NeuroTech Training Program

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Trainee works on neurotechnology research at a desk

Students bringing emerging technologies to advance neuroscience discovery and human health

The NeuroTech training program draws Stanford graduate students from the technical disciplines of engineering, computer science, statistics, applied physics and physics into the emerging world of neurotechnology. As a NeuroTech trainee, you will spend three years immersed in coursework, research, seminars and travel opportunities designed to introduce you to the unique questions and challenges facing the field of neuroscience, so you can apply your technical skills to advancing neuroscience discovery and human health. Working together with NeuroTeach Cohort Mentors and fellow trainees, NeuroTech students prepare to tackle these challenges and to become leaders in the emerging field of neurotechnology.

Meet our NeuroTech Trainees

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NeuroTech Program

The NeuroTech graduate training program is only available to students who have already begun their PhD program at Stanford. If you are not currently a Stanford student, please follow the normal application procedures for the PhD program of your choice, and consider joining the Center for Mind, Brain, Computation and Technology’s mailing list here to learn more about seminars, symposia and other events.

“Technology advances have revolutionized how we study the nervous system and how we treat brain disorders. We fully expect this trend to continue, and our training program is focused on bringing top talent from engineering, physics and other technical disciplines into neuroscience to make this future possible."

E.J. Chichilnisky
Co-Director, NeuroTech training program

Your Neurotech Experience

Your NeuroTech experience can begin as early as in the fall quarter of the first year of your PhD with the Experimental Immersion in Neuroscience course, where you can explore if neurotechnology research matches your interests and goals.  Then, after formally applying to the NeuroTech program in the spring of your first or second year, your NeuroTech training will begin in the following year of your PhD, and last three years. 

As a NeuroTech PhD student, you will:

  • Have access to NeuroTech Cohort Mentors to design a personalized course of study to support your research project, scientific and technical training, and academic, professional and career goals
  • Participate in NeuroTech Training Seminars to practice scientific, communication, leadership, business and interpersonal skills;
  • Engage in community building activities with your cohort and the larger Stanford neuroscience community;
  • Have the opportunity to explore internships in academia or industry, and more
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Diversity and Inclusion

One of the primary goals of the NeuroTech training program is to support diversity among researchers in the neurosciences. We encourage all interested students to apply, and particularly people from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM, to submit an application. We are committed to supporting the success of students from all backgrounds through a combination of mentorship and community building, and a commitment to aiding trainees in developing the skills needed to succeed in academia and industry. This includes providing opportunities for all students to learn more about both the obstacles that certain communities face, and about the value of inclusive and diverse collaborations.

Stanford diversity programs

Stanford has several programs to support newly admitted PhD students from underrepresented backgrounds, including the ADVANCE Summer Institute and the EDGE Doctoral Fellows Program. These programs help students develop skills and establish communities that can help them thrive at Stanford and beyond. Please contact mbct-center@stanford.edu if you would like additional information.

Community Engagement

NeuroTech trainees have access to a variety of community engagement activities to aid them in building personal connections with other interdisciplinary scientists and achieving their research, training and career goals. See below for details on how to engage in these activities.

Seminars and symposia

The Center for Mind, Brain, Computation and Technology (MBCT) hosts a seminar series throughout the year, typically on a biweekly basis, that reflects the diversity of scientific approaches for studying the mind and brain. These seminars include a mix of Stanford faculty, faculty from other institutions and researchers outside of academia. Additionally, advanced student members present as part of the seminar series.

Annually, the Center hosts a Symposium related to a specific theme relevant to the scientific goals of the community. 

Student leadership opportunities

Each year, a student committee organizes the Mind, Brain, Computation and Technology seminar series, and takes the lead in soliciting speaker nominations from the community, inviting speakers and hosting their visits to campus. Additionally, students host the speakers for the annual Symposium.

A Student Advisory Council has been formed with the goal of enabling greater student input into the direction of the center. These students solicit feedback from the MBCT student community, and meet with the Center's leadership several times per year. The MBCT Social Committee brings together students for fun, informal gatherings over coffee and other beverages. The Social Committee plans several events each year, including events with other interdisciplinary graduate training programs on campus.

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Trainee support

NeuroTech trainees have access to a variety of community engagement activities to aid them in building personal connections with other interdisciplinary scientists and achieving their research, training and career goals. See below for details on how to engage in these activities.

Mentorship

As a NeuroTech student, you and your cohort of students will be assigned one dedicated NeuroTech Cohort Mentor to receive complementary guidance and support. Each year you will work with this mentor to create or revise your individualized training plan in order to best address your particular research, career and personal goals.

Financial support

Over the course of their three years in the program, all trainees in good standing are eligible to use their NeuroTech Research and Travel fund of $7,500, of which up to $3,000 can be used to support their research, and up to $4,500 can be used to support travel to conferences or workshops. While funding is guaranteed for the 2023-2024 academic year, the exact funding amount for subsequent years is currently in conversation based on available funding resources.

To remain in good standing, trainees must submit an annual progress report that documents their progress toward completion of all program elements and demonstrates their commitment to the training, research and engagement aspects of the program.

Terms and Conditions