Thomas Akam is a neuroscientist at the Oxford University Department of Experimental Psychology. He is the lead developer of the @pyControl and @pyPhotometry open source projects. His work links computational accounts of flexible behaviour with large-scale behavioural experiments and neural recording and manipulation approaches, including silicon-probe electrophysiology, fiber photometry, and optogenetics. In this context, pyControl is not merely an experiment-control package, but part of a broader effort to make complex behavioural neuroscience more scalable, transparent, and reproducible.
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Infrared Illumination for Video Tracking
Description
The pyControl GridMaze is an open and modular behavioral testing system designed for experiments with freely moving rodents. Built around the open-source pyControl framework, the system enables automated execution of behavioral tasks with precise control of stimuli, rewards, and event timing. The GridMaze is particularly suited for studies involving spatial navigation, decision-making, and learning experiments. It can also be combined with external recording systems such as cameras or imaging setups.
Experimental Capabilities
The pyControl GridMaze IR Module provides infrared illumination for video recording and camera-based animal tracking within the GridMaze. Mounted at an angle on the side of the maze, the module functions as an uplighter, distributing infrared light across the experimental area to support consistent recording with an IR-sensitive camera.
Key Features
Infrared illumination module for pyControl GridMaze setups
Contains five integrated 730 nm IR LEDs
Supports video recording and camera-based animal tracking
Angled mounting provides uplighting across the maze area
Suitable for low-light and dark experimental conditions
Includes a Molex cable for system integration
Suitable as a replacement, spare, or build component for different GridMaze configurations
Content
IR Module PCB
Molex connection cable
Not Included:
IR-sensitive camera
Publication
Mohamady El-Gaby, Adam Loyd Harris, James C. R. Whittington, William Dorrell, Arya Bhomick, Mark E. Walton, Thomas Akam & Timothy E. J. Behrens (2024). A cellular basis for mapping behavioural structure. Nature.
Michael Pereira, Beatriz S. Godinho, Christian K. Machens, Rui M. Costa, Thomas Akam (2026). Flexible route planning and rapid structure learning by mice in complex environments. bioRxiv
Peter T. Doohan, Kristopher T. Jensen, Yaqing Chen, Beatriz S. Godinho, Charles D. G. Burns, Chongyu (Xiao) Qin, Josie L. Emery, Ryan J. Cini, Mark E. Walton, Timothy E. J. Behrens, Thomas E. Akam (2026). Structured and flexible representations in medial-frontal cortex support goal-directed navigation. bioRxiv
Thomas Akam, Andy Lustig, James M Rowland, Sampath KT Kapanaiah, Joan Esteve-Agraz, Mariangela Panniello, Cristina Márquez, Michael M Kohl, Dennis Kätzel, Rui M Costa, Mark E Walton (2022). pyControl: Open source, Python-based hardware and software for controlling behavioural neuroscience experiments. eLife.