# Advanced Graduate Training Program in Theoretical Neuroscience

> **NIH NIH T32** · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2020 · $193,686

## Abstract

We are requesting the continuation of a training program in theoretical neuroscience with funds to support 4
predoctoral trainees. Our goal is to train students who combine exceptional skills in mathematics, statistics,
modeling and machine learning with a deep understanding of neurobiology. The complexity of neural systems
and of the data that we can now obtain demands researchers with these skills if we are to realize the
neuroscience community's goals of achieving a mechanistic understanding of nervous system function and
making significant progress in the treatment of neural disorders and mental illness. Training will occur at the
Center for Theoretical Neuroscience at Columbia University, supported by the 6 faculty at the Center, faculty
visitors to the Center, and 26 other faculty from the Departments of Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology,
Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, and Statistics at Columbia. The Theory Center provides an exceptional
environment in which pre-doctoral, post-doctoral and faculty researchers interact and collaborate extensively
both within the Center and with researchers in experimental laboratories. Most trainees are members of the
Columbia graduate program in Neurobiology and Behavior (with a small number drawn from other graduate
programs) and take the courses that satisfy the requirements of that program. The required courses are
augmented by a large selection of electives, including courses in theoretical neuroscience, statistics and
machine learning. The goal of this training program is twofold: 1) To produce theoreticians who combine
outstanding skills in analysis and model-building with a deep understanding and "sense" of biological
neuroscience; and 2) To train experimentalist who are skilled at applying theoretical and computational
methods in their research. This will be accomplished through extensive collaborations with outstanding
experimental laboratories both at Columbia and elsewhere combined with training in state-of-the art theoretical
methods. Whenever possible, students will be co-advised by both a member of the Theory Center faculty and
a researcher from our associated experimental faculty, and they will be given desk space both in the Theory
Center and in the laboratory of their experimental co-advisor. The opportunity to be involved in the operations
of an outstanding laboratory and in the activities and intellectual atmosphere of a world-class theory center
provides an exceptional training experience.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9918987
- **Project number:** 5T32NS064929-12
- **Recipient organization:** COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Laurence F. Abbott
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $193,686
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2009-07-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9918987

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9918987, Advanced Graduate Training Program in Theoretical Neuroscience (5T32NS064929-12). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9918987. Licensed CC0.

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