NeuroFly 2026 · University of Cologne
Self-led Learning Sessions
7 interactive sessions utilise material from Virtual Fly Brain. Learn how to find, bridge, and analyse neurons across datasets through 5 routes.
New here? Set up your tools — 2 of the 5 routes need nothing installed, the rest take about 5 minutes each.
How It Works
One Session, Five Routes
There are 7 sessions in total. For each one, choose your preferred route based on your workflow and needs.
1. Set Up Your Tools
Five minutes, once. Chat and the 3D Browser need nothing installed; Python and R are one install each (or Colab); MCP is one URL in your AI client. Setup guide →
2. Pick Your Route
Python or R for reproducible analysis · Chat for quick answers · MCP for LLM-powered exploration · 3D Browser for visualization
3. Work Through the Sessions
Start with Session 1: Discovery and progress through seven sessions that build on each other, from finding neurons to integrating transcriptomics.
4. Apply to Your Research
Use the same workflows with your own neurons, regions, and genes. All examples include VFB IDs for reproducibility.
What's New for 2026
Expanded Connectome Coverage
The fly CNS is now covered by whole-CNS and sex-specific connectomes that didn't exist (or weren't integrated) at the last workshop:
- BANC (Brain And Nerve Cord) — whole adult CNS
- male-CNS — adult male CNS
- MANC — male adult nerve cord
- Optic Lobe (JRC_Optic-Lobe v1.0.1)
Plus the VFB MCP tool and chat.virtualflybrain.org interface for natural-language exploration.