MNE-RT: Open-Source Real-Time M/EEG Processing Library Released
Jun 19, 2026
REA.lab
The REA.lab - can be read as: Real Life Audio Lab or Real-time Auditory Research Lab or Real Environment Audio Lab etc.- investigates how the brain and mind construct inner and outer auditory experiences. We combine psychophysics, psychoacoustics, neuroimaging, and 3D audio simulations to understand the full spectrum of hearing disorders—including hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis—as well as the neurodiverse reality of auditory processing. Our transdisciplinary approach integrates medicine, neuroscience, psychology, engineering, and computer science to develop methods, technology, objective biomarkers and therapies for normal and pathological hearing. Our work group is based at the University of Zurich, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and collaborates with leading research institutions worldwide.
Research Approach
Our philosophy is defined by three core pillars:
- Full-Stack Engineering: We adopt a philosophy of engineering our own experimental ecosystems, from custom hardware and acquisition setups to computational pipelines. This ensures transparency, interoperability, and sustainability of research output.
- Open Science & Reproducibility: We are committed to the principles of reproducible science and build open-source methodologies for the hearing and broader scientific community.
- Ecological Validity: We bridge the gap between reductionist lab settings and the real world. By utilizing 3D audio domes, auditory scene analysis and mobile Citizen Science apps, we capture the complexity and challenges of hearing in daily life.
Patrick Neff, PD Dr.
Experience
- Scientific Group Lead & Private Lecturer | UZH | 2022 - Present
- Senior Guest Research Fellow | ETH Zürich (CVL) | 2025 - Present
- Postdoctoral Fellow (SNF) | EPFL Geneva (MIPlab) | 2021 - 2023
- Postdoctoral Fellow (SNF) | University of Salzburg (CCNS) | 2019 - 2021
- Postdoctoral Fellow (SNF) | University of Regensburg (UR) | 2017 - 2025
Education
- Re-habilitation (Exp. Otorhinolaryngology) | University of Zurich | 2025
- Habilitation (Exp. Psychiatry) | University of Regensburg | 2022
- PhD in Neuropsychology | University of Zürich | 2017
News & Updates
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