Journal Article

FZJ-2026-03316

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png The neuroscience education readiness checklist for digital tools and methods

Abrams, M. ; Denker, M.FZJ* ; Depannemaecker, D. ; Ferreira, J. A. ; Frings, M.FZJ* ; Hashemi, M. ; Kaiser, J. ; Kathrein, J. ; Klijn, W.FZJ* ; Leergaard, T. B. ; Marín, M. ; Onyeneho, K. ; Puchades, M. A. ; Wachtler, T. ; Zossimova, E.FZJ* ; Passecker, J. (Corresponding author)

2026
Frontiers Research Foundation Lausanne

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.3389/fncom.2026.1812915  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2026-03316

Abstract: The integration of digital technologies in neuroscience, accompanied by a shift toward technology-enhanced learning environments, has created significant learning opportunities while simultaneously expanding the landscape of advanced training resources, ranging from biophysical simulations to high-dimensional neuroimaging and electrophysiological datasets. However, a critical “educator readiness gap” exists because the successful implementation of these tools often depends on the instructors' technical expertise and on their capacity to seamlessly integrate them into pedagogical practice. This paper introduces the Neuroscience Education Readiness Checklist (NERC), a 25-item self-assessment framework designed for creators and developers of neuroscience tools and training resources. NERC provides a structured approach that covers the major areas of concern in a comprehensive manner with actionable items. It organizes criteria into three overarching domains: general items and accessibility, instructor usability and workflow, and technical readiness. By addressing specific needs such as domain-specificity, pedagogical utility, and infrastructure requirements, NERC aims to reduce the burden on faculty members who evaluate training resource quality while providing important feedback for creators and developers. Developed through co-design workshops and refined with developer feedback, NERC provides a standardized approach to ensure neuroscience tools are not only technologically sound but also readily education-adoptable and scalable. While initial content has been curated through co-design, future validation will assess inter-rater reliability and predictive validity against adoption outcomes. Ultimately, NERC aims to foster a reproducible educational ecosystem, bridging the gap between innovative neuroscience and effective classroom implementation to ensure equitable access to high-quality neuroscience training.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Jülich Supercomputing Center (JSC)
2. Computational and Systems Neuroscience (IAS-6)

Research Program(s):

1. 5111 - Domain-Specific Simulation & Data Life Cycle Labs (SDLs) and Research Groups (POF4-511) (POF4-511)
2. 5235 - Digitization of Neuroscience and User-Community Building (POF4-523) (POF4-523)
3. SLNS - SimLab Neuroscience (Helmholtz-SLNS) (Helmholtz-SLNS)
4. EBRAINS 2.0 - EBRAINS 2.0: A Research Infrastructure to Advance Neuroscience and Brain Health (101147319) (101147319)
5. JL SMHB - Joint Lab Supercomputing and Modeling for the Human Brain (JL SMHB-2021-2027) (JL SMHB-2021-2027)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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