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Postdoc and PhD student position at EPFL about investigating human locomotion using neuromechanical simulations and humanoid robots
by Auke Ijspeert May 16, 2026

May 16, 2026

*Postdoc and PhD student position for a project investigating and leveraging the neuromechanics of human locomotion using humanoid robots (Fall 2026)* The Biorobotics laboratory (Biorob, https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/) at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland) has one Postdoc and one PhD student position for a project aiming at investigating and leveraging the neuromechanics of human locomotion using humanoid robots. See https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/openings/ The objectives of the project are (1) to investigate the principles of healthy and pathological human locomotion using numerical models (neuromechanical simulations), and (2) to use insights from biology to develop bio-inspired locomotion controllers to be used together with reinforcement learning on humanoid robots. *Background:* The versatility of human locomotion is still not well understood from a neuroscience point of view nor well replicated in humanoid robots. In particular, the interactions between higher centers (e.g. the motor cortex), the spinal cord and the musculoskeletal system are poorly understood. The goal of this project is to develop a computational architecture that (i) integrates both spinal cord circuits and supraspinal control; (ii) uses deep reinforcement learning for supraspinal planning and learning, (iii) allows testing hypotheses about human motor control and pathologies at a conceptual level, and (iv) can serve as basis for controlling and learning versatile motor skills in humanoid robots. *Requirements:* The goal would be to hire one researcher with a background in computational neuroscience (idealy with experience in numerical models of human locomotion) and one researcher with a background in robotics (ideally with expertise in the control of legged or humanoid robots). The ideal candidates should also have strong backgrounds in math and programming, and an interest in interdisciplinary research. *Deadline and starting date:* Applications will be considered starting from now on, and then continuously until the position is filled. A good starting date would be *September 2026.* *Application: *See https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/openings/ -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Prof Auke Jan Ijspeert (he/him) Biorobotics Laboratory EPFL-STI-IBI-BIOROB, ME D1 1226, Station 9 EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne CH 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland Office: ME D1 1226 Tel: +41 21 693 2658 Fax: +41 21 693 3705 www:http://biorob.epfl.ch Email:Auke.Ijspeert@epfl.ch -----------------------------------------------------------------

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NeuroAI Research Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer — University of Rome Tor Vergata × Tether.io
by nicola toschi May 15, 2026

May 15, 2026

Dear Comp Neuro community, We are looking for a highly motivated NeuroAI Research Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer to join a collaborative research effort between the University of Rome Tor Vergata and Tether.io<https://Tether.io> The position sits at the intersection of computational neuroscience, machine learning, foundation models, and brain-computer interfaces. The work will focus on developing open, reproducible methods for encoding and decoding brain activity from invasive and non-invasive neural recordings, including fMRI, EEG/MEG, ECoG, iEEG, and related data modalities. The successful candidate will contribute to projects involving neural decoding and encoding, multimodal representation learning, generative reconstruction of images, music, speech and other perceptual content, cross-subject and cross-modality alignment, and the study of how brain activity maps onto the latent spaces of modern vision, language, and audio foundation models. We are particularly interested in candidates with a background in machine learning, computational neuroscience, neuroimaging, signal processing, physics, computer science, engineering, or related quantitative fields. Strong Python and deep-learning experience, especially with PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow, is expected. Experience with real neural data and/or modern generative and representation-learning models is highly valued. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact publications, open-source tools, international collaborations, and ongoing research at the interface of AI, neuroscience, and neural interface technologies. Remote-friendly arrangements may be possible depending on the role and project needs. The LinkedIn announcement is available here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7461095365547741184/ To apply, please send a CV, a brief statement of research interests, and optionally 1–2 representative publications, projects, or GitHub links to: nicola.toschi(a)uniroma2.eu<mailto:nicola.toschi@uniroma2.eu> and matteo.ferrante(a)tether.io<mailto:matteo.ferrante@tether.io> Best regards, Nicola Toschi Prof. Nicola Toschi Scholar Profile<https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=kyI6AJ8AAAAJ&view_op=list_w…> | Lab Website<https://fismed.uniroma2.it/> | Bookable Time<https://calendar.app.google/vXmx4XiWRvkf23XQ7> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-toschi-5680923/> Full Professor of Medical Physics Medical Physics Section - Department of Biomedicine and Prevention University of Rome "Tor Vergata" Via Montpellier 1 - 00133 Rome (IT) Email: toschi(a)med.uniroma2.it<mailto:toschi@med.uniroma2.it> Research Staff, Investigator A.A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging - Harvard Medical School/MGH 149 13th street, 02129 Boston (MA), USA Email: nicola(a)nmr.mgh.harvard.edu<mailto:nicola@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu>

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Call for contributed talks: CNS*2026 Information Theory Workshop
by Marilyn Gatica May 14, 2026

May 14, 2026

Dear all, We are pleased to announce that the Workshop on Methods of Information Theory in Computational Neuroscience <https://jlizier.github.io/CNS2026-InfoTheoryWorkshop/> will be held once again as part of the 35th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting ( CNS*2026 <https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2026>), in Halifax, Canada. The full CNS*2026 conference will take place from July 11–15, 2026, with workshops held on July 14–15, 2026. Our confirmed and tentatively confirmed *invited speakers *so far include: - Demian Battaglia, CNRS / University of Strasbourg, France - Marilyn Gatica, Northeastern University London, UK - Jaroslav Hlinka, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic - Joseph Lizier, The University of Sydney, Australia - Patricio Orio, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile - Maria Pope, Indiana University, USA - Thomas Varley, University of Vermont, USA - ...more TBA! We would like to *call for contributions* to talks. If you are interested in contributing a talk, please send a title and abstract to Joseph T. Lizier (joseph.lizier(a)sydney.edu.au) and Marilyn Gatica ( marilyn.gatica(a)nulondon.ac.uk) Earlier submissions and submissions from speakers from underrepresented groups will be prioritised. We will review submissions weekly starting May 25, and the call will remain open until all available slots have been filled. Please pay attention to the registration for CNS*2026 deadlines and fees, as workshop registration at least is required for attendance, and see our website <https://jlizier.github.io/CNS2026-InfoTheoryWorkshop/> <https://jlizier.github.io/CNS2026-InfoTheoryWorkshop/>for more details. We hope you will join us there! *Organising Committee:* Joseph T. Lizier, Chair, The University of Sydney, Australia Marilyn Gatica, Co-Chair, Northeastern University London, UK Demian Battaglia, CNRS / University of Strasbourg, France

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Master 2 computational neurosciences, Lyon (France)
by DI VOLO MATTEO May 13, 2026

May 13, 2026

Dear colleagues, Applications for EU students are now open for the Master 2 in Computational Neuroscineces<https://masterneuro.univ-lyon1.fr/m2-cns/> at the University of Lyon (France). The CNS program in Lyon trains students in modern computational and analytical methods to study the brain: from the electrical activity of single neurons to neural networks, interacting brain regions, and animal behavior. Students learn the principles of brain function by applying statistics, signal processing, and computational modeling to real neuroscientific datasets, gaining extensive hands-on experience through practical Python-based work. The main objective of CNS is to equip students with the skills and critical perspective needed to design, conduct, and interpret analyses of electrophysiological and behavioral data from a mechanistic point of view. Applications are done through the e-candidat platform <https://ecandidat.univ-lyon1.fr/#!accueilView> Best regards, Matteo Di Volo ---- Matteo Di Volo Professor, University Claude Bernard Lyon1 Co-Director Master 2 Computational Neurosciences https://masterneuro.univ-lyon1.fr/m2-cns/ Stem Cell and Brain Research institute INSERM, NEF team: https://sbri.fr/teams/neurobiology-of-executive-functions/ Personal website: https://matteodivolo.wordpress.com/

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NITMB Ideathon, August 10-12, 2026: Applications are open
by William L. Kath May 12, 2026

May 12, 2026

The National Institute for Theory and Mathematics MathBio Ideathon will take place August 10–12, 2026 in Chicago! The goal of this workshop is to bring together researchers with interests at the interface of biology and mathematics to tackle unsolved problems through interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants will share their expertise via lightning talks and form vertically integrated teams (PIs and trainees) around the most promising ideas. The teams will tackle these problems and formulate actionable research plans. Teams will have the opportunity to continue their work to solve these problems at a later date through NITMB's Focused Research Award Program. Here is a link to more information: https://www.nitmb.org/nitmb-mathbio-ideathon A application form for the workshop is available on the website. Applications close Monday, June 8th. Participation is limited to approximately 40 people. We are looking for people who know of interesting unsolved problems at the interface between mathematics and biology (or who would like to learn about them) and who will be fully engaged and actively contribute throughout the workshop — starting with initial discussions and team formation to the development of collaborative research plans and beyond. This may be of particular interest to early-career researchers, including postdocs and graduate students, who are looking for new topics to add to their research portfolios. We will cover travel and accommodation for selected participants. We also provide meals while people are engaged at the NITMB (typically breakfast and lunch). We look forward to the possibility of having you join us in Chicago! Best regards, - Bill Kath

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Workshop on Theory of Neuromorphic Computing, Liverpool UK, 9th June 2026
by john.sylvester＠liverpool.ac.uk May 12, 2026

May 12, 2026

Dear All, We invite you to a workshop Theory of Neuromorphic Computing Date: 9 June 2026 with the first talk starting at 11am Location: School of Computer Science and Informatics, Ashton Building, University of Liverpool Website: https://neuromorphic-theory.github.io Cost: Free (but registration required, see webpage) Neuromorphic computing is a computing paradigm inspired by biological neural systems. It is based on spiking, event-driven architectures in which memory and computation are closely integrated. Neuromorphic chips have already shown several promising advantages over conventional von Neumann architectures, particularly in terms of energy efficiency. This workshop will explore the theoretical foundations of neuromorphic computing, with a focus on algorithms and computational complexity. Although the hardware has developed rapidly, the theory has not kept pace. Our aim is to create a forum for discussion on rigorous models of neuromorphic systems, allowing researchers to study their computational power and compare them with classical models of computation. These models must capture not only time and space, but also energy-related resources such as spikes and synaptic operations. Many thanks, John Sylvester & David Purser

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World wide VVTNS series (6th season): Mean-field dynamics in networks with clustered connectivity and dendritic nonlinearities | Gabriel Ocker, Boston University | Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:00 am ET
by David Hansel May 10, 2026

May 10, 2026

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture Gabriel Ocker Boston University on the topic of Mean-field dynamics in networks with clustered connectivity and dendritic nonlinearities The lecture will be held on Zoom on May 13, 2026 at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > > *Abstract: *Networks of interconnected neurons display diverse patterns of activity. Relating these patterns to the structure of the network is a central goal of theoretical neuroscience. Classic neural field and rate models have been powerful tools for this purpose due to their analytical tractability. Here, we show that the recently-developed combinatorial threshold-linear network (CTLN) model is a mean-field theory for excitatory-inhibitory Hawkes networks, with clustered connectivity, in an inhibition-stabilized regime. This mapping allows us to leverage powerful analytical results for CTLN networks to predict diverse macroscopic dynamics of clustered Hawkes networks, including metastability between various macroscopic fixed points, limit cycles, and chaotic attractors. We will then examine an extension of this approach to models with nonlinear dendritic dynamics, focusing on dendritic calcium spikes.We uncover a marked point process mean-field theory for these networks and use this to examine how somatic vs dendritic-targeting connectivity shapes the mean-field equilibrium phase diagram. *About VVTNS : Launched as the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ ᐧ

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Human-AI Workshop at IJCAI 2026
by Guozhang Chen May 7, 2026

May 7, 2026

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce that our proposal for the Human-AI Workshop at IJCAI 2026 has been accepted. Workshop website: https://hbai2026.github.io/ Date: One day between August 16–21, 2026 Place: Bremen, Germany Paper submission link: https://openreview.net/group?id=ijcai.org/IJCAI-ECAI/2026/Workshop/HBAI Submission deadline: May 15, 2026 Please share this information within your networks. Thank you for your support. Best regards, Guozhang Chen Assistant Professor School of Computer Science Peking University

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Postdoctoral Position in Human Brain–Computer Interfaces
by João Barbosa May 6, 2026

May 6, 2026

Dear all, The Neuromodulation Institute (Paris) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position (full-time, 2-year contract with the possibility of extension) to join a human brain–computer interface project led by Philippe Domenech <http://computationalbrainteam.com/en/people> (Neuromodulation Institute, Paris) in direct collaboration with João Barbosa <http://jbarbosa.org/> (Neuromodulation Institute, Paris) and Guillaume Bellec <http://guillaume.bellec.eu/> (Technical University of Vienna). The work will be carried out in the center of Paris and the newly created Neuromodulation Institute. The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled. About the Project This position is part of an interdisciplinary collaboration involving computational neuroscientists, clinicians, and engineers. The goal is to establish model-driven, multi-site stimulation experiments in human patients and move towards novel therapies for psychiatric disorders through the control of human brain dynamics via closed-loop stimulation. As an initial step toward these broader goals, the postdoctoral researcher will work with electrophysiological data collected from epilepsy patients implanted with ~124 intracranial LFP electrodes, enabling simultaneous recording and multi-site stimulation. We already collected several datasets (open-loop) and up to 4 subjects are collected per month through a national network of clinicians. The work carried out by the successful applicant will sit at the intersection of machine learning, computational neuroscience and data analyses of human intracranial electrophysiology. The medium-term ambition is to expand this work to additional patient populations, including individuals with treatment-resistant major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and to incorporate recording techniques such as large-scale multi-unit activity and sub-second neuromodulation (e.g. dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, etc) detection using ML-augmented voltammetry. Key responsibilities include developing data-driven state-space models of neural dynamics for optimal control policies for stimulation as well as inference pipelines for predicting network responses of intracranial recordings. The position emphasizes computational modeling, theory, and algorithmic development, rather than hands-on experimental data collection. Candidate Profile We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with strong quantitative and computational skills, and demonstrated research experience in at least one of the following areas: machine learning, simulation-based inference, reinforcement learning, generative/diffusion models and dynamical systems. Required Skills and Experience - Strong scientific programming skills in Python, in particular proficiency in PyTorch, Jax or related - Demonstrated experience in machine learning - Excellent written and spoken English. - Direct experimental experience is not required. However, the successful candidate should be enthusiastic about interacting with clinicians, neurosurgeons, and patients during experimental planning and execution. Preferred but not required - Experience working with time series data, in particular intracranial recordings (LFP, ECoG, depth electrodes) in humans or other animals. We strongly encourage applications from individuals that are underrepresented in academia. What We Offer - Opportunity to contribute to multiple ongoing projects at the forefront of human intracranial research - A highly interdisciplinary research environment spanning computational neuroscience, machine learning and cognitive neuroscience - A collaborative lab culture with close mentorship from senior investigators. - Support for career development, including opportunities to co-supervise students, present at conferences and workshops - Paris has an increasingly tight network of systems and computational neuroscience and offers many possibilities for collaborations How to apply Please send a statement of your past work and future research interests (one page each), CV and at least one manuscript demonstrating required experience to palerma(a)gmail.com with the subject “Postdoctoral Position in Human Brain–Computer Interfaces”. Joao Barbosa

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OPM-FLUX Toolkit 2026 - Register now!
by Evgeniya Anisimova May 5, 2026

May 5, 2026

Dear all, We are delighted to announce that the OPM-FLUX toolkit will be held on the 13th-16th July 2026 at St. Catherine’s College at the University of Oxford! We encourage everyone who is interested in OPM-MEG data analysis to apply (ECRs and more senior researchers and clinicians included!). The OPM-FLUX toolkit course provides a comprehensive introduction to analysing OPM-MEG data using OPM-FLUX, an advanced analysis pipeline for human electrophysiological data. Originally designed for SQUID-based MEG, the FLUX pipeline has been adapted for OPM-MEG. While OPM-MEG offers exciting opportunities in cognitive and clinical neuroscience, analysing its data can be challenging due to technical complexities and a lack of standardised methods. To meet the increasing demand for accessible training in this area, we have developed the FLUX toolkit, built on MNE-Python, a leading MEG analysis toolbox. Participants will be taught the theoretical foundations of OPM sensors and human electrophysiology and gain practical experience with OPM FLUX. In the mornings we will have lectures on the basics of data analysis as well as examples on novel cognitive neuroscience research-based MEG or OPM-MEG. In the afternoon, we will have hands-on data analysis workshops applying the OPM-FLUX pipeline on a data set collected from the local OPM systems. Will cover the analysis of FieldLine as well Cerca/QuSpin data. The analysis sections will include the BIDS format, preprocessing, event-related fields, spectral analysis, source modelling, and multivariate pattern analysis. We will not provide hands-on training on the actual data acquisition, but we will outline the general steps required. For details and registration please see https://www.neuosc.com/fluxtoolkit2026 or contact me at jenny.anisimova(a)psych.ox.ac.uk<mailto:jenny.anisimova@psych.ox.ac.uk>. The registration will be open until 9 AM (BST) on the 15th of May 2026. We look forward to receiving your application! All the best, The Neuronal Oscillations Team www.neuosc.com<http://www.neuosc.com/>

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Call for applications: Computational approaches in systems neurophysiology (Rome, Italy – June 23-25, 2025)
by Andrea d'Avella May 5, 2026

May 5, 2026

Applications are open for the XXVIII *School of Physiology and Biophysics* organized by the *Italian Physiological Society *(SIF), which will be held from *June 23 to June 25, 2025*, in *Rome, Italy*. Enquires: sif.sfb.2025(a)gmail.com Online application: https://sfb2025.azuleon.org/ Application deadline: *May 9, 2025* The XXVIII School of Physiology and Biophysics of the Italian Physiological Society is a three-day (one full day and two half days) introductory course designed to provide participants with both theoretical and technical-practical knowledge of computational approaches in systems neurophysiology. The school covers a wide range of topics, from the analysis of behavioral and electrophysiological data to the modeling of brain activity at the cellular, whole-brain, and behavioral levels. Participants will learn how computational methods can be applied to study motor control and sensory systems by integrating experimental data with advanced analytical tools. The curriculum includes psychophysical methods, analyses of kinematic and muscle synergies, eye movement analyses, computational methods of sensory stimulation, neural network models, and quantitative neuroimaging techniques. The course combines lectures with hands-on tutorials, where attendees will analyze sample experimental data using analysis software such as MATLAB and R. Best regards, Andrea d’Avella and the Organizing Committee -- Andrea d'Avella, Ph.D. Professor of Physiology Department of Biology University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy Team leader Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy -- <http://www.hsantalucia.it/5x1000-sostieni-la-nostra-ricerca> Le informazioni contenute in questo messaggio e negli eventuali allegati sono riservate e confidenziali. Il loro utilizzo è consentito esclusivamente al destinatario del messaggio, per le finalità indicate nel messaggio stesso. Qualora Lei non fosse la persona a cui il presente messaggio destinato, La invitiamo ad eliminarlo dal Suo sistema ed a distruggere le varie copie o stampe, dandocene gentilmente comunicazione. Ogni utilizzo improprio e'contrario ai principi del D.Lgs. 196/2003 e del Regolamento UE 2016/679. The information contained in this message as well as the attached file(s) is confidential/privileged and is only intended for the person to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, or you have received this communication in error, please be aware that any dissemination, distribution or duplication is strictly prohibited, and can be illegal. Please notify us immediately and delete all copies from your mailbox and other archives. *Rispetta l'ambiente: se non ti è necessario, non stampare questo messaggio - Please consider the environment before printing this email.*

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PhD position available at Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre, Lyon, France
by giulio.bondanelli＠univ-lyon1.fr May 4, 2026

May 4, 2026

A PhD position is available at the Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre (CRNL) in Lyon (France) in the group of Giulio Bondanelli (https://sites.google.com/view/giuliobondanelli) The group develops dynamical system and statistical models to constrain circuit models of brain function from multimodal neural data at the cellular level (recordings, connectome data, intervention), with the goal of understanding how neural computations arise from collective network interactions. We are looking for candidates with a strong quantitative background and solid programming skills, as well as an interest in exploring neuroscientific questions. Experience with the analysis of neural data is a plus. The successful applicant will be based at the Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre (https://www.crnl.fr/en?language=en; Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1), within an international and highly dynamic environment situated on the Campus Le Vinatier in Lyon. The centre brings together groups with diverse experimental and computational approaches spanning multiple scales of neuroscience. The position will start between September and December 2026, although the precise starting date is flexible. The contract will have a duration of 3 years. Candidates should send a CV and a brief statement of interest (up to 1 page) to giulio.bondanelli(a)univ-lyon1.fr *before June 15th, 2026*. -- Giulio Bondanelli Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 giulio.bondanelli(a)univ-lyon1.fr

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World wide VVTNS series (6th season): Weak, weird, coordinated: functional transient oscillations | Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11:00 am ET - Demian Battaglia, CNRS, Strasbourg, France
by David Hansel May 3, 2026

May 3, 2026

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture Demian Battaglia CNRS, Strasbourg on the topic of Weak, weird, coordinated: functional transient oscillations without a metronome The lecture will be held on zoom on May 6, 2026 at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > *Abstract: *Neural oscillations are often proposed to support brain computation by routing information, organizing cell assemblies, or shaping coding dynamics. Yet these ideas usually assume rhythms that are strong, sustained, and regular, whereas in vivo oscillations are often weak, transient, noisy, and variable in frequency and phase. In this talk, I will argue that such “no-metronome” oscillations are not just noisy fluctuations, but coordinated complex dynamics with functional consequences. Combining analyses of neural activity recordings during actual behavior (mice and non-human-primate LFPs and human EEG) with computational modelling, I will discuss evidence that transient oscillatory events can carry task-relevant information and support flexible communication through spatiotemporally structured relationships across populations, timescales, and frequencies. Together, these results suggest that oscillatory weakness and weirdness are not just imperfections, noise to average-out, but part of the functional repertoire of neural computation. *About VVTNS : Launched as the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ ᐧ

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Applications Open for Distinguished Researcher leading to permanent position program ATRAE 2026
by Bernabé Linares Barranco April 30, 2026

April 30, 2026

The Spanish Research Agency (AEI) has announced the call ATRAE 2026: https://www.aei.gob.es/en/announcements/announcements-finder/grants-encoura… to hire established researchers of recognized international prestige for a 4-year period leading to a permanent position. Total funding for the period is 1 milllion euros (1.2 million for researchers linked to a USA research institution for at least 5 years since 2020), including a gross annual salary between 80-150k€. If you are interested in applying and collaborate with our Neuromorphic Group at IMSE (http://www2.imse-cnm.csic.es/neuromorphs) we are happy to help you in preparing your application. Please send your CV to the email in my signature to evaluate if you have good chances. Best regards --

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Seminar Series: Thinking About Thinking (May 7th)
by Ruairidh Battleday April 30, 2026

April 30, 2026

We are pleased to announce the inaugural session of the Thinking About Thinking Fellowship Seminar Series, bringing together researchers working at the forefront of computational research into intelligence across AI, neuroscience, and cognitive science. Seminar title: Automated Scientific Discovery of Mind and Behavior Date: 7 May 2026 Time: 6pm BST Link: https://luma.com/ej1jk7bo For our first session, Dr Sebastian Musslick will present a framework for automated scientific discovery in cognitive science, exploring how AI systems can support the generation and testing of theories of mind and behaviour. We’ll do these every two weeks! Please come along (link in individual talk below). —----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seminar title: Automated Scientific Discovery of Mind and Behavior Speaker: Dr Sebastian Musslick Date: Thursday 7 May 2026 Time: 6pm BST Link: https://luma.com/ej1jk7bo Abstract: Artificial intelligence is transforming scientific discovery across disciplines, from predicting protein structures in biology to identifying novel quantum states in physics. In the natural sciences, automated discovery systems now enable researchers to navigate vast experimental and hypothesis spaces, moving beyond the limits of human intuition. In this talk, Sebastian will explore how these methods can be adapted to the study of mind and behavior, introducing automated scientific discovery as a paradigm for cognitive science. He will present AutoRA, an open-source framework for automating key stages of empirical research, including experimental design, data collection and model inference. Through case studies in psychophysics, learning, decision-making and cognitive control, Sebastian will show how closed-loop discovery systems can support more integrative and scalable approaches to understanding human cognition. The session will also address the unique challenges that automated scientific discovery faces in cognitive science, including experimental fragmentation and the need for multi-level explanations, before outlining future directions for the field. -- Dr Ruairidh McLennan Battleday BMBCh (Oxon) PhD President Thinking About Thinking <https://that.build>

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Extended CFP: Foundations of Computation Symposium, at AISB-2026, University of Sussex, UK, 1 to 2 July 2026
by Simon Bowes April 28, 2026

April 28, 2026

As part of the AISB conference to be held at the University of Sussex, UK, 1 to 2 July 2026 The conference is organised by The Society for the Study of Artificial Intelligence and Simulation of Behaviour (AISB) http://www.aisb.org.uk/ OVERVIEW: The symposium will be a one-day session of talks, Q&A’s, and panel discussions, structured around two themes: foundations, and applications. Each session will open with a keynote speaker (45 min presentation +15 min Q&A), include up to four further talks (15-30 min slots), and will wrap up with a panel discussion and audience questions. Confirmed speakers: * Prof. Gualtiero Piccinini * Dr. Fernando Rosas * Dr. Kate Nave * Dr. Nathaniel Virgo TOPICS OF INTEREST 1- Foundations: Foundational debates concerning the nature of computational processes, the status of formal and physical models, and the relationship between abstraction and implementation - have been reopened by both theoretical developments and increasingly powerful real-world systems. Against this backdrop, the symposium’s foundations strand invites critical reflection on the conceptual terrain of computation, motivating the following guiding questions: • What makes a process computational? • Are classic distinctions between syntax and semantics, or implementational, algorithmic, and computational levels of description sound? • Is computation subjective or objective, abstract or concrete, mathematical or physical? • What are the limits of computation? Is undecidability restricted to a mathematical realm? 2- Applications: The applications strand of the symposium will re-examine the role of computational concepts and tools across various research contexts relating to intelligence and adaptive behaviour. To further discussion of this topic, we seek contributors to address the below questions: • What are the distinctive strengths and limitations of computational explanations —generally, and in specific fields? • Is cognition a computational process? If so, what makes certain computational processes cognitive, and others not? • What is gained, and is anything lost, by treating cognition, life, and other processes computationally? • What is the explanatory role of representations and algorithmic models in the cognitive sciences? • What are the prospects for and obstacles to the development of a “computational phenomenology”? SUBMISSION AND PUBLICATION DETAILS We invite abstracts of up to 500 words on any of the above and related topics. Each paper will receive at least two reviews. Selected papers will be published in the general proceedings of the AISB Conference, with the proviso that at least ONE author attends the symposium, in person, in order to present the paper and participate in general symposium activities. Accepted talks will be allotted 20, 30, 45-minute slots, plus a sit in the discussion panel. Submission deadline: 15/05/2026 Decision will be made and communicated to all contributors by the end of May. SYMPOSIUM ORGANISERS: Adam Rostowski (a.rostowski(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:a.rostowski@sussex.ac.uk>), Department of Informatics, University of Sussex Ben White (b.white(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:B.White@sussex.ac.uk>), Department of Informatics, University of Sussex. Fernando Rodriguez-Vergara (f.rodriguez-vergara(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:f.rodriguez-vergara@sussex.ac.uk>), Sussex Neuroscience, University of Sussex SYMPOSIUM WEBSITE: https://sites.google.com/view/foundations-of-computation

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Fully funded PhD in Network Science — Higher-Order Coordination (Northeastern University London, Sep 2026)
by Giovanni Petri April 26, 2026

April 26, 2026

Hello all, We are recruiting a fully funded PhD student to join NPLab at Northeastern University London, under the ERC Consolidator Grant RUNES. Project: Higher-Order Coordination and Emergent Communication Across Human, AI and Animal Systems. The project investigates how coordination and communication emerge in groups whose interaction structure goes beyond pairwise contact — developing new higher-order network theory and testing it across human social systems, animal collectives, and AI ensembles. *Funding:* Full UKRI-rate stipend + tuition for 3.5 years. Start date September 2026. *Candidate profile:* MSc in physics, mathematics, computer science, or a quantitative field. Background in network science, statistical mechanics, multi-agent systems, or computational social science. Strong programming skills (Python, Julia, or equivalent). *Application*: via jobs.ac.uk — search DRF217, or follow this link: https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DRF217/ Informal enquiries welcome at giovanni.petri(a)nulondon.ac.uk. Please share with anyone who might be interested. Best, G. -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Higher-Order Systems* Available through all good bookshops, or direct from SpringerLink <https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-91374-8> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Giovanni Petri, PhD Professor, Network Science Institute Northeastern University London Department of Physics, College of Sciences Northeastern University, Boston MA https://nplresearch.github.io/ - lordgrilo.github.io ------ Network Science Lead, Project CETI <https://www.projectceti.org/>, Director, ERC Consolidator Grant RUNES <https://nplresearch.github.io/#/projects/runes> ------

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World Wide VVTNS series (6th season): Dynamic Expectations Wednesday | April 29, 2026, at 11:00 am ET - Dvora Marciano, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
by David Hansel April 26, 2026

April 26, 2026

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture Dvora Marciano The Hebrew University of Jerusalem on the topic of Dynamic Expectations The lecture will be held on zoom on April 29, 2026 at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link > https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > > *Abstract: *Reward expectations – one’s prediction about the likelihood of future outcomes - play a central role in shaping the satisfaction derived from those outcomes. Most existing research treats expectations as static, assuming they remain fixed in time. However, real-life expectations are often dynamic, fluctuating as new information becomes available. For example, during a soccer game, your expectations of seeing your team winning will likely rise and fall as the game unfolds. In the main part of this talk, I will present a series of studies demonstrating that human expectations can be tracked at sub-second timescales. Using slot machines as a case study, we leverage the continuous deceleration of the reels to elicit moment-by-moment fluctuations in reward expectations. To capture these dynamics, we take complementary approaches: we use the high temporal resolution of electroencephalography (EEG) to track neural signatures of evolving expectations, and we develop a novel behavioral paradigm (“Slot or Not”) designed to measure changes in expectations via betting behavior. Across four studies, we show that expectations fluctuate continuously and can be tracked both behaviorally and neurally. Extending these findings, a subsequent intracranial study shows that the human orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) encodes the moment-by-moment changes of reward expectations. In the second part of this talk, I will return to the relationship between expectations and satisfaction. If expectations shape satisfaction, and if they are best conceptualized as dynamic trajectories rather than static quantities, a key question arises: does the trajectory leading up to an outcome influence how that outcome is evaluated? I will outline a new research direction aimed at formalizing this relationship using computational modeling. This is ongoing work, and I welcome feedback on how best to formalize these ideas. Finally, I will discuss potential extensions of this framework to psychopathology, asking whether alterations in dynamic expectations may characterize conditions such as Major Depressive Disorder and Gambling disorder. Together, this work introduces a new framework for studying expectations as dynamic processes, offering a richer understanding *About VVTNS : Launched as the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ ᐧ

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Open Lab Online workshops on Bonsai – Module I sessions now open
by Mateusz Kostecki April 25, 2026

April 25, 2026

Hello! We are happy to announce the *first Open Lab Online workshops *on *Bonsai*. *Bonsai* is an open-source reactive programming language that is particularly useful for modern behavioral neuroscience experiments. It allows users to synchronize multiple data streams, precisely deliver stimuli, and run experiments in closed-loop settings, while integrating signals and devices from different systems. From calcium imaging and sound recordings to sensors, feeders, motors, and stimulus delivery systems, Bonsai offers a flexible and powerful way to build experimental workflows. These workshops correspond to *Module I* of a *3-module online course of increasing difficulty*. In this first module, participants will be introduced to the basics of Bonsai — its logic, core principles, and potential applications. The workshop will also cover how to track animals during experiments, detect their presence in ROIs, run simple closed-loop paradigms, and perform basic logical operations. To make participation easier across schedules and time zones, we are offering *two alternative sessions of the same workshop*: *Session 1:* May 8, 2026, 10:00–12:00 CEST (UTC+2) https://nenckiopenlab.org/event/introduction-to-bonsai-module-i/ *Session 2:* May 18, 2026, 16:00–18:00 CEST (UTC+2) https://nenckiopenlab.org/event/introduction-to-bonsai-module-i-2/ *Requirements:* no prior programming experience is needed. A *Windows computer* and a *webcam* are required. *Workshop fee:* EUR 10 *Fee waivers are available upon request.* *Instructor:* Mateusz Kostecki, Heidelberg University We also warmly invite you to join our *Open Lab Online Discord*, which is a space for discussion, exchange, and community around open tools and methods. All important workshop information and updates will also be shared there. Discord: https://discord.gg/z7gvyj9yrV If you would like to get involved in Open Lab Online, you can also fill out our surveys: *Organizer survey*: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRqICetBCRbKZnjM9HlmLp1RKql3nUqxg… *Instructor survey*: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDZioKGcDdsP7AFE6-mS6R_y7-kWTf6t2… If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at *openlab(a)nencki.edu.pl* <openlab(a)nencki.edu.pl> or reach out to us on *Discord*. Best wishes, Mateusz Kostecki -- --- Mateusz Kostecki PhD Student Knapska Laboratory Nencki Institute 02-093 Warsaw, Pasteura 3, Poland https://twitter.com/mtkostecki https://evolvingbehavior.blog/

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Last chance to register -- EMBO Workshop on Dendrites, Heraklion (May 19–22, 2026)
by Spiros Chavlis April 23, 2026

April 23, 2026

Dear colleagues and friends, LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! Join the EMBO Workshop on Dendrites for an immersive look at molecular, biophysical, anatomical, and computational neuroscience, and neuro-inspired AI, and explore how dendritic function shapes perception, memory, behavior, and disease. Important info May 19-22, 2026, Heraklion, Greece Registration/workshop page: https://meetings.embo.org/event/26-dendrites About the Workshop Understanding how the brain generates perception and behavior remains a major challenge in neuroscience. Neurons communicate through synaptic inputs located on dendrites, complex, highly branched structures that shape sensory processing, memory formation, and behavior. Advances in imaging, electrophysiology, and computational modeling now allow researchers to explore dendritic function across multiple scales, from single-synapse plasticity to dendritic computations driving behavior. This EMBO Workshop brings together leading scientists from molecular, biophysical, anatomical, computational, and functional neuroscience, as well as neuro-inspired AI, to advance our understanding of dendrites in cognition and disease. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to uncover fundamental principles governing dendritic computations and their broader implications, including how they may be incorporated into new AI architectures for more efficient or brain-like computation. Set on the stunning island of Crete, this EMBO Workshop is designed to encourage scientific exchange beyond traditional presentations, creating an engaging and interactive environment. Dedicated sessions will support young researchers, such as (1) work-life balance, (2) mentorship across career stages, and (3) career paths within and beyond academia. Through open discussions and collaborative experiences, this meeting will inspire new insights into the role of dendrites in brain function and dysfunction, paving the way for important future discoveries in neuroscience. About EMBO Courses and Workshops EMBO Courses and Workshops are selected for their excellent scientific quality and timelines, provision of good networking activities for all participants and speaker gender diversity (at least 40% of speakers must be from the underrepresented gender). Organisers are encouraged to implement measures to make the meeting environmentally more sustainable. We hope to welcome you to Heraklion, on the stunning island of Crete, for an engaging and interactive program designed to encourage discussion beyond traditional presentations. With best regards, on behalf of the organizers, Spiros Chavlis, PhD

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🎓 Present & Publish your work at COMPLEX NETWORKS 2026
by Fabian Braesemann April 22, 2026

April 22, 2026

Dear colleagues, This December in Granada, Spain, we bring together a full academic experience: sharpen your skills in expert-led tutorials, present your research to a global audience, and get invited to publish in top journals. 🎤 Keynote Speakers: * Alexandra Brintrup (Cambridge University, UK) * Nitesh Chawla (University of Notre Dame, USA) * Kimmo Kaski (Aalto University, Finland) * Bruno Lepri (Bruno Kessler Foundation, Italy) * Eckehard Scholl (TU Berlin, Germany) 🎓 Tutorials by: * Fariba Karimi (Graz University of Technology, Austria) * Huijuan Wang (TU Delft, Netherlands) ________________________________ 🚀 Be part of what’s next. Submit your work to COMPLEX NETWORKS 2026, held in Granada, Spain, from December 2 to 4, 2026. 📌 Important Dates * Submission Deadline: September 2, 2026 * Tutorials: December 1, 2026 * Conference: December 2-4, 2026 📖 Submission Options * ✅ Full Papers (max 12 pages) – Springer Proceedings Publication * ✅ Extended Abstracts (max 4 pages) – Book of Abstracts with ISBN 🏆 Selected papers will be invited to journals including: * Applied Network Science<https://appliednetsci.springeropen.com/> * Advances in Complex Systems<https://www.worldscientific.com/toc/acs/24/02> * Complex Systems <https://www.complex-systems.com/about/> * Entropy<https://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy> * PLOS Complex Systems<https://journals.plos.org/complexsystems/> * PLOS one<https://journals.plos.org/plosone/> * Social Network Analysis and Mining<https://link.springer.com/journal/13278> 📩 Submit your paper <https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/COMPLEXNETWORKS2025/>🌐 More info<https://complexnetworks.org/> We look forward to your contribution to this dynamic community! Warm regards, The COMPLEX NETWORKS 2026 Committee

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neuromorphic / spiking neural network position starting Oct 2026 for 36 months
by Goodman, Dan April 22, 2026

April 22, 2026

We are hiring for a research assistant or postdoc to do energy efficient AI, spiking neural networks and neuromorphic computing, with me, Christos Bouganis and George Constantinides at Imperial College London. Deadline for applications is May 15th. Feel free to email me informally, or apply at the link below. https://www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/search-jobs/description/index.php?jobId=276… Some more details below (also at the link above). Dan Goodman About the role We are seeking a Research Assistant (a Masters graduate wanting to undertake a PhD) or Research Associate (a PhD graduate wanting to undertake a postdoc). Our aim is to explore new approaches to energy-efficient artificial intelligence based on temporal neural computation. The project investigates how spiking neural networks, temporal coding, and learned neural delays can enable accurate computation with extremely low-precision weights, potentially unlocking a new generation of ultra-efficient AI hardware. Working at the intersection of machine learning, computational neuroscience, and digital hardware design, the successful candidate will contribute to developing neural architectures in which time (spike timing and delays) replaces numerical precision and memory movement as the key computational resource. The project will combine algorithm development with hardware-aware modelling and evaluation on FPGA-based platforms. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to help define new approaches to temporal neural computation and energy-efficient AI. This role provides an exciting opportunity to work on fundamental questions in neuromorphic and energy-efficient AI, while developing techniques that could translate into future AI accelerators and edge-AI technologies. The role will be affiliated with NeuroWare, the new national Innovation and Knowledge Centre in Neuromorphic Computation, providing the post-holder access to a rich network of industrial and academic collaborators and routes to direct impact. Pre-doctoral candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates appointed as Research Assistant will have the opportunity to register for a PhD during the appointment, subject to standard university procedures. What you would be doing In this role, you will investigate neural architectures that exploit temporal coding and learned delays to enable efficient computation on digital hardware. You will develop and evaluate spiking neural network models, explore training methods for delay-based computation, and analyse how temporal representations trade off with weight precision and memory usage. You will primarily be collaborating with three Imperial College academics: Prof Christos Bouganis, Prof George A. Constantinides and Dr Dan Goodman, who each bring leading expertise relevant to this research programme. You will implement models in software frameworks for neural simulation and machine learning, and work with hardware-aware efficiency metrics to evaluate energy, memory, and latency trade-offs. The project will also involve exploring how these architectures map to digital hardware platforms, including FPGA-based systems.

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2026 NEURON Summer Course - limited seats remain available
by McDougal, Robert April 22, 2026

April 22, 2026

Some seats remain available for the 2026 NEURON Summer Course, but they're going fast so act quickly if you are interested. This course will provide a thorough introduction to computational modeling of neurons and networks with NEURON and is suitable for individuals at all levels of expertise. It will be held at Duke University in Durham, NC from Wednesday, June 10, through Monday, June 15, 2026. The registration deadline is Monday, June 1, 2026. No applications will be accepted after that date, and there will be no on-site registration. Space is limited, and applications will be considered in the order received. For more information and the on-line registration form, see 2026 NEURON Summer Course at https://github.com/neuronsimulator/nrn/discussions/3729

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Funded PhD Position - Moral psychology and decision-making in human-robot collaboration
by Milan Andrejevic April 22, 2026

April 22, 2026

Psychology Discipline and Robotics Institute at the University of Technology Sydney in Australia are offering a fully funded PhD position for interdisciplinary research into using computational models to improve human-robot collaboration. Project description Collaboration between humans and robots is rapidly increasing, creating a need to understand how emerging intelligent capabilities shape human moral cognition, the emergence of new norms, and the distribution of responsibility within human-robot teams, and how these changes in turn shape human judgement and decision making. Successful candidate will have access to cutting edge robotics facilities and collaborate with robotics engineers to conduct research. This will entail: * developing measurement tools, experimental designs, and innovative psychological tasks; * reviewing literature in the field of moral psychology, cognitive science, human-robot interaction, artificial intelligence, robotics, decision science, and other relevant fields; * planning, administering, and running studies with human participants; * applying a variety of quantitative data analysis approaches; * working in multidisciplinary teams; * communicating research to a variety of stakeholders and the academic community; * preparing manuscripts for publication in leading multidisciplinary and psychological science journals. Successful candidate will gain a broad set of interdisciplinary skills in an area poised to have a transformative societal impact. This experience will position candidates as contributors in shaping the future of artificial intelligence technology in an increasingly automated world. The project will be supervised by Dr Milan Andrejevic, a Lecturer in Psychology, and Dikai Liu, a Distinguished Professor in Robotics from the University of Technology Sydney. Candidate requirements: * Honours or Masters degree in: Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, and a good grasp of statistics OR other related and relevant discipline and a strong interest in psychological science; * Experience with quantitative methods and experimental psychology approaches; * Excellent academic writing skills; * Experience with, and/or willingness to learn coding and using statistical software (R, Matlab, Python, and/or alike); * Willingness to learn mathematical / computational models of human cognition; * Demonstrated work ethic. Also desirable: * A record of contributing to academic publications; If you would like to apply for this project, please send your CV and Research Proposal to Milan Andrejevic (Milan.Andrejevic(a)uts.edu.au) and Dikai Liu (dikai.liu(a)uts.edu.au) Links: PhD position description<https://sites.google.com/uts.edu.au/coghumrobophdadvert/project-description…> University of Technology Sydney<https://www.uts.edu.au/> Psychology Discipline<https://www.uts.edu.au/about/faculties/health/graduate-school-of-health/psy…> Robotics Institute<https://www.uts.edu.au/research/robotics-institute> Dr. Milan Andrejevic<https://profiles.uts.edu.au/Milan.Andrejevic> Dist. Prof. Dikai Liu<https://profiles.uts.edu.au/Dikai.Liu> - Dr. Milan Andrejević (he/him) Lecturer Psychology | Graduate School of Health University of Technology Sydney +61 2 9514 4126 Level 10, 100 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008 I acknowledge the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation upon whose ancestral lands we work and gather at UTS, and their traditional custodianship over knowledge for this land. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present. UTS CRICOS Provider Code: 00099F DISCLAIMER: This email message and any accompanying attachments may contain confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, do not read, use, disseminate, distribute or copy this message or attachments. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this message. Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, except where the sender expressly, and with authority, states them to be the views of the University of Technology Sydney. Before opening any attachments, please check them for viruses and defects. Think. Green. Do. Please consider the environment before printing this email.

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CFP - Simulation of Adaptive Behavior (SAB 2026)
by Jeffrey L Krichmar April 21, 2026

April 21, 2026

From Animals to Animats 18: The 18th International Conference on Simulation of Adaptive Behavior (SAB 2026) Where: TU Berlin, Germany When: 19-22 October 2026 Website: https://www.sab-conference.org Important Dates Submission deadline: 15 May 2026 Notification of acceptance:19 June 2026 Camera-ready paper version due: 17 July 2026 Conference takes place: 19-22 October 2026 Objectives: The interdisciplinary conference on the Simulation of Adaptive Behavior: From Animals to Animats (SAB) 2026 brings together researchers from artificial intelligence, robotics, behavioral biology, psychology, neuroscience, and many other fields. The conference offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas across disciplinary boundaries. We believe this exchange is necessary to advance our understanding of the mechanisms that enable general and robust behavior in natural animals and artificial agents. The conference focuses on characterizing and comparing organizational principles and architectures underlying adaptive behavior in animals and animats. Animats denote the conceptual connections between animals and synthetic agents. The conference therefore actively seeks submissions that bridge several of the aforementioned disciplines, combining their methodological foundations to arrive at novel insights and approaches. Of particular interest are research projects which connect natural behavior to synthetic agents, including those leveraging modern machine learning and deep learning techniques for behavioral modeling, analysis, and synthesis. Selected papers will be invited to a special issue in the journal Adaptive Behavior and will be published with Springer Nature. SAB accepts submissions in several tracks: - Conference papers are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published in conference proceedings “From Animals to Animats 18: SAB 2026” Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence, Springer Nature. - Conference papers without inclusion in the proceedings. These papers will undergo a light peer-review. Papers will be included on the conference website but they will not be formally published so that your research results can still appear in your disciplinary journals. - Poster abstracts are peer-reviewed for general suitability of the content. Accepted posters will be presented at a poster session and, time permitting, will be able to present a spotlight presentation to the conference attendees. - Position papers are peer reviewed; they offer a novel, visionary perspective on the convergence of different branches of behavior-based research in both artificial and biological systems. These papers are supposed to trigger a lively discussion. - Workshop or Tutorial proposals will be peer reviewed. Workshops and Tutorials will take place on September 20. The event should be relevant to the expected audience of SAB. Topics of interest: Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Life, and Computational neuroscience o Action selection, behavioral sequencing o Communication and language o Emotion and motivation o Internal models and representations o Reinforcement learning o Sensory-motor coordination, motor control o Software agents and virtual creatures Philosophical Issues o Consciousness o Ethics o Mind/Body problem Robotics o Autonomous robotics o Bio-inspired and hybrid robotics o Cognitive robotics o Developmental robotics o Humanoid robotics o Navigation and mapping o Neurorobotics Self-Organizing Systems o Body and brain co-evolution o Collective and social behavior o Dynamical systems approaches o Evolutionary and co-evolutionary approaches o Self-assembling and self-replication Paper and Abstract Submission: Author Guidelines for All Tracks All submissions must be written in English and formatted in the Springer LNCS style. Please refer to the LNCS Springer style guide for style templates and formatting instructions. We strongly encourage authors to prepare papers using LaTeX. The LNCS package for LaTeX and the instructions file can be downloaded directly from Springer’s website. https://www.springer.com/gp/computer-science/lncs/conference-proceedings-gu… Additional Guidelines for Conference and Position Papers All submitted papers (conference papers with and without inclusion in the proceedings, as well as position papers) must not exceed 12 pages, including references. Additional Guidelines for Poster Abstracts All submitted poster abstracts must not exceed 3 pages, including references. How to Submit All submissions will be handled through the CMT (Conference Management Toolkit) system. Authors must create a CMT account before submitting their paper. (For instructions: https://sab2026.scioi.de/call-for-contributions/ ) Where to Submit SAB submission website (CMT) https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/User/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FSAB2026%2FSubmi… Paper Review & Acceptance: All submitted full papers will be peer-reviewed based on relevance, originality, quality of presentation, and technical quality. The authors of all accepted papers are kindly requested to revise their papers following the reviewers’ comments. Authors of accepted papers will be invited to present their research work either as an oral presentation or as a poster. Workshop Tutorial Proposals: We will consider proposals for workshops and tutorials. Workshops and tutorials will be held on the first day of the conference (19 October 2025) and must be held in-person. Proposals will be reviewed by the Organizing Committee. To submit a workshop or tutorial, please follow the below template and submit here: https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/SAB2026/Track/6/Submission/Create Template Similar to paper submissions, please follow the LNCS Springer style guide for templates and formatting instructions. For your workshop or tutorial proposal, please include the following information, as displayed on our website. https://www.springer.com/gp/computer-science/lncs/conference-proceedings-gu… https://sab2026.scioi.de/call-for-contributions/ Publication: All accepted papers (oral and poster presentations) will be published by Springer Nature in the Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence series. https://link.springer.com/conference/sab Program Committee: Francisco Javier Bellas Bouza – Universidade da Coruña Maren Bennewitz – Universität Bonn Marcel Brass – Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Lola Cañamero – CY Cergy Paris Université Nikolaus Correll – University of Colorado Boulder Richard José Duro Fernández – Universidade da Coruña Heiko Hamann – Universität Konstanz Alex Kacelnik – University of Oxford Jens Krause – Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Oliver Kroemer – Carnegie Mellon University Poramate Manoonpong – Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology Justus Piater – Universität Innsbruck Tony Prescott – University of Sheffield Pawel Romanczuk – Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Gregor Schöner – Ruhr-Universität Bochum Dylan Shell – Texas A&M University Gaurav Sukhatme – University of Southern California Jochen Triesch – Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies Elio Tuci – Université de Namur Myra Wilson – Aberystwyth University Florentin Wörgötter – Universität Göttingen Program Chairs: Oliver Brock – Technische Universität Berlin Jeff Krichmar – University of California, Irvine The conference will be held at Science of Intelligence/TU Berlin and the Universität der Künste (UDK), Berlin, Germany. We look forward to welcoming you at SAB 2026! Best regards, SAB Organizing Committee organisers(a)sab-conference.org Jeff Krichmar Department of Cognitive Sciences 2328 Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA 92697-5100 jkrichma(a)uci.edu http://www.socsci.uci.edu/~jkrichma

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