- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

7th International Summer School in Biomedical Engineering „New Instrumentation for brain measurements and stimulation“, 17th - 29th August 2015 in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany

by Uwe Graichen

Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce the 7th International Summer School in Biomedical Engineering on "New Instrumentation for brain measurements and stimulation" August, 17-29, 2015 in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany. This event stands in the tradition of a series of successful summer schools on hot themes in biomedical engineering, dedicated to intense learning in the fruitful atmosphere of tight interaction between students and world-leading specialists. This year’s summer school is devoted to new hardware technologies for measuring and stimulating the brain, such as dry electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes, optically pumped magnetic field sensors, neuronal current imaging based on low-field magnetic resonance and multichannel transcranial current stimulation. In particular, the 7th International Summer School on Biomedical Engineering will focus on ways how these new technical advances may help to overcome current limitations in human neurosciences and medicine. It will cover both theoretical foundations and practical applications. We aim at a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Thus, we will develop a critical view on current applications and possible future developments. The second important aim of the summer school consists in providing contact with both leading experts in the field and other students with similar interests, thereby facilitating the exchange of ideas on latest developments in the field. Target Group: - PhD students - Advanced Master students - Researchers entering the field of brain measurement and stimulation techniques Further Information about the 7th International Summer School in Biomedical Engineering: www.iss2015.org We would be happy to receive your application. Please pass this announcement to your colleagues who might be interested. Sincerely, Jens Haueisen and Thomas Knösche

April 8, 2015

15 PhD positions for PACE, an EU funded Innovative Training Network for understanding Perception and Action in Complex Environments

by Laurent Perrinet

Dear colleagues, PACE (Perception and Action in Complex Environments) is an Innovative Training Network funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie program of the European Union starting on April 1st, 2015. The network involves 10 academic and private full partners, from 6 European and associated countries (France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, UK, Israel), plus 5 associated partners (private companies and public organizations). The network gathers a broad range of expertise from experimental psychology, cognitive neurosciences, brain imaging, technology and clinical sciences as well as transferable skills. The PACE network promotes interdisciplinary research and training in the field of human movement sciences with a strong emphasis on perception-action coupling in complex environments. We focus on changes of this coupling across lifespan and in pathological diseases affecting the nervous system. The goal is to train PhD students through collaborative research projects, international courses and workshops. 15 PhD positions, starting next fall, are offered across the different network sites. You can find a short description of the proposed PhD projects at the following link: http://www.int.univ-amu.fr/IMG/pdf/PACE_Table_positions.pdf Applications are welcome immediately and until the end of May (but some specific timing constraints may be enforced in some of the partners' sites: please get more information from local contacts). You will find further general information (sections 1 to 3), eligibility and application conditions (section 4) here: http://www.int.univ-amu.fr/-ITN-Marie-Curie-network-PACE Thanks for distributing this announcement to potential condadates, Laurent -- Laurent Perrinet - INT (UMR 7289)/CNRS http://invibe.net/LaurentPerrinet

April 8, 2015

PhD positions available at the University of Genova

by Paolo Massobrio

We are seeking highly motivated candidates for two PhD positions (3 years) in Bioengineering at the Neuroengineering and Bio-Nano Technology Group (NBT <http://www.nbtunige.it/> ), University of Genova <http://www.unige.it/> , Genova, ITALY. Our labs are located in Genova <http://www.turismo.comune.genova.it/spip.php?lang=en> , a small beautiful town in northern Italy, both from historical (its historical center is the largest of Europe) and naturalistic point of view (sea and mountains coexist creating a unique landscape). Genova is only 1.30h away from Milan by train and connected by plane to Rome (1.00h), London (2h) and Paris (1.30h). The successful candidate will be involved in a research project focused on the study of the computational properties of cortical assemblies coupled to micro-electrode arrays. The two PhD projects are the following: 1. 2D and 3D neuronal networks coupled to microtransducer arrays for the development of in vitro neurotoxicity tests We are interested to investigate how computational properties emerge in 2D and 3D neuronal populations and how information processing and transmission is related to the topological properties of neuronal networks. In this project, we propose to develop a systematic and controlled experimental approach for investigating the dynamics of 2D and 3D neuronal networks coupled to innovative high-density devices by means of advanced analysis tools. We plan to extensively characterize and compare 2D and 3D neuronal cultures by means of electrical and chemical stimulation. Within this framework we seek at developing a new in vitro and automated system for neurotoxicity tests. In the last part of the project we foresee to challenge our experimental models with chemical substances and to study the electrophysiological response with respect to specific parameters (biomarkers). 2. Development of computational models of neuronal assemblies to understand their computational properties as a function of different network topologies The present project aims at investigating how to effectively interact with neuronal systems by understating the role of the network connectivity in the computational properties of small/large/interacting neuronal networks. In particular, during the three-year research project, different computational network models will be developed and investigated, in order to: i) characterize the spontaneous activity of networks of neurons with different architectures. In particular, 2D uniform/homogeneous networks, 2D interconnected networks made up of few sub-populations (from 2 up to 4), and 3D structures will be taken into account. The observed dynamics will be investigated by checking whether particular configurations may promote phenomena like synchronization, emergence of critical phenomena, interplay between structural and functional connectivity; ii) characterize the stimulus-evoked activity induced by electrical stimulation in networks of neurons with different architectures. It will be investigated whether the evoked responses (i.e., the I/O function) can be modulated by structural connectivity. Candidates must have a master degree (or equivalent) in physics, engineering, mathematics or a related field. Essential skills comprise Matlab and/or C++/C# programming, as well as experience in computational neuroscience. If you are really interested, please send your CV, the name and contact details of two references, a description of your personal qualifications, and a description of your research interests indicating which of the two positions you are interested in. Please, be sure to satisfy the aforementioned requirements (master degree and essential skills). Before the hiring, candidates will be tested to verify the effective knowledge. Important dates are: Deadline: 15th May 2015. Starting Date: 1st November 2015 For submissions and informal inquiries, please contact Paolo Massobrio (paolo.massobrio(a)unige.it <mailto:paolo.massobrio@unige.it> ) Best regards Paolo _________________________________________________ Paolo Massobrio, PhD Assistant Professor of Bioengineering Neuroengineering and Bio-Nano Technology - NBT - Lab Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering - DIBRIS University of Genova Via Opera Pia 11A, 16145, GENOVA, ITALY Phone: +39-010-3532761 Fax: +39-010-3532764 URL: <http://www.dibris.unige.it/> www.dibris.unige.it; <http://www.nbtunige.it/> www.nbtunige.it <http://sites.google.com/site/paolomassobrio/> http://sites.google.com/site/paolomassobrio/ E-mail: <mailto:paolo.massobrio@unige.it> paolo.massobrio(a)unige.it

April 8, 2015

programmer/data analyst position at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY

by Susana Martinez-Conde

A programmer/data-analyst position is available in the Martinez-Conde lab at SUNY Downstate, in Brooklyn, NYC (a 25-minute subway ride to Times Square). The Martinez-Conde lab (http://smc.neuralcorrelate.com) focuses on the intersection between perception, cognition, oculomotor behavior, and their neural underpinnings. Representative publications can be downloaded from http://smc.neuralcorrelate.com/publications. Candidates should have extensive programming experience in C++ and Matlab/Python, as well as a strong mathematical background as demonstrated by college transcripts. A Masters/Ph.D. in Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Computer science/Neuroscience is preferred. Knowledge of neuroscience (or a strong desire to learn) is a plus. Foundational and translational research projects typically involve data analyses (eye movements, neural activity, perceptual reports, electrodermal activity, pupil responses, heart rate, respiration rate) and computational modeling, as well as behavioral/psychophysical and/or neurophysiological experiments. Expertise analyzing data and/or programming experiments in any of these areas is a plus. Please email CV/resume and college transcripts to Prof. Martinez-Conde (Susana.Martinez-Conde(a)downstate.edu <mailto:Susana.Martinez-Conde@downstate.edu> ). ---------------------------------------------------------------- Susana Martinez-Conde, PhD Director, Laboratory of Visual Neuroscience Division of Neurobiology Barrow Neurological Institute 350 W. Thomas Rd Phoenix AZ 85013, USA Phone: +1 (602) 406-3484 Fax: +1 (602) 406-4172 Email: smart(a)neuralcorrelate.com <mailto:smart@neuralcorrelate.com> http://smc.neuralcorrelate.com

April 7, 2015

Brown University: Computational Neuroscience Post-Doctoral Opportunity

by Stephanie Jones

Brown University: Computational Neuroscience Post-Doctoral Opportunity A NIH funded post-doctoral position is available to work with Dr. Stephanie Jones at Brown University and Dr. Matti Hamalainen at Mass. General Hospital on developing and analyzing biophysically principled computational neural models to study human MEG/EEG measured brain activity in health and disease. The post-doc hired will work among a team of researcher at Brown University, Mass. General Hospital in Boston, and Rhode Island Hospital who are advancing methods to image and interpret non-invasively measured human brain activity. Our group is integrating computational modeling, MEG/EEG, and invasive intra-operative recordings in humans to advancing methods to image and interpret non-invasively measured human brain activity in the context of sensorimotor function. Areas of study in our group include attention, perception, motor function, Parkinson’s Disease and Essential Tremor. Interested candidates should have experience in computational modeling methods and a strong quantitative and coding background. Please send a CV, statement of research interests, and three letters of recommendation to Stephanie_Jones(a)Brown.edu.

April 6, 2015

CFP: 9th International Conference on Bio-inspired Information and Communications Technologies (BICT 2015, formerly BIONETICS)

by Masafumi HASHIMOTO

CFP: 9th International Conference on Bio-inspired Information and Communications Technologies (BICT 2015, formerly BIONETICS) http://www.bionetics.org/ Paper submission deadline extended: August 3, 2015 December 3 (Thu) - December 5, 2015 (Sat) New York City, NY, USA Sponsored by European Alliance for Innovation (EAI) and Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science In-corporation with ACM (Pending) BICT 2015 aims to provide a world-leading and multidisciplinary venue for researchers and practitioners in diverse disciplines that seek the understanding of key principles, processes and mechanisms in biological systems and leverage those understandings to develop novel information and communications technologies (ICT). BICT 2015 targets two thrusts: THRUST 1: Indirect Bioinspiration (ICT designed after biological principles, processes and mechanisms). Examples include evolutionary computation, artificial gene regulatory networks, neural networks/computation, swarm intelligence, cellular automata, artificial immune systems, amorphous computing, artificial life, artificial chemistry, reaction-diffusion computing, self-organization, chaotic systems, social networks, game theory, computational epidemics, agent-based modeling, and nature-inspired models and calculi. THRUST 2: Direct Bioinspiration (ICT utilizing biological materials and systems). Examples include biosensing, molecular assembly, cellular computing, molecular computing/communication, membrane computing, bacterial computing/communication, DNA computing and memory, Physarum computing, quantum computing, biometric security/authentication, brain-computer interfaces and energy harvesting from biological sources. Expected, but not exclusive, topics are: * Signal/information processing and communication for bio-inspired ICT * Data management and analytics for bio-inspired ICT * Algorithms and their applications for bio-inspired ICT * Formal models and methods for bio-inspired ICT * Bio-inspired software and hardware systems * Modeling, simulations and empirical experiments of bio-inspired ICT * Self-* and stability properties in bio-inspired ICT * Security, robustness and resilience in bio-inspired ICT * Design, configuration, performance and management issues in bio-inspired ICT * Tools, testbeds and deployment aspects in bio-inspired ICT * Applications, experiences and standardization of bio-inspired ICT Application domains include, but not limited to, autonomic computing, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, computer networks, computer vision, data mining, e-health, green computing and networking, grid/cloud computing, intelligent agents, mechanical engineering, nanoscale/molecular computing and communication, optimization, pervasive computing, robotics, security, social networks, software engineering and systems engineering. IMPORTANT DATES: Regular paper submission due: August 3 Short and poster/demo paper submission due: September 22 Notification for regular papers: September 21 Notification for short and poster/demo papers: October 1 Camera ready due: October 15 SPECIAL TRACKS: In addition to the regular track that covers general/mainstream topics, BICT 2015 features the following special tracks that focus on specific, emerging or underrepresented topics. * Anthropomorphic Robot and Physiological Information for Cares and Daily Communication (ARPI) * Artificial, Biological and Bio-Inspired Intelligence (ABBII) * Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering (AISE) * Bio-inspired Algorithms and Technologies for Cyber Security and Defense Applications (DEFENSE) * Bio-Inspired Communications and Computing (BICC) * Bio-inspired Wireless Network Security (BWNS) * Biological Computing and Bio-medical Informatics (BCBI) * Biologically Inspired Computer Vision Models and Techniques (BioVis) * BioNanoNetworks: Modeling, Design, Performance and Applications (BMDPA) * Combinatorial Optimization (COP) * Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) * Computational Intelligence on Information Security (CIIS) * Engineering Applications from Bio-Molecular Networks (EmNet) * Game Theory and its Applications (GTA) * Molecular Communication and Networking (MCN) * Modularization for Practical Software Engineering (MPSE) * Nano-networks and Communication in Bacteria Populations (NCBP) * Physarum Computing (PhysComp) * Soft Computing on Brain-Body Area (SCBBA) * Swarm Robotics (SR) * Topology-driven bio-inspired methods and models for complex systems (TOPDRIM4Bio) CO-LOCATED WORKSHOPS: * Bioinformatics 2015 * Brain-Inspired Information Communication Technologies (BIICT) * Computational Models of the Visual Cortex (CMVC): Hierarchies, Layers, Sparsity, Saliency and Attention * Int'l Workshop on Electro-Chemical Signaling in Neuron Organelles (ESNO) * The First Int'l Workshop on Combining Machine Learning and Search-BasedSoftware Engineering (MLSBSE) * Int'l Workshop on Physarum Transport Networks (PhysNet) PAPER SUBMISSION: Authors are invited to submit regular papers (up to 8 pages each), short papers (up to 4 pages each) or poster/demo papers (up to 2 pages each) in ACM's paper template. Up to two extra pages are allowed for each paper with extra page charges. See http://bionetics.org/2015/show/initial-submission for more details. PUBLICATION: All accepted paper will be published through ACM Digital Library and submitted for indexing by SI, EI Compendex, Scopus, ACM DL, Google Scholar and many more. Selected papers will be considered for publication in leading journals including: * IEEE Transactions on NanoBioscience * ACM/Springer Mobile Networks and Applications * Elsevier Information and Software Technology * Elsevier Information Sciences * Springer Software Quality Journal * Elsevier Nano Communication Networks Journal * Springer Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling * Int'l Journal of Soft Computing and Networking KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: * Dmitri Chklovskii, Simons Foundation, USA * Simon Garnier, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers University, USA * Radu Marculescu, Carnegie Mellon University, USA * Bud Mishra, New York University, USA * Maurizio Porfiri, New York University, USA * Yechiam Yemini, Columbia University, USA FEATURED SPEAKERS IN CO-LOCATED WORKSHOPS: * Emanuela Merelli, University of Camerino, Italy GENERAL CHAIRS: Jun Suzuki, University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA Tadashi Nakano, Osaka University, Japan Henry Hess, Columbia University, USA PC CHAIRS: William Casey, Carnegie Mellon University, SEI, USA Adriana Compagnoni, Stevens Institute of Technology, USA Simon Garnier, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers University Mario Koeppen, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan

April 5, 2015

CFP: ICML Stamlins 2015

by Sanmi Koyejo

(Please forgive us for cross posting - this may be of interest to some in this list) ICML Workshop on Statistics, Machine Learning and Neuroscience (Stamlins 2015) Submission Deadline: May 1, 2015 https://sites.google.com/site/stamlins2015/ Call for Papers ------------------------------------------------ In the last decade, machine learning has had a growing influence on neuroimaging data handling and analysis, making it an ubiquitous component of all kinds of data analysis procedures and software. While it is clear that machine learning has the potential to revolutionize both scientific discovery and clinical diagnosis applications, continued progress requires close collaboration between statisticians, machine learning practitioners and neuroscientists. Our workshop goals are to highlight best practices, disseminate the state of the art in high dimensional methods and related tools with a focus on application to neuroimaging data analysis, and to facilitate discussions to identify the key open problems and opportunities for machine learning in neuroscience. Topics of interest include: - exploratory and predictive modelling of high-dimensional correlated volumic data e.g. fMRI and PET with emphasis on: - applications to cognitive modelling and diagnosis - resting state analyses - interpretation and visualization of results - statistical analysis for parameter recovery - advances in scalable techniques and computational infrastructure - structured prediction problems in neuroscience e.g. multilabel classification for mental processes and network prediction. - de-noising and predictive modelling for brain-computer interfaces - source localization for EEG and MEG - deep learning and convolutional networks for neuroscience Invited Speakers ------------------------------------------------ Pradeep Ravikumar (University of Texas at Austin) Morten Mørup (Technical University of Denmark) Alexandre Gramfort (Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécomunications) Submissions ------------------------------------------------ We invite submissions for original papers that introduce new research developments, directions, frameworks, results, etc. in these and related areas. We also invite submissions of recently published high-quality work. Though, we note that preference will be given to original contributions. Potential participants may submit full papers (up to 8 pages in length in ICML format) or short papers (extended abstracts, 2-4 pages in length) by May 1, 2015 sent electronically via the online submission site: https://cmt.research.microsoft.com/SMLNS2015/Default.aspx Acceptance notification: May 10th, 2015 The workshop is semi-archival: materials will be published on the website with the authors permission. The authors retain the copyright and the rights to resubmit and publish at other venues. Organizing Committee ------------------------------------------------ Bertrand Thirion (Inria-CEA) Lars Kai Hansen (Technical University of Denmark) Sanmi Koyejo (Stanford University) For further information, please contact Sanmi Koyejo (sanmi(a)stanford.edu)

April 5, 2015

Call for applications: Brains for Brains Young Researchers' Computational Neuroscience Award 2015

by Kerstin Schwarzwaelder

Dear colleagues, for the sixth time, the Bernstein Association for Computational Neuroscience <http://www.nncn.de/en/bernstein-association> is announcing the "Brains for Brains Young Researchers' Computational Neuroscience Award". The call is open for researchers of any nationality who have contributed to a peer reviewed publication (as coauthor) or peer reviewed conference abstract (as first author) that was submitted before starting their doctoral studies, is written in English and was accepted or published in 2014 or 2015. The award comprises 500 € prize money, plus a travel grant of up to 2.000 € to cover a trip to Germany, including participation in the Bernstein Conference 2015 in Heidelberg (www.bernstein-conference.de) and an individually planned visit to up to two German research institutions in Computational Neuroscience. Deadline for application is May 8, 2015 (5:00 p.m. CET). Detailed information about the application procedure can be found under: www.nncn.de/en/bernstein-association/brains-for-brains-2015 For inquiries please contact info(a)bcos.uni-freiburg.de Best regards, Kerstin Schwarzwälder -- Dr. Kerstin Schwarzwälder Bernstein Coordination Site of the National Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg Hansastr. 9A 79104 Freiburg Germany phone: +49 761 203 9594 schwarzwaelder(a)bcos.uni-freiburg.de www.nncn.de

April 2, 2015

IJNS Special Issue Call for Papers for "IWSP7: Epilepsy Mechanisms, Models, Prediction & Control"

by Levin Kuhlmann

The International Journal of Neural Systems (IJNS; Impact Factor 6.056) will be publishing a special issue on work presented at the 7th International Workshop on Seizure Prediction "IWSP7: Epilepsy Mechanisms, Models, Prediction & Control" (www.iwsp7.org<http://www.iwsp7.org>) that will be held in Melbourne, Australia, during 3-6 August 2015. The IJNS Special Issue and "IWSP7: Epilepsy Mechanisms, Models, Prediction & Control" will focus on the engineering and science of epilepsy, covering basic mechanisms and imaging, computational modeling for analysis and prediction, and feedback control of epilepsy. Three key themes will be addressed. (1) Seizure prediction from months-to-years long recordings. (2) Model-based data assimilation for time series analysis, neuro-intervention, and feedback control. (3) Multi-modal neuroimaging and computational modelling to assess the spatial origin of seizures and the epileptic network at multiple scales. The following traditional IWSP themes will also be covered: automated seizure detection, prediction and control, seizure physiology mechanisms at multiple scales, high frequency oscillations, epileptic networks, and computational modeling of epilepsy. The call for papers for the special issue can be downloaded from the conference website at the following link: http://www.iwsp7.org/cfp/Epilepsy_Mechanisms_Models_Prediction_and_Control.… As described in the call for papers, invited speakers and researchers submitting the best abstracts to the IWSP7 conference will be invited to submit a manuscript by the IJNS editor-in-chief, Prof. Hojjat Adeli, and the guest editors, Dr Levin Kuhlmann, Prof. Mark J. Cook and Prof. David B. Grayden. We look forward to seeing you at IWSP7! On behalf of the local IWSP7 organizing committee Levin Kuhlmann, PhD David B. Grayden, PhD Mark J. Cook, MD Anthony N. Burkitt, PhD Dean R. Freestone, PhD Tatiana Kameneva, PhD Alan Lai, PhD Elma O'Sullivan-Greene, PhD Andre Peterson, BSc (hons) Email: organizingcommittee(a)iwsp7.org<mailto:organizingcommittee@iwsp7.org>

April 2, 2015

Postdoc positions at IBM Watson Research

by Irina Rish

Computational Biology Department at IBM T.J. Watson is looking for several postdoctoral researchers; see the job descriptions below. Job description 1: https://jobs3.netmedia1.com/cp/faces/job_summary?job_id=RES-0736440 IBM Research is undertaking a project to develop predictive models of neurological and psychiatric disease transitions based on patients’ speech samples and physiological recordings from wearable devices such as accelerometers, heart rate monitors and portable ElectroEncephaloGram (EEG) recorders. The goal of the project is to implement a high sampling frequency system monitoring easily available behavioral and physiological data, and relate these to established psychometric measures of disease, in order to provide neurologist and psychiatrists with high granularity information of the patients’ state, and actionable predictions of imminent transitions. The project will involve a tight collaboration with clinician s. Required Doctorate Degree At least 1 year experience in natural language processing or signal processing At least 1 year experience in Programming (Matlab, Python, C++) English: Intermediate Preferred At least 3 years experience in natural language processing or signal processing At least 2 years experience in Programming (Matlab, Python, C++) At least 2 years experience in psychology and psychiatry At least 2 years experience in cognitive science, big data analytics or wearable computing At least 2 years experience in machine learning English : Fluent Job description 2: https://jobs3.netmedia1.com/cp/faces/job_summary?job_id=RES-0736434 IBM Research is undertaking a project to characterize the progression of neurological diseases using multi-modal imaging techniques, combining state-of-the-art statistical learning and high-performance computing tools with physiological models and mechanistic interpretations. The ultimate goal of this project is to develop an integrative, multi-disciplinary approach to understand underpinning biological mechanisms of disease (e.g. Parkinson’s), as well as provide analytic tools with immediate clinical applicability. The project will involve a tight collaboration with neurobiology researchers and clinicians. IBM is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher with a degree in neuroimaging, neuroscience, computer science, mathematics, physics, electrical engineering or similar fields. Candidates should have experience in high-throughput brain data modeling, machine learning for big data, computational neuroscience and neurobiology. Candidates with a background in relevant applied mathematics fields such as topological data analysis and optimization will also be considered. Required Doctorate Degree At least 1 year experience in brain imaging, analysis and modeling (magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography or magnetoencephalography) Basic knowledge in programming (Matlab, Python, C++) English: Intermediate Preferred At least 3 years experience in brain imaging, analysis and modeling (magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography or magnetoencephalography) At least 2 years experience in programming (Matlab, Python, C++) At least 3 years experience in machine learning At least 3 years experience in brain imaging At least 3 years experience in biological psychiatry English : Fluent

April 1, 2015