Competition Overview
Competition Overview: Connectome 2026–2027¶
Welcome to the 2026–2027 Connectomics Research Competition (Connectome 2026–2027).
The brain is one of the most complex systems known in nature. To understand how it works, neuroscientists investigate the brain across multiple levels of analysis—from individual neurons and synapses, to neural circuits, to large-scale networks spanning the entire brain.
A central goal of neuroscience is to understand how the brain’s physical structure gives rise to its function. How does a seemingly fixed network of neurons and connections produce dynamic patterns of activity? How do these patterns of activity support perception, learning, memory, decision-making, and consciousness? How do changes in brain organization contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders?
At the heart of these questions lies the field of connectomics: the study of the brain’s wiring and organizational principles. Connectomics seeks to map and understand both the structural connections that physically link neurons and brain regions, and the functional connections that emerge when different parts of the brain coordinate their activity.
In Connectome 2026–2027, you will work with real scientific datasets and modern research tools to explore these questions firsthand. You will analyze the cutting-edge datasets used by researchers around the world and investigate open questions about how brains are organized and how they function.
Competition Tracks¶
To help participants explore connectomics across multiple scales, the competition is organized into two complementary tracks.
Track 1: Synapse-Level Connectomics (Flies)¶
In this track, you will investigate the structural connectome of the adult Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) brain.
Using one of the most detailed brain maps ever created, you will explore how individual neurons are connected through millions of synaptic connections. Participants will learn how to visualize neurons, trace neural pathways, analyze connectivity patterns, and develop hypotheses about how neural circuits process information and give rise to cognition.
This track focuses primarily on microscale connectomics and the structural organization of neural circuits underlying behavior.
Track 2: Macroscale Connectomics (Humans)¶
In this track, you will investigate the human functional connectome using large-scale neuroimaging data collected from over 200 participants.
You will explore how different brain regions coordinate their activity, construct and analyze functional brain networks, and investigate how patterns of functional connectivity relate to cognition, behavior, and individual differences across people.
This track focuses primarily on macroscale connectomics and the functional organization of the human brain.
Competition Levels¶
Each track contains two levels of difficulty: Introductory and Advanced. Both levels provide substantial guidance, learning resources, and access to the same core datasets and analysis tools. The primary difference lies in the depth of analysis and the degree of independent research expected.
Introductory Level¶
The Introductory Level is designed to help participants develop foundational skills in neuroscience research, data analysis, and scientific thinking.
Participants will learn how to use the datasets and tools provided in the competition, perform guided analyses, interpret their findings, and gain familiarity with the types of questions neuroscientists ask when studying the brain. This level emphasizes building confidence with connectomics concepts, research workflows, and scientific communication.
Advanced Level¶
The Advanced Level is designed for participants who wish to pursue more in-depth and open-ended investigations.
While using many of the same datasets and tools as the Introductory Level, participants are encouraged to formulate their own research questions (with guidance), perform deeper analyses, explore additional methodologies, and develop novel insights from the data. This level places greater emphasis on independent scientific inquiry and creativity.
Participants are welcome to choose the level that best matches their interests, goals, and experience.
Participation and Awards¶
Participants may engage with the competition in different ways depending on their goals.
Participation Certificate¶
To receive a participation certificate, participants must successfully complete and submit work for any track at any level.
Whether you choose to explore fly connectomics, human connectomics, or both, we encourage you to focus on your learning, exploration, and scientific curiosity.
Award Eligibility¶
To be considered for competition awards and cash prizes, participants must:
Complete both competition tracks:
Synapse-Level Connectomics (Flies)
Macroscale Connectomics (Humans)
AND complete at least one track at the Advanced Level.
This structure encourages participants to develop an appreciation for neuroscience across multiple scales while providing opportunities for deeper, more independent research.
Summary¶
Neuroscientists study the brain across multiple levels, from individual neurons and synapses to whole-brain networks.
A major goal of neuroscience is to understand how brain structure gives rise to brain function, cognition, and behavior.
Connectomics is the study of the brain’s structural and functional organization.
Track 1 focuses on microscale connectomics using the synapse-level wiring diagram of the Drosophila brain.
Track 2 focuses on macroscale connectomics using human functional neuroimaging data from over 200 participants.
Each track contains both Introductory and Advanced levels.
To receive a participation certificate, participants may complete at least one track at any level.
To be eligible for awards and cash prizes, participants must complete both tracks and complete at least one track at the Advanced Level.