The Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems (CNCS) is a new unit of IIT, located in Parma. Systems and cognitive neuroscience, which encompasses both experiments with animal models and human subjects, is the study of large-scale neuronal circuits in the brain and the way that those neuronal circuits mediate behavior. Simply put, an “understanding” of brain function ultimately entails a description from the systems-neuroscience perspective. Systems and cognitive neuroscience can also critically inform the development of robotics applications and brain-machine interfaces for control systems and human therapeutics. In addition, many brain disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, are at their heart derangements in the function of brain circuitry. Systems-neuroscience approaches are thus essential for understanding and ultimately alleviating these diseases. We are also interested in developing innovative new probes for monitoring brain function, and are establishing collaborations with our IIT colleagues in Genova and elsewhere for this purpose. 

CNCS will be located in three floors of a building, presently under renovation, on the campus of the University of Parma. CNCS will offer state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and technical resources. Because of its international character, CNCS is an English-language center. While CNCS scientists benefit from cooperation and collaboration with researchers from the University of Parma, CNCS and CNCS scientists and other personnel are administered directly by IIT and are independent of the university. 

CNCS is broadly dedicated to systems and cognitive neuroscience. While we already have strength in certain areas, such as vision, our only recruitment goal is to attract the very best researchers from around the world studying diverse topics in brain function. IIT technical and financial resources are superb, and salaries are internationally competitive. In particular, IIT provides an optimal environment for young scientists to focus on research, with excellent financial support and no teaching responsibilities. 

In 2009, we will be put out an international call for scientists to apply to the center. CNCS is independent with respect to hiring decisions for personnel. The search committee will include IIT scientists and invited scientists from the international community to ensure a vigorous external perspective. For searches, a small number of outstanding candidates will be selected from among all applicants and invited to the center to present their work and interview with the search committee.