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World wide VVTNS series (6th season): Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11:00 am ET - David Clark Kempner Institute at Harvard University

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 David Clark Kempner Institute at Harvard University on the topic of *Computation Through Neuronal-Synaptic Dynamics* The lecture will be held on zoom on January 14, 2026, at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > *Abstract: *Computations in neural circuits are often construed as being implemented through the coordinated dynamics of neurons. In this picture, the role of synaptic connectivity is to sculpt neuronal dynamics to implement computations of interest. Of course, synapses are not static but change on a variety of timescales, including fast timescales comparable to those of neurons. Thus, a more accurate view of computation in neural circuits may involve the coupled dynamics of neurons and synapses. This form of computation is closer to what is implemented by Transformers via an equivalence between ongoing synaptic plasticity and self-attention. I will first describe a nonlinear recurrent neural-network model with ongoing Hebbian dynamics of “fast” synapses atop unstructured “slow” synapses. I will then describe two computations implemented through neuronal-synaptic dynamics, which can be studied in this model using techniques including dynamical mean-field theory and random-matrix theory. First, there exists a novel phase termed “freezable chaos” in which a stable fixed point of neuronal dynamics is continuously destabilized by synaptic dynamics. This allows for the creation of a stable fixed point at any neuronal state visited by the network by halting synaptic plasticity. Second, I will describe an effect termed “persistent oscillations” in which, following stimulation by a periodic signal, a plastic network continues to autonomously reproduce a similar signal for a duration exceeding any intrinsic timescale in the system. Thus, ongoing Hebbian plasticity can provide a dynamic form of working memory, complementing the static form provided by freezable chaos. Ongoing experimental work suggests that this effect is realized in cortical organoids. Overall, this line of work suggests that synapses should be promoted to first-class dynamical degrees of freedom in our conceptual understanding of neural-circuit function. *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 -- *Il n'y a ni obligation ni pression à traiter ou répondre à ce mail en dehors des heures de travail* "В каждой шутке есть доля шутки" 'Life is good ..' (Carl van Vreeswijk, 1962-2022) --------------------------------------- David Hansel Directeur de Recherche au CNRS Co-Group leader Cerebral Dynamics Plasticity and Learning lab., CNRS 45 rue des Saints Peres 75270 Paris Cedex 06 Tel (Cell): +33 607508403 - Fax (33).1.49.27.90.62 *CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY NOTICE:* *This message and the documents that might be attached, are addressed exclusively to their(s) recipient(s) and may contain privileged or confidential information. The access to this information by people other than those designated is not authorized. If you are not the indicated recipient, you are notified that the use, disclosure and / or copying without authorization is prohibited under current legislation. If you have received this message in error, please kindly inform the sender immediately and proceed to its destruction.* ᐧ

Jan. 12, 2026

Fully-funded PhD in computational neuroscience, Sheffield, UK

by Hazem Toutounji

Dear all, A fully-funded PhD position in computational neuroscience is available with Dr Hazem Toutounji (University of Sheffield, UK). *Project title: *Flexible or Flawed? A Computational Neuroscience Approach to Learning Strategies and Psychiatric Traits In our complex and ever-changing world, humans are constantly faced with a flood of sensory information. To make effective and timely decisions, the brain cannot possibly process every single detail. Instead, it is thought to rely on intelligent "cognitive shortcuts" or simple strategies (heuristics) to simplify complex problems. This allows for rapid and flexible learning, but the mechanisms behind this process are not well understood. When are these shortcuts deployed? How does the brain select the right strategy for the task at hand? How does it know when a shortcut is no longer working and a new strategy is needed? And how are the selection and efficiency of those shortcuts influenced by common psychiatric traits such as anxiety and impulsivity? This 3.5-year fully-funded PhD studentship provides an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of computational modelling, cognitive neuroscience, and computational psychiatry. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in all required methods. *Position available for UK students only* *Application deadline: *February 4th 2026 *PhD start date: *October 1st 2026 Further information on the project, requirements, and how to apply can be found here: http://www.findaphd.com/?pj=190228 *Please note: *Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact me ( h.toutounji(a)sheffield.ac.uk) to discuss your interest in and suitability for the project prior to submitting your application. Best wishes, Hazem -- *Dr. rer. nat. Hazem Toutounji (they / them) *[pronounced ḤAH-zem TUTUN-ji <https://namedrop.io/hazemtoutounji>] *PI of the Neural Dynamics and Computation Lab* Lecturer in Computational Neuroscience MSc Exams Officer, ECR Champion, Sustainability Lead School of Psychology The Neuroscience Institute Insigneo Institute for in silico Medicine University of Sheffield ICOSS Building, 4th floor, desk 5 219 Portobello, Broomhall Sheffield S1 4DP, UK *Please don't feel obliged to respond to my emails outside your own working hours* If you are a student looking for support, please see this page <https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/study/support>. *Office hours during semester weeks:* Monday 14:00-15:00 -- Please book an appointment with a brief description of the topic using this link <https://calendar.app.google/1ayXM9DqBhAkLBCp6>. Face to face meetings are at *ICOSS E04a*. To meet outside of office hours, please email me 24 working hours in advance.

Jan. 11, 2026

PhD positions in theoretical neuroscience, dynamical systems, and machine learning at UIUC

by Engelken, Rainer

Dear colleagues, I recently started a new lab in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, working at the intersection of theoretical neuroscience, dynamical systems theory, and machine learning. I am recruiting one to three fully funded PhD students for Fall 2026, with admission through ECE (Electric and Computer Engineering). Our research uses dynamical systems theory to understand the mechanisms and principles of learning and dynamics in neural circuits, bridging biological and artificial systems. We combine mathematical analysis with large-scale simulations to connect neuroscience, physics, and ML. PhD project directions include: 1. Learning dynamics and mechanistic interpretability. Understanding how brains and neural networks learn over time: how synapses change, how activity patterns evolve, and how useful internal representations emerge, with an eye toward opening the black box of both biological and artificial systems (see references [1–2]). 2. Neural dynamics, chaos, and computation. Exploring how network structure and inputs shape complex activity patterns, including chaotic regimes, and how these patterns can be harnessed for computation in both brain-inspired and artificial networks (see references [3–4]). 3. Training algorithms for spiking networks. Developing new ways to train spiking neural networks so that they are both efficient and easy to optimize, building on ideas like Gradient Flossing and fast event-based simulation methods such as SparseProp (see references [5–6]). I welcome applicants from quantitative backgrounds like physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering, who want to apply quantitative skills to neuroscience questions. Comfort with mathematics and programming is required; you should enjoy thinking with equations and code. I value reliable, self-driven students who enjoy taking projects from idea to finished work. The lab aims for a supportive, collaborative environment that is intellectually intense and kind. We believe great science comes from working together, and we support diversity in backgrounds and ideas while prioritizing well-being and deep curiosity about neural computation. Positions are fully funded with access to exceptional computing resources through the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). The lab is part of UIUC's Neuroinformatics cluster with ties to the Beckman Institute and Coordinated Science Laboratory. Co-advising with experimental groups is possible. For Fall 2026 entry: • ECE PhD application deadline: January 15, 2026. In your application, clearly indicate Prof. Rainer Engelken in the "faculty of interest" field and in your Statement of Purpose. Before or after applying, you are welcome to email me with a CV, transcript, and a short note about your background and interests if you think this opening is a good fit. Learn more: https://rainerengelken.github.io/ or https://ece.illinois.edu/about/directory/faculty/engelken If you have strong candidates, please forward this email. Students can also reach out to me directly at engelken(a)illinois.edu Best regards, Rainer Engelken Assistant Professor The Grainger College of Engineering Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign P.S. Students reading this directly: feel free to email me with questions. I'm especially interested in candidates with strong math/physics training looking to work on neural dynamics and learning. References [1] Engelken, R., Ingrosso, A., Khajeh, R., Goedeke, S., & Abbott, L. F. (2022). Input correlations impede suppression of chaos and learning in balanced firing-rate networks. PLOS Computational Biology, 18(12), e1010590. [2] Engelken, R., & Goedeke, S. (2022). A time-resolved theory of information encoding in recurrent neural networks. Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems, 35, 35490-35503. [3] Engelken, R., Wolf, F., & Abbott, L. F. (2023). Lyapunov spectra of chaotic recurrent neural networks. Physical Review Research, 5(4), 043044. [4] Engelken, R., Monteforte, M., & Wolf, F. (2024). Sparse chaos in cortical circuits. arXiv preprint arXiv:2412.21188. [5] Engelken, R. (2023). Gradient flossing: Improving gradient descent through dynamic control of jacobians. Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems, 36, 10412-10439. [6] Engelken, R. (2023). Sparseprop: Efficient event-based simulation and training of sparse recurrent spiking neural networks. Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems, 36, 3638-3657.

Jan. 10, 2026

Call for Outstanding Postdoctoral Candidates – NGILab, Krembil Brain Institute (Toronto)

by De Pitta, Maurizio

Dear colleagues, Please feel free to disseminate and share this announcement widely. I am seeking outstanding postdoctoral candidates to join the Neuron–Glia Interactions Laboratory (NGILab) at the Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network (Toronto, ON, Canada). Successful candidates will be supported through one of two competitive, independent 2-year postdoctoral funding programs: > Canada Leads at University Health Network (for Canadian candidates): https://uhncanadaleads.ca/ > Canada+ Impact Research Training Awards (for international candidates): https://sshrc-crsh.canada.ca/en/funding/opportunities/canada-impact-plus-re… ***Project overview*** NGILab specializes in developing multiscale models of neuron–glial circuits, with a strong emphasis on emergent dynamics across spatial and temporal scales. Within this framework, we are building digital cell twins and virtual replicas of neuron–glial circuits to dissect pathogenic mechanisms spanning neurodegeneration to cancer. The postdoctoral fellow will lead the design, development, and implementation of digital cell twins that integrate large-scale reactomics data with anatomical and structural information. The successful candidate will work closely with NGILab members and with collaborators in Canada, the United States, and Italy. ***Position details*** > Both funding streams support a 2-year postdoctoral appointment > Salary range: CA$65,000–70,000 per year + ~16% fringe benefits > Relocation support provided, if applicable > On-site position (in-person only) > Start date: Flexible, between March 2026 and April 2027 ***Candidate profile*** Applicants should demonstrate: > Strong expertise in multiscale and/or multiphysics modeling, with applications to neuroscience and cell biology > High proficiency in object-oriented programming (Python, C, and/or C++) > Experience with particle-based simulators and/or the design, training, and implementation of foundational AI models > Excellent written and spoken English > A proven publication record as first or co-first author > Demonstrated leadership skills, including coordination and supervision of small teams (2–3 members), regular communication of progress with the PI and collaborators, and engagement in career planning discussions > A strong commitment to professional ethics, transparent communication, realistic planning of deliverables, and timely adherence to deadlines ***Application process*** Following internal evaluation, selected candidates will be invited to apply to the appropriate funding stream. The application deadlines for these programs fall approximately two weeks after preselection (see below). The selected candidate and I will work very closely throughout the proposal preparation process, with intensive feedback and support during drafting. > Canada Leads: Proposal length ~3–5 pages (including biosketch) > Canada+ Impact Research Training: Proposal length ~10 pages (excluding biosketch) ***How to apply*** Please submit a single PDF to maurizio.depitta(a)uhn.ca with the subject line: [Stream Name] FirstName LastName (where Stream Name is either "Canada Leads" or "Canada+IRT") The PDF should include: > Cover letter > Biosketch > CV (including a complete list of publications and oral presentations) > One representative publication Deadlines Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Competitive applicants will be invited for an interview. > Canada Leads: Open until the position is filled. > Canada+ Impact Research Training: >> Preselection deadline: January 26, 2026. >> Full application deadline: March 4, 2026. Sincerely, Maurizio De Pittà ----- Maurizio DE PITTA Principal Investigator Neuron-Glia Interactions Lab (NGILab) Krembil Research Institute, 4KD-509 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, CA +1.416.603.5800 ext. 3290 This e-mail may contain confidential and/or privileged information for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review or distribution by anyone other than the person for whom it was originally intended is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please contact the sender and delete all copies. Opinions, conclusions or other information contained in this e-mail may not be that of the organization. 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Jan. 10, 2026

IMPORTANT Update: Open PhD Position(s) in Perception / EEG – Application Instructions

by David Pascucci

Dear all, Apologies for multiple postings, but this is an important update regarding the PhD position(s) described below and in my previous email. *APPLICATIONS MUST NOW BE SUBMITTED VIA:* https://recrutement.chuv.ch/vacancy/phd-position-in-the-psychophysics-and-n… --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Open PhD Position(s) in Perception/EEG – Joint Opportunity* *Locations:* Lausanne (University of Lausanne / CHUV) and Paris (ENS/CNRS) *Start Date:* Early 2026 (with some flexibility) The *Psychophysics and Neural Dynamics Lab* <https://www.chuv.ch/fr/rad/rad-home/recherche/groupes-de-recherche/psychoph…> (David Pascucci, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, CHUV) and the *Laboratoire des Systèmes Perceptifs* <https://lsp.dec.ens.fr/en/member/647/pascal-mamassian> (Pascal Mamassian, ENS/CNRS) invite applications for a fully funded PhD position (3 years + 1) supported by the *ANR-SNSF Weave project*. Project title *Perceptual FLUCTUATions* Project summary Our 4-year project addresses a central question: *Why do individuals differ in how their perceptual judgments are shaped by temporal context?* We will address this through an integrated behavioural, computational, and neurophysiological approach, focusing on the interaction between endogenous perceptual traits and external factors. The work involves *visual psychophysics, EEG, and computational modeling*. The successful candidate will be primarily based in *Lausanne*, with research visits to *ENS/CNRS*, allowing engagement with two complementary research environments. Candidate profile Applicants should hold a *Master’s degree* in Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field. Experience in *visual psychophysics and/or EEG* is strongly valued. Preferred skills · Psychophysics software (e.g., PsychoPy, Psychtoolbox) · Programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C/C++) · EEG and/or signal processing, computational modeling · Statistical analysis (e.g., in R) · Dedication to data collection in task batteries We seek *dedicated, enthusiastic candidates* with strong motivation to contribute to interdisciplinary research. We welcome applications from candidates of *all backgrounds and genders*. Application material Please follow the instructions provided here: https://recrutement.chuv.ch/vacancy/phd-position-in-the-psychophysics-and-n… We value application materials that reflect your own words and *authentic, human-written motivation*. Applications are considered *on a rolling basis* until the position is filled. *Early applications are encouraged to accommodate the planned start in early 2026.* *Please note:* We are also planning to recruit *postdoctoral researchers* in the near future, so stay tuned! We look forward to hearing from you!

Jan. 8, 2026

Python Package Guru: Find Python Packages - Fast!

by Fabrizio Damicelli

Dear Community, Given that so many Python packages are used for Computational Neuroscience I'd like to share with you this new search engine for packages: Python Package Guru: https://pypkg.guru This allows you to search over PyPI packages (official index) but much faster than on pypi.org and in an interactive way. I find it especially useful to discover packages based on their capabilities (eg, try out "fast dataframe"). Give it a try! Best Regards, Fabrizio Damicelli

Jan. 8, 2026

Invitation to Attend Workshop on Generative AI & Indian Knowledge System | 30–31 Jan 2026

by PRANAV NERURKAR

Greetings fellow Academicians / Students / Researchers / Professionals, (Apologies for multiple receptions) The Department of Computer Science and Engineering, *Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (SPIT), Mumbai*, is organizing a *two-day workshop* on *“Generative Artificial Intelligence Research Projects Development Inspired from Indian Knowledge System.”* This workshop aims to explore how concepts from the *Indian Knowledge System (IKS)* can contribute to modern *Generative AI research*, and why this integration is increasingly relevant in 2025 and beyond. *Workshop Details:* 📅 *Dates:* 30th – 31th January 2026 📍 *Venue:* Sardar Patel Institute of Technology, Andheri (W), Mumbai – 400058 or Online through Google meet The sessions will be delivered by *eminent academicians and researchers* and are designed to benefit: - Students interested in AI and research - Faculty members - Researchers and academicians Participants will gain insights into interdisciplinary research ideas, emerging AI trends, and practical directions for research project development. 🔗 *Registration Link:* https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_Me2ues6JGSuzoHLDABzNYLRPY8Qiw2b… Seats are limited. Interested participants are encouraged to register at the earliest. For any queries, feel free to contact us. Regards, *Department of Computer Science and Engineering* Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (SPIT), Mumbai Warm and Kind regards, *Pranav A. NERURKAR* Specialist - AI & Data science UTKARSH MINDS +91 961-999-77-97 pranav.nerurkar@ <amandine.deplantes(a)igonogo.io>utkarshminds.com www.utkarshminds.com Nirmala Sadan, Jaya Nagar, Kasturba cross road no. 1, Mumbai - 400066

Jan. 8, 2026

Job Advert: Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UCL

by Alex Lloyd

Dear Colleagues, I am writing to advertise a postdoctoral research fellow position at UCL working with Dr Alex Lloyd and Professor Jonathan Roiser. The postdoc will be working on a new project taking a data-driven approach to understanding how young people use social media, and how this is associated with vulnerability for mental health problems. We are looking for somebody with excellent coding abilities to collect and analyse real world social media data (e.g., those collected from data donations or Application Programming Interfaces). The role will start from April 2026 (or as close to this date as possible) until September 2028. Deadline for applications is January 16th. For more details about the role, see: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs/details?jobId=40426&jobTi… I would be most grateful if you would be willing to share the post with colleagues who may be interested in the role. Feel free to email me with any questions at alexander.lloyd(a)ucl.ac.uk Kind regards, Alex -- Dr Alex Lloyd Research Fellow Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology University College London

Jan. 7, 2026

Info Day - International Master & PhD in Computational Neuroscience @ BCCN Berlin - 14.01.26

by GraduatePrograms

Dear Computational Neuroscientists, Please share the following event information with anyone who may be interested. We at the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) Berlin will hold a hybrid "Info Day" to discuss our International Master & Doctoral Programs in Computational Neuroscience next Wednesday, January 14th, at 3pm (CET). Attendees are welcome to join in person at the BCCN Berlin or virtually via Zoom. The event will consist of talks by: * Prof. Dr. Klaus Obermayer (head of the programs) * Dr. Lisa Velenosi (teaching coordinator) * Current master and doctoral students Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet & discuss with current students and ask any questions or concerns that they may have. See our website <https://www.bccn-berlin.de/events-list/information-day-2026-international-g…> for a more detailed schedule and registration link. Best regards and happy new year, Lisa Velenosi -- Dr. Lisa Velenosi Teaching Coordinator of the SFB1315 & BCCN Berlin Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Philippstraße 13, Haus 6; 10115 Berlin; Germany Tel: +49 (0)30 2093-98503 Tuesdays - Fridays; 9:00 - 14:00

Jan. 7, 2026

Upcoming Hyperscanning Workshop to be held at Inria Paris

by sophie.etling＠inria.fr

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce an exciting workshop cohosted by Inria, PRAIRIE School of AI and Nirx entitled "In-Synch: A workshop on Hyperscanning", to be held on February 13th, 2026, at Inria Paris. This workshop brings together leading researchers, hands-on demonstrations with Hyperscanning technologies, and opportunities for scientific exchange around interpersonal brain dynamics, social neuro-AI, and collaborative learning. As well as keynote talks by international researchers, there will be a poster session for PhD students and postdocs to present their work. Registration is limited, so please don't wait to register. For more information, including about how to present a poster, please see the the following EventBrite site: <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-sync-a-hyperscanning-workshop-tickets-19772…> We would be grateful if you could share this call broadly and encourage early-career researchers working on hyperscanning and social neuroscience to submit a poster. We look forward to welcoming you in Paris. Best regards, The In-Sync Workshop Organizing Team 📧 in-sync(a)inria.fr

Jan. 6, 2026