Your First Week at EBRAINS

This tutorial will guide you through your first week at EBRAINS step-by-step. By the end, you’ll have your account set up, understand the infrastructure, know where to find resources, and feel confident participating in the community.

Time estimate: 2-3 hours

Prerequisites: None! This tutorial is for absolute beginners.

Create Your Account and Explore

Register for EBRAINS (15 minutes)

Visit the Registration Page

Go to EBRAINS Sign Up

Use Your Institutional Email

Important: Registration requires an institutional email address (e.g., from your university or research institution). Personal email addresses (Gmail, etc.) typically won’t work.

Verify Your Email

Check your inbox for a verification email and click the confirmation link.

You’re in!

You can now log in at ebrains.eu

Take the Tour (20 minutes)

Now let’s explore what EBRAINS offers.

Visit the EBRAINS Homepage

Log in at ebrains.eu and explore the main navigation.

Watch the Introduction Videos

On the About EBRAINS page watch at least one of the introductory webinars.

Browse the Knowledge Graph

Visit EBRAINS Knowledge Graph. Try searching for a topic related to your research.

Understand EBRAINS Values

Read the Code of Conduct (20 minutes)

Read Carefully

Open the EBRAINS Code of Conduct

As You Read, Consider:

  • What behaviors are expected?
  • What’s not acceptable?
  • How would you report a concern if needed?

Bookmark It

You’ll want to reference this later, especially when joining teams or attending events.

Learn About EEEDI (15 minutes)

Set Up Your Workspace

Access the Collaboratory (30 minutes)

Log Into the Collaboratory

Visit EBRAINS Collaboratory

Create Your First Space

  • Click “Create a collab”
  • Name it “My EBRAINS Workspace” or similar
  • Set privacy to “Private” (you can change this later)

Explore the Interface

  • Add a page
  • Try the markdown editor
  • Upload a test file

Join Communication Channels (20 minutes)

Set Up EBRAINS Chat

Visit EBRAINS Chat

  • Log in with your EBRAINS credentials
  • Join the #general channel
  • Join the #tech-support channel
  • Explore other channels related to your interests

Introduce Yourself (Optional)

If you’re comfortable, post a brief introduction in #general:

  • Your name
  • Your institution
  • Your research area
  • What brings you to EBRAINS

Explore Resources

Find Documentation (20 minutes)

Visit This Handbook

You’re already here! Bookmark this handbook: EBRAINS Handbook

Identify Relevant Sections

Based on your role, bookmark relevant pages e.g. If you’re a developer Technical Deep Dive or If you’re joining a team: Working Together

Try the Search

Use the handbook search (top right) to find topics related to your interests.

Find Relevant Tools (30 minutes)

Browse the Tool Catalog

Visit EBRAINS Tools or just use the handbook search bar.

Pick One Tool to Explore

Choose something relevant to your work:

  • Read the description
  • Check if there’s a tutorial
  • Note if it requires special access

Connect with People

Understand Team Dynamics (30 minutes)

Even if you’re not joining a team immediately, understanding how teams work at EBRAINS will help you contribute effectively.

Wrapping Up: What You’ve Accomplished

You’ve completed your first week at EBRAINS. You can now:

  • Access EBRAINS with your account.
  • Navigate the main infrastructure components.
  • Understand EBRAINS values and expectations.
  • Use the Collaboratory and Chat.
  • Find documentation and tools.
  • Communicate your work style to others.

Next Steps

Continue Learning

Need Help?

Our support team is here to help you with any questions about EBRAINS infrastructure, tools, or resources. Reach out via email at support@ebrains.eu or join our live chat for immediate assistance.