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: 10413903
• 负责人: TODD S BRAVER
• 金额: $ 25.03万
• 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/10413903
• 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。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。与此同时，强大的技术，如光遗传学，使得以前所未有的分辨率解剖神经回路成为可能。与此同时，深度网络和贝叶斯模型等计算方法在整个领域中越来越重要，这使得高级定量技能和素养受到重视。显然，系统神经科学现在是一个跨学科的领域，整合了分子生物学，神经生理学，认知科学，行为学，计算机科学，统计学等的理论框架和技术。面对这种显着的扩张，博士课程面临三个挑战。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都有所增加，但学生们在职业生涯的早期也面临着进行研究、发表论文和获得独立资助的压力。第二，系统级研究在多个部门和博士课程中进行。在华盛顿大学，这些包括神经科学，心理学和生物医学工程博士课程。然而，来自不同学科的学生往往不会说彼此的语言。第三，在科学事业上取得成功需要广泛的专业技能组合-撰写论文和资助申请，与具有不同科学背景的同事合作，在科学场所和更广泛的受众中展示结果，导航学术就业市场-这些都超过了正常的课程。认知，计算和系统神经科学（CCSN）途径是为了应对这些挑战而开发的。CCSN是3-4年级研究生的精英途径，具有广泛定义的系统神经科学相关的多个博士课程的资格。CCSN的重点是跨学科的培训和专业技能的发展。要获得途径，学生必须完成（在1-2年），三个先决条件和基础课程系统神经科学，认知科学和动物行为，以及计算神经科学。在第三年，CCSN学生参加两个额外的课程-一个提供基础知识和实践培训与先进的定量方法和数据科学工具，另一个允许他们开发一个跨学科的赠款提案-这往往成为一个实际的NRSA应用-由同行，教师和委员会的反馈塑造。在第4年（以及整个途径），CCSN学生参加多个职业发展活动，包括指导低年级学生，组织科学活动，与外部演讲者互动，参加与CCSN教师的非正式晚餐，并参加社区外展。CCSN途径已经存在了约15年，并有显着的成功历史。在此，我们申请5个奖学金。如果申请成功，华盛顿大学将提供额外5个名额的配套资金。