Thursday, July 30, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
This intensive workshop is dedicated to the design and implementation of tDCS in clinical and research settings and is particularly timely given the recent FDA approval for tDCS as a treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. The course provides thorough information on current best-practices as well as updates to the theoretical background and methodology underlying tDCS. Particular attention is given to professional standards for safety, validity, and reproducibility of functional outcomes in tDCS applications, as well as practical experience necessary to acquire the knowledge and skills for tDCS applications. This tDCS Advanced Theory and Hands-on Workshop distinguishes itself from other educational initiatives by offering extensive practical experience and an in-depth learning approach, including interactive lectures, facilitated discussion, demonstrations, hands-on step-by-step exercises. The Workshop uses versatile educational elements from the basic to expert level and covers the complex framework from neurophysiological research to clinical applications. It is expected that even individuals highly experienced in tDCS will benefit from the updated didactic activities and hand-on experience with cutting-edge equipment. The Workshop promotes expertise in the field of noninvasive brain stimulation and focuses on building competencies in the following areas: Principles and mechanisms of tDCS, electrode preparation and montages, stimulation parameters, protocols and targeted outcomes, safety, tDCS current modeling and dose determination, best practices in tDCS delivery, and tDCS clinical and research trial design and implementation. Advances in remote (i.e., at-home) stimulation using conventional tDCS and High Definition tDCS will be reviewed and hands-on demonstrations provided. Education and training will be provided by a seasoned highly experienced team. Previous practical experience with tDCS not required.
This course is designed for clinicians and researchers in disciplines related to neurostimulation (such as medicine, nursing, neuroscience, bioengineering), and personnel involved in tDCS research and treatment.
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 8:30 - 8:45 AM | Welcome & tDCS basics Benjamin M. Hampstead |
| 8:45 - 9:15 AM | Basics mechanisms of tDCS Marom Bikson |
| 9:15 - 9:45 AM | Best-practices 1 - traditional pad-based tDCS Marom Bikson & Benjamin M. Hampstead |
| 9:45 - 9:55 AM | Break |
| 9:55 - 10:30 AM | Hands on practice with traditional pad-based tDCS |
| 10:30 - 11:00 AM | Best-practices 2 – High definition (or multi-electrode) tDCS (HD-tDCS) Marom Bikson & Benjamin M. Hampstead |
| 11:00 - 11:30 AM | Hands on practice with HD-tDCS |
| 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Safety & tolerability Benjamin M. Hampstead |
| 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:10 - 1:50 PM | Physiological effects of tDCS – Part 1 – Motor evoked potentials Michael Nitsche |
| 1:55 - 2:20 PM | Physiological effects of tDCS – Part 2 - Neuroimaging Alexandru Iordan |
| 2:25 - 2:50 PM | Computational models for brain-based dosing Aprinda Indahlastari Queen |
| 2:50 - 3:00 PM | Break |
| 3:00 - 3:35 PM | Foundations of tDCS clinical research Andre Brunoni |
| 3:40 - 4:10 PM | Clinical applications Part 1 – FDA approvals and methodologic advances J.P. Miron |
| 4:15 - 5:00 PM | Clinical applications Part 2 – remotely delivered tDCS Giuseppina Pilloni & Leigh Charvet |
| 5:00 - 6:00 PM | Additional hands on demonstrations & experience (optional)
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