Infant Neuroimaging Laboratory (BabyLab)
The Infant Neuroimaging Laboratory (BabyLab) is part of the Cognitive Neuroscience Unit at the University of Barcelona. Our mission is to understand how the human brain develops from the earliest stages of life.
We study cognitive processes such as perception, attention, language, and learning in infants and across the lifespan using non-invasive and child-friendly methodologies.
This laboratory facilitates the study of brain function and cognition throughout life, from infancy to adulthood. It is equipped to record real-time brain activity during cognitive tasks using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in both stationary settings and during movement, simultaneously with electroencephalography (EEG). Additionally, the laboratory supports the simultaneous use of eye tracking, pupillometry, and peripheral electrophysiology for comprehensive data collection.
– Early cognitive development
Understanding how infants perceive, learn, and interact with their environment.
– Language acquisition
Studying how babies process and learn language from the first months of life.
– Neurodevelopmental conditions
Identifying early markers of developmental differences.
– Education and learning sciences
Informing evidence-based educational practices.
– Lifespan neuroscience
Extending findings from infancy to adulthood cognition.
The facility consists of two specialized spaces: an acoustically isolated room for neuroimaging (Image 3) and electrophysiological monitoring, and an adjacent room for neuropsychological testing and screen-based interaction experiments. These rooms are connected by a two-way mirror and share a dedicated air conditioning system, adjustable ceiling lighting, and multiple power and Ethernet outlets on the walls.
- ActiChamp Plus EEG amplifier with 64 channels + 8 auxiliary channels (BrainProducts).
- Peripheral sensors compatible with BrainProducts (electrocardiography, electromyography, skin conductance, respiration, and accelerometry).
- 64-channel EEG ActiCap Slim Caps: sizes 52, 54, 56, 58 (BrainProducts).
- TTL Plus Trigger Box (BrainProducts).
- NIRx fNIRS system with two amplifiers (8×8 and 16×16) and a total of 24 probes.
- 5 sizes of NIRx fNIRS caps (48, 52, 54, 56, 58) and a frontal band.
- Tobii Pro Spark eye-tracking device with Tobii Pro Lab software.
- Consumables for selected equipment (abrasive and conductive gels, syringes, needles, cleaning products, etc.).
- 2 virtual reality-compatible computers.
- 1 high refresh rate stimulus presentation monitor.
- Peripherals, speakers, microphones, and cameras.
We are continuously looking for families with babies aged 0 to 24 months to participate in our studies.
– Sessions last 30–45 minutes
– Participation is completely voluntary and free
– Babies are always accompanied by their caregivers
– All methods are safe and non-invasive
What does your baby receive?
A unique experience rewarded by some gifts and “Little Scientist” diploma, plus contributing to scientific knowledge about child development
If you would like to participate in our studies, please fill in the following form: https://forms.office.com/e/PqRhXZiWsN
Infant Neuroimaging Laboratory (BabyLab)
Cognitive Neuroscience Unit
Faculty of Psychology – University of Barcelona
Campus Mundet
Pg. Vall d’Hebron, 171
08035 Barcelona
📞 +34 934 037 612