February 2024 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

ICDL Poster deadline extended to March 8
by nagai.yukie＠mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp Feb. 29, 2024

Feb. 29, 2024

Dear colleagues, Join us in Austin May 20-23, 2024 for the IEEE International Conference on Development and Learning (ICDL). ICDL is an intimate and unique meeting gathering researchers interested in development from the perspective of ecological psychology, robotics, and computation. While the deadline for full paper submissions has passed, there is still time to submit to the poster tracks! We have confirmed an amazing list of speakers for the event - including a keynote by Jitendra Malik, the research director for Facebook AI - as well as 20 of the most important thinkers in this space. Our goal is to encourage deep conversations through carefully curated single-track symposia, including: [ Curiosity-Driven Learning and Predictive Models ] Yukie Nagai - The University of Tokyo, Japan Elizabeth Bonawitz - Harvard University, USA Gert Westermann - Lancaster Univbersity, UK Michael Goldstein - Cornell University, USA [ Language Development in Humans and Machines ] Xavier Hinaut - Inria & Bordeaux University, France Casey Lew-Williams - Princeton University, USA Daniel Messinger - University of Miami, USA Catherine Laing - University of York, UK [ Developmental Machine Learning and Everyday Inputs ] Karen Adolph - New York University, USA Linda Smith - Indiana University, USA Jochen Triesch - Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Germany Marvin Lavechin - Ecole Normale Supérieure, France [ Egocentric vision and attention ] John Franchak - University of California, Riverside, USA Kristen Grauman - The University of Texas at Austin, USA Mary Hayhoe - The University of Texas at Austin, USA Jim Rehg - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA [ Body Representation and Sensorimotor Organization ] Daniela Corbetta - The University of Tennessee, USA Matej Hoffmann - Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic Hoshinori Kanazawa - The University of Tokyo, Japan Peter Marshall - Temple University, USA Website: https://la.utexas.edu/users/dil/ICDL_Austin_2024/ Deadline for 1-page poster abstracts and journal track poster submissions: March 1, 2024 -> March 8, 2024 (extended) Submissions are invited on a range of topics including but not limited to: ● Embodied learning and development in biological systems and robots ● Developmental stages and sensitive periods ● Emergence of verbal and nonverbal communication ● Curiosity, intrinsic motivations, exploration, play and active learning ● Architectures for lifelong learning ● Emergence of body and affordance perception ● Learning control of body movement ● Emotional development and the role of emotion in learning ● Prediction, planning, and problem solving ● The relationship between evolution and development ● Epistemological foundations and philosophical issues ● Robotic and computational models of human and animal development ● Developmentally-inspired machine learning ● Human-robot interaction in developmental contexts ● Applications of machine learning to human and animal development [ 1-page poster abstracts ] To encourage discussion of late-breaking results or for work that is not sufficiently mature for a full paper, we will accept 1-page abstracts. These submissions will not be included in the conference proceedings. Accepted abstracts will be presented during the poster session. [ Journal-track posters ] Journal track poster submissions must be about a journal paper that has been published recently (no earlier than December 2022), on a topic relevant to ICDL. Please see https://la.utexas.edu/users/dil/ICDL_Austin_2024/ for submission details. Best regards, Yukie Nagai, on behalf of the organizing committees — Yukie Nagai, Ph.D. Project Professor, The University of Tokyo nagai.yukie(a)mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp | https://developmental-robotics.jp CREST Cognitive Feelings: https://cognitive-feeling.jp CREST Cognitive Mirroring: https://cognitive-mirroring.org

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Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience Summer School application open!
by Chengcheng Huang Feb. 28, 2024

Feb. 28, 2024

Applications are open for the 12th Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience Summer School (CCNSS), which will be held from *June 23 to July 14, 2024*, at *Suzhou, China*. Online application: https://www.csh-asia.org/?content/2382 Application deadline: *March 31, 2024* About CCNSS: Designed to emphasize computational principles and neural circuit mechanisms of higher cognitive functions, the course aims at training talented and highly motivated students and postdoctoral fellows from Asia and around the world. We welcome both applicants with quantitative backgrounds (including Physics, Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science) and those with experimental backgrounds. The lectures will introduce the basic concepts and methods, as well as cutting-edge research on higher brain functions such as decision-making, attention, learning and memory. Modeling will be taught at multiple levels, ranging from single neuron computation and microcircuits up to large-scale brain systems and artificial intelligence and psychiatric disorders. Python-based programming labs coordinated with the lectures will provide practical training in important computational methods. 2024 Faculty: Hannah Choi, Georgia Institute of Technology Robert Desimone, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Alain Destexhe, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Tomoki Fukai, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Leyla Isik, Johns Hopkins University Máté Lengyel, University of Cambridge Sukbin Lim, New York University, Shanghai Yunzhe Liu, Beijing Normal University Luca Mazzucato, University of Oregon Jorge Mejias, University of Amsterdam Yuanyuan Mi, Tsinghua University Ida Momennajad, Microsoft Research Memming Park, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown Anqi Wu, Georgia Institute of Technology Organizers: Dora Angelaki, New York University Christopher Honey, Johns Hopkins University Chengcheng Huang, University of Pittsburgh Songting Li, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Xiao-Jing Wang, New York University Guangyu Robert Yang, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Supports: Cold Spring Harbor Asia Simons Foundation -- Dr. Chengcheng Huang Assistant Professor Department of Neuroscience Department of Mathematics University of Pittsburgh

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CAJAL Course on Quantitative Approaches to Behavior and Virtual Reality 2024
by Daniel McNamee Feb. 28, 2024

Feb. 28, 2024

CAJAL COURSE ON QUANTITATIVE APPROACHES TO BEHAVIOR AND VIRTUAL REALITY 2 - 21 June 2024, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal https://cajal-training.org/on-site/quantitative-approaches-to-behaviour-and… Applications deadline: 4 March 2024 DIRECTORS • Benjamin de Bivort (Harvard University, USA) • Ann Kennedy (Northwestern University, USA) * Giorgio Gilestro (Imperial College London, UK) • Daniel McNamee (Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Portugal) Quantitative studies of behaviour are fundamental in our effort to understand brain function and malfunction. Recently, the techniques for studying behaviour, along with those for monitoring and manipulating neural activity, have progressed rapidly. Therefore, we are organizing a summer course to provide promising young scientists with a comprehensive introduction to state-of-the-art techniques in quantitative behavioural methods. This course’s content is complementary to other summer courses that focus on measuring and manipulation neurophysiological processes. Our focus is on methodologies to acquire rich data representations of behavior, dissect them statistically, model their dynamics, and integrate behavioral measurements with other kinds of neurobiological data. To this end, students will 1) fabricate devices for recording the behavior of experimental organisms (including flies, fish, and humans), 2) learn, under the guidance of the scientists developing these methods, the modern tools to analyze behavioral data from these organisms, and 3) in a week-long independent project develop and conduct a behavioral study of their own design, with the support and guidance of the course instructors and teaching assistants. The course is designed for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from a variety of disciplines, including neuroscience, biology, ethology, computer science, and psychology. Students are expected to have a keen interest and basic background in neurobiology and behavior, as well as some programming experience. A maximum of 20 students will be accepted. Students of any nationality can apply. We specifically encourage applications from researchers who work in the developing world. Stipends are available. Confirmed faculty: Ahmed Al-Hady (Max Planck Institute, Konstanz, Germany) Kristin Branson (Janelia, USA) Andre Brown (Imperial College, UK) Bing Brunton (U Washington, USA) James Cotton (Northwestern, USA) Iain Couzin (Max Planck Institute, Konstanz, Germany) Serena Ding (Max Planck Institute, Konstanz, Germany) Gonzalo de Polavieja (Champalimaud, Portugal) Kim Hoke (Colorado State University, USA) Karla Kaun (Brown University, USA) Kate Laskowski (UC Davis, USA) Zach Mainen (Champalimaud, Portugal) Talmo Pereira (Salk Institute, USA) Nachum Ulanovsky (Weizmann Institute, Israel) (more to be confirmed) Daniel McNamee (co-director, Champalimaud Research)

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Doctoral Student and Young Researcher Awards @ FRCCS 2024 Deadline March 11, 2024
by Hocine Cherifi Feb. 28, 2024

Feb. 28, 2024

Please consider to contribute to and/or forward to the appropriate groups the following opportunities: *Submission deadline extended: March 11, 2024 (firm deadline)* *DOCTORAL STUDENT AWARD * The Doctoral Student Award is in place to recognize early career contributions. It is awarded to young researchers enrolled in a Ph.D. program. This competition consists in presenting your research in simple terms in a five minutes video to a lay audience. Your presentation should be clear, concise, and convincing. More info: https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/ccs-france/call-doctoral-student-award/ *YOUNG RESARCHER AWARD * The Young Researcher Award is in place to recognize early career contributions and leadership in research in Complex Systems related fields. It is awarded to young researchers up to *five years* *after* the Ph.D. completion (date of Ph.D. defense) and the deadline of the call for nomination. More info: https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/ccs-france/call-young-resarcher-award/ Best regards Join us at COMPLEX NETWORKS 2024 <https://www.complexnetworks.org/> *-------------------------* Hocine CHERIFI University of Burgundy Franche-Comté Laboratoire* I*nterdisciplinaire *C*arnot de *B*ourgogne - ICB UMR 6303 CNRS Editor in Chief Plos Complex Systems <https://plos.org/complex-systems-research-journal/#:~:text=PLOS%20Complex%2….> Founding & Adisory Editor Applied Network Science <https://appliednetsci.springeropen.com/> Editorial Board member PLOS One <https://journals.plos.org/plosone/>, IEEE ACCESS <https://ieeeaccess.ieee.org/?http%3A%2F%2Fieeeaccess_ieee_org%2F>, Scientific Reports <https://www.nature.com/srep/>, Journal of Imaging <https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jimaging>, Quality and Quantity <https://www.springer.com/journal/11135/>, Computational Social Networks <https://computationalsocialnetworks.springeropen.com/>, Complex Systems <https://www.complex-systems.com/>

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postdoc in computational neuroscience, Cambridge-Columbia collaboration
by Máté Lengyel Feb. 27, 2024

Feb. 27, 2024

We have an open postdoc position to work on a collaborative project between Guillaume Hennequin’s group and mine at the Computational and Biological Learning Lab at the University of Cambridge, and Daniel Wolpert's at the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University. See details here: https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/44808/ The closing date for applications is 10th March. Both Guillaume and I will be at Cosyne this week, do not hesitate to reach out if you would like to discuss this position with us. Best wishes, Máté Lengyel -- Professor of Computational Neuroscience Computational and Biological Learning Lab Cambridge University Engineering Department Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK tel: +44 (0)1223 748 532, fax: +44 (0)1223 765 587 email: m.lengyel(a)eng.cam.ac.uk web: lengyellab.org

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Research Fellow in Theoretical Neuroscience (Gatsby Unit)
by Lin, I-Chun Feb. 26, 2024

Feb. 26, 2024

Closing date: 30-Jun-2024 The Gatsby Unit invites applications for a postdoctoral training fellowship under Dr Agostina Palmigiano, focussed on developing theoretical approaches to investigate the mechanisms underlying sensory, motor or cognitive computations. You will be responsible for the primary execution of the project (with opportunities for co-supervision of students), presentation of results at conferences and seminars, and publication in suitable media. This post is initially funded for 2 years with the possibility of a one-year extension at the end of the period. You should have a strong quantitative background in theoretical neuroscience, machine learning, statistics, computer science, physics or engineering; a record of publication in highly respected journals and conferences and must hold a PhD in a relevant field by the agreed start date of the position. For detailed information on the role and how to apply, please visit http://www.ucl.ac.uk/gatsby/vacancies under 'Research Fellow (Palmigiano group)'. Agostina will also be at COSYNE 2024; please get in touch (a.palmigiano 'at' ucl.ac.uk) to set up informal chats with her if interested! About the Gatsby Unit Established in 1998 through a generous grant from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, the Gatsby Unit has been a pioneering centre for research in theoretical neuroscience and machine learning. The Unit fosters a highly collaborative and open research culture where regular unit-wide events allow everyone to get involved in everything and be aware of what others are doing. In addition, the Unit provides a unique multidisciplinary research environment with strong links to the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, the ELLIS Unit at UCL, and other neuroscience and machine learning groups at UCL and beyond. -- I-Chun Lin Scientific Programme Manager Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, UCL

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CNeuro2024 summer school in computational neuroscience, Beijing, July 2024
by Rava A. da Silveira Feb. 26, 2024

Feb. 26, 2024

*CN**EURO**2024* *Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience Summer School* *8 to 15 July 2024 — In person in Beijing, China* *This year: “N**EURAL** C**ODING,** L**EARNING,* *AND **D**ECISION **M* *AKING**”* *www.cneuro.net* <http://www.cneuro.net> *About CNeuro* How intelligence and behavior emerge from complex and intricate interactions within the brain remains a deep and unsolved mystery, central to an exciting area of interdisciplinary research. The past decade has seen rapid progress in experimental tools that now make it possible to monitor and manipulate brain circuits in unprecedented detail. This evolution presents challenges and opportunities for both experimentalists and theorists. Mathematical theory is instrumental in the emergence of theoretical insights and frameworks that can help guide experimental work and identify unifying principles of brain function. The aim of the one-week summer school will be to introduce students with a strong quantitative background (in mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering) to the emerging field of theoretical and computational neuroscience. The distinguishing feature of CNeuro is the emphasis it places on the role of systematic mathematical theory for understanding the brain, in part by stressing the connections between neuroscience, statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. *Topic and format* This year’s school will explore various facets of neural coding, learning, and decision making, from circuit neuroscience to cognition to artificial intelligence. The course will bring together leading scientists in the field, who will deliver both introductory and advanced lectures, and take part in small-group discussions. Other activities will include homework sessions and student presentations, as well as the now popular ‘Life and Science’ panel series, in which faculty and students can both share their personal experiences and views on research and career. *Faculty* Dmitri (Mitya) Chklovskii (Flatiron Institute) Nathaniel Daw (Princeton University) Pulin Gong (University of Sydney) Vincent Hakim (Ecole Normale Supérieure) Ole Jensen (University of Birmingham) Sukbin Lim (New York University Shanghai) Rubén Moreno Bote (Universitat Pompeu Fabra) Naoshige Uchida (Havard University) Ninglong Xu (Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai) Tianming Yang (Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai) Hang Zhang (Peking University) Lusha Zhu (Peking University) *Organizers* Rava Azeredo da Silveira (ENS and IOB) Stella Christie (Tsinghua University) Sen Song (Tsinghua University) Louis Tao (Peking University) Xiaoqin Wang (Johns Hopkins University) Quan Wen (USTC) *Application and deadline* Information and application guidelines at https://www.cneuro.net/cneuro2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We will make every effort to recruit students from diverse backgrounds including all genders and ethnic groups.

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Available Ph.D. Position in AI / Cognitive Robotics / Human-Robot Interaction
by Amir Aly Feb. 26, 2024

Feb. 26, 2024

Dear All, *Apologies for cross-posting* We are pleased to announce an opportunity for a funded PhD studentship (*Cross-Modal Language Learning with Large Language Models through Human-Robot Interaction*) at the Center for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS) at Plymouth University, UK. The closing date for applications is *12 noon on **15th March 2024* *(The difference in tuition fees between national and international students will be waived for international candidates)*. This exciting project aims to create a robot learning framework that integrates the wide linguistic capabilities of *Large Language Models *(LLMs) with robot perceptual information (e.g., visual and/or haptic perception) for language learning covering *word grounding* and bottom-up *sentence formation*, which can make robots develop language and understand human communication across contexts (*more details and research questions are available in the link below*). More details *about the topic *and *how to apply* are available at: https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DFL347/phd-studentship-cross-modal-language-lear… <https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DFL347/phd-studentship-cross-modal-language-lear…> PhD Studentship - Cross-Modal Language Learning with Large Language Models through Human-Robot Interaction at University of Plymouth <https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DFL347/phd-studentship-cross-modal-language-lear…> Find a PhD Studentship - Cross-Modal Language Learning with Large Language Models through Human-Robot Interaction on jobs.ac.uk, the top job board in higher education. Click to view more! www.jobs.ac.uk If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me, Regards ---------------- *Dr. Amir Aly* Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics / AI Consultant Programme Manager of Artificial Intelligence Center for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS) School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics Room A307 Portland Square, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA University of Plymouth, UK ------------------------------ <http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass>

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ICMNS24 - registration open
by Avitabile, D. (Daniele) Feb. 25, 2024

Feb. 25, 2024

Dear All, We invite you to visit our website, which has been updated with important information on the conference https://www.danieleavitabile.com/icmns24/ In particular: * We were pleased to receive a large number of excellent contributed talk submissions, and we have extended the conference by half a day, to allow for more talks. The conference will now start on the 11th of June at 13:00, as opposed to the 12th of June. * Submissions are now closed. * Registrations are now open via our website. * On-campus accommodation can be booked during the registration (limited to single en-suite rooms). We also provide a list of hotels near the UCD campus, and with some of them we negotiated a discount for ICMNS participants. * We provide details about our social event. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us jointly, using the addresses at the end of the present email We look forward to hosting you in Dublin! Daniele Avitabile ?ine Byrne Jonathan Rubin

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M.Sc. & Ph.D. Positions at McGill University
by Majid H. Mohajerani Feb. 24, 2024

Feb. 24, 2024

Title: M.Sc. & Ph.D. Positions at McGill University in Computational Analysis of Behavior and Brain dynamics with Computer Vision/Machine Learning Positions Overview: The Mohajerani lab (https://douglas.research.mcgill.ca/majid-mohajerani/) at McGill University is seeking prospective M.Sc. or Ph.D. to join our lab for Winter 2025 semester. The focus of student’s project will be on analysis of animal behaviour and brain activity using deep learning tools. To be qualified for this position, ideal candidates must have a solid background in computer vision and be familiar with neuroscience. As part of this role, students also must complete coursework for neuroscience program at McGill (www.mcgill.ca/ipn/<http://www.mcgill.ca/ipn/>), a university known for its world-class research and academic excellence, providing them an intellectually stimulating and inspiring environment for their career growth. We are searching for dedicated researchers to join our lab, so if you like tackling challenges, you are welcome to apply! Lastly, the successful candidate must have a collaborative spirit, as this role involves cooperation with multiple institutions and investigators. Deadline: March 31st, 2024 Key qualifications: * Academic Background: M.Sc. or B.Sc. in computer science, computer engineering, neuroscience, or related fields. Solid foundation in machine learning , and knowledge of experimental neuroscience (e.g., optical imaging/ontogenetic, electrophysiology, behavioural assessment) will be a bonus. * Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with deep learning libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch), and image processing in Python. * Soft Skills: Individuals who are driven by curiosity, practical problem-solvers, and team players. * Passionate About Neuroscience: A genuine interest in computational, and/or behavioural neuroscience and a commitment to contributing to the field. What we offer: * A Focus on Behavioural Neuroscience: Dive deep into research that aims to unravel the complexities of behaviour and brain dynamics through AI. Our projects span various aspects of the field, offering a rich environment for academic and personal growth. * Collaborative Environment: Work alongside leading scientists in a supportive, interdisciplinary team where your ideas and contributions are valued. * Resources: Access to cutting-edge technology and resources to facilitate your research, experimentation, and learning. * Real-World Impact: Engage in projects that aim to translate scientific discoveries into practical applications, making a tangible difference in the field and beyond. * Academic Excellence: As part of McGill University, you’ll be immersed in an environment known for its high standards of research and education. How to Apply: If you’re passionate about machine learning and want to work in a dynamic and exciting environment, please apply with your resume and a cover letter describing your relevant experience and why you’re the right fit for this role. We strive to ensure that our team is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. All qualified applicants, including women and members of visible minority groups, are welcome to apply. If you meet all the requirements, please fill out the following form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1TK_TfBSzkqNcR_DYt82HGb0MImX_1mthtegbxbkJtb…

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