Message from the Chair

bizon
Dr. Jen Bizon, Ph.D,
Professor and Chair

Welcome to the University of Florida College of Medicine Department of Neuroscience. Brain disorders are among the greatest health challenges facing society today. Our mission is to advance our understanding of both the normal and disordered nervous system in order to promote brain health and combat neural disease. Our faculty members lead internationally recognized research programs in areas that include neurodegenerative disease, brain aging and cognition, substance use disorders, trauma and sensory biology. Department of neuroscience labs contribute well over 100 new peer-reviewed manuscripts to the field annually. Moreover, with our neurology partners, the department of neuroscience ranks third nationally among public universities in NIH funding. Members of our department lead the 1Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and multiple centers and institutes across the UF campus.

scientists in lab

Our research encompasses all levels of analysis, spanning from the individual molecule to complex systems that support behavior. Diverse expertise and a collaborative atmosphere together create a dynamic and stimulating training environment for those interested in pursuing careers in the neuroscience field. The department offers both master’s and Ph.D. graduate programs in which students can train with primary neuroscience department faculty, or with over 50 affiliate faculty from across campus.

scientist with kids

Our pre- and postdoctoral trainees conduct research on some of the most challenging and urgent questions within the neuroscience field today. Our students regularly publish in top journals and are supported by numerous specialized training (T32) grants. Moreover, many of our students receive individual NIH training fellowships and other national awards, metrics of their national competitiveness and preparedness for research careers. Our postdoctoral fellows are successful in obtaining K-transition-to-independence awards and in securing independent faculty positions at UF and other peer institutions. In addition to research-intensive training programs, our department offers certificate and master’s programs online for those interested in an in-depth exploration of the brain for professional or academic development.

scientists in coats

The department of neuroscience is part of the University of Florida Academic Health Center (AHC), the largest and most comprehensive academic health center in the southeastern United States. The AHC campus is also home to the flagship training hospital at the University of Florida, UF Health Shands Hospital, the UF Health Neuromedicine Hospital and the neighboring Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Neuroscience research on campus is broadly supported by the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute (MBI), which is among the world’s largest research institutes devoted to research on a broad array of disorders of the brain. The robust neuroscience community on the UF campus further enhances the research infrastructure for the department faculty and trainees. I invite you to explore our website, meet our faculty, and to learn more about our research programs and training opportunities