Neuroscience Institute

For over 50 years, Carnegie Mellon University has been a leader in cognitive neuroscience and psychological science, investigating the brain mechanisms that support perception, learning, memory, language, problem-solving, and social behavior. 

Our research and training programs are deeply interdisciplinary, combining insights from psychology, neuroscience and computational modeling. We focus on precisely identifying the mechanisms that underlie mental processes and behaviors, often integrating neuroimaging data and computational simulations. 

A hallmark of our approach is the integration of multiple levels of analysis — from the structural and functional properties of neural circuits to detailed behavioral studies. Our researchers use a wide range of methods, including: 

• Behavioral analysis in both healthy and brain-injured populations
• Structural and functional neuroimaging (EEG, MEG, MRI, fNIRS)
• Computational modeling and large-scale simulations 

These tools help us understand how the brain supports cognition and how these processes are affected by experience, development, and neurological disorders. 

Our work has led to breakthroughs in: 

• Science-based cognitive tutoring systems
• Understanding learning across diverse environments
• Establishing the field of health neuroscience 

Translating research into real-world applications, including commercial technologies and clinical interventions.

Computational neuroscience at Carnegie Mellon applies advanced computational tools and theories to study the structure and function of the nervous system. This interdisciplinary field draws from biophysical modeling, the brain-as-computer metaphor, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to explore how the brain processes information. 

Located in Pittsburgh, CMU is home to a vibrant community of neuroscientists, computer scientists, and engineers who collaborate to develop and apply cutting-edge computational methods. Our programs include: 

• A Ph.D. in Neural Computation through the Program in Neural Computation (PNC)
• An undergraduate minor in neural computation
• Year-long research fellowships for CMU and University of Pittsburgh undergraduates
• A nationally recognized summer research program for undergraduates across the U.S. 

Research Areas in Computational Neuroscience

Our research spans three major areas: 

• Modeling of Neurons and Neural Circuits
• Systems and Cognitive Modeling
• Recording and Analysis of Neural Network Activity 

Faculty in the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC) bring expertise in both computational modeling and experimental neuroscience, creating a uniquely collaborative environment. 

Tools and Techniques 

Researchers use a wide range of methods, including: 

• Neural simulations and biophysical models
• Machine learning and statistical analysis
• Neural data recording and analysis
• Artificial neural networks and brain-inspired computing 

Our work contributes to advances in brain-computer interfaces, neural prosthetics, AI systems, and neurological disease research.

Explore our Computational Neuroscience Faculty Directory to learn more or get involved.

At Carnegie Mellon, neurotechnology and neural engineering are transforming how we understand and treat brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and depression. Our researchers are developing innovative tools to explore the brain’s structure and function in both healthy and diseased states. 

By combining expertise in engineering, biological sciences, computer science and psychology, CMU is creating next-generation technologies to interface with the brain. These include electrical, optical, ultrasonic, and mechanical systems that operate across multiple spatial and temporal scales.

Cutting-Edge Neurotechnologies 

Leveraging CMU’s world-class nanofabrication facilities and computational resources, our teams are: 

• Designing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)
• Developing neural stimulation devices for sensory and motor prosthetics
• Creating neural recording and imaging tools from micro- to macro-scale
• Advancing signal processing to extract meaningful data from complex brain signals 

These technologies are helping researchers pinpoint which brain regions are active during specific tasks and enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions. 

Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration 

CMU’s neural engineering research integrates: 

• Device science and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence
• Photonics and neural imaging
• Basic and applied neuroscience 

Our work is strengthened by partnerships with BrainHub, the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC), and leading clinical institutions. 

Key Focus Areas in Neural Engineering 

• Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)
• Neural Modulation and Stimulation
• Functional and Structural Neural Imaging
• Neural Prosthetics and Brain-Machine Interfaces 

These efforts aim to improve both basic neuroscience research and clinical applications, including the development of therapeutic interventions and assistive technologies for individuals with neurological impairments.

Carnegie Mellon’s systems neuroscience research focuses on understanding how diverse neural cell types in the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia contribute to perception, decision-making and behavior. By studying how neurons — distinguished by gene expression and anatomical features — interact in structured, hierarchical ways, researchers are uncovering the neural basis of complex behaviors. 

Using advanced molecular tools and high-throughput techniques, CMU scientists identify, monitor and manipulate activity in specific neural subtypes. These tools allow for precise analysis of neural firing patterns, cellular anatomy, and gene expression, revealing how defined groups of neurons process information. 

This research is not only advancing our understanding of the mammalian brain, but also informing the development of treatments for neurological diseases, artificial intelligence systems and neural prosthetics. By identifying how experience and disease alter neural computations, CMU’s systems neuroscientists are helping to shape the future of brain-inspired technologies and precision medicine.