June 2019 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Creating a list of important computational predictions
by Yiota Poirazi 04 Jan '21

04 Jan '21

Dear all, I believe you would agree that, the greatest recognition of our computational work comes with the experimental verification of our computational predictions. To highlight the most important outcomes of our theoretical work and facilitate a closer interaction with experimental labs so as to increase the chances of our predictions being experimentally tested, I would like to encourage you to nominate your favorite prediction at the following google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJZ2RrXJ0nZonIuyNzN0Cl gXDKDb7xTzoJOiqZTGxm9Kh7ow/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link This effort started during the CNS 2017 meeting in Antwerp with the support of the OCNS Board. The resulting list will be posted on the CNS 2017 web site and disseminated in social media, as a reference for experimentalists. Thank you very much for supporting this important effort! Best wishes, Yiota Poirazi -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Research Director Computational Biology Laboratory Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385, GR 70013, Heraklion, Crete GREECE Tel: +30 2810 391139 Fax: +30 2810 391101 Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr Lab site: www.dendrites.gr FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence <http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/> -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by *E.F.A. Project* <http://www.efa-project.org>, and is believed to be clean. Click here to report this message as spam. <http://mailgate1.imbb.forth.gr/cgi-bin/learn-msg.cgi?id=4BCD7A00A1.A57D7&to…> -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Research Director Computational Biology Laboratory Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385, GR 70013, Heraklion, Crete GREECE Tel: +30 2810 391139 Fax: +30 2810 391101 Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr Lab site: www.dendrites.gr FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence <http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/>

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PhD Positions in Computational Neuroscience at the University of Hertfordshire
by Volker Steuber 30 Apr '20

30 Apr '20

PhD Positions in Computational Neuroscience Biocomputation Research Group Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research University of Hertfordshire UK Applications are invited for PhD positions in the Biocomputation Research Group at the University of Hertfordshire. Projects involve the development and simulation of models of neurons and neuronal networks to study information processing in the brain and /or the application of machine learning techniques for the analysis of neural data. A description of our research interests and a list of publications can be found on our webpage (http://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk/). Applicants should have excellent computational and numerical skills and a very good first degree in computer science, biology, maths, physics, neuroscience, or a related discipline. Successful candidates are eligible for a research studentship award from the University (GBP 15,009 per annum bursary plus payment of the student fees). Applicants from outside the UK or EU are eligible. Research in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has been recognised as excellent in the latest Research Excellence Framework Assessment, with 50% of the research submitted rated as internationally excellent or world leading. The Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research provides a very stimulating environment, offering a large number of specialised and interdisciplinary seminars as well as general training and researcher development opportunities. The University is situated in Hatfield, in the green belt just north of London. Please contact Dr Volker Steuber for informal enquiries. Application forms are available under http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/schools-of-study/computer-science/our-research… and should be returned to [https://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/image/0016/203434/uhsociallogo.png]<http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/schools-of-study/computer-science/our-research…> The PhD Programme in Computer Science<http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/schools-of-study/computer-science/our-research…> See a list of exciting research topics www.herts.ac.uk Lynette Spelman and Emma Thorogood Research Student Administrators University of Hertfordshire College Lane Hatfield, Herts AL10 9AB tel: +44 (0)1707 286083 doctoralcollegeadmissions(a)herts.ac.uk The short-listing process will begin on 1 July 2019.

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[publication and call for dialog] IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems
by Pierre-Yves Oudeyer 23 Jan '20

23 Jan '20

Dear colleagues, we are happy to announce the release of the latest issue of the IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems (open access). This is a biannual newsletter addressing the sciences of developmental and cognitive processes in natural and artificial organisms, from humans to robots, at the crossroads of cognitive science, developmental psychology, artificial intelligence, machine learning and neuroscience. It is available at: https://goo.gl/NAwBfD Featuring dialog: === "Curiosity as Driver of Extreme Specialization in Humans" == Dialog initiated by Celeste Kidd with responses from: Elizabeth Bonawitz, Maya Zhe Wang, Brian Sweis, Benjamin Hayden, Susan Engel, Abigail Hsiung, Shabnam Hakimi, Alison Adcock, Moritz Daum, Arjun Shankar, Tobias Hauser, Goren Gordon and Perry Zurn == Topic: Curiosity-driven learning is probably one of the most fundamental mechanisms in human learning, and yet it is also probably one of the least understood. Broadly construed as spontaneous exploration and engagement with activities or material without any extrinsic goal (as opposed to searching for information useful for an extrinsic goal), many mysteries remain to be uncovered. What are the causal links between curiosity and learning? How does prior knowledge about a topic or an activity relates to curiosity about this topic? What is the role of curiosity in life-span development? Can human curiosity explain the apparently unique tendency of humans for extreme specialization? Reversely, how do different forms of curiosity (diversive or specific) evolve as children grow up and become adults? While early computational models of curiosity propose theoretical approaches to understand their cognitive mechanisms, how can we understand the affective/ emotional dimensions of curiosity? And how has the linguistic concept of “curiosity” evolved in occidental culture? Call for new dialog: === « Leveraging Adaptive Games to Learn How to Help Children Learn Effectively" == Dialog initiated by George Kachergis == Topic: How can one achieve efficiently “translational educational sciences” and get these principles used in real-world large-scale educational technologies? In this dialog, Georges Kachergis highlights challenges related to collaborations between cognitive scientists and game developers, how to deploy real world experiments, and how to enable scientific understanding when many variables cannot easily be controlled? Those of you interested in reacting to this dialog initiation are welcome to submit a response by December 15th, 2018. The length of each response must be between 600 and 800 words including references (contact pierre-yves.oudeyer(a)inria.fr) Let us remind you that all issues of the newsletter are all open-access and available at: https://goo.gl/ZjjZNz I wish you a stimulating reading! Best regards, Pierre-Yves Oudeyer, Editor of the IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems Research director, Inria Head of Flowers project-team Inria and Ensta ParisTech, France http://www.pyoudeyer.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/pyoudeyer and Fabien Benureau, Editorial Assistant Cognitive NeuroRobotics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa Japan Email: fabien.benureau [at] oist [dot] jp

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Postdoc positions on Consciousness Research at Monash Uni, Australia
by Naotsugu Tsuchiya 14 Jan '20

14 Jan '20

Position A: DP180100396 (in collaboration with Masafumi Oizumi, Hiroto Kawasaki, Giulio Tononi) No report paradigm in EEG/MEG/intracranial recordings and the analysis of integrated information across sensory and prefrontal cortex Position B: DP180104128 (in collaboration with Marta Garrido, Ueli Rutishauser, Ralph Adolphs) The analysis of MEG/intracranial recordings, using Granger causality and integrated information We are looking for highly talented postdocs (application from PhD students with a prospect of getting PhD in 1 year are welcomed) for the above two ARC-funded positions. Ideal candidates in both positions would have strong publications, strong programming skills in Matlab/Python, strong background in data analysis, preferably neuroimaging data or neural spikes. The projects include 1) design of various psychophysical paradigms (*pdf <https://academic.oup.com/nc/article/doi/10.1093/nc/niw023/2970153/Are-we-un…>)*, including no-report paradigms (*pdf <https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9N0ysU85rs7bEF5d1VVX3J4T3c/view>*), which can be used for subsequent EEG/MEG/intracranial recording experiments and 2) analysis of EEG/MEG/intracranial data using the approximations of integrated information (link1 <http://www.eneuro.org/content/4/5/ENEURO.0085-17.2017>, *link <https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9N0ysU85rs7NFVSQlIza215eVU> *, *link <http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2016/12/02/1603583113.abstract>*, *link <http://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.10046…>)* ). Please send the inquiry with your CV to naotsugu.tsuchiya(a)monash.edu. Applicants with most fit background and skills will be contacted for subsequent interview over the internet. The positions will be available until they are filled. Regards Nao Tsuchiya -- -- *Nao (Naotsugu) Tsuchiya* Associate Professor *Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences* Attention and Memory Program School of Psychological Sciences Monash University 770 Blackburn Monash Brain Imaging facility, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia T: +61 3 9905 4564 E: naotsugu.tsuchiya(a)monash.edu W: homepage: http://users.monash.edu.au/~naotsugt/Tsuchiya_Labs_Homepage http://med.monash.edu.au/psych/email-sig/miccn-email-sig.jpg <http://www.monash.edu/neuro-institute/> 2. Visiting Researcher at Department of Dynamic Brain Imaging, Advanced Telecommunications Research (ATR), Japan 3. Visiting Researcher at CiNet, Osaka University, Japan orcid.org/0000-0003-4216-8701

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Data Scientist Position at Boston University
by Chen, Jerry 05 Nov '19

05 Nov '19

The Lab of Jerry Chen at Boston University is hiring a Data Scientist to be involved in several multi-year BRAIN Initiative related NIH and NSF funded projects. These projects focus on understanding cortical computation during behavior by combining large-scale population recordings, anatomical reconstructions, and transcriptional profiling as well as developing tools for large-scale and high-speed imaging of neuronal populations. This person will be involved in help to analyze experimental data, developing software tools to aid in the data analysis, and helping with data infrastructure and management. Specific Projects include: 1. Analysis of dense electron microscope reconstructions of neuronal connectivity (ie. Connectomics) 2. Establishing pipeline for image analysis for in situ sequencing of gene expression 3. Establishing pipeline for automated behavioral training and analysis. 4. Visualization and analysis of population imaging data across multiple brain areas during behavior. This person will be jointly involved and mentored by personnel from the Hariri Institute's Software & Application Innovation Lab (SAIL), a center with expertise in cutting-edge computational and data-driven research with tangible and direct impacts on academic research, public service, and industry partners in healthcare, finance, and technology. Qualifications: BA/BS degree (MA or PhD preferred) in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Neuroscience or related technical field. One to three years of academic or professional experience. Programming experience in MATLAB is required. Additional experience in Python, C++, or LABView is preferred. Extensive background in either computational neuroscience, image analysis, computer vision, or machine learning is preferred. If interested in applying, please submit a CV along with 3 references to jerry(a)chen-lab.org<mailto:jerry@chen-lab.org>.

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Academic Fellowship positions Computational Neuroscience, Nottingham
by Mark van Rossum 30 Jun '19

30 Jun '19

The University of Nottingham is a research intensive university ranked in the top 10 in the UK and in the top 30 of Europe. It has a strong tradition in Cognition, Perception, Mathematical Biology, and structural and functional Imaging research. To support further development across these areas, and stimulate new research opportunities, the University has recently made a major investment in Computational Neuroscience. As part of this investment we are inviting applications for two independent fellowships. The positions are for 3 years, after which the fellows are expected to be competitive candidates for permanent positions at the University. The positions are ideal for researchers with a strong vision that are planning to develop their own research group in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment with outstanding research facilities. We are interested in candidates working across a broad spectrum of research topics areas in Computational Neuroscience, including functional neuroimaging, neural networks, and models of cognition. Research methodologies could include numerical simulation, machine learning, theoretical neuroscience, and innovative data analysis. The Fellows will be based in the School of Psychology and/or Mathematical Sciences. For more info and the online application form see http://jobs.nottingham.ac.uk/SCI215819 For informal inquiries contact Mark van Rossum, mark.vanrossum(a)nottingham.ac.uk, +44-115-7486851 This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

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【2019ICCBC】International Collegiate Competition for Brain-inspired Computing
by 郑浩 30 Jun '19

30 Jun '19

Dear Collegiates, International Collegiate Competition for Brain-inspired Computing [2019 ICCBC] is an annual academic activity hosted by Tsinghua University to provide a platform for international communication and collaboration on issues of integrating neuroscience and computer science to build intelligent machines and solve real-world issues. This contest is organized by the center for brain-inspired computing research [CBICR] at Tsinghua University. We look forward to talents who have insights into these issues. Final will be held in Oct in Tsinghua University. Prize is BIG! Airfare can be partly covered for finalists! More information can be found bellow and on official website: https://contest.cbicr.org/en/ ICCBC 2019 International Collegiate Competition for Brain-inspired Computing What is contest about？ How computation emerges from the human brain is a fundamental and unsolved mystery for general intelligence and behavior. The combination of neuroscience and computer science is considered as the most promising approach to the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI) - one of the most exciting blueprints of this century. How the computational principles in the brain promote artificial intelligence strategies and how to implement silicon-based brain-inspired systems are the key research topics in brain-inspired computing. In this annual contest, we gather global talents who have unique insights into these issues, or who have creative ideas on applications to solve real-world problems. This contest provides a unique platform for the participants to share their knowledge, discuss the state-of-the-art and examine the future challenges of brain-inspired computing. In addition, participants have the opportunity to win decent prizes. What is the expectation? In this year’s contest, we generalize brain-inspired computing to a broader extent, reflecting the integration of neuroscience and computer science on issues related to general intelligence. Themes include Perception, Cognition, Computation and Decision making. Embodiment can be theories, algorithms, hardware, software, application, etc. Two special topics are setup this year. The Education topic aims to promote a better education system based on our knowledge of brain development and AI strategies. The “Hybrid topic” aims to inspire ideas on hybrid computing models. Since heterogeneity is a common feature of neural system, it is of great importance to intelligent behavior but its implementation is not trivial. Hybrid models that integrate AI and spiking neurons are possible approaches. For more details, please go to https://contest.cbicr.org/en/ Organization and partner Host: Tsinghua University Organizer: Office of Scientific R&D, Tsinghua University Center for Brain-Inspired Computing Research Co-organizers: Tsinghua Holdings, Co., Ltd CETHIK Group Corporation Lynxi Technologies Co., Ltd. Awards | Total award amount | RMB 1,000,000 | | Grand prize | RMB 300,000 for one team | | First prize | RMB 100,000 for two teams | | Second prize | RMB 60,000 for three teams | | Third prize | RMB 30,000 for four teams | | Excellence prize | RMB 20,000 for six teams | | Second prize for the preliminary round | RMB 5,000 for 16 teams | Evaluation In accordance with the principles of fairness, impartiality, and openness, all entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria and weightings: Novelty (25%) Technical advancement and difficulty (20%) Completeness and reproducibility (20%) Live presentation and demonstration (15%) Application value and significance (10%) Formality of document reporting (10%) Time Table | Events | Deadline | Comments | | Online application | 28 July 2019 | Login to the official website https://contest.cbicr.org/ and fill in the registration information. | | Entry submission | 15 Sept. 2019 | Document requirements: slide presentation, technical documentation, source code, videos, application executables, etc. | | Finals | 19-20 October 2019 | 16 teams will advance to the finals. Invited Talks and Poster Session on first day Slide Presentation and Awarding on second day | Past review The contest has cumulatively received applications of 444 teams from 131 different universities. The entries covered a large range of aspects including algorithm, software and hardware. In 2018, the team from the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences won the special award and was awarded 300 thousand RMB in cash. For more details, please refer to the official web “Past review”: https://contest.cbicr.org/en/index.php?id=27 Contact Official website: https://contest.cbicr.org/en/ for more details Tel: (+86) 010-62787245 Email: contest(a)cbicr.org Info about Organizer The Center for Brain Inspired Computing Research (CBICR) was established in September 2014 at Tsinghua University. It is the first research center in China to advance brain-inspired intelligence, covering neural functional, computing theory, neural coding, machine learning algorithms, operational systems, programming software, system integration, architecture design, chip processing, material science and nanotechnology. The center consists of 35 affiliated faculties from seven departments at Tsinghua University, including neuroscience science, electronic engineering, microelectronics, computer science, automation, material science and precision instrument, with the goal of innovations on interdisciplinary research. The center focuses on the development of brain-inspired computing by integrating neuroscience and computer science. -- ICCBC Team

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[DEADLINE EXTENSION]: The 2nd International Workshop on Machine Learning in Clinical Neuroimaging (MLCN 2019): ENTERING THE ERA OF BIG DATA VIA TRANSFER LEARNING AND DATA HARMONIZATION
by MLCN Workshop 30 Jun '19

30 Jun '19

Dear Colleagues,The submission deadline for MLCN 2019 workshop as a satellite event of the MICCAI 2019 conference has been extended to 14/07/2019. For more information, please visit https://mlcnws.com/call-for-papers/ . Call for Papers Recent advances in neuroimaging and machine learning provide an exceptional opportunity for investigators and physicians to discover complex relationships between brain, behaviors, and mental and neurological disorders. The MLCN 2019 workshop (https://mlcnws.com) as a satellite event of MICCAI 2019 (https://www.miccai2019.org) aims to bring together researchers in both theory and application from various fields in domains such as *e.g.* machine learning, neuroimaging, predictive clinical neuroscience, *etc.* Topics of interests include, but are not limited to: - Transfer learning in clinical neuroimaging - Model stability in transfer learning - Data prerequisites for successful transfer learning - Domain adaptation in neuroimaging - Data harmonization across sites - Data pooling – practical issues - Cross-domain learning in neuroimaging - Interpretability for transfer learning - Unsupervised methods for domain adaptation - Multi-site data analysis, from preprocessing to modeling - Big data in clinical neuroimaging - Scalable machine learning methods - Benefits, problems, and solutions of working with very large datasets SUBMISSION PROCESS: The workshop seeks high quality, original, and unpublished work on algorithms, theory, and applications of machine learning in clinical neuroimaging related to big data, transfer learning, and data harmonization. Papers should be submitted electronically in Springer Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LCNS) style ( https://www.springer.com/gp/computer-science/lncs/conference-proceedings-gu…) with up to 8-pages and using the CMT system at https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/MLCN2019. The MLCN workshop uses a double-blind review process in the evaluation phase, thus authors must ensure anonymous submissions. Accepted papers will be published in a joint proceeding with the MICCAI 2019 conference. IMPORTANT DATES: - Paper submission deadline: July 14, 2019 (23:59 PST) - Notification of Acceptance: August 5, 2019 - Camera-ready Submission: August 12, 2019 - Workshop Date: October 13, 2019 Best regards, MLCN 2019 Organizing Committee <https://mlcnws.com/organization/>, Email: mlcnworkshop(a)gmail.com Website: https://mlcnws.com/ twitter: @MLCNworkshop <https://twitter.com/MLCNworkshop>

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Neuronal Oscillations Workshop at CNS-2019 - July 17, 2019 - Barcelona + Data Blitz
by Horacio G. Rotstein 29 Jun '19

29 Jun '19

Dear All, We would like to call your attention to the CNS-2019 ( https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2019) workshop on "Neuronal Oscillations: mechanisms, computational properties, and functionality" on July 17, 2019. Please check the information here <http://www.vassiliscutsuridis.org/workshops/CNS2019/CNS2019web.htm> http://www.vassiliscutsuridis.org/workshops/CNS2019/CNS2019web.htm The CNS workshops originated as a spontaneous gathering of CNS participants interested in discussing a specific topic. In order to revive this tradition and give the opportunity to the community to interact, this year we are including a *data blitz* session. CNS participants interested in briefly presenting their work are encouraged to do so. It will be helpful if you contact us in advance to be able to plan. Looking forward to seeing you in Barcelona Horacio -- Horacio, NY/NJ area. Horacio G. Rotstein, PhD (he/him/his) Professor Mathematical Biology & Computational Neuroscience BioDatanamics Lab Federated Department of Biological Sciences Rutgers University / New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, NJ, 07102, USA. Graduate Faculty Behavioral Neurosciences Program Rutgers University (NWK) tel: (1-973) 596-8460 e-mail: horacio(a)njit.edu horacior(a)andromeda.rutgers.edu <horacio(a)njit.edu> http://web.njit.edu/~horacio

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Fw: Research Associate Position in Early detection of Alzheimer's
by Dr. Krishna Miyapuram 28 Jun '19

28 Jun '19

Applications are invited from interested and motivated candidates for the post of Research Associate in a time-bound research project funded by India-Trento Programme for Advanced Research for a temporary period purely on contractual basis. Principal Investigator Dr. Krishna Prasad Miyapuram. Project Title Early detection of Alzheimer’s using Individualized Brain Atlases and Machine Learning. Name of the Post Research Associate. Salary Rs. 36000/- + HRA (subject to revision as per DST norms). Essential Qualification PhD in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or any other related field. Desirable Qualification Previous knowledge of structural and functional MRI, Brain Imaging Techniques, Programming experience in Matlab, Brain connectivity Analysis, Familiarity with Machine Learning techniques. Tenure The appointment will be for One Year duration. How to Apply Interested candidates should apply by sending a CV by e-mail to the PI Dr Krishna Prasad Miyapuram Assistant Professor (HSS & CSE) Indian Institute of Technology – Gandhinagar (email: kprasad(a)iitgn.ac.in) preferably before July 5th, 2019. The applications will remain open until the Position is filled. Selection will be based on the interview (by telephone for outstation candidates). Shortlisted candidates will be intimated well in advance the date and time of the interview. Contact E-mail: kprasad(a)iitgn.ac.in.

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