Workshop Problems
Seven research questions, solved four ways
These are the canonical research questions the workshop is built around. Each one can be answered via four routes:
| Route | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| A · Python | vfb_connect API returning pandas DataFrames | Reproducible, scriptable analysis |
| B · MCP | VFB MCP tool in an LLM (Claude etc.) | Conversational, data-grounded |
| C · Chat | chat.virtualflybrain.org | Zero-install natural language |
| D · 3D Browser | VFB Circuit Browser | Interactive spatial exploration |
Pick a neuron type, region, or gene you actually care about and substitute it throughout — the workshop works best when you drive it with your own biology.
Use the route selector at the top of each problem page to follow your preferred route through all seven problems.
P1 · Discovery
Find every instance of a neuron type across all datasets
View problemP2 · Bridging & Identity
Is this FlyWire neuron the same cell as that hemibrain one?
View problemP3 · Visualisation
Show these neurons together in a common template
View problemP4 · Connectomics
Who are neuron X's strongest partners, and along what pathway?
View problemP5 · Similarity / NBLAST
What's the morphological match in another dataset?
View problemP6 · Transcriptomics
What's this cell type's expression profile and marker genes?
View problemP7 · Putting It Together
A mini-project using all routes
View problem