Modern neuroscience research often requires the coordination of multiple processes such as stimulus generation, real-time experimental control, as well as behavioral and neural measurements. The technical demands required to simultaneously manage these processes with high temporal fidelity is a barrier that limits the number of labs performing such work. Here we present an open-source, network-based parallel processing framework that lowers this barrier. The Real-Time Experimental Control with Graphical User Interface (REC-GUI) framework offers multiple advantages: (i) a modular design that is agnostic to coding language(s) and operating system(s) to maximize experimental flexibility and minimize researcher effort, (ii) simple interfacing to connect multiple measurement and recording devices, (iii) high temporal fidelity by dividing task demands across CPUs, and (iv) real-time control using a fully customizable and intuitive GUI. We present applications for human, non-human primate, and rodent studies which collectively demonstrate that the REC-GUI framework facilitates technically demanding, behavior-contingent neuroscience research.Editorial note: This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (see decision letter).

35Modern neuroscience research often requires the coordination of multiple processes such as 36 stimulus generation, real-time experimental control, as well as behavioral and neural 37 measurements. The technical demands required to simultaneously manage these processes with 38 high temporal fidelity limits the number of labs capable of performing such work. Here we present 39 an open-source network-based parallel processing framework that eliminates these barriers. The 40Real-Time Experimental Control with Graphical User Interface (REC-GUI) framework offers 41 multiple advantages: (i) a modular design agnostic to coding language(s) and operating system(s) 42 that maximizes experimental flexibility and minimizes researcher effort, (ii) simple interfacing to 43 connect measurement and recording devices, (iii) high temporal fidelity by dividing task demands 44 across CPUs, and (iv) real-time control using a fully customizable and intuitive GUI. Testing 45 results demonstrate that the REC-GUI framework facilitates technically demanding, behavior-46 contingent neuroscience research. Sample code and hardware configurations are downloadable, 47

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