# Training Program in the Neuroscience of Human Cognition

> **NIH NIH T32** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2023 · $429,615

## Abstract

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 ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10629044
- **Project number:** 2T32NS047987-16A1
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** KEN A PALLER
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $429,615
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2006-07-01 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10629044

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10629044, Training Program in the Neuroscience of Human Cognition (2T32NS047987-16A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10629044. Licensed CC0.

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