Objective of CNeuro

CNeuro is a week-long, annual summer school that makes state-of-the-art knowledge in the field of theoretical and computational neuroscience accessible to students and researchers around the globe. It combines a pedagogical introduction to the mathematical and computational methods relevant to the study of systems and cognitive neuroscience, and a discussion of current research topics that span neuroscience, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence. It provides a unique opportunity to educate the next-generation neuroscientists that come from strong quantitative backgrounds such as mathematics, physics, and engineering.

The past decade has seen rapid progress in experimental tools that now make it possible to monitor and manipulate brain circuits across animal models in unprecedented detail. This evolution presents challenges and opportunities for both experimentalists and theorists, as the complex algorithmics of brain function and the intricate interactions among neurons and among brain areas cannot be approached with experiments alone.

Quantitative models and theories can help extract knowledge from data, guide experimental work, and identify unifying principles of brain function. One distinguishing feature of CNeuro is the emphasis it places on the role of systematic mathematical theory for understanding the brain, in part by stressing the connections between neuroscience, cognitive science, statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Structure of CNeuro

Since 2018, CNeuro organizers have each year put together a summer school program of the highest level: leaders in their field are invited to share their expertise and latest research insights with its participants. Each faculty prepares two 2-hour lectures, one introductory and one advanced based on material pertaining to current research. Each year’s summer school is also organized around a theme: for example, the topics discussed at CNeuro2024 revolved around neural coding, learning and decision making.

We also strive to provide a forum for rich interactions between faculty and students. The program is supplemented by small-group discussions, including the opportunity for every student to present their own research work to CNeuro faculty members, as well as the ‘Life-and-Science panel series’, during which faculty and students share their personal experiences and views from research to career development.

Thus, the week-long summer school entails a coherent pedagogical structure, providing students with a unique chance to attend detailed lectures and participate in in-depth discussions on cutting-edge topics in neuroscience.

Faculties and Participants of CNeuro

Each year at CNeuro summer school, we invite renowned scientists in the field of theoretical and computational neuroscience from around the globe to share their expertise and latest research insights. Faculty members are selected based on both their excellence in research and their commitment to deliver clear and engaging lectures.

The CNeuro participants are also recruited from globally with diverse background. For example, in 2024, 35 students from 11 countries attended the summer school, including 16 females (45%).

CNeuro2025

Co-hosted by the CAS Institute of Neuroscience (CEBSIT) and the Computational Neuroscience & Neural Engineering Branch of Chinese Neuroscience Society, CNeuro2025 will be held from August 16 to 23, in Shanghai.

Detail：https://www.cneuro.net/