Democratizing open neuroimaging: Neurodesk’s approach to open data accessibility and utilization

Neuroimaging research has increasingly embraced open science practices, including the use and sharing of publicly available datasets. However, researchers still face significant challenges in accessing and preparing such datasets, from navigating through different storage systems and tools to complying with data privacy regulations. Moreover, the varied dependencies used by these tools often hinder reproducibility and accessibility, which in turn can negatively impact the reliability of analyses. In this paper, we show how Neurodesk streamlines both the use of open data and the preparation of datasets for sharing publicly. By integrating data access and standardized processing, Neurodesk maximizes the utility of open data initiatives while promoting accessibility and equity in the scientific community. We demonstrate Neurodesk’s capabilities through real-world use cases and outline ongoing developments toward secure, scanner-integrated data processing, further supporting privacy-preserving collaboration in neuroscience.