The Alice and Jack Ormut Ph.D. Program in Brain Research: Computation and Information processing of the Interdisciplinary Center for Neural Computation (ICNC) at the Hebrew University is now accepting applications from foreign students.

Neural computation is a rapidly growing field at the forefront of science and technology. It uses theoretical and experimental approaches from biology, psychology, mathematics, physics, and computer science to explain how information is processed in the brain.

The mission of the Alice and Jack Ormut Ph.D. Program in Brain Research: Computation and Information processing at the Interdisciplinary Center for Neural Computation (ICNC) is to train students to address computation and information processing - both in the brain and in advanced intelligent devices. The Program, which is targeted to exceptionally qualified students from diverse academic backgrounds, is designed to allow students to supplement their knowledge in areas in which they lack adequate academic training. The Program offers an advanced interdisciplinary curriculum and provides students with the opportunity to conduct ground-breaking research.

The Program benefits from the long experience of ICNC in training generations of highly competent researchers who lead interdisciplinary research programs which successfully engage theoreticians and experimentalists from diverse domains of inquiry.

The program provides students with expertise in:

• Neurobiology - the relationship of the nervous system structure to its function and techniques used in current research.
Physics - theory of dynamical systems with applications to neural networks, computation and learning.
• Computer science and engineering - signal processing, statistical learning theory and information theory.
• Psychology - with an emphasis on cognition, memory and perception.

• What computational problems does the nervous system face? What types of algorithms does it use to solve them?
• What are the principles underlying sensory processing and motor control in the brain?
• How are human behavior and cognitive abilities initiated and modified by neuronal mechanisms?
• How can our understanding of neural function lead to better treatments of brain dysfunction?
• How can principles of neural computation impact the engineering of information processing systems?

The ICNC is renowned worldwide for its groundbreaking research in neural computation involving systems neurobiology, psychology, physics and computer science. ICNC scientists develop Brain-Machine Interfaces and Deep Brain Stimulation techniques, participate in directing the Blue Brain Project, and lead the neurophysics enterprise in theoretical physics. The ICNC has pioneered the theoretical and experimental study of the dynamics and computation capabilities of large networks and is involved in developing new insights into the mechanisms underlying brain dysfunction. All of these projects involve the intense multidisciplinary collaboration that makes the ICNC unique.

ICNC graduate students publish their graduate research in the major peer reviewed journals, including Nature, Science, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Neuron, PLoS, Journal of Neuroscience, and in leading journals in physics and computer science. Many do their post doctoral work in prominent neuroscience labs in the US and in Europe. Graduates of the Program account for a large percentage of neuroscience positions at Israeli universities.

The Hebrew University is consistently rated as the top Israeli university in international educational surveys. The Hebrew University's 24,000 students - half of whom are graduate students -- represent the vibrant Israeli society and include Jews, Christians and Muslims. There are approximately 800 foreign students. The Hebrew University is open to all academically qualified applicants, regardless of nationality, race, creed, color or religion.

Jerusalem, Israel's thriving capital, offers an unparalleled mix of past and present culture. From world-class restaurants and cafés to historical religious sites, the city is a melting pot of ancient roots and modern innovations. Jerusalem is rich in art galleries, museums, theaters and concert halls. Exciting festivals, exhibitions, international conferences, sports competitions, and other special events are held throughout the year. For further information on life in Jerusalem, see http://tour.jerusalem.muni.il/.

Students who have completed their bachelor's degree in any field with an average of 85 or higher, or those who have completed a master's degree in any field, are eligible to apply to the doctoral program. Foreign students must have equivalent grades and degrees. Admission is contingent on the approval of the Program's admissions committee.

The Program is composed of formal course work and research. The curriculum has three parts:

• Prerequisite Courses - the admissions committee provides an individualized list of prerequisites to each student based on their prior background. Students take these courses during the first semester.
• Required Courses - mandatory courses in advanced physiology, modeling, and psychology are held during the second and third semesters.
• Elective Courses - students may choose from a variety of courses offered by the Program or by other graduate programs at the Hebrew University. Students normally complete the coursework in four semesters.

Candidates should send the following information by electronic mail to Ms. Ruthi Suchi, the administrative director of the ICNC (icnc@alice.nc.huji.ac.il):

1. Current CV
2. One-page statement of scientific interests and objectives
3. Two or more letters of recommendation
4. Transcripts from each university attended
5. Proof of English proficiency (required only for non-native speakers of English). The minimum requirements are 79 points (TOEFL iBT), 213 points (TOEFL CBT), 550 points (TOEFL paper), 6.5 points (IELTS), grade C (ESOL).

For further information, contact Prof. Israel Nelken (director of the program), at
israel@cc.huji.ac.il
Phone: 972-2-6586363
Fax: 972-2-6586152