Invitation to tender for fNIRS Equipment for Studies on Early Language Development and Social Interaction

Åbo Akademi requests a quotation for fNIRS equipment according to this invitation to tender and its attachments. The equipment should be mobile, easy to operate, and suitable for both individual and simultaneous brain measurements (hyperscanning).

Åbo Akademi requests a quotation for fNIRS equipment according to this invitation to tender and its attachments. The equipment should be mobile, easy to operate, and suitable for both individual and simultaneous brain measurements (hyperscanning). We need to procure equipment to conduct advanced studies in early language development, social interaction, and cognitive abilities, including later stages in life. Traditionally, these studies have primarily relied on behavioral measures, as brain imaging has been challenging with younger children and other participant groups. Instruments such as EEG and fMRI, for instance, have been limited by the need for participants to remain still and the fMRI environment not being conducive to auditory stimuli. We have identified functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as a promising technique for our purposes. This method measures brain activity by analyzing changes in blood flow and oxygen levels in the brain. fNIRS is non-invasive, tolerates body movements, and is cost-effective compared to fMRI, making it an ideal method for studying language and social interaction across a broad spectrum of participants, including infants, older adults, and clinical populations.

The procurement process can be terminated for a justified reason at any stage before the final contract. The contracting authority is not responsible for the costs nor any possible damage caused to the Tenderer. No compensation will be payable to Tenderers for preparing a tender, presenting it or otherwise taking part in the procedure.