The EMN is aimed at outstanding students from across Europe who bring diverse academic backgrounds and a shared motivation to gain the skills needed to tackle the challenges of the future. Students may come from the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and neuro-, cognitive and medical sciences. This diversity creates a rich learning environment where everyone can benefit from different perspectives and approaches.
The programme is jointly organized by seven European partner universities. These institutions are internationally recognized for the quality of their educational programmes and their scientific achievements, ensuring that students receive excellent training at the forefront of research and innovation.
This programme introduces you to neuroscience, technology, and the exciting interface between the two. The curriculum is structured around four domains, where you will have to acquire knowledge from three out of the four domains, each covering key aspects of both fundamental and applied neurotechnology:
- Brain Systems, which explores the anatomical and physiological foundations of brain functions. This domain provides you with a solid understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system, spanning from molecular and cellular mechanisms to systems-level organisation. Knowledge of brain systems forms the scientific basis for modelling, interfacing, and repairing neural processes through technology.
- Clinical, which addresses neurological, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric disorders, their treatment through neurotechnology, and its scientific translation into diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative applications. This area directly responds to urgent societal needs, such as ageing populations and the global burden of diseases of the nervous system.
- Technology, which covers neural recording and stimulation hardware. This domain covers the engineering of devices, sensors, stimulation methods, and brain–machine interfaces that enable interaction with neural systems. It ensures you acquire the skills to design, develop, and implement innovative technological solutions.
- Computation, which covers neural data analysis and brain modelling techniques. This domain includes data science, machine learning, and programming, enabling the analysis, modelling, and simulation of brain functions. This domain bridges neuroscience and artificial intelligence, equipping you to handle complex datasets and develop predictive models.
Each domain is designed to provide you with foundational knowledge and practical skills while fostering the ability to integrate insights across and beyond disciplines, involving also stakeholders outside academia. This transdisciplinary approach equips you with a comprehensive understanding of neurotechnology, enabling you to bridge disciplinary boundaries, interact with societal stakeholders, and contribute to the advancement of the field. Additionally, ethical, legal, and social aspects (ELSA) are embedded throughout the curriculum, with dedicated content on human and animal research ethics as well as data governance, ensuring that you are prepared to navigate the societal responsibilities of neurotechnology.