International Master in Integrative Sensory Neuroscience – iSENSE
The iSENSE Master’s Program (Integrative Sensory Neuroscience) is a high-level Master 2 program dedicated to the study of sensory neuroscience, with a particular focus on vision and hearing. Organized by the Vision Institute, a world-renowned research center located in Paris, the program is supported by the IHU FOReSIGHT and is built on a strong academic partnership with Sorbonne University, the Pasteur Institute, the Vision Institute, and IHU FOReSIGHT.
This master’s program offers students in-depth theoretical and practical training in the field of sensory neuroscience, with a special emphasis on integrative approaches and emerging therapies in ophthalmology and sensory neurobiology.
Key words: neuroscience, perception, optogenetic, gene therapy
Master 1 - Neurosciences
Please see the main page for details about M1.
Most students join our program after the first year of Neuroscience Master, but thanks to a unique partnership with UNAM (Universidad National Autonoma de Mexico) students can enrol in a master 1 in Vision Science at UNAM, which upon completion of the master 2 iSENSE gives a double master diploma (UNAM & SU). Scholarship offered upon selection. For more information contact the program coordinator (Gregory.gauvain@sorbonne-universite.fr)
It is also possible during the first year of the Neuroscience Master to do an exchange semester with the Master of Vision Science, in UNAM.
Master 2 - iSENSE
The iSENSE Master’s Program is designed to offer an interdisciplinary approach combining:
Sensory neuroscience: exploration of fundamental mechanisms of sensory processing
Neurophysiology and optogenetics: understanding and manipulating neural circuits
Advanced imaging techniques: functional imaging, electrophysiology, cell biology
Innovative therapies: translational approaches to visual and auditory treatments
Please see the main page for details about "developping research project", Specialization courses (specialization weeks) and limited enrollment courses ( ENS/Pasteur/ICM courses)
Applications are open from March 27 to June 12 2025 for the M2 program on the platform e-candidat.
Mandatory courses (18 ECTS):
- MU5BINV1 Vision: from light to brain (6 ECTS)
- MU5BIN20 Physiology of Perception (6 ECTS)
- MU5BIN21 Physiopathology of sensory diseases and translational research (6 ECTS)
- Developing a research project (6 ECTS)
Optional courses with limited enrolment (6 ECTS):
- HeaR Pasteur course: Hearing, from mechanisms to restoration technologies (6 ECTS)
Specialization courses (6 ECTS) :
- MU5BIN16 / MU5BIN17: Specialised short courses
- MU5BN16 - Hormonal brain and behaviors
- MU5BIN17 - Molecular Neuropharmacology
- MU5BIN17 - Neuronglia interactions
- MU5BIN17 - Memory and spatial navigation
- MU5BIN16 - Hippocampus
- MU5BIN16 - Imaging of the visual cortex
Students enrolled in the HeaR Pasteur course are dispensed of specialization courses
The aim of the research internship is to immerse yourself in a professional research environment where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world scientific inquiries. This experience will allow you to develop critical research skills, including experimental design, data production and analysis, and scientific communication. Additionally, the internship fosters autonomy, problem-solving, and teamwork, while preparing you for advanced careers in research, industry, or academia.
As part of the M2 program, students are required to complete a lab internship, ideally secured before the start of the third semester (S3). The iSENSE program requires that the thematic of research explored in the proposed internships are related to sensory processing or the physiology of sensory organs. If you need help to find the perfect hosting lab, you can contact the program coordinator.
The internship has a maximum duration of six months (5 month minimal period) and can take place either in France or abroad. Depending on the courses followed during your M2S3, you might have a couple of weeks or a month to spend in your hosting lab. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in your internship topic and prepare your presentation for “Developing your Masters research project” evaluation.
The final defense of the internship project will take place either in June, for students applying to a Doctoral School, or in early September for all other students.
Contact
Grégory Gauvain
Parcours director, iSENSE
Veronique De Surirey
Secretarial services
Daniela Castro FaríasIt was a high quality program with professors who are true experts in their fields. I’m very pleased to say that my time in research has continued since I finished the masters. Currently I'm working in collaboration with Lariboisière Hospital on a project investigating Neurovascular coupling. I believe that this program should continue not only because it enhances the relation between Mexico and France, but also offers a great opportunity for students from different backgrounds to come together and build enriching research teams.
Yolotzin Mariana GarciaThe Master in Vision Science was one of the best experiences I could have had. I worked in multicultural and multidisciplinary laboratories that allowed me to increase my knowledge and techniques, open my mind to different types of learning, teaching and understanding. I understood that there is no only one way of doing things, but many ways to solve a problem. You just have to listen and learn to work as a team, in addition to being independent to make decisions and move forward. It was a real honor to be part of the first generation. It was a great experience.