Research awards
Recognition for engagement with connectomic tools, rigorous analysis, and clear scientific
reasoning.
Connectome 2026–2027
From synapses
to networks
Explore the brain through data.
Drosophila E-PG Ring Neurons
Explore how these little neurons help flies navigate the world, just like we do!
Rendered from Neuroglancer Male CNS Connectome
Drosophila Neuronal Wiring Diagram
Investigate how 50+ million synapses shape a tiny brain built for survival!
Rendered from Neuroglancer Male CNS Connectome
Human Functional Connectome
Discover how patterns of brain connectivity relate to who we are!
Image: Kevin Huang / Medium
For high school and undergraduate students.
2026–2027 Connectomics Research Competition
The next breakthrough could begin with you.
Through our research competition, you will learn how to work with real-world datasets, software, and open resources used by neuroscientists around the world.
News
BBC
Why brain mapping matters
Fly brain breakthrough 'huge leap' to unlock human mind
Package
MRI
Nilearn
Python toolkit for analyzing MRI and fMRI data
YouTube
Cambridge
Drosophila connectome
The first neuronal wiring diagram of a whole adult brain
Dataset
Max Planck
Large-scale brain-body dataset
A mind-brain-body dataset of MRI, EEG, cognition, emotion, and peripheral physiology in 200+ adults
Package
Python
NetworkX
Creation, manipulation, and study of the structure, dynamics, and functions of complex networks
Software
Google
Neuroglancer
Web-based volumetric data visualization
Dataset
Fly Connectome
Male CNS connectome project page
Collaboration between FlyEM (HHMI Janelia), University of Cambridge (Dept. of Zoology & MRC-LMB), and Google Research
News
Cambridge
Landmark achievement
Reconstruction of 139,255 neurons and 50 million+ synapses
Tool
HHMI Janelia
neuPrint
Exploration of inter- and intra-cellular interactions
Clematis Research Empowerment Hub
Advancing open neuroscience together.
Developed by graduate researchers and faculty advisors from the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Toronto, and Clematis Research Empowerment Hub to make high-quality neuroscience education and research accessible worldwide.
@Oxford
@Cambridge
@UofT
NEUROSCIENCE FOR ALL
From your first line of code to your first research discovery.
Whether you are new to neuroscience or programming, Connectome 2026–2027 provides the tutorials, datasets, mentorship, and a supportive community to take you from learning the fundamentals to completing an original research project.
MORE THAN JUST PRIZES.
CAD $750 in prizes.
High school and undergraduate participants are judged in separate prize categories.
Cash prizes
Monetary prizes for the Research Excellence, Science Communication, and Community Engagement
Awards.
Original research
A complete project you can present, share, and build on beyond the competition.
THE RESEARCH JOURNEY
Build an original neuroscience project from start to finish.
01
FOUNDATIONS
Learn
Build a foundation in Python, neuroscience, and neuroimaging.
02
DISCOVERY
Explore
Work with real datasets and open-source research tools.
03
INVESTIGATION
Research
Design, analyze, and complete an original neuroscience research project.
04
COMMUNICATION
Share
Present your findings through written and video submissions, then compete for research awards and cash prizes.
KEY DETAILS
Competition at a glance.
Competition period
August 2026 to December 2027
Eligibility
High school and undergraduate students
Prize pool
CAD $750
Deadline
December 1, 2027, 5:00 PM EST (GMT−5)
YOUR RESEARCH JOURNEY STARTS HERE
Ready to begin?
Learn how to participate, what to prepare, and how the competition works.