About the CURATOR Project
Outcomes of neurofeedback sessions vary widely because protocols are rarely tailored to the unique neural dynamics of each individual. As a result, it is difficult and time-consuming to provide personalized treatment recommendations for everyone. Brain activity patterns, personal goals (e.g., anxiety reduction, sleep improvement), age, lifestyle, and comorbidities all influence treatment response, yet current approaches lack objective tools to guide personalization. CURATOR will develop objective, computational methods to optimize the design of neurofeedback treatment. We will (1) systematically test feedback modalities (e.g., visual, auditory, interactive) to identify stimulus types that best engage and benefit individuals, and (2) derive computational biomarkers from EEG spectral features, event-related potentials, and brain connectivity metrics that can predict suitable treatment responses and inform protocol selection. State-of-the-art Machine Learning algorithms and Large Language Models will be applied to integrate multimodal feedback signals in order to enable precise, data-driven delivery of personalized reports and treatment recommendations. In sum, this project enables closed-loop neurofeedback systems that adjust protocols in real time based on cognitive and neurophysiological data. Among other benefits, personalized reporting will enable clinicians to track progress, predict outcomes, and detect relapse risks early. By relying on objective measures rather than trial and error, CURATOR will advance the current state of the art in neurofeedback technology.
In Plain Language
Neurofeedback is a type of brain training that teaches people how to change their own brain activity using real‑time feedback from their neurophysiological signals. The goal is to improve mental health, thinking, sleep, and overall well‑being. However, current neurofeedback programs are often "one‑size‑fits‑all" even though no two brains are alike. As a result, some people benefit greatly, while others see little effect. Factors such as age, lifestyle, personal goals, and mental health challenges play a role in how well someone responds to the treatment selected by the clinician. The CURATOR project will make neurofeedback more personal and effective. We will test different types of feedback (such as images, music, videos, or games) to discover which approach works best for each individual. At the same time, we will search for brain activity patterns, known as biomarkers, that can predict how someone will respond to training. These biomarkers will be derived from detailed EEG signal analyses and connectivity measures, then processed using advanced Machine Learning algorithms and Large Language Models to provide personalized outcomes. CURATOR will make it possible to tailor the treatment programs to each person's unique brain and to monitor their progress automatically. Our ultimate goal is to create next‑generation neurofeedback tools that adapt in real time, helping people learn to regulate their own brain activity more effectively and giving clinicians powerful new ways to guide treatment.
Research Milestones
Work Packages
4WP1: Design of a Standard Protocol of EEG Biomarkers
Establish and validate a standardized biomarker framework (JSON-based, BIDS-compliant) that encodes EEG features and generates empirical evidence of their predictive value for neurofeedback outcomes. Duration: M1–M8 (Feb–Sep 2026). Effort: 11.7 person-months.
WP2: Multifactorial Personalized Reporting
Develop a reporting system that integrates multimodal patient data (EEG, questionnaires, cognitive tests, histories) and systematically compares LLM-based and rule-based approaches to generate clinically interpretable, auditable treatment recommendations. Duration: M7–M18 (Aug 2026–Jun 2027). Effort: 11.1 person-months.
WP3: Evaluation
Evaluate the CURATOR framework through pilot studies with 20+ patients, assessing biomarker prediction accuracy, modality matching effectiveness, and clinical utility of the personalised reporting system. Duration: M13–M22 (Feb–Nov 2027). Effort: 9.5 person-months.
WP4: Administration and Dissemination
Project management, ethics compliance, IP management, and dissemination of results through publications, conferences, and the project website. Duration: M1–M24 (Feb 2026–Jan 2028). Effort: 2.2 person-months.
Deliverables
4D1.1: Specification of Biomarkers
Definition and evaluation of a set of clinically and computationally relevant EEG biomarkers, including the JSON-based schema for interoperability. Due: M4 (June 2026).
D1.2: Protocol Implementation
Full implementation of the standardised biomarker protocol with unit tests and validation against public EEG datasets. Due: M8 (September 2026).
D2.1: Prototype of Report Generator
Working prototype of the multimodal report generator integrating EEG biomarkers, patient data, and LLM-based recommendations with clinician review interface. Due: M17 (June 2027).
D3.1: Paper or Technical Report
Scientific publication or technical report documenting the CURATOR framework, pilot study results, and evaluation outcomes. Due: M24 (January 2028).
Other
3MS1: Protocol Delivered and Unit-Tested
Key milestone: biomarker protocol fully implemented, validated against public datasets, and documented. Go/no-go decision for WP2. Due: M8 (September 2026).
MS2: Clinician Feedback Integration
Report generator prototype reviewed by clinical team. Clinician feedback incorporated into the personalisation engine. Due: M17 (June 2027).
MS3: Pilot Studies Completed
All pilot studies (20+ patients, 10 sessions each) completed. Data collected for final evaluation and publication. Due: M22 (November 2027).