International Neuroscience Doctoral Programme

The INDP is an international Ph.D. programme in neuroscience. The programme begins with one year intensive training that provides broad foundation for innovative interdisciplinary work in basic or applied neuroscience, especially in the areas of neural systems underlying behavior. This is followed by in depth research on a focused topic, targeted to last 3 years, leading to a Ph.D. thesis.

Note that this programme was formerly known as the Gulbenkian-Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme (PGCN).

The INDP is organized by a new international neuroscience research programme, the Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, currently based at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC).

A wide range of opportunities for doctoral research are available in research groups associated with the CNP (currently 10 groups and growing). The CNP has a focus on understanding the neural circuits underlying brain functions and behaviour. Research topics include sensory and motor systems, reward and metabolism, plasticity and learning, cognitive functions, social behavior, development and computational neuroscience. The groups employ a wide range of modern techniques, especially in vivo approaches, including electrophysiology, multi-photon microscopy and molecular biology and genetics. Animal models include rodents, flies and fish.

International students conduct their thesis research in a lab within the CNP. To assist choosing a lab, students perform lab rotations. During a rotation, students are fully integrated in the laboratory, enabling them to get to know group members and nature of the work up close. More information on the laboratories associated with the CNP can be found here.

Students of Portuguese nationality who are admitted to the programme are eligible to conduct their research not only with CNP groups but also in laboratories throughout the world, through support from the FCT. There are no restrictions on the location of the thesis lab, but laboratory selection is undertaken with guidance from the programme. Projects that involve collaborations between an international laboratory and a CNP group are actively encouraged. Students from the 2007 class are currently working in labs in the US (5), England (1), Austria (1), Spain (1) and Portugal CNP-IGC (2).

The first year of the programme is designed to provide a broad exposure to wide range of topics and viewpoints in neuroscience and biology to prepare for selecting a thesis lab. Thus, prior training in neuroscience, while encouraged, is not necessary. For students with extensive preparation, an individually-tailored curriculum and additional research rotation opportunities are possible. The programme has an emphasis on quantitative approaches and therefore a background in university-level mathematics is desirable. The programme is well-suited to students from the physical sciences, computer sciences and engineering with no biology or neuroscience training.

Course work is divided into one or two week intensive modules. The autumn curriculum focuses on quantitative methods in statistics and programming, as well as overview of modern biology, including cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, development and immunology.

The spring curriculum focuses on neuroscience and includes over 18 modules covering diverse topics including cellular and systems physiology, development and plasticity, sensory and motor systems, and computational and social neuroscience. A wide range of experimental and theoretical techniques and model systems are taught. Each module is taught by a team of instructors including both local faculty and invited experts from around the world, providing extensive opportunities for one-on-one interaction with leading scientists from a broad range of fields and backgrounds. Instructors represent a wide range of area of neuroscience and allied fields including psychology, machine learning, ethology, cognitive science and medicine.

Each course module generally consists of classroom lectures in the morning followed by a variety of practical work in the afternoon. This includes discussions and journal clubs, laboratory work in which students conduct behaviour, electrophysiology and imaging experiments, and theoretical work in which students will program computational models and data analysis in Matlab. High-level workshops on selected topics in neuroscience are also integrated into the curriculum providing students additional exposure to current research. Evaluations are made on the basis of class participation, oral presentations and written assignments.

The curriculum and instructors for the current and previous INDP courses can be found here. Please note that the language of instruction is English.

Each entering class of comprises around ten students. Students generally live nearby the institute in Oeiras or Lisbon and form a strong community during the first year. Projects are frequently conducted in small groups or all together and teamwork is strongly encouraged. Students co-organize a weekly event series in which they curate filmed and live presentations of diverse topics of general interest. Students are paired with individual faculty members who serve as academic mentors. During the summer, students research and write a thesis proposal and select a laboratory, guided by the program directors and the academic mentor.

In addition to course work, first year students participate in a wide range of institute activities. Weekly institute seminar series bring lecturers from diverse fields of biology. Students also participate in retreats with other IGC doctoral students and CNP groups. The IGC is a dynamic international research environment hosting 200 scientists and PhD students in diverse fields of biology and biomedicine and representing over 25 different countries.

The IGC is located in Oeiras, Portugal, near the junction of the Tejo river and the Atlantic ocean just west of the capital of Lisbon. The IGC is conveniently located nearby the rail station (20 min train ride to Lisbon, €1.25 one-way) and to the beach (10 minutes walking).

Lisbon is an ancient and romantic city steeped in history, but infused by a growing and dynamic artistic, cultural and street life. Southern Portugal has a sunny and warm Mediterranean climate tempered proximity to the waves of the Atlantic. A reasonable cost of living and convenient transportation system make the city accessible to students. English is the official language of the institute and knowledge of Portuguese is not required. English is also very widely spoken in Portugal and is not required for getting around, but classes are available at the institute for those wishing to learn.

Lisbon guides: Spotted by Locals - Lisbon

The neuroscience PhD programme was founded in 2007 as the Gulbenkian-Champalimaud Programme in Neurosciences (PGCN) under the directorship of Zach Mainen. In 2008 Joe Paton joined the programme as coordinator. Alexandra Piedade is the administrative assistant for the programme. In 2009 the programme was renamed International Neuroscience Doctoral Programme (INDP).

The INDP is supported by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), the Champalimaud Foundation, and the Gulbenkian Foundation. INDP students receive full tuition and stipend support. Degrees are granted through association with Universidade Nova de Lisboa. All research and instruction is carried out in English. Through 2009, two classes of 10 students have entered the programme.

We strongly encourage candidates from all nationalities, including those outside of European Union member states. Entering students from past classes have come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds, including physics, engineering, psychology, biochemistry, biology, medicine and pharmacology. The programme is highly selective, with fewer than 10% of applicants being admitted, but students are selected on accomplishments, motivation and potential for research and not strictly by scores or grades. The first stage of the application consists of an online form, written statement and reference letters. The second stage involves a personal interview and visit to the IGC. Please visit our application site for more information.

• Applications for the class of 2009 are closed.
• Download the official Call for Applications for INDP 2009 here.
• Download the INDP 2009 poster here.
• Applications for the class of 2010 will open around October 2009.

• Q: Do I need to be a Portuguese speaker, resident or citizen to apply?
• A: No. The programme is open to all nationalities. Portuguese citizens are eligible to do research outside Portugual; others should apply to do their PhD research in a lab associated with the CNP.
• Q: What kind of funding will I receive if I am admitted?
• A: All admitted students will receive funding for the 1st year through the programme. All students who pass the first year will receive at least 3 yrs funding for their thesis work.
• Q: Do I need to have a Master's degree to apply?
• A: No. For 2009 we do not require Master's degrees, even for those with 3 yr Bachelor's degrees. For classes entering in 2010 and following, a Master's degree will be required for applicants from Bologna-process countries.
• Q: What will applicants be notified of admission?
• A: We plan to notify applicants of the final selection on or about June 15.

Please send to info@ineurophd.org.