December 2025 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Funded PhD Studentship on motor cortex control of arm movements

by Mark Humphries (staff)

We seek applicants for a fully-funded MRC PhD studentship project "Leveraging population activity trajectories to optimise Brain-computer interfaces for arm movement" with Mark Humphries (Nottingham) and Katja Kornysheva (Birmingham) for October 2026 start This project will develop a new approach to brain-computer interfaces, by leveraging our new understanding<https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1777-23.2024> of how the neural activity in the motor cortex encodes an intended arm movement. We will test this theory in multiple datasets of cortical recordings during arm movements, and we will develop new brain-computer interfaces that directly translate the encodings of motor cortex into intended movements. Application deadline: Jan 9th 2026, midday (GMT) How to apply for this project: https://more.bham.ac.uk/mrc-aim/phd-opportunities/ Submit your application to: mrc-aim-dtp(a)nottingham.ac.uk<mailto:mrc-aim-dtp@nottingham.ac.uk> Professor Mark Humphries | Professor of Computational Neuroscience Office hours: Calendar<https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=a2twY2xkYXNvazVnYnA3ODM2bmFwZ2…> Lab: humphries-lab.org<https://www.humphries-lab.org/> Connect: Bluesky<https://bsky.app/profile/markdhumphries.bsky.social> / LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-humphries-65a460212/> / X<https://x.com/markdhumphries> Essays on the brain and science: drmdhumphries.medium.com<https://drmdhumphries.medium.com/> Book: "The Spike: An Epic Journey Through the Brain in 2.1 Seconds" (Princeton UP) in hardback<https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691195889/the-spike?_gl=1*h…..>, paperback<https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691241487/the-spike>, ebook<https://press.princeton.edu/books/ebook/9780691213514/the-spike-0?_gl=1*1uf…..> & audiobook<https://press.princeton.edu/books/audio/9780691224091/the-spike?_gl=1*37xz7…..> <https://press.princeton.edu/books/audio/9780691224091/the-spike?_gl=1*37xz7…..> read by Anand Jagatia 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.

Dec. 9, 2025

1st Call for Papers: RaPID-6@MENTAL.ai @ LREC-2026

by Dim X

************************************************************************************ The 6th workshop on: "*Resources and ProcessIng of linguistic, para-linguistic and extra-linguistic Data from **people with various forms of cognitive/psychiatric/developme**ntal impairments*" *in collaboration with the MENTAL.ai -consortium* *Workshop*: co-located with LREC 2026 | Palma de Mallorca, Spain | *May 12th, 2026* *RaPID-6(a)MENTAL.ai *serves as an interdisciplinary platform for researchers to exchange insights, methods, and experiences related to collecting and processing data from individuals with *mental, cognitive, neuropsychiatric, or neurodegenerative impairments*. The workshop focuses on creating, processing, and applying such data resources from individuals at different stages and severity levels of these impairments. The ultimate goal of RaPID-6(a)MENTAL.ai is to facilitate the study of relationships among linguistic, paralinguistic, and extra-linguistic observations, with applications ranging from aiding diagnosis to enhancing monitoring and predicting individuals at higher risk, ultimately promoting multidisciplinary collaboration across clinical/medical, language technology, computational linguistics, and computer science communities. *Workshop date: *Tue., 12th of May 2026 *Submission deadlin**e*: Sun., 22nd of February, 2026 (anywhere on earth) *Paper submission*: <SOFTCONF-TBA> *Invited Speakers: *Prof. *Brian MacWhinney*, Carnegie Mellon University, USA; and Assoc Prof, MD, *Sunny X. Tan*g, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, USA. *Website and details*: https://spraakbanken.gu.se/en/rapid-2026 *Contact*: Dimitrios Kokkinakis *Contact email*: dimitrios.kokkinakis(a)gu.se *Organizing committee*: - Dimitrios Kokkinakis, University of Gothenburg, Sweden - Charalambos Themistocleous, University of Oslo, Norway - Gaël Dias, University of Caen Normandie, France - Kathleen C. Fraser, University of Ottawa, Canada - Fredrik Öhman, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden - Sebastião Pais, University of Beira Interior, Portugal **************************************************************************************

Dec. 8, 2025

Postdoc Position at Inria Lyon – Computational Neuroscience / Neural Learning

by Elif Köksal

Dear all, We are hiring a post-doctoral researcher within the COPHY (Computation, Cognition & Neurophysiology) team at the Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre (CRNL), an excellent environment for scientists eager to access state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant interdisciplinary community. The position is part of the LENGA project on Neural Gain and Adaptive Learning. *Project overview* The postdoc will develop and analyze computational models explaining how the brain rapidly adapts its learning mechanisms. This includes work with recurrent neural networks (rate-based or spiking), numerical simulations, and analysis of behavioral or electrophysiological data. *Candidate profile* • Strong background in recurrent neural networks, learning, and dynamical systems • Solid programming skills in Python and relevant scientific libraries; experience with experimental data is a plus *Conditions* • 2-year fixed-term contract starting in April 2026 • Competitive salary and benefits (subsidized meals, transport reimbursement, teleworking options, generous vacation policy) *Application deadline:* January 31, 2026 Full details and application portal: https://recrutement.inria.fr/public/classic/fr/offres/2025-09545 <https://recrutement.inria.fr/public/classic/fr/offres/2025-09545?utm_source…> Best regards, Elif Köksal-Ersöz *Elif Köksal-Ersöz* Scientific researcher https://elifkoksal.github.io/ Centre Inria de Lyon & CRNL CH Le Vinatier Bâtiment 452 95 boulevard Pinel 69500 Bron, France

Dec. 8, 2025

World wide VVTNS series (6th season): Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 11:00 am ET - Markus Diesman | Jülich Research Center

by David Hansel

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture Markus Diesman Jülich Research Center on the topic of *Building on cortical models* The lecture will be held on zoom on December 10, 2025, at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > > *Abstract: *Over the past decade our community has made substantial progress in the construction of anatomically detailed network models of the cortical tissue. Thanks to advances in computer hardware and simulation technology, researchers can now routinely work with these models at the natural density of neurons and synapses. Moreover, the availability of cloud services means that such investigations can be carried out without having to install either the model or the simulation software. A recent workshop analyzed the impact of a specific model of the cortical microcircuit, published ten years ago . The model has been reused in multiple contexts: for reproduction studies, validation of mean-field approaches, exploration of methods of model sharing, and as a building block for larger models. Although the model was less successful in inspiring further neuroscientific studies than the authors of the original work had hoped, it became a de facto benchmark for neuromorphic computing systems. It sparked a constructive race for ever shorter simulation times and lower energy consumption. The quantitative comparison of different platforms reveals qualitative differences between conventional and neuromorphic hardware and limits of speed-up. The structure of the model is based on light microscopy because these were the data available at the time. Guided by simulation results and physiological evidence, the original publication hypothesized a preference of excitatory neurons for inhibitory targets. Modern electron microscopy data of cortical volumes combined with AI based reconstruction techniques is capable of resolving individual synaptic connections. This advances the concept of digital twins of the cortical network to a new level of precision, and has already enabled us to confirm the assumption of target type specificity underlying earlier models. Maybe with the progress sketched here, our community is at a transition point where it becomes easier to cooperatively and incrementally work on models with a larger explanatory scope. *About VVTNS : Launched as the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ

Dec. 7, 2025

MODVIS 2026 - Call for Papers

by Tim Oleskiw

The 2026 VSS satellite workshop on computational and mathematical models in vision (MODVIS) will be held May 13-14 in St. Pete Beach, FL, the two days immediately preceding the main meeting of the Vision Sciences Society (VSS). This year marks a departure for MODVIS: VSS will replace Purdue University in administering the workshop. MODVIS registration will be conducted through the VSS website, and the registration deadlines will align with those of VSS. The program consists of contributed oral presentations, which are longer and more interactive than a regular VSS talk, and the schedule is designed to provide many opportunities for discussions during coffee breaks and a generous lunch break. The workshop will conclude on Thursday with a keynote lecture by Jonathan Victor (Weill Cornell Medical College). As in the past, submission deadlines will be later than those for VSS, and post-deadline submissions will be accepted on a space-available basis. Abstract submissions will be made through the VSS website, with submissions opening in the coming weeks. MODVIS welcomes submissions covering the modelling of any area of vision. More information can be found on the (new) MODVIS website: https://www.modvis.org. On behalf of the MODVIS organizing committee, -Tim Oleskiw Assistant Professor University of Regina

Dec. 6, 2025

AREADNE 2026 Call for Abstracts

by John Pezaris

****** CALL FOR ABSTRACTS ****** AREADNE 2026 Research in Encoding and Decoding of Neural Ensembles 23-27 June 2026 Eliopoulos Conference Center Milos, Greece Celebrating 20 Years of AREADNE Conferences http://areadne.org info(a)areadne.org INTRODUCTION A fundamental problem in neuroscience is to understand how the activation of neuronal populations gives rise to higher order functions including learning, memory, cognition, perception, action and ultimately conscious awareness. Electrophysiological recordings have revealed considerable information about the firing patterns of single neurons, but it remains largely a mystery how collections of individual neurons interact to perform these functions. Understanding ensemble activity is critical to understanding the brain. CONFERENCE MISSION The AREADNE Conferences have been created to gather global scientific leaders who work on neural ensembles and establish a touch-point for the widely disparate and hybrid field. With a beautiful setting on Milos, the conferences have been carefully planned to foster discussion and interaction between attendees to encourage the establishment of lasting professional relationships. The meetings continue our efforts to promote systems neuroscience in Greece through creating a world-class forum for cutting-edge research. For 2026, we will be Celebrating Twenty Years of AREADNE Conferences! FORMAT AND SPEAKERS The conference will span four days, in morning and early evening sessions. Confirmed speakers include experts in the field of multi-neuron experiment, theory, and analysis (in alphabetic order): Jaideep Bains Farran Briggs Mark Cembrowski SueYeon Chung Brent Doiron Manolis Froudarakis Julijana Gjiorgjieva Michael Hauser Michele Insanally Viren Jain Mehrdad Jazayeri Sheena Josselyn Caleb Kemere Jennifer Linden Atila Losonczy Mackenzie Mathis Nina Miolane Bence Olveczky Stephanie Palmer Kanaka Rajan Jennifer Raymond CALL FOR ABSTRACTS We are currently soliciting abstracts for poster presentation. Submissions will be accepted electronically, and must be received by 30 January 2026. Automated email acknowledgment of submission will be provided, and manual verification will be made a few days after submission. Notification of acceptance will be provided by 3 March 2026. Please see our Call for Abstracts page for additional details and submission templates: http://areadne.org/call-for-abstracts ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Dora Angelaki Kenny Blum Nicholas Hatsopoulos, co-chair John Pezaris, co-chair Panayiota Poirazi Thanos Siapas Jiannis Taxidis Andreas Tolias FURTHER INFORMATION For further information on AREADNE 2026 please see the conference web site http://areadne.org or send email to info(a)areadne.org. -- Dr. J. S. Pezaris AREADNE 2026 Co-Chair Harvard Medical School Massachusetts General Hospital 55 Fruit Street Boston, MA 02114, USA john(a)areadne.org

Dec. 5, 2025

Master 2 computational neurosciences, Lyon (France)

by DI VOLO MATTEO

Dear colleagues, Applications for non-EU students are now open for the Master 2 in Computational Neuroscineces (CNS) at the University of Lyon (France). See our website for more details: https://masterneuro.univ-lyon1.fr/m2-cns/ The Lyon neurograduate school also offers fully funded scholarships to enrol in the CNS program or in other neurosciences training paths. Deadline : 23/01/2026, more information here : https://neurograduate.univ-lyon1.fr/fellowships/ The CNS program in Lyon trains students in modern computational and analytical methods to study the brain: from the electrical activity of single neurons to neural networks, interacting brain regions, and animal behavior. Students learn the principles of brain function by applying statistics, signal processing, and computational modeling to real neuroscientific datasets, gaining extensive hands-on experience through practical Python-based work. The main objective of CNS is to equip students with the skills and critical perspective needed to design, conduct, and interpret analyses of electrophysiological and behavioral data from a mechanistic point of view. Contact info: Matteo Di Volo (matteo.di-volo(a)univ-lyon1.fr<mailto:matteo.di-volo@univ-lyon1.fr>) and Jeremie Mattout (jeremie.mattout(a)inserm.fr<mailto:jeremie.mattout@inserm.fr>)

Dec. 5, 2025

Postdoc and PhD positions in Theoretical Neuroscience and Reinforcement Learning

by Ruben Moreno Bote

Moreno-Bote Lab is ooking for talented PhD students and Postdocs. Project: the foundations of behavior and intelligence. Come to our Comp Neuro lab in Barcelona to study natural and artificial Intelligence. Recent, related articles of the lab: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49711-1 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50214-2 https://openreview.net/forum?id=OcHrsQox0Z https://proceedings.neurips.cc/paper_files/paper/2024/hash/df0e4ffa41062ca0… Center for Brain and Cognition, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain 1 fully funded PhD position and 1 fully funded Postdoc position are available in the group of Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience of Ruben Moreno-Bote in the Center for Brain and Cognition at the University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain. We are looking for excellent candidates with Physics, Mathematics or Machine Learning background interested in developing theory for the brain and mind. Knowledge of Computational Neuroscience or Neuroscience would be ideal, but it is not necessary. The candidate will develop state of the art theory and models of cognition and intelligence by using neural networks, reinforcement learning, machine learning, data analysis and multielectrode neural data. The main research topic of our lab is decision-making, from a multidisciplinary angle. The candidate will benefit from the stimulating environment of the Barcelona area in Theoretical and Systems Neuroscience and will have the opportunity of enjoying a lively city. Our lab (https://www.upf.edu/web/tcn) forms part of a larger network of neuroscience labs in Barcelona. APPLICATION: A full CV in pdf format and an extract of grades for degree and master studies should be sent to the following address: ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu DEADLINE: until the position is filled STARTING DATE: flexible -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter Full Professor and ICREA Academia Director of the Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience Group Center for Brain and Cognition & Dept. of Engineering University Pompeu Fabra Campus Ciutadella c\ Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27 Mercè Rodoreda building, 3th floor (room 24.331) 08005 Barcelona, Spain https://sites.google.com/view/morenobotecompneuro https://twitter.com/morenobote <https://twitter.com/morenobote?lang=ca> -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter Full Professor and ICREA Academia Director of the Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience Group Center for Brain and Cognition & Dept. of Engineering University Pompeu Fabra Campus Ciutadella c\ Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27 Mercè Rodoreda building, 3th floor (room 24.331) 08005 Barcelona, Spain https://sites.google.com/view/morenobotecompneuro https://twitter.com/morenobote <https://twitter.com/morenobote?lang=ca>

Dec. 4, 2025

Neuroinformatics Unit Open Software Summer School, August 2026 in London

by Nikoloz Sirmpilatze

Applications are now open for the second Neuroinformatics Unit Open Software Summer School (OSSS) <https://neuroinformatics.dev/open-software-summer-school/index.html>, August 17-28 2026 in London, U.K. Join us for one or two of the following tracks: Animals in Motion (analysing video behavioural data) Large Array Data (how to handle large data in Python) BrainGlobe (species-agnostic computational neuroanatomy) Extracellular Electrophysiology (using SpikeInterface to process probe data) Each week starts with a symposium on the Monday afternoon, followed by 3 days of hands-on training, then 2 days of collaborative hacking, bringing together researchers and engineers to use, and improve neuroscience open source software. Please share with anyone who may be interested! Financial support is available. Apply now: https://neuroinformatics.dev/open-software-summer-school Kind regards, Niko Sirmpilatze NIKOLOZ SIRMPILATZE MD PhD Senior Research Software Engineer Neuroinformatics Unit Sainsbury Wellcome Centre & Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit University College London nikosirmpilatze.com

Dec. 4, 2025

Postdoc position for biophysical modeling and measurement of TMS effects

by Thomas Knoesche

The Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Leipzig, Germany, is an internationally recognized research institute of the Max Planck Society and is dedicated to the study of human cognitive abilities and brain processes as well as the development of neuroimaging methods. The Brain Networks Group led by Professor Thomas Knösche offers a Postdoc position (m/f/d) for 3 years. The successful candidate will work on a DFG funded project that is dedicated to the investigation of the working mechanisms underlying the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the human motor cortex using advanced electrophysiological measurement techniques combined with biophysical modeling. The project will be carried out in cooperation between the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences, the Czech Academy of Sciences, and the MPI-CBS. Candidates should hold a PhD degree and have a background in engineering, computer science, neuroscience, physics, or similar, as well as a keen interest in neuroscience. Good computer programming skills (e.g., C++, Matlab, Python) are necessary. The ideal candidate would have experience in EEG or MEG (or similar) experimenting, data analysis, and modeling. Prior exposure to volume conduction modeling and/or source analysis would be beneficial. The Institute offers a world-leading research environment with outstanding facilities and research infrastructure (five MR scanners, including a 3T Connectom and 7T Terra.X; MEG; EEG; TMS). The Brain Networks group is dedicated to the development of methods to investigate, model, and understand brain networks and how they give rise to human behavior and cognition. Current projects are centered around non-invasive brain stimulation of the motor system, sensory perception, the relation between human cognition and machine learning, and others. The position is offered for three years. Starting date is in principle flexible, while we aim to get started as soon as possible. The salary is fixed in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector: TVöD E13. We look forward to receiving your complete online application (reference number “PostDoc 16/25”). Please submit through the online application system on the MPI-CBS website: (1) a statement describing your research interest and motivation to apply for this position as well as your relevant qualifications (max. 2 pages), (2) a full CV, (3) transcript of records for the master and bachelor degrees, and (4) names and contact details of up to two potential referees. There is no formal closing date for the application – it will remain open until filled. Please feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Thomas R. Knösche (knoesche(a)cbs.mpg.de) for informal enquires about the position. The Max Planck Society seeks to employ more people with disabilities and strongly encourages them to apply. Furthermore, we actively support the compatibility of work and family life. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. -- Prof. Dr. Thomas R. Knösche Brain Networks (@brainnetleipzig) Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences Stephanstraße 1A 04103 Leipzig Germany Tel +49 341 9940 2619 Fax +49 341 9940 2624 knoesche(a)cbs.mpg.de http://www.cbs.mpg.de/~knoesche

Dec. 4, 2025