October 2020 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Creating a list of important computational predictions
by Yiota Poirazi Jan. 4, 2021

Jan. 4, 2021

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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ANDA 2020 - G-Node Advanced Neural Data Analysis Course, April 14-30, 2020, Jülich, Germany
by Thomas Wachtler Dec. 23, 2020

Dec. 23, 2020

ANDA 2020 - G-NODE ADVANCED NEURAL DATA ANALYSIS COURSE April 14 - 30, 2020 Haus Overbach, Jülich-Barmen, Germany Techniques to record neuronal data from populations of neurons are rapidly improving. Simultaneous recordings from hundreds of channels are possible while animals perform complex behavioral tasks. The analysis of such massive and complex data becomes increasingly challenging. This advanced course aims at providing deeper training in state-of-the-art analysis approaches in systems neuroscience. The course is addressed to excellent master and PhD students and young researchers who are interested in learning advanced techniques in data analytics and in getting hands-on experience in the analysis of electrophysiological data. Internationally renowned researchers will give lectures on statistical data analysis and data mining methods with accompanying exercises. Students will define and perform their own analyses on provided data to solve a challenge. Participants are required to have a strong interest in data analysis, a background in a mathematical or related field, knowledge of algebra, matrix operations, and statistics, and need to have solid programming experience (preferably in Python). FACULTY · Moshe Abeles, Hebrew Univ. Jerusalem, Israel · Michael Denker, Jülich Research Center, Germany · Udo Ernst, Univ. Bremen, Germany · Sonja Grün, Jülich Research Center, Germany · Adam Kohn, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA · Jakob Macke, TU Munich, Germany · Luca Mazzucato, Univ. of Oregon, Eugene, USA · Martin Nawrot, Univ. of Cologne, Germany · Yifat Prut, Hebrew Univ. Jerusalem, Israel · Hansjörg Scherberger, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany · Thomas Wachtler, LMU Munich, Germany TOPICS COVERED Single neuron properties and statistics · Stochastic processes · Surrogate methods · Detection of spatio-temporal patterns · Unitary Events · Statistical analysis of massively parallel spike data · Higher-order correlation analyses · Elephant toolbox · Spike-LFP relationship · Population coding · State space analysis · Machine learning · Data mining · Research data management and reproducibility REQUIREMENTS Applicants should be familiar with linear algebra, probability, differential and integral calculus and experienced using Python or Matlab. Preparatory reading material will be provided. Students should bring their own laptops and should be able to install software on their system. Students that do not have a suitable laptop should indicate this immediately after acceptance to the course. We will be able to provide a small number of laptops for the time of the course. COURSE FEE A course fee of 1000 Euros will be charged to cover costs for accommodation and meals. Limited financial support may be available for students that otherwise would not be able to attend, which is to be indicated in the application. HOUSING Accommodation in 2-bed rooms for students will be provided at the course site. HOW TO APPLY The application should include · a letter of motivation (max 1 page) · curriculum vitae (please indicate the relevant courses you have taken) · description of programming experience · a letter of recommendation. Please send all documents as a single PDF file to <advanced-course(a)g-node.org>. APPLICATION DEADLINE Applications must be received by NOVEMBER 15, 2019. Early application is encouraged. For further information see http://www.g-node.org/anda

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GEM 2021 - Call for papers - deadline extended
by Vinita Samarasinghe Nov. 30, 2020

Nov. 30, 2020

The deadline to submit abstracts for the GEM 2021 workshop has been extended until 30.11.2020. Please visit https://easychair.org/cfp/gem2021 to submit your abstracts for both the main workshop and the PhD symposium. ** *GEM 2021 - Generative Episodic Memory: Interdisciplinary perspectives from psychology, neuroscience and philosophy* https://for2812.rub.de/gem2021 16-18 February 2021 The workshop will take place in virtual space and is free of charge. Abstracts for both the workshop and the PhD symposium, which will precede the workshop, are now being accepted via EasyChair https://easychair.org/cfp/gem2021 Keynote Speakers: Karl-Heinz Bäuml - University Regensburg, Germany Dorthe Berntsen - Aarhus University, Denmark Amy Criss - Syracuse University, USA Dorothea Debus - University of Konstanz, Germany David Huber - University of Massachusetts, USA Sarah Robins - University of Kansas, USA Call for papers The DFG-funded research consortium “FOR 2812 – Constructing scenarios of the past” https://for2812.rub.de is proud to announce a call for papers for its first workshop on generative episodic memory. We invite submissions for talks and posters https://easychair.org/cfp/gem2021. Episodic memories are widely regarded as memories of personally experienced events. Early concepts about episodic memory were based on the storage model, according to which experiential content is preserved in memory and later retrieved. However, overwhelming empirical evidence suggests that the content of episodic memory is – at least to a certain degree – constructed in the act of remembering. Even though very few contemporary researchers would oppose this view of episodic memory as a generative process, it has not become the standard paradigm of empirical memory research. This is particularly true for studies of the neural correlates of episodic memory. Further hindering progress are large conceptual differences regarding episodic memory across different fields, such as neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology. This interdisciplinary workshop therefore aims to bring together researchers from all relevant fields to advance the state of the art in the research on generative episodic memory. FOR 2812 “Constructing scenarios of the past: A new framework in episodic memory” consists of 9 researchers. Seven from the Ruhr University Bochum and two from the University of Münster. The consortium adopts an interdisciplinary approach and investigates generative episodic memory from a conceptual, modeling, and experimental perspective using a common conceptual framework: scenario construction. Paper submission deadlines [GMT +1 (CET)]: Abstract submission - 30.11.2020 Notification of acceptance - 31.12.2020 Submission guidelines: Abstracts must be submitted in English and be no longer than 1 page. Submitted work must be original and unpublished. Abstracts must be submitted electronically through the GEM 2021 paper submission site on EasyChair https://easychair.org/cfp/gem2021. Authors will receive confirmation of receipt of their abstracts including an ID number after submission. You can edit your submission at any time before the deadline. We will consider only the final version. Program committee: Nikolai Axmacher - Faculty of Psychology - Ruhr University Bochum Sen Cheng - Institute for Neural Computation - Ruhr University Bochum Gerald Echterhoff - Faculty of Psychology - University of Münster Albert Newen - Faculty of Philosophy - Ruhr University Bochum Ricarda Schubotz - Faculty of Psychology - University of Münster Markus Werning - Faculty of Philosophy - Ruhr University Bochum Laurenz Wiskott - Institute for Neural Computation - Ruhr University Bochum Oliver Wolf - Faculty of Psychology - Ruhr University Bochum All questions regarding the workshop should be emailed to for2812(a)rub.de <mailto:for2812@rub.de> Coordinator - Vinita Samarasinghe Secretary - Christiane Dahl Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/26 Postfachnummer 110 Universitätstr. 150 D-44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27996 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de

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Gatsby Unit PhD Programme
by Maneesh Sahani Oct. 31, 2020

Oct. 31, 2020

We're currently accepting applications for 2021 entry to the 4-year Gatsby Unit PhD programme at University College London. The Unit studies the fundamental principles of learning, perception and action in brains and machines. Ours is one of the original programmes to bring together neuroscience and machine learning, creating a critical mass for interaction amongst theoreticians in related fields. First-year courses provide training in both fields, after which thesis research may specialise in one or the other or encompass both. Students are able to work closely with colleagues in the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour (SWC, with which we share a purpose-designed building), or the cross-faculty Centre for Computational Statistics and Machine Learning (CSML); and we have links to many world-class research groups in related departments at UCL and beyond. Applicants should have a very strong analytical and mathematical background, a keen interest in neuroscience and/or machine learning and a relevant first degree, for example in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. Full funding is available regardless of nationality. For more details and how to apply, see: http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/teaching/phd Information about the Unit and our research interests can be found at http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/about.html, http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/research.html, and the individual faculty webpages at http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/Members.html. Applications must be received by 15th November 2020. Please direct enquiries to admissions(a)gatsby.ucl.ac.uk. -- Maneesh Sahani, Ph.D. Professor of Theoretical Neuroscience and Machine Learning, Director, Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit UCL, 25 Howland Street, London W1T 4JG

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postdoc and PhD positions in Budapest
by Balazs Ujfalussy Oct. 31, 2020

Oct. 31, 2020

The newly established Laboratory of Biological Computation (https://biocomplab.wordpress.com/) is looking for highly motivated postdoctoral fellows and PhD students to investigate the role of hippocampus in model based planning and predictions. The focus of our laboratory is to understand how various biological phenomena (e.g., ion channels, dendritic spikes, synaptic clustering or theta sequences) contribute to the behaviorally relevant computations performed by the hippocampus. To achieve this we develop novel theories connecting hippocampal circuit dynamics to network function, combine biophysical modelling with in vivo-like input patterns and develop new tools for statistical analysis of hippocampal single neuron and populations activity patterns. The positions with a competitive salary are available from January 1st, 2021, initially for 1 year with the possibility of extension up to 5 years. We offer a stimulating environment in the Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest and active collaboration with experimental groups in the institute with the potential to get involved in the design of novel 2P imaging and virtual reality experiments in mice and/or in analysing the data. The ideal candidate has a strong background in quantitative disciplines (physics, math, computer science) and is competent in programming (e.g. python, matlab, R, C). It is an advantage to have an experience in biophysical modelling or analysis of in vivo population activity data (imaging or electrophysiology). Please send your CV, publication list, letter of motivation and contact information for at least two references to Balazs Ujfalussy (ujfalussy.balazs(a)koki.hu) The first evaluation round will begin on November 18th, 2020. The positions will remain open until filled. With best regards, Balazs Ujfalussy

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Postdoctoral Fellow, Boston University School of Medicine, Luebke & Killiany labs
by Klaus Wimmer Oct. 30, 2020

Oct. 30, 2020

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented postdoctoral fellow with a track record in research applying magnetic resonance imaging and image processing. The central goal of the binational (Boston and Barcelona) CRCNS project is to advance our understanding of the computational and neural mechanisms underlying working memory as well as age-related changes to executive function. The successful candidate will lead analyses of structural MRI (T1 TFE scans), resting-state fMRI, and diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) brain scans with an overall focus on brain morphometry and connectivity. Data generated from the MRI scans will be correlated with behavioral, physiological, and other anatomical data across the adult life span. This work will be part of a highly interdisciplinary project (psychophysics, imaging, anatomy, electrophysiological experiments, innovative data analysis and computational modeling) and includes the possibility for extended research stays at the Center for Mathematical Research in Barcelona, Spain (Wimmer lab <https://sites.google.com/view/wimmerlab>). The appointment as a Boston University School of Medicine postdoctoral fellow (supervised by Jennifer Luebke <http://www.bumc.bu.edu/anatneuro/our-people/faculty/luebke/> and Ronald J. Killiany <http://www.bumc.bu.edu/anatneuro/our-people/faculty/killiany/>) will be for at least 1 year with the possibility for extension based on performance. REQUIRED SKILLS: *Assist in the acquisition of MR data *Set up a pipeline for the analysis of the MRI scans *Manage image sets/data and perform quality assurance on both *Coordinate data sharing between collaborating laboratories in Boston and Barcelona *Preparation of manuscripts and scientific presentations *For questions or informal inquiries contact: Dr. Jennifer Luebke at * *jluebke(a)bu.edu* <jluebke(a)bu.edu> *Application materials must be submitted through **BU's HR website <https://bu.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&id=23&jo…>* *.* -- Klaus Wimmer Ramón y Cajal researcher at Centre de Recerca Matemàtica Campus de Bellaterra, Edifici C 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona) Spain Tel. +34 935 86 85 15 https://sites.google.com/view/wimmerlab

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[jobs] Postdoctoral position in “Cognition for safety and ergonomics for human-robot interaction in unstructured workspaces” at Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)
by Francesco Rea Oct. 29, 2020

Oct. 29, 2020

COgNiTive Architecture for Collaborative Technologies Research Line at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia in Erzelli, Genoa, is seeking to appoint one postdoctoral position focusing on the assessment of engagement with safety and ergonomic work, the design of proactive measures and counter measures for safety preservation, the optimization of ergonomics, design of software infrastructure for social interaction with the mobile and dexterous co-robot. The first goal of the research is redesigning cognition for safety and ergonomics for human-robot collaboration in manufacturing and construction unstructured workspaces. The second goal is to support the design of new multipurpose robotics for collaboration (co-robots) in manufacturing processes. The selected candidate will work with a multidisciplinary consortium of participants to the recently awarded project VOJEXT, Value Of Joint EXperimentation in digital Technologies for manufacturing and construction (H2020 DT-ICT-03-2020, n. 952197). The candidate will work with different robotic platforms for human-robot interaction in manufacturing and construction sites selected together with the consortium and with different sensorial setups specifically designed to assess ergonomics and safety associated with the workers in unstructured manufacturing and constructions settings. Apply online at https://iit.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=20000042 The research for this postdoctoral position will involve: * Sensing of human working conditions for social, safe and ergonomic based on human-robot collaboration in unstructured manufacturing and construction settings * Design of control systems for mobile robots for Safety in human-robot collaboration * Development of a system improving human-robot social collaboration in unstructured manufacturing and construction sites * Development of a system improving ergonomics and mitigating health and safety risks in open and unstructured environments

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NEURONUS 2020 IBRO Neuroscience Forum - registration open 3 more days!
by Michał Zaręba Oct. 28, 2020

Oct. 28, 2020

*REGISTRATION for NEURONUS 2020 IBRO Neuroscience Forum (8-11 December 2020, ONLINE) is open only for THREE MORE DAYS! The fee has been reduced to 12€. **More information and registration forms can be found on our website: **http://neuronusforum.pl/* <http://neuronusforum.pl/>*.* The program of the conference consists of numerous sessions on biological, cognitive, computational and medical aspects of neuroscience, creating a dynamic environment for sharing knowledge. The schedule of the meeting is further complemented with lectures by invited guests. This year’s keynote speakers include: - *Karl Friston *(University College London, the UK) - *Pico Caroni *(University of Basel, Switzerland) - *Karin Roelofs *(Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands) - *Alejandro Schinder *(Leloir Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina) - *Adam Hampshire *(Imperial College London, the UK) - *Dayu Lin *(New York University School of Medicine, the USA) Furthermore, a special panel concerning the Future of Neuroscience will be held. We have confirmed participation of three pioneering researchers: - *Viktor Jirsa *(Aix-Marseille University, France) - *Panayiota Poirazi* (Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Heraklion, Greece) - *Dominik Paquet *(Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany) During the upcoming 11th edition of the conference, we will traditionally continue to put *emphasis on development of early-career researchers*. The main purpose of this event is to provide means for both young and experienced neuroscientists to share the latest discoveries, knowledge and experience in neuroscience, as well as make valuable contacts with scientists representing various fields of neurobiology. We actively promote young scientists through preferentially allocating oral presentations of their experimental results. We strongly encourage you to join this special initiative, and hope to see you soon! On behalf of the Organising Committee, Michał Zaręba

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Launch of World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar on November, 4, 2020 at 11am EST
by David Hansel Oct. 28, 2020

Oct. 28, 2020

Dear Colleagues, We are happy to announce the launch of the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS). WWTNS is a weekly digital seminar on Zoom targeting the theoretical neuroscience community. Its aim is to be a platform of exchange among theoreticians. 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 are 45 min long followed by a discussion and are held on Wednesdays at 5 pm in Western Europe, /i.e./, 11 am EST. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and will be available to everybody on our YouTube channel. The first seminar will be on *November, 4, 2020 at 11am EST.* The speaker will be Larry Abbott (Columbia University). The title of his talk is: /Vector Addition in the Navigational Circuits of the Fly/// The abstract of the talk is available on the WWTNS website: http://www.wwtns.online/ *To participate in the seminar you need to fill out a registration form https://www.wwtns.online/register-page after which you will**receive an email telling you how to connect.* We would be grateful if you could forward this email to all those who may be interested. Looking forward to seeing you soon, David Hansel & Carl van Vreeswijk

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PhD position, University of Exeter, UK
by Roman Borisyuk Oct. 28, 2020

Oct. 28, 2020

The University of Exeter is recruiting a PhD student to work on an exciting project to investigate theoretically how neural networks can dynamically transition between multiple behaviours. This BBSRC-funded project is open to students from Mathematics, Physics, Natural Sciences, and Computer Science. The successful candidate will develop new neural network models of rhythmic activity in the tadpole spinal cord. They will use these models to analyse how network behaviour adapts to different sensory inputs. Data for model development will be provided by world-class electrophysiologists, who will also test predictions made by the model. This project will uncover cellular-level and network-level mechanisms that enable dynamic circuit reconfiguration in response to a changing environment. For more information on the project and instructions for applying, please visit http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=3975. Please contact the project investigators with any question: Joël Tabak j.tabak(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:j.tabak@exeter.ac.uk> Roman Borisyuk r.m.borisyuk(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:r.m.borisyuk@exeter.ac.uk> ________________________________ [http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/images/email_footer.gif]<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass> This email and any files with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient then copying, distribution or other use of the information contained is strictly prohibited and you should not rely on it. If you have received this email in error please let the sender know immediately and delete it from your system(s). Internet emails are not necessarily secure. While we take every care, University of Plymouth accepts no responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan emails and their attachments. University of Plymouth does not accept responsibility for any changes made after it was sent. Nothing in this email or its attachments constitutes an order for goods or services unless accompanied by an official order form.

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