optical physiology and behavior. It also focuses on integrating AqNWB with leading data acquisition software to promote wider adoption. By streamlining data capture and ensuring FAIR data practices, the work could speed translation from lab findings to clinical insights. The grant will involve open-source development in C/C++, improved tutorials, and practical deployment workflows. This work prioritizes usability and reliability to benefit researchers and, ultimately, patients who rely on neurophysiology research for advances in understanding brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Improved data capture and sharing in a common format could accelerate neurophysiology discoveries and eventual patient-focused brain research.
How similar studies have gone: Adoption of standardized data formats like NWB has facilitated data sharing in neuroscience and related fields, suggesting potential for impact with improved tools like AqNWB.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ruebel, Oliver — University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab
- Study coordinator: Ruebel, Oliver
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.