CNS*2025 Florence

This tutorial introduces o²S²PARC and Sim4Life.web, two powerful, cloud-based platforms for advanced problem solving in computational life sciences and it targets researchers interested in applying computational neuroscience to real-world biomedical and engineering challenges. Participants will learn how Sim4Life enables image-based and regulatory-grade simulations featuring nerve and brain network models embedded within anatomically detailed representations of the human body. They will also discover how to create, execute, and automate computational pipelines to study realistic neuromodulation scenarios with a high degree of realism, ranging from network responses to non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to the interactions between medical devices and the human body for bioelectronic medicine applications.

o²S²PARC is an open-source, web-accessible platform for collaborative computational modeling, with a focus on neurosciences. It enables seamless integration of diverse computational modeling and data analysis services into pipelines, adhering to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles and supporting reproducibility and sustainability. Participants will explore how to use its browser-based GUI, Python API to construct modular and reusable workflows.

Sim4Life.web is a computational life sciences platform with strengths in modeling physical exposure and the resulting physiological responses in complex anatomical environments. It provides advanced multiphysics simulation capabilities, including electromagnetic (EM) and ultrasound solvers, as well as neuronal dynamics modeling. Participants will utilize Sim4Life.web to simulate and analyze the effects of neuromodulation.

Objectives
Participants in this tutorial will:

1. Understand the basics of the o²S²PARC and Sim4Life.web platforms: how to  build and execute shareable computational pipelines for neuromodulation studies with the community and how to expand the computational services/functionalities for user-defined applications.
2. Discover how these tools have been applied in cutting-edge applications including:
   1. Modeling the effects of neuromodulation on large scale brain dynamics
   2. Spinal cord stimulation for injury rehabilitation
   3. Peripheral nerve stimulation for cardiac health
3. Explore realistic and advanced neurostimulation-related projects related to EM-neuro interactions in both the CNS and PNS directly within Sim4Life and o²S²PARC.

Tutorial Program
09:00 AM        Intro to Image- & Cloud-Based Modeling for Real-World Applications
09:15 AM        Getting Started with o²S²PARC & Sim4Life.web
09:45 AM        Electromagnetic-Neuro Interactions Across Spatio-Temporal Scales (Brain, Spine, Peripheral Nervous System)
10:25 AM        Coffee Break  
10:45 AM        Hands-On Exercises:
                         - Modeling the Brain Response to Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation
                         - Modeling Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Cardiac Health
11:45 AM        Q&A and Closing Remarks

Note:
Login details to Sim4Life and o²S²PARC will be provided to all registered participants. Both platforms can be accessed directly through web browser no installation required.

Citations
[1] https://sim4life.swiss/ https://s4l-lite.io/
[2] https://osparc.io/ github
[3] https://tip-lite.science/, user manual
[4] Karimi, F., Steiner, M., Newton, T., Lloyd, B.A., Cassara, A.M., de Fontenay, P., Farcito, S., Triebkorn, J.P., Beanato, E., Wang, H. and Iavarone, E., 2025. Precision non-invasive brain stimulation: an in silico pipeline for personalized control of brain dynamics. Journal of Neural Engineering, 22(2), p.026061. DIO: https://doi.org/10.1088/1741-2552/adb88f