The Center for Neural Science (CNS) is a premier interdisciplinary research institution dedicated to the study of the nervous system and its functions. Located at New York University (NYU), the CNS is a hub for scientists and scholars from diverse backgrounds, including biology, psychology, physics, mathematics, and computer science. The center's primary goal is to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying behavior, cognition, and emotion, and to develop new treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
History and Mission
The Center for Neural Science was established in 1989 with the aim of fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of neuroscience. Since its inception, the CNS has grown to become one of the largest and most respected neuroscience research centers in the world. The center’s mission is to conduct cutting-edge research, provide exceptional graduate and undergraduate education, and promote public awareness of the importance of neuroscience research. The CNS is committed to advancing our knowledge of the brain and nervous system, and to using this knowledge to improve human health and well-being. The center’s research focuses on a wide range of topics, including sensory perception, motor control, learning and memory, language, and neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Research Areas
The CNS is organized into several research areas, each focusing on a specific aspect of neural science. These areas include sensory neuroscience, which explores how the brain processes sensory information from the environment; motor neuroscience, which studies the neural mechanisms underlying movement and motor control; and cognitive neuroscience, which investigates the neural basis of higher-level cognitive functions such as attention, perception, and memory. Other research areas include neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, and neurological disorders. The CNS is also home to several state-of-the-art research facilities, including the Center for Brain Imaging and the Neurophysics Laboratory.
| Research Area | Faculty Members | Research Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Sensory Neuroscience | 10 | Visual, auditory, and somatosensory perception |
| Motor Neuroscience | 8 | Motor control, movement disorders, and neuroprosthetics |
| Cognitive Neuroscience | 12 | Attention, perception, memory, and decision-making |
Education and Training
The CNS offers a range of educational and training programs for students and postdoctoral researchers. The center’s graduate program in neuroscience is one of the largest and most prestigious in the country, with over 100 students pursuing PhDs in neuroscience. The program provides students with a broad foundation in neuroscience, as well as specialized training in their area of interest. The CNS also offers undergraduate courses and research opportunities for NYU students, providing them with hands-on experience in neuroscience research and preparing them for careers in science, medicine, and related fields.
Faculty and Research Opportunities
The CNS faculty comprises over 50 researchers and scholars from diverse backgrounds, including biology, psychology, physics, mathematics, and computer science. Faculty members are actively engaged in research and provide students and postdoctoral researchers with mentorship and guidance. The center’s research opportunities include laboratory rotations, which allow students to gain experience in different research labs; research projects, which provide students with hands-on experience in designing and conducting experiments; and collaborative research initiatives, which bring together researchers from different disciplines to tackle complex problems in neuroscience.
- Graduate program in neuroscience
- Undergraduate courses and research opportunities
- Postdoctoral research fellowships
- Research collaborations with other institutions
What are the research areas of focus at the Center for Neural Science?
+The Center for Neural Science has several research areas of focus, including sensory neuroscience, motor neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, and neurological disorders.
What educational and training programs are offered at the CNS?
+The CNS offers a range of educational and training programs, including a graduate program in neuroscience, undergraduate courses and research opportunities, and postdoctoral research fellowships.
The Center for Neural Science is a leading institution for neuroscience research and education, with a strong track record of advancing our understanding of the brain and nervous system. With its interdisciplinary approach, state-of-the-art research facilities, and commitment to education and training, the CNS is poised to continue making significant contributions to the field of neuroscience in the years to come. The CNS is dedicated to using its knowledge and expertise to improve human health and well-being, and to promoting public awareness of the importance of neuroscience research. As the field of neuroscience continues to evolve, the CNS is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping our understanding of the brain and nervous system, and in developing new treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
