BESA Research Software

The world's most comprehensive signal processing toolbox for EEG/MEG source localisation

For over two decades, the BESA Research package has set the standard for state-of-the-art EEG and MEG data analysis. Combining an easy-to-use interface with innovative, tailored analysis methods and data review tools, BESA research provides a convenient and extremely smooth pathway for carrying out EEG/MEG data analysis.

BESA Research 7.1 allows fast and easy testing of hypotheses, multiple source analysis algorithms (including cortical imaging and volume imaging methods), integration with MRI and fMRI, and age-appropriate template head models (FEM) along with the option to import individual head models (FEM) generation by BESA MRI 2.1.

The updated software provides many new tools for reviewing and processing your EEG or MEG data. Raw data are directly read using readers implemented for many EEG and MEG file formats, and data processing steps include digital filtering, artefact detection and correction, computation of correlation, and spectral analysis.

BESA Research 7.1 covers the entire process of signal processing and analysis, from the acquired raw data to dynamic source images, allowing data review and processing; source montages and 3D whole-head mapping; ERP analysis and averaging; source localisation and source imaging; cortical mapping and time-frequency analysis; source coherence and time-frequency analysis; source coherence for enhanced viewing of brain activity.

Additional modules compatible with BESA Research are available. Please contact us for information on BESA MRI, BESA Statistics, or BESA Epilepsy.

BESA Functionality

BESA Research 7.0 supports a range of functions for your research, including:

Data Review & Data Processing:

• Reading and writing of multiple formats;
• A graphical montage editor (pictured above);
• Source montages for:
  • Standard review, epilepsy review, ERP/ERF;
  • Resting state networks;
  • Brain atlas regions.
• ICA/PCA;
• Superior artefact removal tools, including EEG-fMRI;
• ERP/ERF paradigms and averaging;
• Graphical artefact rejection tool;
• Co-registration with individual MRI/fMRI;
• Grand averaging of subjects and conditions.

Time-Frequency Analysis

• Time-frequency transformation of any montage data;
• Connectivity analysis:
  • Wavelets and/or complex demodulation;
  • In-source space or sensor space;
  • Using state-of-the-art methods, including Granger Causality, Partial Directed Coherence;
  • Visualisation of data in clear 2D and 3D result plots.
• Workflow-guided user interaction.

Source Analysis and Source Imaging

• Dipole fitting/regional, single dipoles;
• Volume-imaging: (s)LORETA, CLARA, LAURA, sSLOFO, user-defined;
• SESAME: Bayesian source imaging;
• Cortical imaging on individual or standard cortical surface:
  • Minimum Norm;
  • Cortical LORETA, Cortical CLARA;
• Multiple or single-source beamforming in time-domain or time-frequency domain;
• Individual source montages or virtual sensor montages, including pre-defined brain atlas regions;
• Joint fitting of EEG and MEG data;
• Realistic head models (BEM and/or FEM) in combination with BESA MRI for both EEG and MEG;
• Co-registration with individual MRI or fMRI;
• Confidence limit display for dipole fits;
• Brain atlases;
• Realistic children's and adults' FEM head models for various age groups based on real averaged MRI data.