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Connected Brain Repository (CBR) Program

The Connected Brains Repository (CBR) is a state-of-the-art, open-access MRI data repository created through the Connected Minds program at York University to support more representative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary neuroscience research. 

The repository is designed to support MRI-based research across the Connected Minds York University community while advancing accessible and community-informed approaches to brain imaging and data sharing. Connected Minds members conducting eligible MRI studies may receive Connected Minds support for MRI data collection through participation in the repository. MRI data collection through the CBR is fully funded by Connected Minds, with the exception of a non-refundable $50 per session booking fee paid by York Connected Minds members. 

Members interested in participating in the CBR program should first complete the MRI study start-up form. At the end of the MRI study start-up form, Connected Minds members will find a link to the Connected Minds MRI Subsidy Eligibility Form. All members interested in participating in the CBR program should complete questions 1–4 of the eligibility form. 

To qualify for Connected Minds support through the Connected Brains Repository (CBR), the following criteria must be met: 

  • The Principal Investigator (PI) must be a Connected Minds faculty member at York University
  • The MRI study must include all required CBR MRI sequences  
  • Researchers must provide deidentified demographic information for each participant included in the repository  
  • Connected Minds support must be acknowledged in all related presentations and publications  

The eligibility form will ask members to provide:

  • The title of the MRI study
  • Brief description of the goals/aims of the study
  • A list of all Principal Investigators associated with the study
  • Ethics approval status and confirmation of required MRI consent language
  • The anticipated number of study participants
  • Any additional MRI sequences required beyond the standard CBR sequences (e.g., task fMRI, T2 anatomical, field maps, etc.)
  • Any peripheral devices required for the study (e.g., eye tracker, projector, button boxes, headphones, etc.)
  • Confirmation that all study team members working in the MRI control room have completed MRI safety training

Please send a copy of your REB approval and your approved informed consent form to Diana Gorbet at gorbetd@yorku.ca.  If safety training is required, please contact Chi Cheng at cchengm@yorku.ca.

The following MRI sequences are required as part of the Connected Brains Repository protocol: 

  1. T1-Weighted Anatomical Image (Approximate duration: 5 minutes, 30 seconds)
  2. Diffusion-Weighted Image (Approximate duration: 6 minutes, 30 seconds) 
  3. Multi-Echo Resting-State Functional Images (Approximate duration: 12 minutes) 

The Connected Minds Directorate recognizes that it may not always be feasible to collect standard CBR sequences for all MRI studies due to: 

  • Vulnerable participant populations  
  • Participant tolerance limitations  
  • Specialized peripheral equipment incompatible with standard brain imaging  
  • Highly specialized MRI protocols 

To ensure equity across research projects, exceptions may be considered on a rare and case-by-case basis. Researchers requesting an exemption from collecting the CBR sequences should additionally complete questions 5-6 of the eligibility form. 

All members of a research team who plan to be present in the MRI control room during data collection must complete MRI safety training. If safety training is required, please contact Chi Cheng at cchengm@yorku.ca.