N3 Charter 2020

The mission of the Non-invasive Neurostimulation Network (N3) is to provide a cross-campus, multidisciplinary platform to leverage the success of investigators and trainees in the advancement of neurostimulation research. 

Benefits of membership

Equipment and Infrastructure

  • Access to 6 NIBS labs (ACH, Mathison, SSB and 2 PI owned)
  • Single/paired-pulse TMS Neurophysiology (Magstim), 4-16 channel EMG (4 systems)
  • Repetitive TMS (rTMS) neuromodulation (Magstim, MagPro) (5 systems)
  • Neuronavigation (BrainSight, ANT; 5 systems)
  • Robotic TMS (Axilum, unique in Canada)
  • tES systems: tDCS/tACS/tRNS, NeuroConn (6 systems), Soterix (6 systems)
  • HD-tDCS (Soterix, 1 system), target current modelling software
  • MxN tES stimulator (9 channel, Soterix, 1 system)
  • Consumables (EMG/ tDCS electrodes, batteries, saline) for pilot testing only
  • General equipment maintenance, manufacturer relations 

N3 Scientist Consultation Service

  • Idea development, protocol design, pilot testing sessions
  • Technical support, trouble shooting
  • Internal scientific review, ethics templates and board relations, Health Canada approvals
  • Data management and analysis
  • N3 scientists are not technicians and cannot assist in day-to-day activities 

Training and Education

  • Trainee network: Learning opportunities across all labs, programs, and technologies
  • Certification training modules in all modalities
  • Basic training (Levels 1 and 2): sp/ppTMS, rTMS, tDCS, neuronavigation
  • Advance training (Levels 3 and 4): TMS robot, HD-tDCS, tACS, RNS, MxN-tES
  • Protocol-specific hands-on training to team staff
  • Trainee talks and presentations (monthly N3 Journal Club) 

Quid Pro Quo: Expectations of Membership 

Participation

  • Share resources and knowledge across N3 investigators and trainees
  • Participate in N3 investigator meetings, events; attend and present at education rounds
  • Facilitate trainee development and experiences within and across N3 teams
  • Actively seek funding commensurate with stage and scope of projects
  • Respect the charter: Requests beyond the above cannot be accommodated
  • Adhere to best research practices including N3 safety and training guidelines 

Cost Recovery

  • Recovery of costs is essential to long term sustainability and growth
  • Researchers will be required to include cost recovery in related grant application budgets
  • Rates will reflect only small fractions of actual costs of infrastructure and personnel costs (<20%)
  • Written support letters will be provided to highlight such in-kind contribution
  • Schedules and models for cost recovery are available on the N3 website: hbi.ucalgary.ca/n3
  • Formal training certification courses may also be offered to broader audiences to support N3 operations