Are you interested in pursuing a postgraduate research degree in Theoretical Neuroscience or Machine Learning but lack a strong mathematical background? Do you want to enhance your mathematical skills in a focused, intensive summer program? If so, the Gatsby Bridging Program could be the perfect opportunity for you. This summer school provides the necessary mathematical foundation for students who aspire to enter these fields but come from academic backgrounds that do not emphasize mathematics.

The Gatsby Bridging Program is a seven-week intensive mathematics summer school aimed at second to last- or final-year undergraduates, Master’s students, and recent graduates. The program focuses on essential mathematical topics such as linear algebra, calculus, probability, ordinary differential equations, and Fourier analysis. The goal is to equip participants with the mathematical skills and intuition needed to pursue research in Theoretical Neuroscience and Machine Learning.

This highly inclusive program encourages applications from underrepresented groups in STEM. The Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, supported by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, organizes and runs the program. Participants must attend all sessions in person and provide feedback at the end of the program.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: 7 February 2025 (23:59 GMT)
• Result Announcement Dates: 23 March 2025
• Deadline for Offer Acceptance: 30 March 2025
• Funding Type: Partially Funded
• Host Institution: Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit of University College London (UCL)
• Eligible Countries: All nationalities
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Penultimate/final-year undergraduates, Master’s students, and recent graduates
• Fields: Theoretical Neuroscience, Machine Learning
• Degree Required: Undergraduate or Master’s degree without a strong mathematical focus
• Duration: Seven weeks
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: United Kingdom (London)

Benefits

What does this bridging program offer for participants?

• The program has no fees.
• Limited bursaries available covering:
  • Half-board student accommodation, including breakfast, dinner, and shared facilities)
  • Travel costs to and from London at the start and end of the program.
  • Application fee for a 6-month UK Standard Visitor visa
• Comprehensive training in essential mathematical concepts relevant to Theoretical Neuroscience and Machine Learning
• Interactive lectures, tutorials, and problem-solving sessions

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must have a strong interest in postgraduate research in Theoretical Neuroscience or Machine Learning.
• Applicants must be currently enrolled in or recently completed an undergraduate or Master’s degree with limited mathematical training.
• Have an academic background in relevant fields such as Biological Sciences (Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology) or Computer Science.
• Demonstrate A-level (or equivalent) Mathematics knowledge
• Proven academic excellence and strong potential for research
• Good command of English.
• Willingness to attend all sessions in person and commit to feedback
• Priority consideration for underrepresented groups in STEM, including:
  • Women
  • Ethnic minorities
  • Individuals from care backgrounds or family estrangement
  • Refugees
  • Those with caring responsibilities
  • First-generation university students
  • Individuals from low-income backgrounds

Programme Syllabus

Recommended textbooks:

• Introduction to Linear Algebra by Strang
• Calculus by Stewart
• Probability and Random Processes by Stark & Woods
• Signals and Systems by Oppenheim, Willsky & Nawab
• Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos by Strogatz

How to Apply?

• Before starting the application, gather details about your education, mathematics background, and supporting documents. Also, write your motivation statement.
• Once you’re ready, submit your completed application form. Remember that you won’t be able to save your progress and return later.
• Carefully read the details on the application page and the list of questions in the form before beginning.

Apply Now

For more details about the Gatsby Bridging Program, visit the official Gatsby Bridging Program page.

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