The CIN: A Succesful Part of the Excellence Initiative
The Werner Reichardt Center for Integrative Neuroscience is a successful part of the Excellence Cluster initiative sponsored by the German federal and state governments. The CIN receives €6.5m annually from the German Research Foundation. The Tübingen Excellence Cluster was officially launched in December 2008.
Integrative neuroscience focuses on how the complex interaction of nerve cells creates a broad spectrum of brain functions. CIN scientists conduct research on topics ranging from basic genetic systems to the processing functions in neuronal networks -- in short, the range of systems that the brain uses to develop perception, memory, communication and other functions. A better understanding of brain function and dysfunction will help to develop new approaches in therapy for patients who suffer from sensory deficits or brain diseases.
A Wide Range of Partners
The center consists of working groups from six different departments, and works in cooperation with the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation and a number of other partners. The CIN Chairman is Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Thier of Cognitive Neurology at the University of Tübingen.
The CIN has added a number of professorships in new fields of study -- including theoretical sensory-motor neuroscience, vision research, image processing, neuro-imaging and experimental psychology. CIN will eventually bring together several hundred scientists from various disciplines, and create 200 new scientific research positions.
Junior Neuroscience Researchers
The CIN features two graduate schools for junior neuroscience researchers. The schools' curricula are integrated, and complement one another. A separate research training group is devoted to the training of international students and PhD researchers.
- The Graduate School of Neural and Behavioral Sciences / International Max Planck Research School
- The Graduate School of Cellular und Molecular Neuroscience
The University also sponsors a student laboratory for talented young people who may be interested in the study of Neuroscience.
The Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research plans to expand its research facility to accommodate the new professorships and junior research groups. The new facility was chosen to receive funding following a nationwide selection process.
Prof. Dr. Werner Reichardt (1924 - 1992)
The CIN is named for Prof. Dr. Werner Reichardt, the founder of the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen. His work on information processing in insects led to the development of a general theory of motion perception. Dr. Reichardt's research had a significant impact on the development of neuroscience in Germany after World War II.
Contact
CIN Geschäftstelle
Dr. Andrea Schaub
Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 17
72076 Tübingen
T. 0 70 71/29-89183
Fax 0 70 71/29-4697
E-Mail cin[at]uni-tuebingen.de