John Paul Eberhard Fellowship

Invitation to Apply

The mission of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA) is to promote and advance knowledge that links neuroscience research to a growing understanding of human responses to the built environment. The Academy gratefully acknowledges the late John Paul Eberhard, FAIA for his wisdom in identifying a role for neuroscience in architecture, and for his seminal efforts in the creation of and continued support for ANFA and further, for his unstinting commitment to encouraging research by dedicated explorers of “The Brain Landscape”.


Intent

This fellowship is established to encourage Masters & PhD students and Post Docs, of either Neuroscience or Architecture programs to undertake, in their projects, theses or dissertations, the research required to develop new knowledge at the interface of Neuroscience and Architecture and thus to contribute to a broader understanding of how bridges can be created between these two fields of creative human endeavor.


Overall Goals

Contribute to the growing, scientifically validated, knowledge base of Neuroscience for Architecture.


General Research Areas

The ANFA Board believes that we are beginning to see the relevance of existing data from basic research to practical problems in Architecture.
A few examples are:

  • The role of brain systems for sensory processing and spatial memory in wayfinding
  • How visual system organization might help understand visual sensitivity to the built environment and visual aesthetics
  • The effects of artificial lighting on brain regulation of circadian rhythms
  • How environmental experience influences brain development and plasticity
  • The effects of environmental complexity and sensory noise on stress, learning, and task performance

Projects that build on relevant research areas such as these are considered appropriate areas of investigation for potential Fellowships.


Eligibility

Graduate students, PhD students or Postdoctoral fellows in Architecture or Neuroscience who are integrating Neuroscience for Architecture into their theses or dissertations and have formal academic or professional advisors (minimum 2) who are qualified in the two disciplines.


Selection Procedure

A panel of experts (neuroscientists and architects) will assess the applications for originality, creativity and feasibility, and make ranked recommendations to the Board of Directors of ANFA. The Board will make the final decision on the award. The Board reserves the right to not award any Fellowships if none of the applications appear to meet the overall goals.


Schedule, Duration and Funding Amount

The next application period is yet to be announced.