Ten recommendations for reducing the carbon footprint of research computing in human neuroimaging

Abstract

Given that scientific practices contribute to the climate crisis, scientists should reflect on the planetary impact of their work. Research computing can have a substantial carbon footprint in cases where researchers employ computationally expensive processes with large amounts of data. Analysis of human neuroimaging data, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging brain scans, is one such case. Here, we consider ten ways in which those who conduct human neuroimaging research can reduce the carbon footprint of their research computing, by making adjustments to the ways in which studies are planned, executed, and analysed; as well as where and how data are stored.