Training Program in the Neuroscience of Human Cognition

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Project Summary This proposal describes the continuation of the Training Program in the Neuroscience of Human Cognition. A group of 23 faculty preceptors—investigating perception, attention, memory, emotion, problem solving, language, pain, sleep, motor control, and cognitive control—has been assembled to participate in training the next generation of cognitive neuroscientists at Northwestern University. The training program is led by Ken Paller (Director), Christina Zelano (Associate Director), and an Internal Steering Committee, with annual input from members of an External Advisory Committee. Pre- and postdoctoral trainees are selected through a highly competitive process on the basis of factors including prior scientific training, proposed research, scientific potential. Funding from the Northwestern Graduate School supports Affiliate Trainees (at least 3 per year) who also participate in the program. Trainees conduct their research under the guidance of one or more preceptors affiliated with many different departments and centers within the university. To provide thorough training in all facets of cognitive neuroscience, the training program brings together a diverse set of perspectives to facilitate a broad range of methodological, computational, and theoretical endeavors. Exceptional opportunities are provided for trainees to learn from and closely interact with local and visiting faculty members, and with other trainees, in the service of expanding their capacity for rigorous and creative research on the neural substrates of cognition and associated translational opportunities. Trainees gain from frequent in-depth research discussions with a network of scientists outside their home lab, including regular presentations and critique of their own work. Trainees often bridge the distinct areas of expertise of two mentors through novel interdisciplinary collaborations, expanding their breadth of training. Concerted efforts focus on inclusiveness, including historically marginalized groups, and fostering a diversity of perspectives, which enriches the whole program. This T32 mechanism solidifies a community for all involved in human cognitive neuroscience at the university, while facilitating novel research orientations and innovative strategies. Value-added benefits for trainees include a rich array of activities that supplement standard research training, allowing them to expand their training beyond lab and departmental boundaries in ways that would otherwise not be possible. The community fosters training in specific research skills, while also supplying relevant knowledge to help trainees gain independence and become better scientists. Faculty monitor this training through formal advising, written and oral scientific communication, regular evaluations, and with attention to all aspects of career development. A chief goal of the program is to provide top-rated comprehensive training to young scientists who will become future innovators and leaders in human cognitive neuroscience, contribute to NIH research, and ultimately bring their skills to bear on a variety of scientific endeavors pertinent to health and disease.