The IBRO-Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo 2024
Imbizo is a Xhosa word meaning “a gathering to share knowledge”. The IBRO-Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo, or isiCNI is exactly that: an opportunity for African and international students to learn about cutting edge research techniques in computational neuroscience.
The school will consist of four 5-day work weeks with 1 day off in-between. Each week will be focused on one of the themes appearing below. Your day off will be spent exploring some of the beautiful wonders around Cape Town. Each workday will consist of lectures in the morning, followed by either further lectures/practical tutorials in the afternoons.
A key aim of this school is to foster close collaboration and camaraderie between students, teaching assistants, and faculty. Students will be working hard on their projects and taking part in many social activities with each other and the faculty. For this reason, all students will be required to stay in the student accommodation, attend all meals and activities etc. This also means costs are essentially the same for all students. Note though that bursaries and travel grants will be provided to as many students as possible, on a basis of need and merit. In your application, specify what financial contribution you can make and be sure to request financial assistance where asked.
The format of the school will be a combination of intensive lectures on advanced topics in computational and theoretical neuroscience as well as practical exercises in simulation and data analysis. In addition, students will perform a mini-research project under the supervision of one of the school tutors, to be presented at the end of the school.
Cost and bursaries
The total fee for the Imbizo is EUR 1,350.00.
Thanks to our generous sponsors, significant financial assistance is available to reduce and waiver fees for students, as well as to provide some travel bursaries. If you need financial assistance to attend the Imbizo, please state so clearly in the relevant section of your application.
NOTE: we cannot guarantee full financial assistance to non-resident African or non-African applicants. African students are particularly strongly encouraged to apply.
Who should apply?
The school is aimed at applicants who are completing their masters or beginning their doctoral studies, though well motivated and advanced undergraduates or postdoctoral applicants should also apply. Applicants should have a good quantitative background: e.g. 2nd year university level experience in physics, engineering, statistics or computer science, etc. Experimental neuroscientists with some quantitative/coding experience who think the imbizo will strengthen these skills should also apply. All applicants should have some experience writing code.
What types of scholarships are there?
- Full Scholarship includes a waived course fee (€ 1350) and your economy class travel to Cape Town, which will be booked by the Imbizo
- Partial Scholarship includes a waived course fee and a set financial contribution towards your travel costs (paid after arrival in Cape Town). The amount will vary on a case by case basis.
- Course Scholarship include a waived course fee but you will be responsible to book and pay for your own travel costs to Cape Town