The University of Navarra was founded in 1952 and two years later the study programs in Medicine were launched. Since its creation, the School of Medicine has been characterized by its special focus on research and training for researchers. Research took on a prominent role in the University's plans in the 1990s. It was then that the University of Navarra Research Plan was conceived in order to strengthen certain fields of research.

Throughout history, the mechanisms of the nervous system have intrigued philosophers and scientists as the most remarkable organ in the human body. The pioneering research work carried out by the Navarrese scientist Santiago Ramón y Cajal gave the world fascinating insight into the morphology and function of the nervous system. Research into neuroscience is vital to gain an understanding of its structure and function and explore the complex world of the psyche. Furthermore, due to the aging population, neurological and psychiatric disorders are among the most prevalent diseases in advanced societies. They cause physical and social incapacitation and a financial burden on healthcare systems.

Its strategic plan defined five priority lines of research in the field of the health sciences. One of these is neuroscience, which underpins this graduate program. The University has also developed the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), which has been operational since 2004 and houses the research laboratories that support, along with the School's departments and those of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, the neuroscience projects carried out as part of this program..

This Doctoral Degree in Neuroscience and Cognition is multidisciplinary and is associated with the following fields of knowledge: experimental sciences, health sciences and humanities. It covers a wide range of approaches and caters to medical doctors, biologists, pharmacists, engineers, psychologists and other professionals for whom the nervous system has a particular interest and who want to become involved in research into neuroscience and cognition.

The following University of Navarra departments and centers participate in the development of the program:

• The Schools of Sciences and Medicine

• Department of Biochemistry and Genetics 

• Department of Histology and Pathological Anatomy 

• Department of Anatomy

• Department of Pharmacology 

• Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) 

• Lines & Labs: Neurosciences

• Center for Research in Applied Pharmacobiology (CIFA)

Institute of Science and Society:

• Mind-Brain Project

• Clínica Universidad de Navarra (CUN) 

• Departments: Radiology, Pediatrics, Neurology, Nuclear Medicine, Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurophysiology, Anesthesia, etc.

These professors participate actively in topical research networks and in research projects supported by both public and private institutions. In addition, some are integrated into the university's R&D&I strategy through the University of Navarra Research Plan Financial Aid Program.

Depending on the doctoral thesis project, professors from other science departments at the University of Navarra may participate in developing the program, primarily through joint supervision of doctoral theses. The program also enjoys the participation of professors and PhDs from other Spanish and foreign institutions, whether through the joint supervision of doctoral dissertations, leading seminars, mobility initiatives (for both PhD candidates and faculty) or participation in dissertation defense committees convened to award international doctoral degrees.

Partnership agreements and relationships with other universities and research centers (both Spanish and foreign) encourage mobility for students in the program and promote its internationalization. This enables students in the program to carry out part of their research work at these centers and contributes greatly to improving and enriching the education of future PhDs.

Resolution of the Council of Universities (.pdf)

Final Evaluation Report (.pdf)

Report of verification request (.pdf)

Resolution of the Ministry of Education (.pdf)

Final Evaluation Report (.pdf)

Information included in the Citation of Excellence application (.pdf)