why get a phd in neuroscience

• Doing a PhD in Neuroscience

What Does a PhD in Neuroscience Focus On?

Neuroscience is the study of the structure and function of the nervous system. Neuroscientists investigate how the nervous system works and also study factors which can influence the behaviour of the nervous system. Such factors include neurological, psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.

A PhD in neuroscience provides a wide range of advantages for people that are already studying in the field. It allows you to focus your postgraduate study, work with cutting edge technology, operate within leading research departments, and pursue specialist neuroscience jobs upon completion of your research project.

It should be noted that there are many research projects which are focused on a specialist area of neuroscience. Subsequently, other relevant doctoral degrees include (but are not limited to):

• PhD in cognitive neuroscience – A PhD in cognitive neuroscience offers a unique opportunity. It teaches you how the brain functions chemically and neurologically. A PhD allows you to investigate the role of neurotransmitters, chemical compounds that send messages across the synapses of the brain. These compounds control the behaviour of the neurons and influence all the other functions of the brain. When they are working the way they’re supposed to, the brain is behaving normally.
• PhD in behavioural neuroscience – Also known as biological psychology, biopsychology, or psychobiology. Behavioural neuroscience includes the study of psychological and neural mechanisms which affect behaviour (e.g. genetic or psychiatric) and neurological disease.
• PhD in computational neuroscience – Computational neuroscience is a growing field and uses computers to simulate the brain. Computational neuroscience candidates should be well versed in the emerging technologies of this field to contribute to the field’s progress, and may have a background in mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence, or computer science rather than biology. A PhD in computational neuroscience may see a PhD student develop personalized treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
• PhD in clinical neuroscience – A postgraduate degree in clinical neuroscience focuses on the nervous system in relation to health and disease. A research project in this field may involve the development of novel techniques to diagnose and treat disorders of the human brain or central nervous system.

Other popular neuroscience research areas in include molecular neuroscience, neuroengineering, neuroimaging, neurolinguistics, neuroinformatics, and neurobiological study.

Entry Requirements for A PhD in Neuroscience

The typical neuroscience PhD research project requires applicants to have, or expect to obtain, an upper second class (2:1) bachelor’s degree in a related subject area. In some cases, a lower second class (2:2) bachelor’s degree is sufficient if the graduate has a master’s degree or other relevant experience. For international students, overseas equivalent qualifications are almost always accepted. Since the focus of a research project can vary greatly, relevant subjects can be decided on an individual basis.

Of course, PhD in neuroscience requirements vary across different institutions, and some projects may have subject specific entry requirements, e.g. a PhD in computational neuroscience may require the graduate student to have basic programming knowledge.

Universities typically expect international graduate students to provide evidence of their English Language ability in addition to their application. English language requirements are usually provided in the form of a IELTS, TOEFL (iBT) or CAE and CPE score. The exact score requirements may differ from university to university. Any English language qualifications will be clearly stated as part of the application process.

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A next-generation genetic technology to identify biotechnologically-valuable enzymes and transporters, development of fluorescent organic molecules for application in super-resolution imaging techniques, ubiquitin-dependent signalling pathways in ageing, speciation in facultatively sexual species, energy dissipation in human soft tissue during impacts, how long does it take to get a phd in neuroscience.

In the United Kingdom, a standard PhD research project in neuroscience requires 3 to 4 years of full-time study. A part-time neuroscience programme typically takes 6 to 7 years to complete. A neuroscience MPhil typically takes 1 to 2 years of full time study.

Students pursuing careers in this field may undertake additional training courses, aimed to develop independent research, communication and project management skills. Courses in these areas will give students an excellent foundation in which to begin their careers.

There are also laboratory rotations and specialised training modules for doctoral students within some PhD programmes, which may include developmental psychology, developmental biology, brain sciences, clinical neuroscience, cell biology, medicine, biomedical sciences, genetics, pharmacology, neurophysiology, cognitive science and neurology .

Costs and Funding

Annual tuition fees for PhDs in neuroscience are typically around £5,000 – £6,000 for UK students. Tuition fees for overseas students are typically around £25,000 – £35,000 per academic year. Tuition fees for part time programmes are typically scaled down according to the programme length (for both home and international tuition fees).

Some neuroscience PhD programmes also have additional costs to cover laboratory resources, travel, fieldwork, department administration and computational costs.

Many Universities offer postgraduate studentships or doctoral loan schemes which cover the tuition fees and in some cases the living costs for neuroscience PhD programmes.

PhD in Neuroscience Career Paths and Jobs

If you are wondering what to do with a PhD in neuroscience, there are many options you can explore. PhD in neuroscience jobs require specialist knowledge, and the typical neuroscientist salary in the UK reflects this. However, the average salary of a neuroscientist varies greatly due to the broad range of industries they can operate in. Generally a senior neuroscientist salary in the UK is around £50,000 per annum, however salaries can exceed £100,000 depending on the specific role. For example a cognitive neuroscientist salary in the UK may be greater than that of a cellular neuroscience researcher. It is also possible to use your PhD to find work internationally as some countries may provide employment opportunities which improve upon neuroscience salaries in the UK.

Many PhD in neuroscience careers are within the academic world, as often postgraduate students choose to become lecturers, professors and researchers. Here they can continue to lead research into their field of interest and can help shape future postgraduate study. Neuroscience professors and lecturers can expect a generous salary. Higher education institutions are not the only destination available for postdoctoral researchers. Government lead research councils such as the BBRSC are one of many employers which contribute to academia.

Other PhD students look for neuroscience jobs in the pharmaceutical industry, where they can use their specialist knowledge and skills in the lab to understand how developmental drugs affect the nervous system.

Another popular career destination is within public engagement. As a scientific communicator, you are responsible for educating the general public on neurological matters and often take governmental or advisory roles. There are many NHS jobs that facilitate these responsibilities.

Typically, a PhD in neuroscience salary is higher than that of a counterpart with an undergraduate degree only. This is because the specialist knowledge a PhD graduate student has allows them to innovate and lead. A PhD programme also usually involves some manner of project management which lends itself to management roles.

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Neuroscience, PhD

School of medicine.

The Department of Neuroscience offers an interdisciplinary program designed to train doctoral students for independent research and teaching in neuroscience. It is the goal of the program to ensure that candidates for the Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. degrees obtain a background covering molecular, cellular, systems, and cognitive approaches to neuroscience, as well as receive training that brings them to the forefront of research in their particular area of interest. A series of core courses in neuroscience, along with advanced electives, seminar series, laboratory rotations, and original independent dissertation research, form the Neuroscience Graduate Training Program.

Students enter the program from different backgrounds and the laboratories in which they elect to work cover different disciplines; therefore, the program is tailored to fit the needs of individual students. The academic year at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is divided into four quarters plus a summer semester. Courses are designed so that students have ample time to become involved in laboratory rotations. These laboratory rotations expose the student to a variety of current research techniques in neuroscience and provide an opportunity for the student to select a laboratory in which to conduct dissertation research. Scheduling of the three rotations is adjusted to make the most convenient schedule for each student. The rotations are usually completed by the end of the first full year in the program. Most students begin their thesis research at the beginning of their second year.

For more information, please visit The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience webpage: http://neuroscience.jhu.edu.

Financial Aid

The program provides tuition remission plus a stipend at or above the National Institutes of Health Predoctoral level for all students. All entering and first-year students are encouraged to apply for individual fellowships such as those sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Vivien Thomas PhD Scholars at JHU The  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI)  is a new endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically black college and university ( HBCU ) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply. More information about the VTSI program is available at this link:  https://provost.jhu.edu/about/vivien-thomas-scholars-initiative/ . To be considered for the VTSI, all application and supplementary materials must be received by  December 1st .

Admission Requirements

We use a holistic approach to evaluating applicants and look forward to reading your application. We are most enthusiastic about applicants who have taken full advantage of the opportunities available at their undergraduate institution and through other summer or postbac experiences. Our class size is typically ~18 students per year.

Applicants are expected to have received a B.S. or B.A. prior to enrolling in the graduate program. Laboratory research experience prior to enrollment is also desirable. If you have research experience, please describe your research in your Statement of Interest and Career Objectives and indicate the number of months engaged in full-time and part-time research on your CV. Students who do well in our program typically have a strong academic foundation in areas of biological or physical sciences. Some of the courses that prepare students well include general biology, neuroscience, mathematics through calculus, general physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry, statistics, engineering, or computer science.

NOTE: The Neuroscience Program DOES NOT require GRE scores. 

Program Requirements

A year-long core course provides an integrated overview of molecular and cellular neuroscience, neuroanatomy and systems, and cognitive neuroscience. This course is aimed at providing Neuroscience graduate students with a foundation for posing meaningful questions in their area of interest.  During the first two years, students are required to take 6 graduate level core courses that provide rigorous training in principles of neuroscience research. In addition, students in the first year attend research symposia and complete lab rotations to introduce them to research. Students in the program are also required to participate in core program activities such as seminars, journal clubs, a quantitative analysis boot camp, career development courses and various program events. In addition, each student selects advanced electives offered by members of the Neuroscience Training Program or other departments at the Medical School.

Seminar Program

The Neuroscience Training Program conducts several seminar series to ensure that students are exposed to recent work by researchers from across the country and the world as well as by Hopkins faculty and fellows. Graduate trainees participate actively in these series throughout their training, including inviting and hosting three speakers each year. A weekly lecture is given by an outstanding researcher in some field of neuroscience. Seminars are selected so that an overall balance of subject matter is covered yearly. Students are given an opportunity to meet with each speaker for questions and discussion. Weekly lunchtime talks are presented on current literature by graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Since an ability to communicate scientific work clearly is essential, graduate students receive close guidance in preparing and evaluating their journal club presentations. Once a month, the faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students from one laboratory present and discuss the ongoing research in that laboratory. This provides an informal setting to discuss research being conducted in the laboratories of the Neuroscience Training Program and gives advanced graduate students and postdoctoral fellows a forum for presenting their work.

Requirements for the PhD Degree

A minimum residency of two academic years is required. During the course of graduate study, the student must successfully complete the required course requirements. An oral examination, conducted as prescribed by the Doctor of Philosophy Board, must be completed by the end of the second year. The student must then conduct original research and describe this research in a written thesis dissertation, which must be approved by the students Thesis Committee and the Doctor of Philosophy Board.

Training Facilities

The Training Program is centered in the Department of Neuroscience. The Training Program utilizes laboratory facilities located in the Department of Neuroscience plus several other basic and clinical departments closely associated with the Neuroscience Department. All of these laboratories are within a short distance of each other. Modern state of the art facilities for research in molecular biology, neurophysiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, cell biology, and morphology are available. The Mind/Brain Institute, located on the Homewood Campus of the University, is a group of laboratories devoted to the investigation of the neural mechanisms of higher mental function and particularly to the mechanisms of perception. All of the disciplines required to address these questions are represented in the Institute. These include neurophysiology, psychology, theoretical neurobiology, neuroanatomy, and cognitive science. All of the faculty in the Mind/Brain Institute are members of the Neuroscience Graduate Program.

Combined M.D./Ph.D. Program

A subset of the current predoctoral trainees in the Neuroscience Program are candidates for both Ph.D. and M.D. degrees. Applications for admission to the combined program are considered by the M.D./Ph.D. Committee of the School of Medicine. Application forms for the School of Medicine contain a section requesting information relevant to graduate study. Applicants interested in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program should complete this section also, and indicate specifically their interest in the “Neuroscience Training Program”. If application to the combined M.D./Ph.D. program proves unsuccessful and the applicant wishes to be considered for graduate studies, they must notify the Admissions Office of the Neuroscience Training Program by separate letter.

Pursuing a PhD in neuroscience

An interview with Nicole Vissers conducted by April Cashin-Garbutt

Nicole Vissers, PhD student in the Hofer Lab at SWC, shares her journey in science so far and her advice to those interested in pursuing a PhD in neuroscience.

What first sparked your interest in neuroscience?

I studied Biomedical Sciences as an undergraduate and one of the modules on my course was neuroscience. Many of my friends on the course found the module really complicated and they weren’t sure if they were going to pass, but I never felt that way.  I found neuroscience fascinating, and the complexity was something I wanted to study further. In some ways, it felt natural. Instead of a complicated topic, to me, neuroscience felt like a challenge I wanted to pursue.

In addition to my undergraduate course, I managed to get some practical experience by emailing one of the Professors at my university. This allowed me to gain access to a lab and learn more about what neuroscience really involved from a practical perspective.

Why did you decide to do a PhD?

In general, I’m really interested in how things work, and I like getting into the details instead of just looking at a global perspective. Especially during my internships, I noticed I really enjoyed doing research, in particular surgeries, and being involved in lots of experiments. On top of that, during my degrees, I always really liked being involved in teaching, so I thought that combining teaching with actual research, such as a principal investigator (PI) position, would be something I’d like to do in the future. Based on my curiosity and enjoyment in research and teaching, I decided to do a PhD.   I never actually expected to do a PhD when I started my degree. I am a first-generation student as no one in my family ever went to university. I remember when I first started my undergraduate degree, I had no idea what it would be like and I didn’t want to ask questions. I didn’t even know what a PhD was!

What is a PhD and what does it involve day-to-day?

A PhD involves working on one specific project (for around 3-7 years) and conducting the research yourself. You start out with a research question you are interested in and diverge or focus on a specific topic based on your findings. On top of that, you plan your experiments yourself, with help from your PI and postdocs in your lab.

On a day-to-day basis, my PhD involves working with mice. So together with the animal caretakers, I take care of them and I do surgeries to prepare the mice for behavioural experiments. On top of this, I also have to read scientific papers, discuss my findings, analyse my data and results.

Altogether, a PhD involves lots of different things and it changes week by week. Some weeks you are just doing surgeries as you are planning to do lots of experiments, then you may have to wait a couple of weeks before the animal is fully recovered. Some weeks you are reading a lot or writing or preparing a presentation.

What are the hours like?

It depends on the lab, your topic and yourself really! Of course, your PI will have certain expectations but you also have a lot of freedom. You can spend your full week every day in the lab if you want to but if you have other things alongside your PhD that’s also fine.

It also really depends on what stage of your PhD you are in. When you are close to publishing a paper or you really need to get some additional results for an experiment or grant application, then it may be a bit busier than other times so it can be quite variable.

Do you have opportunities to teach during a PhD?

Teaching is something you can pursue during a PhD. For example, I am part of the UCL Connect.ed programme and I am currently mentoring seven undergraduate students and one masters student. I am also part of some other mentoring programmes in the UK, US and the Netherlands.

You don’t work 9 to 5 during a PhD so you can be flexible and pursue things like teaching. On Wednesdays, for example, I have a course myself, but before the course I mentor my students. I teach them for one hour a week and beforehand I prepare a lecture. I learn a lot from this myself and it helps the students too.

Do students typically publish a paper during their PhD?

In general, a lot of students publish at the end of their PhD but it depends on how defined your project is. The first couple of years tend to involve setting up techniques and figuring out how everything works. A PhD in the end involves a lot of learning and therefore also involves making mistakes.  There are a lot of things that can go wrong during your experiments – you need to troubleshoot every time, that’s how you learn and improve.   

By the time you have your data, you tend to be one to two years in. Writing a paper also takes time and you need to analyse your data carefully. 

What kinds of career can you have following a PhD in neuroscience?

There are a lot of possibilities following a PhD in neuroscience as you learn many transferrable skills. You don’t just do experiments, but you have to become good at planning, data analysis and learn to be independent. For example, you have to contact companies to order things for your surgeries and you can set up new techniques.

After doing a neuroscience PhD, some people choose to join pharmaceutical companies, others join technology companies, such as those that make brain recording devices. Other options are consultancy, teaching, management positions and of course academic positions.  So, there are lots of options to choose from.

How do you decide which lab to choose for your PhD?

People often think you have to pick the lab with the highest reputation, but I think the most important thing is to pick a lab that really fits your interest and also one that makes you feel at home and where you feel at ease with the people in the lab. They will support you throughout your PhD.

I remember when I was choosing a PhD position it was really hard as it was a decision I had to make on my own. In general, I’d say talking to a lot of people is the most important thing.

What makes the PhD program at SWC unique?

The proximity of the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit (located in the same building as SWC) makes the program unique. Combining this theoretical and computational neuroscience together with experimental biological neuroscience at SWC was very appealing to me. It means you can get help with more in-depth mathematics and theoretical neuroscience if you want to and I think that is really important.

Is the culture at SWC supportive?

Yes. Although everyone is really busy doing their own science, everyone is really helpful. If you ask people questions or ask if they can help, everyone will make time to support you. There is also a lot of expertise in a wide variety of topics and techniques, so if you are stuck, there is always someone who can help.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a PhD in neuroscience?

Having a PhD as your goal is not the best goal. Follow your curiosity and go for the things you are interested in. Ask when you have questions and if you find a Professor that works on something you are really interested in, ask about PhD possibilities.

In my career path so far, the internships I have done were the most valuable in guiding me. They allowed me to build up my network and I learnt a lot from talking to everyone. If you do an internship and you meet people doing other experiments, ask if you can shadow them for a day and learn more about what they are doing. You might find something you are really interested in or a new technique that you’d like to learn.

How can you secure a lab placement or internship?

I recommend having the courage to walk up to the Professor and ask questions about the topics they taught you. Let them know you’re interested in learning more but also show them by asking questions about papers you have read and what ideas you have for topics you’d like to explore. You can also email them, but make sure to be specific and mention their papers or other papers that are related to their research that you would like to work on.

About Nicole Vissers

Nicole joined the SWC PhD programme in September 2020. She received her bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences from the Vrije University of Amsterdam and double master's degree in Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Neurosciences from the University of Amsterdam and Vrije University of Amsterdam. During these degrees she worked in various labs in the Netherlands where she worked with a variety of techniques, such as DREADDs, in vivo GRIN lens 2 photon calcium imaging and patch clamping. Because of her interest in long-range projecting inhibitory neurons, she also studied the graph theoretical explanation of the inhibitory neuron network development in the brain. Nicole is mainly interested in inhibition, plasticity, perception, and dynamical/complex systems. She is currently pursuing her PhD in the Hofer Lab , where she works on the role of the various inhibitory neurons in the vLGN in escape behaviour. Nicole is also passionate about philosophy, science education and communication. 

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PhD Programme

Learn more and apply for our PhD programme in experimental and computational neuroscience.

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Ph.D. in Psychology and Neuroscience

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 40
• Students: 80
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 100%
• Part time study available: No
• Application terms: Fall
• Application deadline: November 30

Nancy Zucker Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Duke University Box 90086 Durham, NC 27708-0086

Email:  [email protected]

Website:  http://psychandneuro.duke.edu

Program Description

Graduate training leading to a Ph.D. in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience is offered through a unique program that merges social sciences and natural sciences in the study of brain, behavior, and cognition in humans and animals. Program tracts are offered in Clinical Psychology, Cognition & the Brain, Developmental (DEV), Social Psychology, and Systems and Integrative Neuroscience (SINS).

• Psychology and Neuroscience: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Psychology and Neuroscience : PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Psychology and Neuroscience : PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Psychology and Neuroscience: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Application Deadline:  November 30

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE General (Optional)
• For clinical applicants ONLY:  If you were not a psychology undergraduate major, it is recommended that you take the GRE subject test. For psychology majors, it is not necessary to take the subject test.  No other area within Psychology and Neuroscience requires the subject test.
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)

Writing Sample None required

Additional Components Applicants to the joint Ph.D. program in Public Policy and Allied Disciplines must submit an additional essay for admission to the program. Regardless of your selection of primary department, please respond to the following prompt:

In 500 words or less, please explain your interest in the joint Ph.D. program offered between Public Policy and an Allied Discipline. Highlight how your research interests and past experiences lie at the intersection between Public Policy and the Allied Discipline and how participation in the joint program will facilitate your professional goals after receiving your degree.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees

Neuroscience

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Neuroscience is an area of study within the Division of Medical Sciences, an administrative unit based at Harvard Medical School that coordinates biomedical PhD activities at the Longwood Medical Area. Students who study in neuroscience receive a PhD in neurobiology. Prospective students apply through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). In the online application, select  “Division of Medical Sciences” as your program choice and select "Neuroscience" in the area of study menu.

Neuroscience is one of the programs in the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences, which facilitates collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. Visit HILS for additional  application instructions .

This interdisciplinary program includes over 150 faculty members from several hospitals and campuses in the Boston area with a variety of backgrounds in all areas of neuroscience. You will receive a solid core foundation and will then be able to focus on the area that interests you most with specialized training.

You will have access to an impressive array of resources, including state-of-the-art labs, high-resolution microscopy facilities, animal cores, and an instrumentation core that can design custom behavioral chambers and other experimental apparatuses. You will have the opportunity to engage with the broader neuroscience community in several ways, including through the Harvard Brain Science Initiative (HBI), a cross-schools initiative among neuroscientists in the University and its affiliated hospitals.

Students are working on various projects such as studying how neural circuits generate behavior through the use of in vivo imaging to study neurons in awake, behaving animals; the development of the nervous system; the ways in which genes and molecules regulate neural function; and the electrical properties of neurons.

Graduates of the program have secured faculty positions at institutions such as Stanford University, Holy Cross University, Rutgers University, and Harvard University. Others have established careers with leading organizations such as Biogen, Google, and McKinsey & Company. 

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Not Accepted GRE Subject: Not Accepted iBT TOEFL minimum score: 100 IELTS minimum score: 7

See list of Neuroscience faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

How to Apply

The application period for admission in Autumn 2020.

The applications for Autumn 2021-22 will open in September 2020 and will be available on the  Biosciences Admissions website .

In light of the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, Stanford reaffirms its commitment to perform individualized, holistic review of each applicant to its graduate and professional programs. We recognize that students may have faced significant challenges during the period of disruption caused by the pandemic, and we will take such individual circumstances into account during application review. Importantly, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Credit/No Credit and other grading options during this unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruption, whether they are made by institutions or by individual students. Our goal remains to form graduate student cohorts that are excellent and encompass a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences that enrich the graduate educational experience.

Application Instructions

To access the application form and obtain general information about requirements and procedures please visit the stanford biosciences admissions page .  , eligibility for the neurosciences program.

Selection for admission to the Stanford Neurosciences Program is based on a student's academic achievements, letters of recommendation attesting to research and academic skills, and statement of purpose. Research experience is very important, but the exact disciplinary area is not critical. The program does not have specific requirements for the GPA or undergraduate courses taken.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of neuroscience, students with biological and computational backgrounds are equally appropriate for the program.

• Students from traditional biology backgrounds are expected to show strong achievement in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry and neuroscience.
• Students from more quantitative backgrounds should demonstrate considerable competence in mathematics (calculus, differential equations, linear algebra), physics, probability theory, and statistics. 
• Students from psychology backgrounds should be well versed in cognitive science, experimental psychology, neuroscience and statistics.

The program is committed to training a diverse group of neuroscientists who come from a wide range of ethnic, cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Qualified applicants who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents are eligible for admission.

Financial Support

Students admitted to the Neurosciences Program are funded by training grants or predoctoral fellowships that provide for stipend, tuition, and health insurance. The University also offers a limited number of fellowships to outstanding admitted students. All students (entering and continuing) are strongly encouraged to apply for extramural predoctoral fellowships, and our students have been very competitive for prestigious fellowships in past years.

Please see the Graduate Admissions page "Required Exams" web page for information regarding COVID-19 and special TOEFL Test accommodations. 

Final Official Transcripts

Graduate Admissions only requires admitted applicants who accept the offer of admission to submit official transcripts that shows their degree conferral. More details on this can be found on the following Graduate Admissions webpage . Please do not send or have sent any official transcripts to our office.

Biosciences PhD Admissions Temporary Mailing Address

Biosciences PhD Admissions

Stanford University

3165 Porter Drive

Palo Alto, CA 94304-5261

Frequently Asked Questions

For general information about application procedures, documents, test scores, and more, visit the  biosciences admissions page ., for answers to questions specific to the neuroscience program,  see our faq's here ., international applicants.

Applicants who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents are eligible to apply. Stanford offers a limited number of fellowships to outstanding admitted students, and international applicants may be nominated for these fellowships.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

Prospective students may also be interested in the  Knight-Hennessy Scholars , which develops a community of future global leaders to address complex challenges through collaboration and innovation. This year, the program will award up to 75 high-achieving students with full funding to pursue a graduate education at Stanford, including PhD's in Biosciences. To be considered, you must apply to Knight-Hennessy Scholars by September 12, 2018, and separately apply to the Biosciences Department by November 14, 2018.

PhD Program Admissions

Visualization of copper in normal (top row) and mutant (bottom row) zebrafish brains. Image by Tong Xiao, Chang lab.

The application deadline for Fall 2024 admission was November 27th, 2023 (by 8:59 pm Pacific Standard Time). 

The Neuroscience PhD Program grants PhDs only. We do not offer a master’s degree. Applications are accepted from the middle of September through the end of November for admission for Fall of the following year. We do not accept applications for spring semester. All application materials must be received by the deadline. Late applications are not accepted or reviewed. 

Applications will be reviewed holistically, using a rubric that considers academic preparation, research experience, contributions to diversity and community, initiative and motivation, and synergy with the program, each evaluated in the context of the individual applicant.

For more information please visit:

• Which Program is Right For You
• Steps to a PhD
• Application Requirements
• Review Process

Areas of Neuroscience

The Neuroscience PhD Program provides research training in four broad areas of neuroscience: cellular & molecular neuroscience, circuit, systems & behavioral neuroscience, human cognition, and computational neuroscience. Read more about each below.

Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience

Molecular and cellular neuroscientists at Berkeley study neuronal cell biology, cellular physiology, and molecular and genetic basis of neuron, synapse, and glial function. Specific topics include sensory transduction, cellular-level neuronal development, synaptic transmission and plasticity, ion channel physiology, neurodegenerative disease, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Many faculty develop novel molecular genetic tools to more precisely measure cellular physiology or to develop new therapeutical approaches to disease. Methods from molecular biology, computational biology (bioinformatics), and cellular physiology are often used in this research.

Circuit, Systems & Behavioral Neuroscience

Circuit, systems and behavioral neuroscientists at UC Berkeley study how neural circuits, ensembles, and large-scale neural systems process information in order to interpret the sensory world, make and recall memories, and produce specific behaviors. Our faculty study neural systems for sensory processing (vision, audition, touch), innate behaviors, memory, navigation, motivated behaviors, sleep, circadian rhythms, social behaviors, decision making, and more. This research often involves neurophysiology, imaging, and optogenetics experiments, usually in behaving animals. Computational models of neural circuits, and sophisticated data analysis involving modeling and machine learning, are often used in this research.

Cognitive Neuroscience

Cognitive neuroscience at UC Berkeley focuses on human cognition and its brain correlates. Our faculty study the human cognitive abilities and neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory, decision making, perception, reasoning, attention, sleep, motor control, etc. Berkeley human cognition labs employ a broad range of experimental techniques, including functional and structural neuroimaging, electrophysiology, brain stimulation, pharmacology, computational modeling, and quantitative behavioral analyses.

Computational Neuroscience

Although quantitative methods are used in all sub areas of neuroscience for analyzing complex data sets, the focus of Computational Neuroscience is to model the brain or brain function: computational models can attempt to model experimental data obtained in neurophysiological experiments (biophysically plausible models) or model functions achieved by the brain such as object recognition, language comprehension, symbolic manipulations, etc. A strong mathematical and programming background is required for research in Computational Neuroscience.

Please see the Neuroscience Department page:  Diversity, Equity & Inclusion .

Recorded Info Session:

Friday, November 3, 2023 11am-12pm Pacific Time Neuroscience PhD Program – Diversity Admissions Fair Info Session Hosted by Program Faculty with Current Students Session Recording

Previously Recorded Info Session:

Friday, November 4, 2022 10-11am Pacific Time AMA Grad Student Panel for Prospective Applicants Hosted by Current Students Session Recording

Demystifying Graduate School: Navigating a PhD in Neuroscience and Beyond

Affiliations.

• 1 Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455.
• 2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455.
• 3 Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455.
• PMID: 30254532
• PMCID: PMC6153002

The decision to apply to a PhD-granting graduate program is both exciting and daunting. Understanding what graduate programs look for in an applicant will increase the chance of successful admission into a PhD program. It is also helpful for an applicant to understand what graduate training will look like once they matriculate into a PhD program to ensure they select programs that will help them reach their career objectives. This article focuses specifically on PhD programs in neuroscience, and while we use our program, the Graduate Program in Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota, as an example, most of what we describe is applicable to biomedical graduate programs generally. In order to ensure that our description of graduate programs is typical of neuroscience graduate programs generally, we surveyed the online websites of 52 neuroscience graduate programs around the U. S. and include our observations here. We will examine what graduate schools look for in an applicant, what to expect once admitted into a PhD graduate program, and the potential outcomes for those who successfully complete their PhD in neuroscience.

Keywords: PhD; graduate program.

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Best Neuroscience PhD Programs: Careers, and More [2024]

Are you looking for the best neuroscience PhD programs of 2024? You’re lucky because I have compiled the best neuroscience PhD programs list. Before we get into the individual programs, let’s first dive into what neuroscience is.

Neuroscience is a branch of biological science studying the brain, emphasizing its biochemistry, molecular biology, psychology, and anatomy to understand human and animal behavior. It offers an in-depth understanding of brain diseases and abnormalities so we can develop solutions using studies with neuroscientific models.

An expert neuroscientist can make significant contributions to society, and a PhD in neuroscience will equip you to pursue a prestigious career in the field. According to Salary Expert , the average annual salary of neuroscience PhD holders is $113,946. That number is expected to rise to $129,991 by 2028, making this one of the highest-paying PhDs .

Ready to find your dream PhD program in neuroscience? Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Best Neuroscience PhD Programs

Harvard university, harvard medical school.

Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience (PiN)

The Neurobiology Department of Harvard Medical School is the first research department in the world to take an interdisciplinary, systemic approach to studying the human brain. This program is one of the more competitive PhDs in neuroscience and offers a wide range of electives in a flexible format. Students can easily balance their coursework and lab work with hybrid and online learning.

• Courses : Quantitative methods for biologists, rotations in neuroscience, and discipline of neuroscience.
• Duration : 3 years or more
• Delivery : On-campus
• Tuition : Full funding
• Financial aid : Full tuition/stipend support, health insurance, childcare support, parental support, and travel allowance.
• Acceptance rate:  5%
• Location : Boston, Massachusetts

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Brain and Cognitive Sciences PhD Program

MIT’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences claims to produce the world’s sharpest and most innovative brain scientists. This PhD program enables students to pursue cutting-edge research that seeks to push the boundaries of neuroscientific knowledge.

• Courses : Molecular & cellular neuroscience, computational cognitive science, and statistics for neuroscience research.
• Duration : 5 years plus
• Tuition : $29,875 per term
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, loans, and health insurance.
• Acceptance rate : 7.3%
• Location : Cambridge, Massachusetts

Stanford University, School of Medicine

Neurosciences Ph.D. Program

Stanford is one of the leading research universities in the world. This PhD program is one of 14 “Biosciences Home Programs” offered by the institution’s School of Medicine. One of the best neuroscience PhD programs the USA provides, it enables students to design their post-graduate studies by working collaboratively with an extensive network of faculty and labs.

• Courses : Responsible conduct of neuroscience, neuroscience systems core, and neurogenetics core.
• Credits : 135 units
• Duration : 5 years
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial aid: Fellowships, grants, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate : 5.2%
• Location : Stanford, California

Princeton University, Graduate School

Ph.D. in Neuroscience

Princeton University is a globally acclaimed school with a long list of Nobel laureates and other honors. This one in our list of the best neuroscience PhD programs emphasizes hands-on experience, encouraging students to apply the concepts they learn in lectures in the lab.

• Courses : Cellular & circuits Neuroscience, computational neuroscience, and Statistics for Neuroscience.
• Tuition : $59,710 per year
• Financial aid : Fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, external funding, travel grants, veteran benefits, and loans.
• Acceptance rate : 5.6%
• Location : Princeton, New Jersey

Yale University, School of Medicine

Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program

Yale is another world-renowned university with several cultural centers to preserve the institution’s unique cultural identity. This interdepartmental PhD program is called a “department without walls” as it allows students to explore every aspect of neuroscience with the help of over 100 faculty members from more than twenty departments.

• Courses : Principles of neuroscience, foundations of systems neuroscience, and bioethics in neuroscience.
• Duration : Up to 7 years
• Tuition : $48,300 per year
• Financial aid : Fellowships, awards, research assistantships, loans, and travel funds.
• Acceptance rate : 6.5%
• Location : New Haven, Connecticut

The University of California San Francisco, Weill Institute for Neurosciences

Neuroscience Graduate Program

The University of California San Francisco is a big name committed to diversity and follows the JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) approach to promote a positive campus environment. This post-graduate program allows students to work collaboratively with faculty members across various departments who are well-known names in their respective fields.

• Courses : Cellular & molecular neuroscience, systems & behavioral neuroscience, and computational neuroscience.
• Duration : 4 – 6 years
• Tuition : $11,442 per year
• Financial aid : Fellowships, awards, grants, and teaching assistantships.
• Acceptance rate : 3.7%
• Location : San Francisco, California

Brown University

Brown University is located in the culturally diverse city of Providence, Rhode Island. The program emphasizes intellectual freedom and has an “Open Curriculum” system at the undergraduate level, which confirms this. This PhD in neuroscience program involves various experimental approaches, including a Graduate Partnership Program (GPP) with NIH (National Institutes of Health).

• Courses : Advanced molecular & cellular neurobiology, advanced systems neuroscience, and neuroanatomy.
• Tuition : $8,207 per course
• Financial aid : Full funding, stipend, health insurance, grants, fellowships, and teaching assistantships.
• Acceptance rate : 7.7%
• Location : Providence, Rhode Island

Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine

Neuroscience Training Program

The Neuroscience Department at Johns Hopkins University was one of the country’s first academic centers for Neuroscience. Its PhD program is well-regarded, offering students ample opportunities for lab rotations, a wide selection of electives, and seminar series from eminent national and international scholars.

• Courses : Neuroscience cognition, quantitative methods for the brain sciences, and neuron models.
• Duration : 3 years plus
• Tuition : Full tuition, stipend, and benefits
• Financial aid:  Fellowships, loans, scholarships, and grants.
• Acceptance rate : 11.1%
• Location : Baltimore, Maryland

California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering

Neurobiology Graduate Program

Caltech is a private institution dedicated to excellence in technological education and research. This Ph.D. program allows students to conduct advanced research in molecular mechanisms of nervous system development, the evolution of the brain and behavior in primates, neuroscience of brain disorders, and neuro-engineering.

• Courses : Tools of neurobiology, molecular, cellular, and developmental neurobiology, and circuits, systems, and behavioral biology.
• Credits : 54 units (6 quarter courses)
• Tuition : $56,364 per year
• Financial aid : Teaching assistantships, fellowships, loans, research assistantships, and full funding.
• Acceptance rate : 6.7%
• Location : Pasadena, California

The University of Chicago, Biological Sciences Division

PhD Program in Computational Neuroscience

The University of Chicago is a renowned institution that has pioneered neuroscience research by eminent scientists like K. C. Cole, Stephen Polyak, and Jack Cowan. The school’s PhD in Computational Neuroscience offers an in-depth understanding of how various neural components affect human and animal behavior.

• Courses : Cellular neurobiology, methods in computational neuroscience, and behavioral neuroscience.
• Tuition : $19,035 per quarter
• Financial aid : Grants, fellowships, awards, stipends, and research assistantships.
• Location : Chicago, Illinois

What Do I Need to Get a PhD in Neuroscience?

You’ll need an undergraduate degree in biological sciences or a related field. Some programs may also require a master’s in a relevant field; others may ask for GRE scores as part of the application process. You must complete coursework, research, and a dissertation paper throughout the program, meet teaching requirements and seminars, and pass qualifying examinations.

What to Consider When Choosing a Neuroscience PhD Program

Neuroscience is a highly specialized field that often involves interdisciplinary research. Therefore, looking for programs offering specializations in your areas of interest and with faculty members who are experts in these fields is essential. It’s also vital to consider applicable tuition, other fees, location, and whether the program offers the type of study you want (on-campus, online, or hybrid learning).

Once you decide on the best neuroscience PhD program for you, laying some groundwork is a good idea. This will help you create a more robust application and better prepare for the program. Read up on the latest neuroscience research and think about potential subjects for your dissertation. Build your sector network and start making connections that will help you with your studies and beyond.

Why Get a Doctorate in Neuroscience?

A doctorate in neuroscience can make you a valuable expert in one of the top branches of the biological sciences. You’ll have plenty of opportunities in this field to perform exciting, valuable, and innovative research.

This advanced degree will also qualify you for many well-paid roles, including:

• Medical Science Liaison ( $149,911 )
• Senior Clinical Research Associate ( $114,764 )
• Neuroscientist ( $81,661 )
• Research Scientist ( $87,532 )
• Program Director, Healthcare ( $87,780 )
• Assistant Professor, Postsecondary/Higher Education ( $73,907 )

PhD in Neuroscience: Key Facts

What is the average cost of a phd in neuroscience.

The cost of completing a Ph.D. in neuroscience varies depending on factors like the school, the program, and other expenses like accommodation. A reputable PhD in neuroscience program can range anywhere from $10K to $60K per year.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Neuroscience?

Getting a PhD in Neuroscience usually takes between 3 and 7 years.

What Skills Do You Gain from a PhD in Neuroscience?

A PhD in Neuroscience awards you a range of skills, most notably:

• The ability to develop testable neuroscientific hypotheses  and conduct studies using experimental, statistical, and literature review methods.
• Laboratory skills  related to  researching behavioral Neuroscience concepts.
• Scientific written communication skills.

PhD Neuroscience Program Statistics

• A PhD in neuroscience program can expect hundreds of applicants — the average is around 170 .
• Most neuroscience PhD candidates have an undergraduate degree in psychology, biology, or neuroscience , though they may have backgrounds in other fields, even non-science ones such as business or humanities.
• Most schools only accept a few neuroscience PhD candidates a year based on stringent criteria. For example, The University of Texas at Dallas accepts an average of 10-20 students per year.

Key Takeaways

With intake numbers for PhDs in neuroscience programs being relatively small, it’s essential to start preparing early to assemble the most robust application possible. Once you get accepted into your dream program, the future will be bright, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating a 10% growth in jobs for medical scientists between 2022 and 2032. From high salary prospects to the opportunity to make valuable contributions to society, you’re sure to have a rewarding career as a neuroscientist!

If you’re deciding between neuroscience and psychology, check out our guides to the best Master’s in Psychology  and the best online PhD in Psychology programs .

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive are neuroscience doctoral programs.

Neuroscience PhD programs can be highly competitive. Even when there are hundreds of applicants, only 10 or so may be accepted each year by each program. Therefore, it’s essential to have a strong academic record and prepare a compelling application to be accepted into your dream program.

Do Neuroscientists Need a PhD?

This depends on the exact neuroscience role you want. Typically, you’ll need a PhD in neuroscience to work as a research scientist, senior research associate, or neuroscience professor at a post-secondary school. However, you may be eligible for entry-level neuroscience roles with an undergraduate or master’s degree .

Does Harvard Have a Neuroscience Major?

Yes, Harvard University offers one of the USA’s most reputable neuroscience doctorate programs .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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What can you do with a PhD in Neuroscience?

Graduates of NGP have been successful in acquiring academic positions in colleges and universities throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.  Recent graduates have obtained post-doctoral positions within laboratories at institutions such as Harvard, Columbia, the University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins University, and Vanderbilt as well as McGill University and University College London.  After completing their post-doc, our alumni have earned faculty positions at Columbia, Emory, University of Texas Southwestern, and Tufts.

Featured Alumni

Tracy Bedrosian - Graduated 2013 Clinical Research Scientist, Neurotechnology Innovations Translator Received an F32 award from the National Institutes of Health

Laura Fonken - Graduated 2013 Assistant Professor, The University of Texas at Austin Received an F32 award from the National Institutes of Health

John Gensel - Graduated 2007 Assistant Professor, University of Kentucky Received an R01 award from the National Institutes of Health

James Walton - Graduated 2013 Postdoctoral Fellow, Georgia State University Received an F32 award from the National Institutes of Health

View a complete list of our alumni.

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PhD Profile for Graduate Program for Neuroscience

Georgia Tech to Offer Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, New Minor

The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has approved a new Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Ph.D. Program at Georgia Tech.

The interdisciplinary degree is a joint effort across the Colleges of Sciences , Computing , and Engineering . The program expects to enroll its first graduate students in Fall 2025, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The Institute Curriculum Committee has also approved a new Minor in Neuroscience , set to become available in the Georgia Tech 2024-2025 Catalog .

B.S. in Neuroscience

The Ph.D. and Minor offerings build on the recently launched Neuro Next Initiative in Research , and the established Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience , respectively.

Approved by the Board of Regents in 2017, the interdisciplinary B.S. in Neuroscience degree in the College of Sciences enrolled more than 400 undergraduate students in 2022, and has been  the fastest growing undergraduate major at Georgia Tech.

The B.S. in Neuroscience is also key to a strong ecosystem of undergraduate neuroscience education across the state, which includes peer programs at Mercer University, Augusta University, Georgia State University, Agnes Scott College, and Emory University.

Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Neurotechnology

The new doctoral degree will provide a path for the rapidly growing pipeline of in-state neuroscience undergraduate students and young alumni — while also welcoming a wider slate of graduate researchers to campus.

The Ph.D. Program’s mission is focused on educating students to advance the field of neuroscience through an interdisciplinary approach, with scientists and engineers of diverse backgrounds — ultimately integrating neuroscience research and technological development to study all levels of nervous system function.

Biological Sciences Professor Lewis A. Wheaton , who chaired the Ph.D. Program Planning Committee, shares that a cohort model will fuse “experimental and quantitative skill development, creating opportunities for students to work in science and engineering labs to promote collaborations, while also fostering a program and community that’s unique to the state and against national peer offerings.”

Expanding innovation — and impact

Wheaton explains that the new Ph.D. aims to equip graduates for a wide range of employment opportunities and growing specializations, including computational neuroscience, neurorehabilitation, cultural and social neuroscience, neuroimaging, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, developmental neuroscience, and neurolinguistics.

The new degree will also help meet the country’s growing demand for a neuro-centric workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for medical scientists (including neuroscientists) tracked around 13% between 2012 and 2022, faster than the average for all tracked occupations.

Wheaton, who also serves as director of the Cognitive Motor Control Lab and director of the Center for Promoting Inclusion and Equity in the Sciences (C-PIES) at Georgia Tech, adds that the program will equip neuroscientists to conduct research that can significantly improve lives.

Seeking students

The Planning Committee anticipates a tentative February 1, 2025 application deadline for Fall 2025 enrollments — and encourages students with the following interests to learn more and apply in the coming school year:

• Developing deeper quantitative, computing and/or engineering skills to make scientific discoveries that support innovations in neuroscience
• A clear, comprehensive understanding of the nervous system at all scales from molecular to systems
• Understanding how to use and innovate new tools and approaches to investigate the nervous system at all levels
• Becoming uniquely qualified to translate knowledge across neuroscience and related disciplines to create new knowledge in their professional pursuits

Director search

The participating Colleges will soon conduct a search for a program director , engaging a tenured member of the Georgia Tech faculty to serve as the new program’s administrator. A graduate program committee composed of five faculty members and mentors across the Colleges of Sciences, Computing, and Engineering, will also be created.  

During their April 2024 meeting, Regents also announced budget approvals and tuition changes for Georgia's 26 member institutions.

The Ph.D. Program Planning Committee included the following faculty:

• Lewis Wheaton (Committee Chair, Biological Sciences)
• Constantine Dovrolis (Computer Science)
• Christopher Rozell (Electrical and Computer Engineering)
• Eric Schumacher (Psychology)
• Garrett Stanley (Biomedical Engineering)
• David Collard (College of Sciences Office of the Dean)

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Contact Professor Lewis Wheaton , Planning Committee Chair
• Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience
• Minor in Neuroscience
• Georgia Tech Neuro and Neuro Next

Press Contact: Jess Hunt-Ralston Director of Communications College of Sciences at Georgia Tech

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Sarah Peterson Program Manager GT Neuro

Audra Davidson Research Communications Program Manager Neuro Next Initiative at Georgia Tech

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Georgia Tech to Offer Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, New Minor

May 02, 2024 —.

The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has approved a new Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Ph.D. Program at Georgia Tech.

The interdisciplinary degree is a joint effort across the Colleges of Sciences, Computing, and Engineering. The program expects to enroll its first graduate students in Fall 2025, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The Institute Curriculum Committee has also approved a new Minor in Neuroscience, set to become available in the Georgia Tech 2024-2025 Catalog.

Press Contact:

Jess Hunt-Ralston Director of Communications College of Sciences at Georgia Tech

• Neuroscience Institute

Deaf Awareness Week 2024 - Meet our researchers

Deafness and hearing loss affect roughly 11 million people in the UK alone. Meet some of our researchers working to better understand the auditory system and develop therapeutic interventions for hearing loss.

Our researchers are working to better understand the auditory system and develop therapeutic interventions for hearing loss. Meet some of our Institute members to find out what they're working on, and their motivations for researching this area.

I’m interested in understanding how the auditory system develops and processes sound, and the processes involved in genetic forms of deafness. Hearing allows us to communicate with our loved ones and also to indulge in activities such as listening to beautiful music. Hearing loss can therefore isolate people from their surroundings, which can be a devastating feeling. I want to make a difference to people’s lives in this respect, which is the reason why I dedicate my life to providing key knowledge and tools that are required for developing treatments for hearing loss.  Professor Walter Marcotti Professor of Sensory NeuroscienceCo-director of the Neuroscience Institute

When I joined the Hearing Research Group five years ago, I knew very little about hearing, nor had I ever wondered why my grandma had started to need hearing aids.Soon I became fascinated at how special the cells in our ears are, as they can perceive sounds loud and quiet, high and low, and tell our brain about it. My project is trying to answer fundamental questions on how our hearing system develops and works. Thanks to my colleagues, I have been following the latest research on deafness and hearing loss, such as associated with age, or with exposure to noise. With growing awareness and curiosity, I watched Coda and Sound of Metal, and last year I enrolled in a British Sign Language course. As leader of the outreach working group of the laboratory, I hope that our public engagement helps to educate and spread a deeper understanding of the challenges linked with hearing loss and deafness. Dr Francesca de Faveri Research associate, School of Biosciences

As a sensation, I find hearing to be the most intriguing. The fact that we as people can detect vibrations and turn them into sensations is fascinating, and when thinking deeper about it, the ability to do this effectively is something my life (and many others) is dependent on. A big problem in our society is that so many people as they get older start to lose this ability, and when it goes too far, they can no longer enjoy life in the same way. A big concern is that, unfortunately, there are currently very few options for helping people who lose their hearing as they get older, and this is because the exact reasons for why it happens are currently unknown. A key factor that has been shown to accelerate the development of hearing loss is exposure to loud noise. This means that whatever structures in the ear noise targets, are likely what are responsible for the development of age-related hearing loss. This knowledge led me to undertake a project in the Hearing Research Group, where I am currently investigating the exact structures that are affected by noise and how the effect on these structures accelerates the development of age-related hearing loss. Findings from this project will be instrumental in identifying what structures in the ear to target when developing more effective treatments.  Dr Samuel Webb Postdoc in the Hearing Research Group working with Dr Stuart Johnson

I am a research fellow studying age- and noise-related hearing loss. The laboratory technique I most use in my research is electrophysiology and I will be starting a fascinating new field involving gene therapy and in vivo imaging. I enjoy research because of the new challenges every day. Dr Jing-yi Jeng Research Fellow, School of Biosciences

I initially became interested in hearing research during my undergraduate degree. I completed my dissertation on the pathophysiology behind Hidden Hearing Loss. People with this disorder have normal hearing test results but have great difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments. My enjoyment of this research topic led me to apply for my current PhD position which is focused on age-related hearing loss. I study the non-sensory cells of the inner ear which are important for supporting the function of the sensory hair cells and neurons to allow us to hear sound effectively. I want to determine whether the ability of the non-sensory cells to support hair cell function is affected in the aged inner ear, and whether this could influence the development of age-related hearing loss. Sarah Hool PhD student in the Hearing Research Group working with Professor Walter Marcotti

When I was younger, I used to play the piano very often, and since the day I started, I’ve always found pretty incredible how our ears allow us to finely distinguish different tones and semitones of a keyboard in a matter of milliseconds. Later, during my undergrad, I began understanding with a much more comprehensive approach how the sensory systems help us constantly perceive different cues from the environment, and the consequences that may arise when these senses don’t work properly. This way, I had the chance to appreciate the vital role that hearing plays in our everyday life, in both professional and more private contexts. People affected by hearing impairments often struggle due to communication barriers and social stigmas, which have well-known detrimental consequences on their mental health. These kinds of hearing deficits are often caused by environmental factors, but in many cases genetic mutations happen to be the putative culprit. This is why I am now working on my PhD project within the Hearing Research group, and I aim to investigate the potential of gene therapy to delay or perhaps even reverse progressive hearing loss. Alice Zanella PhD student in the Hearing Research Group

I am a first year PhD Student studying within the Hearing Research Group at Sheffield. I first became interested in auditory neuroscience during my undergraduate course. From my course I developed a fascination for the hearing process, with a particular inclination for understanding why hearing impairment is so prevalent. Personally, I have always been curious as to why my grandmother could never hear correctly, to the point where I have to borderline scream. Yet, when I attend a concert or nightclub with loud music, my hearing would only temporarily become impaired. This difference in why some people develop temporary hearing loss and others exhibit permanent hearing loss is something that I strive to better understand. This ambition has led me to undertake my current PhD project where I am studying not only the role of hair cell development in the zebrafish auditory pathway, but also how these cells are affected by varying levels of loud noise exposure. Andrea Aveta PhD student working in the Hearing Research Group with Professor Marcotti

Hi, I’m Charlie, a third-year PhD student in the Marcotti lab. Knowing how many people suffer from hearing loss (it’s about 1.5 billion worldwide) and knowing how heavily it can impact their lives, I have lots of motivation to do the work that I do, which is finding out how hearing loss actually occurs. Specifically, I am looking to see if hearing loss can be caused by damage to the DNA inside the cells of the inner ear. If this is the case, then it would mean that we can inform people on how to protect their DNA, and protect their hearing. Charlie Cranston PhD Student

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92 episodes

Attaching to God connects relational neuroscience and attachment theory to our life of faith so you can grow into spiritual and relational maturity. Co-host Geoff Holsclaw (PhD, pastor, and professor) and Cyd Holsclaw (PCC, spiritual director, and integrative coach) talk with practitioners, therapists, theologians, and researchers on learning to live with ourselves, others, and God. Get everything in your inbox or on the app: https://www.grassrootschristianity.org/s/embodied-faith

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation Geoff and Cyd Holsclaw

• Religion & Spirituality

088: Don't Do Nothing about Mental Health in the Church

There is an innate need in all of us to know that there is something more beautiful than the dark places of the world we live in. After two losses within their community just prior to the 2020 pandemic, St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano, TX discerned that God was asking them to go on the offense against the darkness of mental illness. This is the story of Beacon of Light, a ministry providing much-needed resources, support, and treatment for those struggling with mental health issues while also empowering Christ-centered communities to find hope even in the most difficult times. Geoff speaks with Arthur Jones and Doug Reed. Arthur is the lead pastor of St. Andrews Methodist church in Plano, Texas. Doug Reed is the executive director of Beacon of Light, launched out of St. Andrews.  Sign up for more information: https://www.beaconoflightmh.org/newsletter Stay Connected: NEED spiritual direction or coaching that aligns with this podcast? Connect with Cyd Holsclaw here. Join the Embodied Faith community to stay connected and get posts, episodes, & resources. Support the podcast with a one-time or regular gift (to keep this ad-free without breaking the Holsclaw's bank).

087: Geoff's Second Half of Life "Crisis" and why the new name

The inaugural episode of season six, and all about "Geoff's Second Half of Life 'Crisis' and why we renamed the podcast" (and note, 'crisis' is in scar quotes). Welcome to Season 6, of what is now called the Attaching to God podcast.  We are going to be doing more episodes of just the two of us talking (Cyd and Geoff). But we will also have interviews with people, and hopefully a regular guest appearance (if we can get him to commit once a month). In addition to this, we are adding a regular segment called "Baggage Claim" where one or both of us notice the baggage we are bringing into relationships (big things or small things) See minute "27" for this new segment.  Stay Connected: NEED spiritual direction or coaching that aligns with this podcast? Connect with Cyd Holsclaw here. Join the Embodied Faith community to stay connected and get posts, episodes, & resources. Support the podcast with a one-time or regular gift (to keep this ad-free without breaking the Holsclaw's bank).

• 30 JAN 2024

086: Non-Toxic Masculinity (with Zachary Wagner)

The problem of toxic masculinity is much bigger than contemporary expressions of Christianity. Mistreatment of women and men dehumanizing others is a feature of human culture fraught with sin.  But the church is called to be salt and light, so how can we foster a non-toxic masculinity? Our guest today is Zachary Wagner, a writer, researcher, and minister. He serves as the editorial director for the Center for Pastor Theologians. We’re talking about his book Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality. Stay Connected: NEED spiritual direction or coaching that aligns with this podcast? Connect with Cyd Holsclaw here. Join the Embodied Faith community to stay connected and get posts, episodes, & resources. Support the podcast with a one-time or regular gift (to keep this ad-free without breaking the Holsclaw's bank).

• 23 JAN 2024

085: Forming Spiritually Resilient Children (with Dr. Holly Allen)

Many children today are growing up amid adversity, whether brought on by family difficulties or larger societal crises. All children need to be able to deal with stress, cope with challenges, and persevere through disappointments. While we cannot protect children from all hardships, we can promote healthy development that fosters resilience. Our guest, Dr. Holly Catterton Allen, recently retired from her position as Professor of Christian Ministries and Family Science at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Allen’s books include Intergenerational Christian Formation and Forming Resilient Children: The Role of Spiritual Formation for Healthy Development. Stay Connected: NEED spiritual direction or coaching that aligns with this podcast? Connect with Cyd Holsclaw here. Join the Embodied Faith community to stay connected and get posts, episodes, & resources. Support the podcast with a one-time or regular gift (to keep this ad-free without breaking the Holsclaw's bank).

• 16 JAN 2024

084: Mental Illness or Spiritual Issue? And how they connect (with Dr. Matthew Stanford)

Research tells us that when people suffer from a mental health crisis, the first person they turn to for help is not a physician, a psychiatrist, or a social worker, but a pastor, a priest, or a minister. Unfortunately, many church leaders are not trained to recognize mental illness and don’t know when to refer someone to a mental health professional. And how do we know the difference between a mental illness and a spiritual issue? This is what we are talking about with Dr. Matthew Sanford, author of Grace for the Afflicted: A Clinical and Biblical Perspective on Mental Illness, and CEO of the Hope and Healing Center in Houston, TX. Other books by Dr. Stanford:  The Biology of Sin: Grace, Hope and Healing for Those Who Feel TrappedMadness and Grace: A Practical Guide for Pastoral Care and Serious Mental IllnessStay Connected: NEED spiritual direction or coaching that aligns with this podcast? Connect with Cyd Holsclaw here. Join the Embodied Faith community to stay connected and get posts, episodes, & resources. Support the podcast with a one-time or regular gift (to keep this ad-free without breaking the Holsclaw's bank).

• 12 DEC 2023

083: Does God Hate? Or, Making Sense of God's Emotions (with David Lamb)

Does God hate? Is God emotional? Emotions feel irrational, impulsive, and problematic for God, especially when we think about hate, jealousy, or sorrow. But the truth is the Bible is full of all sorts of stories that express God expressing emotions. This episode focuses particularly on God and the emotion of hate. Our guest is Dr. David Lamb. He is the MacRae Professor of Old Testament and in 2017 the Dean of the Faculty at Missio Seminary. He is the author of "God Behaving Badly: Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist and Racist." And more recently has written "The Emotions of God: Making Sense of a God who hates, weeps, and loves." And Dr. Lamb spent twenty years on staff with InterVaristy.  Stay Connected: NEED spiritual direction or coaching that aligns with this podcast? Connect with Cyd Holsclaw here. Join the Embodied Faith community to stay connected and get posts, episodes, & resources. Support the podcast with a one-time or regular gift (to keep this ad-free without breaking the Holsclaw's bank).

• © 2024 Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation

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