July 2023 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

2023 SPARC FAIR Codeathon: apply and choose a project!

by Elisabetta Iavarone

Dear all, The Common Fund SPARC program, has an upcoming Codeathon that may be of interest for the comp-neuro community. The third annual virtual SPARC Codeathon will take place from *August 5-7*. This global prize competition is currently recruiting participants to make SPARC data and resources <https://sparc.science/> more Findable, Interoperable, Accessible, and Reusable (FAIR). Any interested participant can join projects spanning data visualization, simulation tool development, python workflow creation, and more to compete for $50,000 in prizes. Follow this link to learn more and sign up today! https://bit.ly/Codeathon-SPARC Elisabetta Iavarone, On behalf of the SPARC FAIR Codeathon team

July 12, 2023

Applications open: 2023 SPARC FAIR Codeathon

by INCF

2023 SPARC FAIR Codeathon When: 05/08/2023 to 07/08/2023 Where: Virtual Join the third global SPARC “FAIR” Codeathon <https://sparc.science/news-and-events/events/2023sparc-codeathon>, a three-day virtual event this August 5th-7th! The SPARC Data and Resource Center, with funding from the National Institutes of Health, will host a 3-day in-the-cloud Codeathon. It is free to enter and has a total prize pool of US$50,000 (including cash prizes and manuscript publication fees). Competitors from the United States and abroad are eligible. We encourage researchers and data scientists at any stage of their scientific journey to apply. Before the event we will create up to 30 teams of five to six individuals, each with various backgrounds and expertise, led by an experienced leader. The teams will greatly benefit from anyone with the following skills: - Understanding of neuroscience and/or neurostimulation - Data visualization - Data mining, image and text analysis - Working knowledge of scripting languages (eg., Shell, Python, R) - Familiarity with methods of manipulating and/or analyzing large datasets ( AI/ML, computational modeling, etc.) - Developing bioinformatics code, pipelines or tools - Knowledge graphs - Web development Applications are due 20/07/2023. More info here <https://sparc.science/news-and-events/events/2023sparc-codeathon>. Questions? Contact fair-codeathon-support(a)sparc.science What is SPARC? The Stimulating Peripheral Activity to Relieve Conditions (SPARC) <https://commonfund.nih.gov/sparc> program is supported by the NIH Common Fund <https://commonfund.nih.gov/> to provide a scientific and technological foundation for future bioelectronic medicine devices and protocols. The goal of the SPARC program is to identify neural targets and accelerate the development of therapeutic devices that modulate electrical activity in the vagus and other nerves to help treat diseases and conditions, such as hypertension and gastrointestinal disorders, by precisely adjusting organ function.

July 12, 2023

Postdoc position in Computational Neuroimaging of the Cerebellum (Western University, Canada)

by Jorn Diedrichsen

The Diedrichsen Lab<http://www.diedrichsenlab.org/> is looking to recruit a new postdoctoral associate with interest in studying the human cerebellum. The successful candidate will join an inter-disciplinary research group that uses behavioral, neuroimaging, and computational approaches to investigate the role of the cerebellum in motor control, cognition, and language<https://www.diedrichsenlab.org/res_cerebellarfunction.htm>. Our approach is to use Big Data and Machine Learning to gain insight about the overall functional organization of the cerebellum, which then informs targeted imaging and behavioural experiments. The enthusiastic and supportive environment will enable the candidate to develop their own research program. The lab is located in the Western Institute of Neuroscience in London, Ontario, Canada, and is part of the Sensorymotor Superlab<https://superlab.ca/about/> and the Computational Brain Sciences group<https://www.uwo.ca/bmi/cbs/> at Western. Systems and cognitive neuroscience is a key area of research strength at Western University, with more than 70 Principal Investigators and 200 trainees. High-resolution imaging at 9.5T, 7T, and 3T is available in-house. Full application details can be found here<http://www.diedrichsenlab.org/open_postdoc_cerebellum.htm>. Candidates are encourage to contact us early to arrange a meeting to discuss possible research projects. The deadline for applications is September 4th, 2023. Jörn Diedrichsen Western Research Chair Brain Mind Institute Department of Computer Science Department of Statistical and Actuarial Sciences Email: jdiedric(a)uwo.ca<mailto:jdiedric@uwo.ca> Tel: 1-519-661-2111 x86994

July 12, 2023

CALL-FOR-REGISTRATION CNS*2023 Workshop W11: "Multiscale Personalized Brain Network Modeling: Towards Clinical Applications"

by Julie Courtiol

[image: ‎‎‎‎‎CNS*2023_Workshop_banner_EBRAINS.png] Dear comp-neuro community, Only a few days left before the highly anticipated *CNS*2023 conference* in Leipzig, Germany. Have you made up your mind about which workshop to attend? We have one in particular that we believe will ignite your curiosity and expand your horizons. Introducing our captivating workshop:* "Multiscale Personalized Brain Network Modeling: Towards Clinical Applications."* This workshop delves into the fascinating world of personalized brain network modeling and its potential applications in clinical contexts. Join us as we explore the interdisciplinary aspects of computational and clinical neuroscience, digital infrastructure, reproducible research, and ethical considerations surrounding human digital twins. We have carefully curated a program filled with insightful presentations and engaging discussions led by experts in the field. It's an incredible opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about advancing computational neuroscience. *Date: Wednesday, July 19* *Time: Full day* (check the conference program for specific session timings) To learn more about our workshop, please visit our workshop webpage: https://www.brainsimulation.org/bsw/zwei/events/single/12404-32nd-annual-co… If you are interested in attending this workshop, please indicate your interest by ticking the box on this page: https://sched.co/1Kd7G To register for the CNS*2023 event as a whole, please visit the official registration page here: *https://ocns.memberclicks.net/cns-2023 Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to expand your understanding of personalized brain network modeling. Register now for CNS*2023 and secure your spot in our workshop. Space is limited, so make sure to reserve your place as soon as possible. Indicate your interest in attending our workshop by ticking the box on this page: https://sched.co/1Kd7G We look forward to welcoming you and exploring the frontiers of computational neuroscience together at CNS*2023. ---Best regards, *Dr. Julie Courtiol* Scientific Manager, Brain Simulation Section [image: 1644242313315] Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Institut of Health Brain Simulation Robert-Kosh-Platz 4 Charitéplatz 1 | 10117 Berlin | Germany julie.courtiol(a)bih-charite.de - www.brainsimulation.org Twitter: @Courtioljulie <https://twitter.com/CourtiolJulie> LinkedIn: juliecourtiol <https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliecourtiol/>

July 11, 2023

IMBIZO APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JULY 18TH

by Tim Vogels

Dear colleagues and friends, Given that SONA (the SfN / FENS conference equivalent in Africa is starting today) and that we have a bit of representation there, we have decided to extend the DEADLINE for the next IMBIZO by one week. Apply now to join us at the most diverse neuroscience summer school at the most beautiful beach in the world! If you know anyone who would benefit from an extraordinary computational neuroscience summer school, please distribute this information to them. All the best, Tim Vogels IBRO-SIMONS COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE IMBIZO #Imbizo2024 7 January - 28 January 2024, Noordhoek Beach, Cape Town, South Africa http://imbizo.africa/ Application deadline: 18th July 2023 The #Imbizo2024 is a southern hemisphere summer school aiming to promote computational neuroscience in Africa. It will bring together international and local students under the tutelage of the world's leading experts in the field. Like its international sister courses, this four-week summer school aims to teach central ideas, methods, and practices of modern computational neuroscience through a combination of lectures and hands-on project work. Mornings will be devoted to lectures on topics across the breadth of computational neuroscience, including experimental underpinnings and machine learning analogues. The rest of the day will be spent working on research projects under the close supervision of expert tutors and faculty. Individual research projects will focus on the modelling of neurons, neural systems, behaviour, the analysis of state-of-the-art neural data, and the development of theories to explain experimental observations. It also includes a week focused on neuroscience-inspired machine learning! Who should apply? This course is aimed at Masters and early-PhD level students though Honours or advanced undergraduates may also apply. Postdoctoral students who can motivate why the course would benefit them are also encouraged to apply, Students should have sufficient quantitative skills, (e.g. a background in mathematics, physics, computer science, statistics, engineering or related field). Some knowledge of neural biology will be useful but not essential. Experimental neuroscience students are encouraged to apply, but should ensure that they have a reasonable level of quantitative proficiency (i.e. at least second-year level mathematics or statistics and have done at least one course in computer programming). Essential details * Fee (which covers tuition, lodging, and meals): 1350 EUR Thanks to our generous sponsors, significant financial assistance is available to reduce and waiver fees for students, particularly for African applicants. We also hope to provide some travel bursaries for international students. If you are in need of financial assistance to attend the Imbizo, please state so clearly in the relevant section of your application. The Imbizo is planned to be hosted in person, with everyone following our COVID policy <https://imbizo.africa/covid-policy/>. If it is unsafe to hold the summer school, we will follow up with further information at the appropriate time. * Application deadline: 18th July 2023 * References submitted: 24th July 2023 * Notification of results: August 2023 Information and application https://imbizo.africa/ Questions? isicn.imbizo(a)gmail.com <mailto:isicn.imbizo@gmail.com> What is an Imbizo? \ɪmˈbiːzɒ\ | Xhosa - Zulu A gathering of the people to share knowledge. Past and future faculty: Adrienne Fairhall - Washington University Alex Pouget - University of Geneva Anne-Marie Oswald - University of Pittsburgh Annik Carson - AI Redefined Arif Hamid - University of Minnesota Medical School Aza Allsop - Yale University Bard Ermentrout - University of Pittsburgh Bianca Jones Marlin - Columbia University Blake Richards - McGill University Brent Doiron - University of Chicago Cengiz Pehlevan - Harvard University Christopher Currin - Institute of Science and Technology Austria & IndabaX South Africa Daniela Vallentin - Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence David Sussillo - Google Demba Ba - Harvard University Dongyan Lin - MILA Evan Schaffer - Columbia University Franck Kalume - University of Washington Grace Lindsay - New York University Guillaume Lajoie - University of Montreal & MILA Henning Sprekeler - Technical University of Berlin Ilenna Jones - Harvard University Joseph Raimondo - University of Cape Town Mackenzie Mathis - EPFL Lausanne Marjorie Xie - Columbia University Mohamed Abdelhack - Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics Nina Kudryashova- University of Edinburgh Peter Latham - University College London Rachael Dangarembizi - University of Cape Town Roy Eyono - MILA Spiros Chavlis - IMBB-FORTH SueYeon Chung - New York University Thomas Tagoe - University of Ghana Tim Vogels - Institute of Science and Technology Austria Timothy Lillicrap - DeepMind Xaq Pitkow - Baylor College of Medicine ORGANISERS Demba Ba (Harvard University) Christopher Currin (Institute of Science and Technology Austria & IndabaX South Africa <https://indabax.co.za/>) Peter Latham (Gatsby Unit for Computational Neuroscience) Joseph Raimondo (University of Cape Town) Emma Vaughan (Imbizo Logistics) Tim Vogels (Institute of Science and Technology Austria) Sponsors The Imbizo is made possible by the generous support from the Simons Foundation <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/>, the International Brain Research Organisation (IBRO) <https://ibro.org/> as well as the Wellcome Trust, Google Deep Mind, Meta and others. Organizational Affiliates University of Cape Town, University College London, Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Harvard University, TReND in Africa <http://trendinafrica.org/>, Neuroscience Institute <http://www.neuroscience.uct.ac.za/>, Gatsby Foundation <http://www.gatsby.org.uk/>, IBRO African Center for Advanced Training in Neurosciences at UCT

July 11, 2023

GDR Neuralnet announcement

by Pierre-Pascal LENCK-SANTINI

Hello, could you share this message to the community please? Best regards PP Lenck-Santini Dear Colleagues, we have the pleasure to invite you to our annual GDR neuralnet that will take place in Marseille, Campus du Pharo. https://neuralnet2023.sciencesconf.org/ The GDR Neuralnet is a group of French research teams that gather to discuss about how collective neuronal activity underpins the functioning of the nervous system. These labs study a range of biological and artificial neural networks using population recording techniques, analytic approaches, and computational modelling. The goal of the GDR NeuralNet annual meeting, on its 12th edition this year, is to develop and promote synergies between researchers, engineers, and other stakeholders engaged in measuring, manipulating, analyzing and interpreting neuronal activity. Venue The conference will take place on October 11-13, 2023 at the Campus Pharo of Aix-Marseille Université, in the beautiful gardens overlooking Marseille harbor. Program We are still finalizing the program but current confirmed speakers are: * Demian Battaglia * Andrea Burgalossi * Hayriye Cagnan * Matteo Carandini * Ann Clemens * Matteo Di Volo * Mark Humphries * Kate Jeffery * Liset Menendez de la Prida * Marta Moita * Martha Nari Havenith * David Robbe * Marieke Schölvinck * German Sumbre There will also be a few selected talks from submitted abstracts; we encourage submissions from young researchers or young PIs. Registration Registration is now open (take advantage of early registration price)! Bear in mind that there will be a limitation to 180 participants to the conference and places will be assigned on a first come first served basis. The deadline for both early registration and abstract submission is July 20. As usual, ahead of the conference (October 9-10th) there will be an optional and free Minischool for those who registered. The Misischool concerns management tools of large datasets, spike sorting and calcium imaging. It will take place at the Inmed in Luminy (parc national des callanques). https://neuralnet2023.sciencesconf.org/resource/page/id/17 For more information visit: https://neuralnet2023.sciencesconf.org/ Pierre-Pascal Lenck-Santini, Ph.D. , (He/him/his) INMED INSERM/Aix-Marseille Université -- UMR 1249 Parc scientifique de Luminy 163 avenue de Luminy BP13 - 13273 Marseille cedex 09 - France - Tel : +33 (4) 91 82 81 66 https://brainsalsa.fr/

July 11, 2023

Announcing SNUFA 2023 workshop: 7-8 November

by Friedemann Zenke

We are happy to announce SNUFA 2023: 7-8 November (online)--your friendly focus meeting on spiking neural networks. Abstract submission is now open! See https://snufa.net/2023 for details. Invited speakers this year: Rodolphe Sepulchre, Melika Payvand, Gabriel Ocker, Jeff Krichmar. As usual, the workshop brings together computational neuroscience, machine learning, and neuromorphic engineering researchers to present their work and discuss how to translate these findings into a better understanding of neural circuits. Topics include artificial and biologically plausible learning algorithms and the dissection of trained spiking circuits toward understanding neural processing. We aim at a manageable number of talks with ample time for discussions. SNUFA 2023 is brought to you by Charlotte Frenkel, Emre Neftci, Dan Goodman, and Friedemann Zenke -- https://snufa.net/2023

July 11, 2023

PhD position - Comp. Neuro. - Navigation using episodic memory

by Vinita Samarasinghe

*Doctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience* Are you curious about how the human brain stores memories? Have you wondered how we manage to navigate through space? Our dynamic research group uses diverse computational modeling approaches,includingbiological neural networks, cognitive modeling, and machine learning/artificial intelligence, to study learning and memory. Currently, we are actively seeking a *talented graduate student* to join our team, someone who will expand our computationalmodeling framework Cobel-RL (https://doi.org/10.3389/fninf.2023.1134405)and use it to study how episodic memory might be used to learn to navigate.* * *Your Profile: * Candidates must * have a mastersdegreein neuroscience, physics, computer science, mathematics, psychology,or a related field * be able to work independently * have experience in mathematical modeling * have excellent programming skills, * have excellent communication skills in English, and * work well in a team. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment for female researchers and those with young children. Our university provides mentoring and coaching opportunities specifically aimed at women in research. We have a strong research network with female role models and will provide opportunities to meet with them. Wherever possible, events will be scheduled during regular childcare hours. Special childcare will be arranged if events have to be scheduled outside of regular hours, in case of sickness and during school or daycare closures. Where childcare is not an option parents will be offered a home office solution. The Ruhr University Bochum is home to a vibrant research community in neuroscienceand cognitive science. The Institute for Neural Computation combines different areas of expertise ranging from experimental and theoretical neuroscienceto machine learning androbotics. This position is *65% at TV-L E13*, starts as soon as possible and is funded for *3 years*. Please send your application, including CV, transcripts and research statement electronically, as a single PDF file, to samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de. In addition, at least two academic references mustbe sent independently to the above email address. The deadline for applications is 20.08.2023. The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions. -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/73 Postfachnummer 110 Universitätstr. 150 44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0) 234 32 27996 Email:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de

July 10, 2023

Tutorial CNS 2023, T11: Simulation of spiking and BOLD signals using the ANNarchy simulator

by Julien Vitay

Dear colleagues, we would like to draw your attention to the hands-on tutorial entitled "T11: Simulation of spiking and BOLD signals using the ANNarchy simulator” of the upcoming CNS conference held in Leipzig ( https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2023) The tutorial will take place on Saturday, July 15th in the afternoon session. The ANNarchy neuro-simulator targets the efficient simulation of rate-coded and spiking models on shared memory systems (multi-core, GPU). This tutorial will first introduce the definition of spiking neural networks in ANNarchy through its equation-oriented interface. The tutorial can be done on your laptops using the provided Jupyter notebooks or remotely on colab. The second part will demonstrate how to record BOLD signals from a spiking simulation using various balloon models and optimize the underlying hyperparameters. Registration for the tutorials at CNS 2023 is required and can be done at: https://ocns.memberclicks.net/cns-2023-registration The tutorial description can be found here: https://cns2023.sched.com/event/1NDRl Useful links: - Source code: https://github.com/ANNarchy/ANNarchy - Documentation: https://annarchy.github.io/ - White paper of the ANNarchy neural simulator: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fninf.2015.00019/full - BOLD monitoring in ANNarchy: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fninf.2022.790966/full Best regards Fred Hamker, Helge Ülo Dinkelbach, Julien Vitay -- Professur Künstliche Intelligenz Fakultät für Informatik Technische Universität Chemnitz Straße der Nationen 62 09111 Chemnitz Germany

July 10, 2023

T12: Vast parameter space exploration using L2L on EBRAINS

by Michiel van der Vlag

Did you ever wonder how to best go about exploring the parameters space of a dynamic brain model or how you can optimize a task learning network. Or maybe you just want to know how to work with the research infrastructure from the Human Brain Project called EBRAINS and send jobs to a supercomputer from this cloud environment? We cordially invite you to join our tutorial to learn all about EBRAINS and a scalable HPC solution for learning to learn (L2L), discussing machine learning optimization techniques applied on brain simulations. Synopsis: https://cns2023.sched.com/event/1NCef/t12-vast-parameter-space-exploration-… Organizers: Alper Yegenoglu and Michiel van der Vlag. Hope to see you there! Kind regards, -- Michiel Alexander van der Vlag Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS) Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) SDL Neuroscience 52425 Jülich, Germany phone: +49-2461-61-8911

July 10, 2023