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)

基本信息

批准号：
10621223
负责人：
TODD S BRAVER
金额：
$ 25.35万
依托单位：
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
依托单位国家：
美国
项目类别：
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/10621223
关键词：
Cognitive Neurosciences System Training

项目摘要

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年中，神经科学的系统范围已大大扩展。功能性脑成像为研究人类复杂认知功能的神经机制提供了机会。同时，诸如光遗传学之类的强大技术使以前所未有的分辨率解剖神经回路成为可能。同时，诸如深网和贝叶斯模型之类的计算方法对整个领域越来越核心，从而对先进的定量技能和识字进行了溢价。显然，系统神经科学现在是一个跨学科领域，整合了分子生物学，神经生理学，认知科学，伦理学，计算机科学，统计学等的理论框架和技术。面对这一显着扩展，博士计划面临三个挑战。首先，尽管与系统神经科学相关的知识体系在广度和深度上增加了，但学生在职业生涯的早期就面临着增加研究，发布和获得独立资金的压力。其次，系统级研究是在多个部门和博士学位计划中进行的。在华盛顿大学，其中包括神经科学，心理学和生物医学工程学的博士学位课程。但是，来自不同学科的学生通常不会说彼此的语言。第三，在科学领域的成功职业需要广泛的专业技能组合 - 撰写论文和授予建议，与具有不同科学背景的同事合作，在科学场所和更广泛的观众中呈现结果，从而超过正常课程。认知，计算和系统神经科学（CCSN）途径是针对这些挑战而开发的。 CCSN是3 - 4年内可用于研究生的精英途径，其可提供与系统神经科学相关的多个博士学位计划的可用性。 CCSN的重点是跨学科培训和专业技能发展。为了访问该路径，学生必须完成（在1 - 2年内），三个有关系统神经科学，认知科学和动物行为以及计算神经科学的先决条件和基础课程。在第3年，CCSN学生参加了另外两门课程 - 一门课程提供基础知识和动手培训，并使用高级定量方法和数据科学工具，另一个允许他们制定一项跨学科赠款提案 - 通常会成为同伴，讲师和委员会反馈的实际NRSA应用程序。在第4年（以及整个途径）中，CCSN学生参加了多种职业发展活动，包括指导初级学生，组织科学活动，与外部演讲者互动，与CCSN教职员工参加非正式晚餐，并参加社区外展活动。 CCSN途径已经存在了约15年，并且具有显着成功的历史。在这里，我们要求提供5个奖学金的资金。根据该应用程序的成功，华盛顿大学将为另外5个插槽提供匹配的资金。