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Predoctoral Training in Quantitative Neuroscience

Award Number: T32NS105595
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2019
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2030

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Predoctoral Training in Quantitative Neuroscience - This proposal will extend a program for Predoctoral Training in Quantitative Neurosciences at Caltech. The field of neuroscience is currently experiencing explosive growth, driven by a plethora of new technologies for observing and manipulating the brain. To apply these methods fruitfully and interpret the resulting flood of data, modern neuroscientists need a sophistication in mathematical and computational approaches that traditional neuroscience training programs cannot provide. At the same time we are seeing a convergence of understanding at different levels of brain organization, ranging from the molecules that specify neural connections to the dynamic function of large circuits in the human brain. Thus, there is an urgent need to train young neuroscientists with an integrated perspective that spans many levels – from molecules to behavior to computation – which have traditionally been taught in separate programs. Caltech is in an ideal position to answer these demands. It is an institution almost entirely dedicated to scientific research, routinely ranked among the top few universities in the world. Caltech is well known for its rigorous training in physics, mathematics, and engineering, but it also has a distinguished history in biological research, and in the neurosciences in particular. The small size supports a climate in which scientific collaboration across disciplines is effortless. In 2019, we created an exciting environment for training in quantitative neuroscience. The training program is focused on PhD students in years 1 and 2. The strategy begins with selective recruiting of candidates from a broad range of undergraduate majors, ranging from biochemistry to psychology to computer science. First-year students get introduced to faculty research during three rotations of 3 months each, after which they choose a primary mentor to supervise their PhD research. Trainees also complete a rigorous 2-year course curriculum that ensures core competency in the following six areas: (i) molecular and cellular neuroscience; (ii) systems and circuit neuroscience; (iii) human neuroscience and brain disorders; (iv) tools and technology for neuroscience; (v) applied mathematics and statistics; (vi) scientific programming and data analysis. Trainees get writing experience through a mentored process of fellowship applications. They also give numerous oral presentations in forums on and off campus. After a candidacy examination at the end of year 2, trainees focus on PhD research, with the aim of authoring one or more major publications, and graduating by year 6 or earlier. Each trainee’s trajectory through the program is accompanied by individualized advising, adjusting coursework to ensure broad competency while also challenging the student in a domain of special expertise. In summary, the proposed program in quantitative neurosciences responds in a timely manner to an urgent demand for a new type of graduate training in this rapidly evolving discipline.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $141,213 )
2025	2025	CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY	1200 E CALIFORNIA BLVD	PASADENA	CA	91125	LOS ANGELES	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	001	6	8/6/2025	COMPETING CONTINUATION	$430,248
2025	2023	CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY	1200 E CALIFORNIA BLVD	PASADENA	CA	91125	LOS ANGELES	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	5	11/14/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$289,035
														Subtotal = $141,213

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $426,156 )
2023	2023	CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY	1200 E CALIFORNIA BLVD	PASADENA	CA	91125	LOS ANGELES	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	5	6/23/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$426,156
														Subtotal = $426,156

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $420,177 )
2022	2022	CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY	1200 E CALIFORNIA BLVD	PASADENA	CA	91125	LOS ANGELES	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	001	4	8/25/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
2022	2022	CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY	1200 E CALIFORNIA BLVD	PASADENA	CA	91125	LOS ANGELES	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	4	5/23/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$420,177
														Subtotal = $420,177

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $293,991 )
2021	2021	CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY	1200 E CALIFORNIA BLVD	PASADENA	CA	91125	LOS ANGELES	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	3	6/25/2021	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$293,991
														Subtotal = $293,991

Issue Date FY: 2020 ( Subtotal = $389,533 )
2020	2020	CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY	1200 E CALIFORNIA BLVD	PASADENA	CA	91125	LOS ANGELES	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	2	8/12/2020	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$389,533
														Subtotal = $389,533

Issue Date FY: 2019 ( Subtotal = $385,178 )
2019	2019	CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY	1200 E CALIFORNIA BLVD	PASADENA	CA	91125	LOS ANGELES	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	1	5/13/2019	NEW	$385,178
														Subtotal = $385,178

Grand Total All Awards = $2,056,248

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Predoctoral Training in Quantitative Neuroscience

Award Number: T32NS105595

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2019

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2030

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