Why are the Cajal courses special?

Since 2015, we have offered hands-on advanced neuroscience training courses to more than 500 international scientists. Our courses have been described by participants as a life-changing experience which allows them to pursue their dream scientific career.

Each course gathers top-notch scientists and instructors so that they can share their scientific knowledge and technical expertise with participants, but also inspire and encourage them to pursue their own ideas by demystifying technology.

The informal atmosphere and the high number of speakers and instructors allow students to learn in depth, share ideas and make new friendships while building a network within the scientific community.

The curriculum of our recurring courses is constantly updated to include the latest technologies and discoveries. In addition, our selection board is committed to keeping abreast with the needs of the neuroscience community by selecting new course topics every year. Ideas for new courses originate from suggestions gathered through open calls for idea.

Cajal is also fully committed to offer a diverse and inclusive scientific training environment. We encourage course directors to foster diversity in faculty and participants.

Cajal courses owe their success to the following key training elements:

Lectures by leading scientists with methodological training sessions

Interactive and engaging atmosphere.

Experiments and mini research projects to consolidate theory

Top research facilities in two strategic locations

Where are our participants from?

Cajal is committed to offering an inclusive and diverse scientific training environment. We support talented young scientists from all over the world by offering stipends and travel grants for our courses. We also encourage course directors to foster diversity in faculty and participants.

What they say about Cajal courses

“In only three weeks, I explored new topics, developed a deeper understanding of the field, and learned new techniques and analysis approaches. Whether you are a first-year PhD student or an experienced post-doc, I can definitely recommend the CAJAL courses as an incredible opportunity for scientific growth and for establishing an international network of highly specialised researchers.”

Cristina Vagnoni
Interacting with neural circuits 2017 course
participant

“This was a life-changing experience. As a nontraditional theoretical neuroscientist, I gained an incredible amount of confidence that will carry me quite far.”

Ilenna Jones
Computational neuroscience
2019 course participant

“Even with high expectations, I learnt more from this course than I expected through many interesting talks by very impressive speakers.”

Matteo Bernabo
Advanced techniques for synapse
biology 2019 course participant