Access & Safety
The Neuroengineering & BCI Research Infrastructure operates under an official regulation. This page summarizes the main steps you need to follow before using the equipment. For full details, the Regulation is the official reference.
Who Can Use the Infrastructure
The infrastructure is available to students, researchers, and staff of the University of Patras, as well as to external collaborators who have received formal approval. Access is only provided during approved and scheduled time periods, in accordance with the procedures specified below.
Training
Before using any equipment, you must be trained.
- You must attend an introductory briefing on equipment handling, safety rules, and data protection.
- Training is provided by certified operators or approved trainers.
- Until you are officially listed as a trained operator, you may only use the equipment under supervision.
If you have not used the equipment for a long time, you may be asked to repeat part of the training.
Equipment Reservation and Scheduling
You must book the equipment in advance.
- All use is scheduled through the official scheduling system.
- Booking depends on equipment availability and the presence of trained operators.
- Time slots are shared fairly among users.
- If you book a slot but cannot attend, you should inform the infrastructure as early as possible.
Availability information is managed by the responsible operation committee members and reflects the official schedule.
First Use and Supervision
If you are a new user:
- your first sessions must take place under the supervision of a trained operator
- the supervisor is responsible for safe equipment use during training
Once you are approved as an independent operator, you may use the equipment without supervision, as long as you follow all rules.
Safety, Hygiene, and Conduct
All users must:
- follow the hygiene and safety rules of the equipment and the space
- use the equipment only as instructed during training
- report any problems, incidents, or damage to the lab staff
For device-specific cleaning and hygiene instructions, always refer to the documentation page of the relevant device. Each piece of equipment has its own cleaning procedures, depending on its type and use.
Cleaning and Hygiene Guides per Device
Research that involves human participants must comply with the applicable ethics assessment procedures and be approved by the University’s Research Ethics Committee, according to the requirements of each project. Users that reserve and use the equipment are responsible for ensuring that participants are treated with appropriate care and that all procedures are carried out safely and respectfully while using the equipment.
Failure to follow the rules may lead to temporary or permanent loss of access.
