The OSR has always been a place to learn and share experiences. This year we are centering these experiences around themes which are undergoing rapid change in our discipline.

For each panel discussion session, we are looking for 1-2 self-nominated panelists. Registration will be open soon!

Topic 1: Open Science Room Opening ft. BIDS annual updates

With a growing interest in Open Science in the OHBM community, this session will introduce Open Science Room (OSR) events during OHBM 2025 with the current progress of the Open Science Special Interest Group (OSSIG) and the working group of an Open Science Tool that is widely used by the OHBM community; this year, we are featuring the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS). This session aims to bring people’s attention to the Open Science initiative at OHBM. This opening session helps us bring awareness of our progress and expand the Open Science community beyond the North American and European networks. Such expansion will lead to a more diverse community and make Open Science practices more inclusive. We will address the current progress of OSR and OSSIG and welcome feedback from the community for future planning. By partnering with the BIDS team, we aim to reach out to the broader users and developers community of Open Science. A Q&A session at the end will foster interactive discussions with the broad Open Science community at OHBM.

This panel will:

  1. Provide updates and awareness of the Open Science Room and the Open Science Special Interest Group
  2. Provide annual updates on the development of the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) tools

Topic 2: The role of scientific communities, pt. 2: open tools for open (neuro)imaging.


While science has never really been a solo endeavour, we are increasingly observing the inception of scientific communities of any kind and size to address emerging scientific problems with a new perspective, that of international collaborative spirit. In this panel discussion, co-organized by three Open Science communities across three societies (the OSSIG from OHBM, the Reproducible Research Study Group of ISMRM, and the organizers of MRITogether by ESMRMB), we will continue exploring this exciting approach to doing science, looking at the outcome and deliverables of scientific communities in the field of (neuro)imaging, exploring synergies and the exchange with more traditional forms of academic organization.

At this panel discussion, we wil:

  1. Introduce different scientific communities with open science interest groups.
  2. Provide specific examples of international scientific communities’ achievements and new instruments for neuroimaging and open science.
  3. Provide best practices for inclusive, international collaboration with flat hierarchies and democratic decision making.


Topic 3: Harnessing AI and Biological Systems for Advancing Neuroimaging and Biomedical Research


As AI continues to advance, its integration into neuroimaging and biomedical research brings both immense potential and complex challenges. We will examine the role of open science principles in AI-based brain decoding projects, the ethical considerations of AI in biomedical research, and how biological systems can inspire machine learning models. The session will also highlight emerging standards for AI-readiness in biomedical data and the ethical implications of AI in clinical practice. Experts with diverse backgrounds in AI, neuroimaging, and biological systems will share their insights and experiences, fostering an open discussion that encourages critical thinking about the future of AI in neuroimaging. By exploring these timely issues, the symposium will provide valuable knowledge on the best practices for responsible AI use and how biological systems can enhance machine learning efficiency. The goal is to promote deeper understanding and encourage the development of AI methods that are both scientifically rigorous and ethically sound, benefiting researchers, clinicians, and AI practitioners alike.

This panel discussion will:

  1. Provide insights into the ethical considerations and standards for AI applications in neuroimaging and biomedical research, including AI-readiness of biomedical data and explainable AI (XAI).
  2. Stimulate critical thinking on how open science principles, including reproducibility, can be implemented inclusively in AI-driven neuroimaging research, addressing both financial and accessibility challenges.
  3. Explore the role of biological neural networks in enhancing the efficiency of machine learning models, encouraging discussions on how biological systems can inspire advancements in AI and neuroimaging applications.

Topic 4: Introducing the OSSIG Reproducibility Challenge - results of and insight from the 2025 pilot


Under the requests of many journals and funding bodies, we are invited more and more to make our science open and reproducible. But did we achieve the point in which we can say that all the science we present at OHBM is reproducible, or are there issues that still need to be overcome? OHBM already recognizes the effort of reproducing science through the Replication Award, and with this reproducibility challenge, the OSSIG aims to bring back the spotlight to original authors who excelled at making their science open and reproducible. In this session, we will introduce this initiative, inspired by the ISMRM reproducibility challenge. We will ask the challengers to present their achievements in undertaking the pilot edition of the OSSIG reproducible challenge and reflect on the obstacles that they had to overcome. We will then discuss how to improve the OSSIG reproducibility challenge initiative for future editions.

You didn’t partake in the challenge, and you wonder if you can attend this session? Fear not - This session is open to everyone interested in reproducible science! More information about the OSSIG reproducibility challenge at https://ossig.netlify.app/challenge/