teaching and training in computational neuroscience
The Foundation aims to raise funds for teaching and research in theoretical neuroscience. As well as supporting fundamental research in theoretical neuroscience (read more about our research), a major aim of the Foundation is to provide technical training for students and junior researchers.
Indeed, we aim to support a number of training fellowships, which will enable more young scientists to learn how to apply computer modelling techniques in brain science.
This is a key goal because computational neuroscience is a relatively new discipline, and there is a great need for more technical training to be made available to students in this area.
oftnai supporting education
The Foundation aims to support undergraduate lecture courses and provide supervision for graduate research programmes. Many students have expressed enthusiasm to undertake research as funding becomes available.
In addition, OFTNAI will enable the transfer of skills through visiting research fellowships, lecture series and short residential courses.
Expertise and research results will also be disseminated through publications.
what we are currently doing for education
We are aiming to build a major centre of expertise in theoretical neuroscience. Students and junior researchers are learning, for example, how to use 3D virtual reality software to embed biophysically accurate neural network models in rich 3D virtual environments.
This work involves various inter-related areas of brain function, e.g. vision, spatial representation and motor behaviour. But of course, these systems interact in the brain, and hence so do the members of the centre. Students within the university research centre find this highly rewarding.
The Foundation currently supports a computer modelling centre for brain modelling within the Oxford University Department of Experimental Psychology.
