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

Summer Course Application deadlines extended to March 30th

by Bonnen, Kathryn

Dear Colleagues, Reminder to apply for Neuromatch summer courses. Application deadlines have been extended to March 30th. This is a great opportunity to learn computational concepts and modeling with students from around the globe. Courses are available in Computational Neuroscience, NeuroAI, Deep Learning and Computational Climate Science. You can apply as a student or a TA (TA positions offer financial compensation). Please share with students/postdocs and your departments. More information below. Thanks, Kate Bonnen -- Kathryn Bonnen Assistant Professor School of Optometry, Department of Cognitive Science, Program in Neuroscience Indiana University kbonnen(a)iu.edu<mailto:kbonnen@iu.edu> https://bonnenlab.github.io COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT We’re excited to announce that applications are open for students and Teaching Assistants. 3-week Courses (July 7-25): * Computational Neuroscience<https://neuromatch.io/computational-neuroscience-course/>: Explore the intricacies of the brain's computational processes and join an engaging community of learners. * Deep Learning<https://neuromatch.io/deep-learning-course/>: Delve into the world of artificial intelligence to uncover the principles and applications of deep learning. 2-week Courses (July 14-25): * Computational Tools for Climate Science<https://neuromatch.io/computational-tools-for-climate-science-course/>: Uncover the tools and techniques driving climate science research in this dynamic two-week course. * NeuroAI<https://neuromatch.io/neuroai-course/>: Explore the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence through the lens of generalization. Application Info: * Close: Sunday, March 23rd, at midnight in your local time zone * Decisions: Mid-April * Requirements: * Students are expected to be familiar with Python and have foundational science skills in math/science. * Teaching Assistants should have strong Python skills and a background in the relevant topic. See the course pages for more information. * Link: Apply Here<https://portal.neuromatchacademy.org/> Additional Information: * All courses are synchronous but will be conducted exclusively online, providing flexibility and accessibility. * Participation fees are lower than those of other courses to make education affordable to everybody, no matter their financial background. They are also adjusted for national economic factors. Detailed information about course fees can be found here<https://neuromatchacademy.github.io/widgets/cola.html>. * Teaching Assistants will lead small groups of students, fostering collaborative learning. TA positions offer financial compensation; detailed rates can be found here<https://neuromatchacademy.github.io/widgets/ta_cola.html>. * Students and TAs who complete the course are eligible to apply to our Impact Scholars Program<https://impact-scholars.neuromatch.io/impact-scholars/intro.html>, a 4-month supported research program Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your knowledge, connect with experts in the field, and contribute to the success of our courses. Apply today and join us on a journey of discovery! Should you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to us at nma(a)neuromatch.io<mailto:nma@neuromatch.io>.

March 25, 2025

[PhD] Embodied decision making and the emergence of concepts

by Nicolas P. Rougier (inria)

Title: Embodied decision making and the emergence of concepts What: PhD in computer science Where: Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases / Inria Bordeaux, France When: October 1st, 2025 -- October 1st 2028 Who: Nicolas P. Rougier (https://www.labri.fr/perso/nrougier) The goal of this PhD is to explore a minimal model of decision making using a simulated agent in a contiguous environment (T-Maze like). The goal for the agent is to learn to alternate between left and right, independently of the geometry of the maze, even though topology remains the same. This will be done using an echo state network of limited size in order to be able to perform a thorough analysis of its dynamics and representations from three different perspectives (sensory-motor space, external behavior and neural activity). The goal is to find the conditions for the emergence of concepts such as left, right using a manifold-based approach and to prove for their existence independently an external observer. Application (before May 5, 2025) https://adum.fr/as/ed/voirproposition.pl?langue=&site=edmi&matricule_prop=6… -- Nicolas P. Rougier —— www.labri.fr/perso/nrougier Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bordeaux

March 25, 2025

[jobs] Professor/Assoc. Professor/Assist. Professor/Lecturer- AI/ML/Robotics at Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Thailand

by Poramate Manoonpong

Dear colleagues, The School of Information Science and Technology (IST) at Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Thailand, offers a full-time position (Professor / Associate Professor / Assistant Professor / Lecturer (Tenure Track)). We are expanding our faculty to support the Sense-Think-Act initiative, which focuses on the next generation of AI-driven systems capable of perceiving their environment, reasoning effectively, and acting autonomously. We seek faculty members from diverse fields, including Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Robotics, and Biomedical Engineering, to drive innovation in AI, robotics, and intelligent systems. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.vistec.ac.th/recruitment/30 Best regards, Poramate Manoonpong Professor of School of Information Science & Technology Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science & Technology (VISTEC) Wangchan, Rayong 21210 Thailand e-mail: poramate.m(a)vistec.ac.th

March 25, 2025

Introducing the NeuroAI Emerging Leaders Webinar Series – Join Us!

by Moein Khajehnejad

Dear colleagues, Following the very successful *NeuroAI Workshop @ NeurIPS 2024*, we are delighted to see such widespread enthusiasm and engagement from researchers in the field. To continue fostering discussions, collaborations, and knowledge exchange, we are excited to introduce the *NeuroAI Emerging Leaders Webinar Series* – a platform to stay connected and updated on the latest advancements in our field while showcasing the work of early-career researchers who are shaping the future of NeuroAI. This monthly webinar series will feature emerging early-career researchers sharing insights into their latest groundbreaking work, followed by a live Q&A session and an informal online social gathering. If you are interested in broader intersections of neuroscience, intelligence, and computation, this is an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge ideas and build meaningful connections in the community. *First Webinar:* 3rd April 2025, 5-6 PM EST / 9-10 PM GMT *Registration Link: *[Register for free <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSds3VRDTUKdkKd3g6dXHHvXZsWHzfCM-Te…> ] *Webinar Link:* [Join here <https://monash.zoom.us/j/85798268827?pwd=Zc9R2cwvlRj2arSSeiaOE0aGanj65O.1>] *Speaker:* Aran Nayebi <https://anayebi.github.io/>, Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University *Topic:* *Using embodied agents to help answer “why” questions in systems neuroscience* Stay Updated and Connect: Discord NeuroAI Website <https://neuroai-workshop.github.io/NeuroAI_Webinar/> Youtube Channel <https://www.youtube.com/@NeuroaiNeurips2024> Bluesky <https://bsky.app/profile/neuro-ai.bsky.social> X <https://x.com/NeuroAI_NeurIPS> Best wishes, Moein Khajehnejad, Forough Habibollahi, and Adeel Razi

March 24, 2025

NeuroBridges 2025 Deadline approaching

by Ahmed El Hady

*NeuroBridges 2025* *A Mediterranean, Middle Eastern Summer School in Neuroscience* *Deadline to apply: April 15, 2025* NeuroBridges 2025 is a summer school which will take place between September 7 and September 18, 2025 in Le Centre de Conferences Internationales de Cluny, France (CCIC) <https://streaklinks.com/B3KEKFd397UPDx5n8gyfD1BJ/https%3A%2F%2Fcollegecluny…>. The school will provide an overview of theoretical and experimental frameworks used to study a variety of decision making processes. It will cover different model systems from rodents to humans and a plethora of decision making mechanisms. Another objective of NeuroBridges is to bring together Mediterranean and Middle Eastern scientists, in order to promote scientific cooperation between young researchers from these countries. The organizers of NeuroBridges are convinced that such scientific collaborations can lead to personal relations, which eventually may alleviate the political distress in the Middle East. The school is intended for graduate students and postdocs, primarily, but not only, from the Middle East and the Mediterranean region, either working in their home countries or abroad. Applicants should have some background in related fields in neuroscience or cognitive psychology. All costs of registration and accommodation will be covered by the organizers. A limited number of travel grants will also be available. *Faculty:*** * Alaa Ahmed (U. Colorado) <https://www.colorado.edu/mechanical/alaa-ahmed> * Rava Azeredo da Silveira (IOB) <https://www.silveira-lab.com/rava-azeredo-da-silveira> * Ahmed El Hady (Max Planck Institute) <https://www.ab.mpg.de/person/111828> * David Hansel (CNRS) <https://incc-paris.fr/people/david-hansel/> * Mehdi Khamassi (CNRS) <https://pages.isir.upmc.fr/mkhamassi/> * Carole Levenes (CNRS) <https://incc-paris.fr/people/carole-levenes/> * Yonatan Loewenstein (Hebrew U.) <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/people-directory/faculty-members/yonatan-loewenstei…> * Zach Mainen (Champalimaud), TBC <https://mainenlab.org/> * Israel Nelken (Hebrew U.) <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/people-directory/faculty-members/israel-nelken/> * Drazen Prelec (MIT) <https://mitsloan.mit.edu/faculty/directory/drazen-prelec> * Reza Shadmehr (John Hopkins U.) <https://www.shadmehrlab.org/> NeuroBridges is co-organized by Ahmed El Hady (Max Planck Institute and University of Konstanz), David Hansel (CNRS, Paris), Yonatan Loewenstein (Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel), Carole Levenes (CNRS, Paris), Shir Shapira (Hebrew University of Jerusalem). NeuroBridges 2025 is supported by the Simons Foundation, the Cyril Taylor Charitable FoundationELSC, and is in partnership with VVTNS (https://www.wwtns.online/ <https://www.wwtns.online/>). For more information and application, visit our website: https://neurobridges.net/ <https://neurobridges.net/>

March 23, 2025

Postdoctoral position in circuit neuroscience at LMU Munich

by Schröder, Anna

Description of the Schroeder Lab The newly established group of Prof. Dr. Anna Schroeder at LMU Munich is seeking an excellent candidate for a postdoctoral position in neuroscience. For more information, visit www.annaschroederlab.com Our lab investigates the neural circuits underlying emotions, motivations, and physiological needs, focusing on how these internal states shape behavior in dynamic environments. Specifically, we study the subthalamic circuits of the zona incerta, an enigmatic brain region that integrates internal states, external sensory cues, and past experiences to adapt behavior flexibly. To dissect the neural circuit mechanisms driving behavior, we employ cutting-edge methodologies including: * In vivo calcium imaging with 2-photon microscopy or Miniscopes * Whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology * Single-cell RNA sequencing * Optogenetics * Chemogenetics * Viral circuit tracing * State-driven behavioral paradigms * Transgenic mouse models * Advanced machine learning techniques Our ultimate goal is to advance understanding of brain function and develop novel therapeutic strategies for psychiatric disorders through neuromodulation. Prof. Dr. Schroeder is deeply committed to training, mentorship and career development for lab members. The lab offers state-of-the-art neuroscience in a very supportive environment. Your tasks and responsibilities: * Conduct independent research within the scope of the Schroeder lab's focus using advanced neuroscience techniques * Contribute to teaching within the Faculty of Biology and the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences<https://www.gsn.uni-muenchen.de/index.html> * Take a leading role in training and supervising students * Proactively apply for external funding (e.g. Marie Curie, EMBO, HFSP, Alexander von Humboldt) * Attend lab meetings and conferences to present their work and offer constructive feedback to peers * Collaborate with the team, the broader Munich neuroscience community, and beyond * Help foster an inclusive, hardworking and supportive lab environment What we offer * The best environment for neuroscience in Germany: * LMU Munich is often ranked as the best university<https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2024> in Germany and is consistently ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide,<https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/lmu-munich> both overall and for life sciences specifically * According to the Nature Index<https://www.nature.com/nature-index/supplements/nature-index-2024-neuroscie…>, LMU Munich is the top academic institution in Germany for neuroscience * Advanced neuroscience research with cutting-edge tools in state-of-the-art facilities * Collaborative and inclusive environment, including partnerships with leading local institutions (e.g., Max Planck Institutes, DZNE, Helmholtz Institutes, TU Munich) all connected via the Munich Center for Neurosciences * Mentorship and career development support from Prof. Dr. Schroeder, a young and highly motivated PI who is genuinely invested in the success of her team members * Opportunity to live in Munich, a vibrant, international city near lakes and mountains with one of the world's strongest neuroscience communities and a very high quality of life<https://www.mercer.com/en-be/insights/total-rewards/talent-mobility-insight…> * Remuneration according to the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L) in E13<https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/c/t/rechner/tv-l/allg?id=tv-l-2025&matrix…> * Various LMU corporate benefits<https://www.lmu.de/en/about-lmu/working-at-lmu/additional-services/corporat…> Eligibility requirements Candidates must meet the following criteria: * Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., biology, psychology, medicine, physics) * A proven track record (including peer-reviewed publications or pre-prints) * Relevant experience with at least one advanced circuit technology (e.g., in vivo calcium imaging, electrophysiology, optogenetics) * Competence in quantitative data analysis and scientific programming * Proficiency in English Beneficial qualifications: * Practical experience with rodents (e.g., stereotactic surgeries, behavioral experiments) How to apply Applications must provide the following and can be sent to Prof. Dr. Schroeder by email at anna.schroeder(a)bio.lmu.de<mailto:anna.schroeder@bio.lmu.de>: * Cover letter detailing prior research experience, future career goals and why you'd like to join the Schroeder lab * CV * Names and contact details for 2-3 referees * A copy of a publication (or pre-print) you authored The application deadline is April 15, 2025. The start date for this position is flexible.

March 21, 2025

Canada Excellence Research Chair in Neuromorphic Computing at the University of Calgary

by Wilten Nicola

The University of Calgary is looking for applicants for a recently approved Canada Excellence Research Chair in Neuromorphic Computing for the 2026 CERC competition (see link below), which would generously fund an established researcher through the CERC program (see info below). For additional information, please feel free to contact me at wilten.nicola(a)ucalgary.ca *Link to Application * https://research.ucalgary.ca/research/our-impact/canada-excellence-research… *More info on the CERC program* https://www.cerc.gc.ca/about-au_sujet/index-eng.aspx *Launched in 2008, the Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) Program supports Canadian universities in their efforts to build on Canada's growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation. The program awards world-renowned researchers and their teams either $8 million or $4 million over eight years to establish ambitious research programs at Canadian universities. These awards are among the most prestigious and generous available globally. * *CERC in Neuromorphic Computing at Calgary* *The human brain is a hyper-efficient computer, capable of rapidly performing the operations necessary for movement, interaction and memory by using biological networks of neurons and other neural cells. Human performance requires that complex computations are done nearly instantaneously using relatively little power. Inspired by biological systems, neuromorphic computational solutions are poised to dramatically increase the types of computational problems we can answer using energy-efficient approaches. Neuromorphic systems consist of a range of new technologies that mimic brain cells and brain function in their design and implementation of computing hardware, software and algorithms. Distinct from current computing approaches, which are powered by discretized mathematical operations running on digital transistor-based solutions, neuromorphic computing promises leaps forward in both computing power and energy efficiency.* *A Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Neuromorphic Computing Systems will develop and refine biologically inspired hardware, software, and algorithmic solutions that harness the efficiencies of brain-inspired computing to solve complex problems that would otherwise require prohibitive amounts of classical computing power.* *Candidates will have an established track record of expertise in neuromorphic computing systems. Relevant domains include, but are not limited to, 1) hybrid digital implementations/emulation of analog neural systems (e.g., spiking neural networks implemented in specialized hardware, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application-specific integrated circuit (ASICs), 2) direct analog systems which use circuits of electrical elements (e.g., resistors/memristors) to mimic brain cells and operations, or 3) smart materials, which can provide brain-like computation with radically different computational elements (e.g., nanowire networks), and 4) energy-efficient brain-inspired hardware, software and algorithm design.* *CERCs are international leaders in their field, and it is expected that applicants will have an excellent track record of securing national and international grant support, publications with demonstrated impact across a range of appropriate technical journals and alongside other higher impact forums and have contributed to the training of a large and diverse group of trainees. A clear vision of the broad societal impact of their research is essential, as is a commitment to collaborative inter- and trans-disciplinary research.* *The University of Calgary’s Neuromorphic Computing Program <https://hbi.ucalgary.ca/computational-neuroscience> has emerged from our well-established and international recognized Brain and Mental Health Strategy. Led by the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (hbi.ucalgary.ca <http://hbi.ucalgary.ca>) in partnership with other faculties, including the Cumming School of Medicine, the Faculty of Science, and the Schulich School of Engineering, the Brain and Mental Health Strategy coordinates the research and education a multidisciplinary group of over 350 faculty and 1,500 staff and trainees across brain and mental health scholarship. The successful CERC will join, build upon and meaningfully contribute to the activities in our computational neuroscience initiative that includes a rapidly growing group of transdisciplinary researchers working across many relevant and highly complementary areas including computational modeling of brain function, perception and behavior; assessment of complex, dynamical systems; and advanced application of network neuroscience, machine learning and brain computer interface approaches and methodologies. *

March 20, 2025

REMINDER – Application deadline approaching for the Systems Vision Science Summer School: Aug. 11-22, 2025 in Tuebingen, Germany

by Pavlovic, Maria

Systems Vision Science Summer School & Symposium: Aug. 11-22, 2025 in Tübingen, Germany -------------------------------- REMINDER – SUMMER SCHOOL APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 31, 2025! -------------------------------- Applications are invited for our third edition of Systems Vision Science (SVS) summer school since 2023, designed for everyone interested in gaining a systems level understanding of biological vision. We plan a coherent, graduate-level, syllabus on the integration of experimental data with theory and models, featuring lectures, guided exercises and discussion sessions. The summer school will end with a Systems Vision Science symposium on frontier topics on August 20-22, with additional invited and contributed presentations and posters. All summer school participants are invited to attend, and welcome to submit contributions to the symposium. -------------------------------- Invited lecturers and speakers include: Marco Bertamini, David Brainard, Peter Dayan, Andrea van Doorn, Roland Fleming, Pascal Fries, Wilson S Geisler, Robbe Goris, Sheng He, Tadashi Isa, Tomas Knapen, Jan Koenderink, Larry Maloney, Keith May, Marcello Rosa, Jonathan Victor, Li Zhaoping. We are pleased to announce our symposium's keynote speaker: Tadashi Isa, on the topic of blindsight in monkeys. The keynote speech will be on August 20, 2025. -------------------------------- Please find the application procedure here https://summerschool.lizhaoping.org/application<https://summerschool.lizhaoping.org/application/> and apply by March 31, 2025. Click here <https://summerschool.lizhaoping.org/contributions-for-symposium/> if you ONLY want to participate in the symposium. Check out our webpage https://summerschool.lizhaoping.org to find more out about the program, our invited lecturers/speakers, and other details. Please direct inquiries to svs.summerschool(a)tue.mpg.de<mailto:svs.summerschool@tue.mpg.de> -------------------------------- Organizing team: Li Zhaoping Maria Pavlovic Junhao Liang Vladislav Aksiotis Ali Gholamzadeh Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics University of Tuebingen www.lizhaoping.org<http://www.lizhaoping.org>

March 20, 2025

Grenoble Neurotech School 2025 (Aussois, May 11-16, 2025) : Registration is now open

by Blaise Yvert

Dear colleagues, Following the success of the Neurotech School held in Aussois in April 2024 (https://neurotechschool.sciencesconf.org/) we are pleased to announce that the next edition will take place at the same location from May 11 to May 16, 2025. Registration is now open at the following link : https://neurotech2025.sciencesconf.org/ As last year, the number of available seats will be limited. For any question, feel free to contact Salma Mezzi in cc of this message Looking forward your participation and welcoming you in Aussois Kind regards, Blaise for the local organizing committee.

March 20, 2025

Looking for Feedback: Neurosimulation Chatbot 🧠💡

by Tim Brauer

Dear all, Over the past few months, I’ve been working on a project related to non-invasive brain stimulation for well-being. In the process, I explored various simulation tools like The Virtual Brain, Brian2, and NEST. However, I quickly found that setting up installations, models, and parameters often took more time than actual scientific exploration. To simplify this, I built a chatbot that runs neurosimulation scenarios in the background. It’s still in an early stage, and I’d love to get your feedback! 👉 You can try it out here: neuropilot.chat<https://neuropilot.chat> For example, you can ask it to simulate the effects of a psychedelic experience on neural activity—it will run the simulation using Brian2 and deliver a report with the results. I’d love to hear your thoughts: * How accurate and useful are the simulation results for your research questions? * Where could this tool fit into your work (or not)? * What worked smoothly, and what didn’t? If you’re interested, I’d really appreciate any feedback to improve this tool for the computational neuroscience community. Thanks in advance! Best, Tim

March 19, 2025