We are thrilled to announce that we have officially completed data collection for our 3Tesla fMRI study! To mark the milestone, Luisa Hartmann, a master’s student completing her thesis with us, shared a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to get here.

Testing two people at once in an MRI setting was no small feat. Early on, coordinating schedules for two participants, securing scanner time slots, and managing the study phases proved to be a steep learning curve.

During the actual measurements, the technical juggling was intense. Luisa had to meticulously track timing, synchronize the scanner with the experiment scripts, and ensure both participants understood the instructions simultaneously.

Beyond the technology, there was a deeply human element. It is one thing to learn about fMRI physics in a classroom; it is another to help an anxious or claustrophobic participant safely through a scan. Our researchers had to quickly shift from scientists to empathetic guides.

Despite these initial hurdles, the team quickly established a solid routine. Testing couples actually became a major advantage, allowing our recruitment to move rapidly once the workflow was perfected.

Reflecting on the experience, Luisa noted:

“I learned a lot about the organisation behind the measurements, dealing with unexpected situations, and becoming more confident with the whole procedure. It was a really good and valuable experience.”

While running back-to-back measurements involves plenty of repetition and waiting, reaching this finish line is incredibly rewarding. A huge thank you to our dedicated team and to all the couples who volunteered their time.

Next stop: data analysis!