Program Overview

Computational Neuroscience Core and Specialization Program

Purpose and Goals

The University of Calgary Brain and Mental Health research strategy has launched a new transdisciplinary, cross-cutting platform in Computational Neuroscience. This platform employs mathematical models, theoretical analysis, and abstractions of the brain to improve our understanding of the principles that govern brain development, structure, physiology, and cognition.

Aims of the Program

Computational Neuroscience is revolutionizing the depths to which we can investigate the brain and its applications. The University of Calgary embraces this rapidly developing frontier. This program aims to:

• Bring together University of Calgary scholars from diverse fields in neuroscience (and related disciplines including neurology, psychiatry, and psychology), physics, cellular biology, computer science, biomedical engineering, veterinary medicine, mathematics, and others.
• Together these scholars will unlock new pathways of investigation that drive exciting discoveries to advance our understanding of brain circuitry in the healthy and diseased brain, and to catalyze new approaches for the development of artificial intelligence and brain-computer interfaces.
• Train the next generation of interdisciplinary, technology-savvy research and industry leaders, in partnership with government, industry, and provincial partners.
• Expand advanced computing resources, technology-driven infrastructure, bioinformatics, highly qualified personnel, and recruitments by leveraging considerable recent investments made by the University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and other partners.
• A graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Computational Neurosciences training program has been developed (led by Dr. Signe Bray) as part of the new platform.
• Catapult University of Calgary’s reputation as a national and global leader in the rapidly growing field of Computational Neuroscience through discovery and impact via commercialization.