International Max Planck Research School on Cognitive NeuroImaging (IMPRS CoNI)

The IMPRS CoNI provides world-class training for doctoral students and aims to nurture the next generation of scientists in the highly interdisciplinary field of human neuroscience, particularly cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging. The research field spans a wide range from applications in various fields of human neuroscience and cognition to the development of novel methods in neuroimaging, computational neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. To cover this spectrum and provide top scientific quality, the IMPRS CoNI integrates international excellence through a partnership of the MPI CBS and LU, with additional faculty from TUD and UCL. The core fields underlying the IMPRS CoNI (cognitive neuroscience, clinical and translational neuroscience, and neuroimaging) are more important than ever. Non-invasive neuroimaging has revolutionised the study of uniquely-human higher cognitive functions, e.g. language and certain aspects of social cognition. Such knowledge illuminates nothing less than the fundamental question of what makes us human. In addition, cognitive neuroimaging promises to address major technical and societal challenges. Doctoral researchers are exposed to cutting-edge research in training and projects. IMPRS CoNI is one of the few graduate schools covering this highly interdisciplinary and rapidly developing field comprehensively, particularly considering neuroscientific applications and methods alike. The IMPRS CoNI capitalises on the unique position of the MPI CBS and its partners to offer excellent training and opportunities for cutting-edge research projects. Students benefit from the extraordinary infrastructure enabling all types of cognitive neuroimaging experiments. The IMPRS CoNI covers all major imaging and neurostimulation methods and their appropriate use, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (including access to one of only four Connectom MRI systems worldwide for diffusion imaging), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), positron emission tomography-MRI (PET-MRI), near-infrared spectroscopy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and direct current stimulation (tDCS). On top of this, IMPRS CoNI offers high performance computing facilities for computational modelling and data analysis. The modules covered ensure a structured and comprehensive approach and provide the important basic training. Additionally, the school offers advanced courses tailored towards students' interests and needs for their PhD projects. Lectures are complemented by practical exercises, summer schools, retreats, and workshops. IMPRS CoNI also offers hybrid teaching, which allows both students and faculty to work and contribute remotely. Course content is digitised to increase the flexibility for students to conduct the thesis process, participate in lab visits, and learn according to their preferences or needs. A major focus of the curriculum is the flipped classroom concept, which increases students' engagement and problem solving abilities. The school also aims to integrate novel training technologies, such as virtual and embedded learning tools. The IMPRS CoNI strives for diversity and thus emphasises equal opportunities in all respects.