Our Project

What is fNIRS?

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)

Functional: measures brain activity (not structure).

Near-infrared light: has the least nanometres (nm) in the infrared segment of the electromagnetic spectrum. It can penetrate our skin and bone to reach our brain tissues.

Spectroscopy: a way of measuring how light interacts with bodily tissues.

FNIRS devices have small sensors (called optodes) that sit in a cap you wear on your head. There are source/emitter optodes that shine light into your brain issues and detector optodes that measure how much light has been absorbed by your blood cells. Oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood absorb light differently, helping us to infer brain activity.

Image: Soltanlou et al., (2018)

What is the challenge?

Optode-scalp contact can vary depending on hair type and style
Light absorption can be impacted by skin tone, hair colour and hair type
Global majority ethnic groups tend to be excluded due to these physical characteristics.

If we don't address these challenges and work towards solutions, we weaken our science and perpetuate systemic marginalisation.

What are we doing about it?

We were awarded a £4000 grant from UCL Grand Challenges to begin the work of investigating and developing inclusive and equitable fNIRS practices at UCL.

We aim to assess and improve the equity and inclusivity of our practices across the fNIRS research cycle.

STRAND 1: Understand barriers and needs

Online surveys:

Participant community members
fNIRS researchers (UK-based)

STRAND 2: Develop inclusive practices for textured hair

In-lab fNIRS testing:

Consultations with a hairdresser who specialises in textured hair
Participant testing (no hairdresser) to trial approaches to optimising optode-scalp contact and comfort
Participant feedback on hair preparation information, procedures, comfort and communication