None of our research could take place without the generous people who give up their time to take part in our studies. We are very thankful for this!
See below for more information as to which studies we currently have running, and what taking part involves plus some FAQS. Feel free to email us if you have a question that hasn't been answered, or if you want to chat about a specific study.
The IndieLab is part of the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development (CBCD), Birkbeck, University of London. The CBCD ToddlerLab is the first of its kind in the world, has different laboratories equipped with wearable cutting-edge technologies and designed with naturalistic environments, such as the CAVE for immersive 3D virtual reality simulations of real-life scenarios.
In the ToddlerLab, we collect information on the brain using multiple-modes of non-invasive and safe monitoring of brain activity and behaviour. Visit the Toddlerlab website below for more information.
INDIELAB are currently running the SENSOR study, which focuses on the mechanisms that shape how children process incoming sensory information such as lights, sounds and touch. We are looking for 3 year olds to take part and come for a day out at the Todderlab - click on the Projects page or read below to learn more!
We have also created a short video guide of what taking part in the SENSOR project involves - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUTSnmnF5_c.
If you are interested in taking part in the SENSOR study, or want some more information, email us at cbcd-sensor-study@bbk.ac.uk.
We will either email or phone you to chat about your expression of interest. You will have a chance to learn more about the SENSOR study and ask any questions you may have.
If you decide that you want to take part, we will schedule your visit for the study at the ToddlerLab! For maps and more information click here.
Yes! You are more than welcome to bring other children or siblings. We have a comfortable waiting room with toys and space to play and can arrange for one of our DBS checked staff to sit with them whilst you and your child are taking part in the studies.
You are also welcome to bring your own carer, such as another family member or friend on your visit. All of their travel costs are also reimbursed.
In addition to all the London buses, Russell Square, Goodge Street,Euston, Euston Square, Warren Street and King's Cross & St Pancras stations are all within walking distance. If you prefer to use a taxi service, you can arrange that yourself or ask us to do so for you.
Travel costs of up to a total of £40.00 will be reimbursed. If you decide to drive to the Toddlerlab, we can offer free parking right in front of our building for visiting parents.
We will arrange a visit on a date that is convenient for you. Visits usually last from around 10am - 3pm and we provide lunch of your choosing. Your child will complete tasks such as watching colourful animations on a computer and playing games with a researcher. During some tasks, we will record your child's brain activity using a sensor net (EEG and fNIRS neuroimaging techniques).
Participation is voluntary and the whole visit is tailored to your child’s needs. You will be present throughout. If you wish to withdraw, at any time, for any reason, you can do so without penalty. At the end of your visit, we will give a small gift and a certificate to your child, and we also give all participating families a £10 shopping voucher to say thank you.
At the beginning of the study, the child is given a unique ID associated with any personal information. All their data are stored under this ID number on a secure database hosted on a secure, encrypted, password protected server that meets all of the new data protection guidance.
If you are happy to consent, your child’s anonymised research data collected in the SENSOR study will be shared with the research community though a Trusted Digital Repositories and data sharing will be done following the General Data Protection Regulation (Data Protection Act 2018).
Once the data are shared, you will not be able to withdraw your consent because all data will be anonymised. Results are usually published in the scientific literature. No individuals’ names will be included. In addition, we will include summaries of our research findings on our website.
Your participation will be helpful for understanding the reasons why some children are more or less responsive to everyday sensory experiences, and the impact sensory processing differences could have on child development.
This will hopefully help us understand how to better support children with sensory-related difficulties.
Do not worry! Simply send us an email to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
