Dear Methods in Computational Neuroscience Course Faculty and Staff,
It is with regret that I write to inform you that the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is cancelling the 2020 Methods in Computational Neuroscience (MCN). As I am sure you are aware, the circumstances surrounding the coronavirus global health emergency have triggered a series of events that require travel constraints, stay at home orders, and social distancing. Given these circumstances, the MBL has a responsibility to protect the health and safety of the entire MBL community, and therefore, has chosen to cancel the course following guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Given the number of participants many of whom would be unable to come to the MBL even if we did hold the course, it is clear that it would not be possible to recreate the full MCN experience this summer. All students who have been offered spots in the 2020 class will be deferred to the class of 2021. If you have any questions regarding the cancellation, please contact education@mbl.edu. The timing of this cancellation is unfortunate as the course recently received notice of continued funded form the NIH – a testament to how important and successful the course is. The course directors will be in touch with you about the possibility of offering opportunities to interact with the MCN community through virtual activities this summer.
The decision and steps being taken to mitigate the spread of the virus are disruptive to all of us and I thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
I hope that you will be able to join us in Woods Hole next year.
Regards,
Nipam H. Patel
Director