The Computational Neuroscience Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania offers a new program for Interdisciplinary Training in Computational Neuroscience (ITCN) at the doctoral level. The goal of the ITCN is to train a new generation of scientists who will make quantitative links between properties of the brain and properties of the mind. ITCN trainees will learn to use computational methodology to interpret experimental results, build predictive models of brain function that inform the design of the experiments, and support an ever-growing list of applications from brain-machine interfaces in the clinic to cutting-edge forms of artificial intelligence.

The ITCN brings together students and faculty from Penn’s PhD programs in Neuroscience (Biomedical Graduate Studies, Perelman School of Medicine), Bioengineering (School of Engineering and Applied Science), Physics (School of Arts and Sciences), and Psychology (School of Arts and Sciences). To join the ITCN, students first apply to one of those "home" PhD programs. Once admitted, students then typically apply to the ITCN before starting classes in their first year. Those selected meet with the ITCN Advisory Committee, both individually and as a group, to develop individualized training plans that meet the goals and requirements of the ITCN and each student’s home program. These plans include coursework, research, and other activities that aim to build both expertise in computational neuroscience and a sense of community in the ITCN. Details are provided below.

The ITCN embraces diversity and inclusion in their many forms, including welcoming students with a broad range of personal, professional, and academic backgrounds into both our training program and the field of computational neuroscience as a whole. 

Application. The application deadline is Dec. 1 for the Neuroscience, Psychology and Physics, and Dec. 15 for Bioengineering PhD programs!

Prospective PhD students must first apply and be accepted into one of our participating graduate programs: Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Physics, or Psychology (PhD students admitted to other PhD programs at Penn may also be considered; see below for additional requirements). Students typically apply to the ITCN before starting classes in their first PhD year, although we will also consider applications from students in more advanced years who believe they will be able to meet our academic requirements. Selection into the ITCN does not require a background in computational neuroscience. Instead, we require: 1) a brief (~½ page) essay describing why you want to join the ITCN and how it would fit into your training and career plans; 2) written permission from your Graduate Chair (and, for MD-PhD or VMD-PhD students, the Director of your Combined Degree Program); and 3) if you are not in one of our four participating programs, descriptions of the funding source(s) and course and research requirements for your home PhD program. Please send your application materials, and/or any questions, to Vijay Balasubramanian, Maria Geffen, and/or Joshua Gold.