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

在过去的30年里，系统神经科学的范围得到了极大的扩展。脑功能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，光遗传学等强大的技术使以前所未有的分辨率解剖神经电路成为可能。与此同时，深度网络和贝叶斯模型等计算方法在整个领域越来越重要，重视高级量化技能和读写能力。显然，系统神经科学现在是一个跨学科的领域，整合了来自分子生物学、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。面对这种显著的扩张，博士项目面临着三个挑战。首先，尽管与系统神经科学相关的知识在广度和深度上都有所增加，但学生在职业生涯早期进行研究、发表文章和获得独立资金的压力也越来越大。其次，系统层面的研究在多个部门和博士项目中进行。在华盛顿大学，这些课程包括神经科学、心理学和生物医学工程的博士课程。然而，来自不同学科的学生往往不会说对方的语言。第三，在科学领域取得成功需要广泛的专业技能--撰写论文和拨款提案，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面前展示成果，驾驭学术就业市场--这些技能超出了正常的课程工作。认知、计算和系统神经科学(CCSN)路径就是为了应对这些挑战而发展起来的。CCSN是为3-4年级的研究生提供的精英途径，广泛定义了与系统神经科学相关的多个博士项目的资格。CCSN的重点是跨学科培训和专业技能发展。要进入这条途径，学生必须完成(在1-2年级)，三门关于系统神经科学、认知科学和动物行为以及计算神经科学的必修课和基础课程。在第三年，CCSN的学生需要学习两门额外的课程--一门是用先进的量化方法和数据科学工具提供基础知识和实践培训，另一门是允许他们制定跨学科的资助提案--这通常会变成实际的NRSA应用--由同行、教师和委员会的反馈决定。在第四年(以及整个过程)，CCSN的学生会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、参加CCSN教职员工的非正式晚宴，以及参加社区外展活动。CCSN途径已经存在了大约15年，并有显着的成功历史。在此，我们请求为5个奖学金提供资金。根据申请成功的情况，华盛顿大学将为另外5个名额提供相应的资金。

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.