Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit

Overview

The Gatsby PhD programme was the first to combine theoretical neuroscience and machine learning within the same programme. Our mathematical approach for developing novel algorithms and tools to understand learning, perception and action in brain and machines is unique. 

Many of the most successful leaders in the fields of computational neuroscience and machine learning have studied or worked in the unit, and the unit has a reputation for offering world-class training. The Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit is offered by University College London (UCL).

The foundation of your career

Students receive world-class training through our intense, rigorous and diverse research programme. As a result, the majority are highly employable. Students will develop interdisciplinarity and will be expected to collaborate widely. 

You will develop your communication skills by giving regular internal talks as well as writing scientific publications. Critical thinking is further developed through weekly journal clubs and lab meetings. 

You will be expected to teach during the second year of the programme and act as a mentor to junior PhDs. Participation in outreach and public engagement activities is also encouraged.

Employability

Most of our graduates have continued in the fields of computational neuroscience and machine learning. PhD alumni have secured academic positions in prestigious institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford, Edinburgh, Columbia, Princeton, Caltech, École Normale Supérieure, the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and Janelia Research Campus, or have gone on to work in companies such as Google DeepMind, Amazon, Facebook, Samsung and Babylon Health.