Erasmus Mundus Action 1 Compendium 2009 - EACEA - Europa

ENC Network
European Neuroscience Campus network
Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorates
Duration:
3 years (5 consecutive editions)
Programme description:
Brain disorders are among the most prevalent and debilitating diseases. Because most major brain
disorders are chronic, an individual’s quality of life and socio-economic prospects are dramatically
impaired. Increased life expectancy further raises the impact of brain dysfunction on society. In the
coming decades this burden is expected to grow into one of the most pressing and costly problems of
the EU. Prevalent neurological and psychiatric diseases are typically caused by the interplay of
environmental factors and genetic variations in multiple genes. Genetic variation is currently being
identified by large international efforts to genotype patient populations. Scientific research should now
aim at generating integrative neuroscience work-packages as a next step to identify interactions
between genetic variations and environmental factors and to reveal how these translate into brain
diseases.
To succeed, a new generation of neuroscientists is needed, capable of integrating information
across different levels of research, from genes and proteins to synapses, and from networks up to
complex brain (dys)function. In order to boost future multidisciplinary brain research in Europe, the
programme offers a stimulating, multidisciplinary training environment for young neuroscientists to
prepare them for future challenges in neuroscience research. Training in complex trait analysis and
integrative neuroscience ensures first-class career opportunities and prospects to become future
leaders in neuroscience. The ENC Network joint doctorate programme aims at integration and
translation from bedside-to-bench and from bench-to-bedside as the key guides in training and in
research approach.
The strategic objectives of the ENC joint PhD programme are to provide research-training by (a)
focusing on a basic understanding of brain disease mechanisms, (b) developing the knowledge base,
tools and resources needed to decipher the function of genes and gene products, neuronal networks
and inter- and intracellular processes relevant to human health and (c) bilateral translational links
between lab and clinic (and back). The five ENC Network home-institutes all have a long and
established track record in PhD training in the field of molecular, cellular and integrative
neurosciences. The key training objectives are to offer: 1) scientific training with innovative and
multidisciplinary brain research methodology (task Academic Partners); 2) advanced technology
courses (task Academic Partners); 3) training through original research aimed at the translation from
bedside-to-bench and from bench-to-bedside (task PhD supervisors); 4) academic skills training (task
of associate partners); 5) training in Technology Transfer methods (task of associate partners,
including two SMEs)
Website: www.enc-network.eu
Partners:
NEUROSCIENCE CAMPUS AMSTERDAM, VU UNIVERSITY AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (Coordinating
institution)
CENTRE FOR NEUROSCIENCE AND CELL BIOLOGY, Coimbra Portugal
NEUROSCIENCE CENTER ZURICH, Switzerland
EUROPEAN NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE GÖTTINGEN, Germany
BORDEAUX INSTITUTE OF NEUROSCIENCE, France
Contact:
Arjen Brussaard - Director programme
Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam
VU University Medical Center
De Boelelaan 1087
1081 HV AMSTERDAM - Netherlands
arjen.brussaard@neurosciencecampus-amsterdam.nl
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