Motivation Letter - MSc in Integrated Brain Sciences UZH/ETH

Instructions given on their website -Motivation letter: A max. one-page motivation letter stating the reasons for your interest in this program.

I am writing to express my enthusiasm for joining the Master's Degree in Integrated Brain Sciences at the University of Zurich (UZH) and ETH Zurich. A specific interest in the field of neurorehabilitation and brain computer interfaces has motivated me to pursue this program. Having already completed a Master's degree in neuropsychology, I have a good understanding of the clinical side of the field. The MSc IDB program's strong interdisciplinary foundation aligns perfectly with my aim to develop expertise in neuroscience research methodologies, computational work and gain research experience ultimately supporting my goal of contributing to supporting individuals with neurological conditions undergoing rehabilitation.
Throughout my bachelor's degree in psychology at --- and my master's degree in neuropsychology at ---, I gained a theoretical understanding of cognitive functions, neurodegeneration, and mental health. Complementing my academic background, I have spent time working in various clinical settings working with individuals struggling with neuropsychological conditions, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment process. Additionally, I also have extensive experience as a volunteer for a Parkinson's organization where I have had the opportunity to interact with individuals with various movement based disorders. This has helped me develop a perspective on the challenges faced by patients with psychological and neurological diseases and the limitations of current therapeutic approaches, be it medication or interventions. A talk I attended during the Conference on Cognitive and Clinical Neuropsychology at --- University introduced me to the field of brain computer interfaces and the potential of technology in the field of neurorehabilitation. That experience is what guided me to discover the translational research being done in the intersection of neuroscience and technology and the up and coming role of virtual reality in neurorehabilitation. Even as a novice to the technology aspect of this area, I was motivated to work in this field.
As someone with limited background in technology, I have been actively making learning efforts to advance my skills in this domain, through online learning. I am currently expanding my proficiency in programming in C and Python, learning the basics of brain computer interfaces through online resources. My tenure as a research assistant at a Stanford lab as well as in an academic institution in India has also helped introduce me to the world of research and refine my skills in data analysis using R and SPSS, literature reviews and experimental design, improving my ability to contribute meaningfully to research projects. Additionally, being in charge of grant searches taught me to identify and evaluate funding opportunities, while serving on their IRB board and other related ethics paperwork deepened my understanding of research ethics.
However, in order to further bridge that gap between my clinical experience and aspirations of working in the area of neurotechnology research, further practical exposure in neuroscience research would be essential. I was particularly interested in the MSc IDB programs curriculum due to its focus on practical lab work as well as the opportunity for internships where I would be able to learn and grow in my competencies.

Any feedback on my SOP would be welcome. Thank you!

You need to strengthen your motivation to study at UZH/ETH. It is not all about your preparation or previous experiences that are relevant to the course. You should also be able to show a paralleling of your motivations / academic and professional interests with the program. The more in tune your interests are with the offerings, the better. Your motivation for the studies needs to be expanded upon. Make it sound more important. Have a personal connection with the advanced studies interest and program. Why did you choose to study in the country? Was it because of the advances they have made in the field of study? Your need to experience something that could only be gained from this university? This presentation is a good start, but can still be edited to be more concise and relevant in terms of motivational considerations.

@Holt
Thank you very much for your feedback!

Edited SOP here - mainly changed the last para

Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my enthusiasm for joining the Master's Degree in Integrated Brain Sciences at the University of Zurich (UZH) and ETH Zurich. A specific interest in the field of neurorehabilitation and brain computer interfaces has motivated me to pursue this program. Having already completed a Master's degree in neuropsychology, I have a good understanding of the clinical side of the field. The MSc IDB program's strong interdisciplinary foundation aligns perfectly with my aim to develop expertise in neuroscience research methodologies, computational work and gain research experience ultimately supporting my goal of contributing to supporting individuals with neurological conditions undergoing rehabilitation.
Throughout my bachelor's degree in psychology at St. Xavier's College and my master's degree in neuropsychology at Christ University, I gained a theoretical understanding of cognitive functions, neurodegeneration, and mental health. Complementing my academic background, I have spent time working in various clinical settings working with individuals struggling with neuropsychological conditions, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment process. Additionally, I also have extensive experience as a volunteer for a Parkinson's organization where I have had the opportunity to interact with individuals with various movement based disorders. This has helped me develop a perspective on the challenges faced by patients with psychological and neurological diseases and the limitations of current therapeutic approaches, be it medication or interventions. A talk I attended during the Conference on Cognitive and Clinical Neuropsychology at SRM University introduced me to the field of brain computer interfaces and the potential of technology in the field of neurorehabilitation. That experience is what guided me to discover the translational research being done in the intersection of neuroscience and technology and the up and coming role of virtual reality in neurorehabilitation. Even as a novice to the technology aspect of this area, I was motivated to work in this field.
As someone with limited background in technology, I have been actively making learning efforts to advance my skills in this domain, through online learning. I am currently expanding my proficiency in programming in C and Python, learning the basics of brain computer interfaces through online resources. My tenure as a research assistant at a Stanford lab as well as in an academic institution in India has also helped introduce me to the world of research and refine my skills in data analysis using R and SPSS, literature reviews and experimental design, improving my ability to contribute meaningfully to research projects. Additionally, being in charge of grant searches taught me to identify and evaluate funding opportunities, while serving on their IRB board and other related ethics paperwork deepened my understanding of research ethics.
However, in order to further bridge that gap between my clinical experience and aspirations of working in the area of neurotechnology research, further practical exposure in neuroscience research would be essential, which is why I decided to do another course. I chose Switzerland primarily because of its reputation in the field of research. Swiss universities are considered to be some of the best in Europe when it comes to quality of education as well as research being done. Furthermore, Switzerland offers abundant opportunities for future career development, be it pursuing a PhD or working in a corporate research lab. I was particularly interested in the MSc IDB programs curriculum due to its strong interdisciplinary approach, covering a wide range of areas from brain biology to computational neuroscience and translational applications. The program's emphasis on practical lab work and the opportunity for internships appealed to me as well as they provide an excellent platform to enhance my technical skills and bridge the gap between my clinical background and aspirations in neurotechnology research.