# Ph.D. Training in Neuroscience

> **NIH NIH T32** · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · 2024 · $770,363

## Abstract

Abstract
We propose to continue a Jointly Sponsored Predoctoral Training Program in Neurosciences that is the major
source of support for early year students in the Ph.D. Program in Neurosciences at Harvard University. The
goals of this interdepartmental Ph.D. program, established in 1982, are (1) to organize the neuroscientists at
Harvard Medical School, its affiliated hospitals, and Harvard College into a single training faculty cohort; and
(2) to train research scientists and teachers who are interested in mental health, diseases of the nervous
system, and fundamental mechanisms of the brain. The training program is designed to provide talented
trainees with a broad and thorough background in neuroscience; to train them in quantitative and statistical
methods in experimental design and analysis; and to mentor them in performing original and rigorous research
in important areas of neuroscience. During the first year, students are provided with initial preparation in
quantitative approaches to scientific endeavors. This is followed by a year-long course, The Discipline of
Neuroscience, which provides integrated and rigorous training in concepts central to our understanding of the
development, function, and diseases of the nervous system at the levels of cellular signaling, circuit
computations, and behavior generation. All students take an additional course in quantitative/statistical
approaches to Neuroscience, as well as a neuroanatomy course and two electives. Students also rotate
through three different laboratories during the first year. Following the coursework, laboratory rotations, and a
preliminary examination, students begin full time, mentored dissertation research. During the program,
students are also involved in other ongoing training activities including journal clubs, seminars, retreats, skill
workshops, and data presentation. There are currently 130 graduate students enrolled in the Program in
Neuroscience; we are requesting support for 14 students, divided between the first and second year of
graduate education. There are 153 faculty in the Program in Neuroscience; the 82 faculty who are currently
most actively involved in graduate education are training mentors on this proposal. Considerable effort has
gone into making this program a highly interactive group with extensive formal and informal contacts between
students and faculty, as well as in enhancing the diversity of the student body in the Program. Graduates of
this program go on to distinguished careers in biomedical research and make substantial contributions to a
growing understanding of neuroscience.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10848008
- **Project number:** 2T32MH020017-26A1
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **Principal Investigator:** JOHN ASSAD
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $770,363
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1997-09-30 → 2029-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10848008

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10848008, Ph.D. Training in Neuroscience (2T32MH020017-26A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10848008. Licensed CC0.

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