Berlin School of Mind and Brain

The Berlin School of Mind and Brain is an international and interdisciplinary graduate research school. It was established in 2006 and receives its funding primarily through the Excellence Initiative of the German Federal and State Governments. The focus of research at the School is on the interface between the humanities and behavioral sciences with the neurosciences. Main topics of research are: ‘perception, attention, consciousness’, ‘decision-making’, ‘language’, ‘brain plasticity and lifespan ontogeny’, ‘mental disorders and brain dysfunction’, and ‘human sociality and the brain (social cognition)’. The School offers a highly successful three-year English-language doctoral program in English. In 2012, the School started a structured English-language postdoctoral program and a research-based English-language master’s program “Mind and Brain” (M.Sc. and M.A.). For doctoral candidates, the Berlin School of Mind and Brain offers: (1) A three-year structured program with ample opportunities in research, education and training in one of Europe’s largest mind and brain research communities, (2) A series of tailor-made courses (teaching weeks) on subjects relevant for interdisciplinary mind and brain research, (3) Assignment of at least two professorial thesis advisors – usually one from the brain sciences, one from the mind sciences, in order to ensure the interdisciplinary impact and support for your work, (4) Regular meetings with leading international researchers through the School’s own scientific meetings and international lecture series, (5) Scholarships, (6) Generous travel grants to attend national and international conferences, (7) Journal and methods clubs, (8) Academic retreats in Germany and with partner institutions abroad, (9) Access to specialized scientific soft- and hard-skill courses, (10) Career development opportunities, (11) Mentoring program, coaching, and counseling, (12) Partnerships with several international universities that are maintained for research and training exchange, joint conferences, and lab rotations.