Handbook

Welcome to the Connectome 2026–2027 Handbook¶

This section contains all the information you need to participate in the 2026–2027 Connectomics Research Competition, including competition rules, eligibility requirements, submission guidelines, awards, important dates, and other essential resources.

We strongly recommend reading all sections of this handbook carefully before beginning your project. Doing so will help ensure that you understand the competition requirements, maximize your learning experience, and avoid missing important deadlines or submission criteria.

If you have not yet read the main introduction page, 2026–2027 Connectomics Research Competition, we recommend starting there first. It provides an overview of the scientific motivation behind the competition, the datasets you will explore, and the learning resources available to support your journey.

What You’ll Find in This Handbook¶

Competition Overview¶

An introduction to the competition, including an overview of the two research tracks—Synapse-Level Connectomics (Flies) and Macroscale Connectomics (Humans). This section explains the goals of the competition, what resources are provided, and what you can expect to learn throughout the program.

Eligibility Criteria¶

Information about who is eligible to participate in the competition.

How to Participate¶

A step-by-step guide explaining how to participate in Connectome 2026–2027 and what is required to receive a participation certificate and/or be considered for prizes and awards.

Submitting Your Entry¶

An overview of the final deliverables required for the competition, including submission requirements and evaluation criteria. This section explains how projects will be assessed and what judges will look for when selecting award recipients.

Important Dates¶

A summary of key deadlines and milestones throughout the competition, including registration deadlines, submission deadlines, and award announcements.

Selection Criteria¶

Learn how projects will be evaluated and what judges will look for when selecting award recipients.

Awards¶

Details about the various awards available to participants, including both monetary prizes and non-monetary forms of recognition.

Generative AI¶

Guidelines and policies regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence tools throughout the competition. This section explains what forms of AI-assisted work are permitted and how participants should appropriately acknowledge their use.

Important Links¶

A collection of useful links, datasets, resources, submission forms, communication channels, and other materials relevant to the competition.

Organizers and Partners¶

Information about the researchers, faculty members, organizations, and volunteers who have made Connectome 2026–2027 possible.

We are excited to have you join us in exploring the brain with us! Whether this is your first research experience or one of many, we hope Connectome 2026–2027 provides an opportunity to learn, discover, and contribute to our understanding of the brain.