Interdisciplinary Training in Cognitive, Computational and Systems Neuroscience (CCSN)

认知、计算和系统神经科学跨学科培训 (CCSN)

• 批准号: 10210312
• 负责人: TODD S BRAVER
• 金额: $ 23.72万
• 依托单位: WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 财政年份: 2020
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2020-07-15 至 2025-06-30
• 项目状态: 未结题
• 来源: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10210312
• 关键词: Cognitive; Neurosciences; System; Training

Over the past 30 years, the scope of Systems Neuroscience has expanded enormously. Functional brain imaging has provided the opportunity to study the neural mechanisms of complex cognitive functions in humans. Concurrently, powerful techniques such as optogenetics have made it possible to dissect neural circuits with unprecedented resolution. In parallel, computational approaches such as deep networks and Bayesian models are increasingly central to the field as a whole, putting a premium on advanced quantitative skills and literacy. Clearly Systems Neuroscience is now a trans-disciplinary field, integrating theoretical frameworks and techniques from molecular biology, neurophysiology, cognitive science, ethology, computer science, statistics, and more. In the face of this remarkable expansion, PhD programs face three challenges. First, although the body of knowledge relevant to Systems Neuroscience has increased in breadth and depth, students also face increased pressure to conduct research, publish, and get independent funding early in their career. Second, systems-level research is conducted in multiple departments and PhD programs. At Washington University, these include the PhD programs in Neuroscience, Psychology, and Biomedical Engineering. Yet, students coming from different disciplines often do not speak each other’s language. Third, a successful career in science requires a broad portfolio of professional skills – writing papers and grant proposals, collaborating with colleagues with different scientific backgrounds, presenting results in scientific venues and to wider audiences, navigating the academic job market – that exceed the normal coursework. The Cognitive, Computational and Systems Neuroscience (CCSN) pathway was developed in response to these challenges. CCSN is an elite pathway available for graduate students in years 3-4, with eligibility from multiple PhD programs relevant to Systems Neuroscience broadly defined. The emphasis of CCSN is on trans- disciplinary training and professional skills development. To access the pathway, students must complete (in years 1-2), three pre-requisite and foundational courses on systems neuroscience, cognitive science and animal behavior, and computational neuroscience. In year 3, CCSN students take two additional courses – one providing foundational knowledge and hands-on training with advanced quantitative methods and data-science tools, and the other allowing them to develop a trans-disciplinary grant proposal – which often becomes an actual NRSA application – shaped by peer, instructor, and committee feedback. In year 4 (and throughout the pathway), CCSN students take part in multiple Career Development activities, including mentoring junior students, organizing scientific events, interacting with external speakers, participating in informal dinners with CCSN faculty, and taking part in community outreach. The CCSN pathway has existed for ~15 years and has a demonstrated history of remarkable success. Here we request funds for 5 fellowships. Contingent on the success of this application, Washington University will provide matching funds for an additional 5 slots.

在过去的 30 年里，系统神经科学的范围已经大大扩展，为研究人类复杂认知功能的神经机制提供了机会，同时，光遗传学等强大的技术使得剖析神经回路成为可能。与此同时，深度网络和贝叶斯模型等计算方法越来越成为整个领域的核心，显然系统神经科学现在是一个跨学科领域，整合了理论框架和知识。面对这种显着的扩展，博士课程面临着三个挑战：首先，尽管与系统神经科学相关的知识体系在广度和范围上都有所增加。其次，华盛顿大学的多个系和博士项目都进行系统级研究，其中包括神经科学、心理学的博士项目。 ，和生物医学工程。第三，成功的科学事业需要广泛的专业技能——撰写论文和资助提案、与具有不同科学背景的同事合作、在科学场所向更广泛的受众展示成果、导航。认知、计算和系统神经科学 (CCSN) 途径是为应对这些挑战而开发的，是面向 3-4 年级研究生的精英途径，具有多个博士学位的资格。相关计划CCSN 的重点是跨学科培训和专业技能发展，学生必须（在 1-2 年级）完成三门关于系统神经科学、认知科学的先决和基础课程。在第三年，CCSN 学生额外学习两门课程——一门提供基础知识和使用先进定量方法和数据科学工具的实践培训，另一门允许他们开发跨学科资助。提案——这通常会成为实际的 NRSA 申请——由同伴、教师和委员会的反馈决定 在第 4 年（以及整个衔接过程），CCSN 学生参加多种职业发展活动，包括指导低年级学生、组织科学活动、与外部演讲者互动、参与。与 CCSN 教员举行非正式晚宴，并参加社区外展活动 CCSN 途径已经存在了约 15 年，并且已经取得了显着的成功，在此我们请求为 5 项奖学金提供资金，具体取决于此申请的成功。提供配套资金额外 5 个插槽。