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New on the VVTNS YouTube channel: Continuous representations in small, discrete circuits | Marcella Noorman University of ChicagoMarcella Noorman University of Chicago

by David Hansel

[image: VVTNS.png] > > <https://streaklinks.com/BT7ApM4NDVkoziHWhQptf9sP/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> > https://www.wwtns.online > <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> > - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide - on Youtube > New on the VVTNS YouTube Channel https://www.wwtns.online/past-seminars-2025-2026 *Continuous representations in small, discrete circuits* lecture delivered on February 4, 2026 by Marcella Noorman University of Chicago *Abstract: *Many animals rely on persistent internal representations of continuous angular variables for working memory, motor control, and navigation. Theories have proposed that such representations are maintained by a class of recurrently connected networks called ring attractor networks. These networks rely on large numbers of neurons to maintain continuous and stable representations and to accurately integrate incoming signals. The head direction system of the fruit fly, however, seems to achieve these properties with a remarkably small network. These findings challenge our understanding of ring attractors and their putative implementation in neural circuits. In this talk, I will show analytically how small networks can overcome the constraints of their size to generate a ring attractor and are hence capable of stably maintaining an internal representation of a continuous, periodic variable. Further, I will show how ring attractors emerge in small threshold linear networks through the coordination of a discrete set of line attractors. More broadly, this work informs our understanding of the functional capabilities of small, discrete systems. *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.*

Feb. 4, 2026

Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour 2026 (Deadline : March 15th, 2026)

by Ahmed El Hady

*Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour 2026* *Konstanz, Germany * *20th July 2026 – 7th August 2026 *** *Deadline to apply: March 15th, 2026* The Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour (KSCB) <https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/kscb/about/> will take place between 20th July – 7th August 2026 at the Cluster of Excellence Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour (CASCB) at the University of Konstanz <https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/>. Konstanz <https://www.konstanz.de/start> is a vibrant, small city located on the border between Germany and Switzerland, on the shores of the Bodensee (Lake Constance). Over three weeks, students will delve deeply into the topic of collective behaviour with lectures, hands-on tutorials, and projects, making it a unique and unforgettable experience. The school faculty will cover collective behaviours across a variety of species from cells, worms, drosophila, fish to non – human primates and human. A set of tutorials delving into state-of-the-art quantitative methods used to study collective behaviour will complement the lectures. At the end of the school, students will work on independent projects guided by our resident faculty and tutors. The Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour is intended for graduate students, doctoral researchers, and early postdoctoral researchers. We consider applicants with strong quantitative background including but not limited to physics, computer science, mathematics and engineering. Applicants with biological and experimental background will be considered if they demonstrate in their application extensive quantitative and mathematical background as the focus of the school is quantitative study of collective behaviours. Accommodation will be provided and paid by the organizers. A limited number of travel support will be provided and a registration fee will be due (500 Euros) once the student is admitted to the Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour. The registration fee will be waived to those coming from underrepresented minorities and those in need of financial support. The submission of applications for the fourth Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour is currently open until March 15, 2026. We will inform the applicants during the month of April whether their application was successful For further information about the school and the application procedure , visit our website: _https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/kscb/application-procedure/ _ *KSCB 2026 faculty : * ·Anastasia Bizyaeva ( Cornell University, USA) ·Iain Couzin ( University of Konstanz / Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior) ·Einat Couzin-fuchs ( University of Konstanz ) ·David Garcia ( University of Konstanz ) ·Dan Gorbonos ( Holon Institute of Technology, Israel and Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior) ·Stefan Krapitscka ( University of Konstanz ) ·Zachary Kilpatrick ( University of Colorado Boulder, USA) ·Liang Li ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior) ·Yonatan Loewenstein ( Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel) ·Ran Nathan ( Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel ) ·Mor Nitzan ( Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel) ·Britta Renner ( University of Konstanz ) ·Allyson Sgro ( Janelia Farm Research Campus, Virginia, USA) ·Joshua Shaevitz ( Princeton University, USA) ·Ariana Strandburg-Peshkin ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior) ·Katrin Vogt ( University of Konstanz ) *In case you have any questions, please contact: **ahmed.el-hady(a)uni-konstanz.de <mailto:ahmed.el-hady@uni-konstanz.de>** * All the best regards, Ahmed El Hady On behalf of the KSCB organizational committee Dr. Ahmed El Hady Principal Investigator Cluster for Advanced Study of Collective Behavior, University of Konstanz Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz Room ZT 907 Postbox 687 Tel.: +49 7531 88-4742

Feb. 4, 2026

Master’s Thesis Project – Recruiting a Student: Information Under Fire:,POMDP Models of Information Seeking in VR Threat Environments

by Sara Ershadmanesh

*Master’s Thesis Project – Recruiting a Student:* *Information Under Fire:*** *POMDP Models of Information Seeking in VR Threat Environments* ** **Responsible co-supervisor:*Sara Ershadmanesh* Formal supervisor:*Peter Dayan* Supervising Collaborator:*Dominik Bach (Bonn)* ** The Department of Computational Neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics focuses on building and testing theories and computational models of neural processing, with a particular emphasis on decision-making, learning, and representation. In dangerous or unpredictable environments, humans must decide whether to keep collecting rewards (e.g., food) or to seek information that helps them stay safe. In this project, you will analyse how people plan under threat and how they trade off explicit reward against information-seeking for safety. We have build a scenario in which biological agents forage for food and must stay clear of threats. We have also collected data from humans performing this task in virtual reality. The goal of the project is to develop computational models based on Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs). These models characterize belief formation about a threat‘s distance and speed, and how these beliefs guide planning in this situation. We will study both optimal behavior and heuristics computational strategies that may explain individual differences in this experiment. *What is available:* * Behavioral dataset from a VR experiment * Collaboration with researchers at the University of Bonn (VR expertise and behavioral analyses) * The active and rich environment at the Computational Neuroscience lab (supervised by Peter Dayan), where you are expected to participate in group activities as well as pursue your Master’s project. *Q**ualifications**/Experience:* * Strong programming skills are essential (Python or R) * Knowledge of POMDPs and experience implementing related models (more experience is a plus) *Student tasks:* * Improve and clean existing code * Extend POMDP model to generate optimal behavior * Compare model predictions to human behavior * Writethe Master thesis Remuneration is based on qualifications and professional experience. The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer: Handicapped individuals are strongly encouraged to apply, and so are women in areas in which they are underrepresented. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgroundsand aim for a fair hiring process—so applicants should not include a photo in their application documents. Max-Planck-Institut für biologische Kybernetik Max-Planck-Ring 8 72076 Tübingen www.kyb.mpg.de <http://www.kyb.mpg.de/>

Feb. 4, 2026

PhD Position: Deep Learning & EEG for Mental Health Diagnostics (Fall 2026) – Univ. of North Texas

by Korani, Wael

Hello everyone, The Lab: The Korani Lab in the Department of Data Science at the University of North Texas (UNT) is recruiting two PhD students to start in Fall 2026. Our research sits at the intersection of Computational Neuroscience, Biomedical Signal Processing, and Explainable AI. We focus on developing diagnostic tools to predict and detect mental disorders (Major Depressive Disorder) and evaluate treatment outcomes (rTMS, SSRI) using high-dimensional EEG data. The Project: The successful candidate will work on building and optimizing custom CNN and RNN architectures to decode complex patterns in EEG signals. This is not just applying off-the-shelf models; we are developing novel optimization algorithms (e.g., Mother Tree Optimization) and fusion techniques to improve diagnostic accuracy and interpretability in clinical settings. We are looking for: * Background: BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computational Neuroscience, or a related quantitative field. * Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in Python (PyTorch/TensorFlow) and MATLAB. * Domain Knowledge: Experience with Time-Series Analysis or Signal Processing is highly desired. Prior work with EEG data is a significant plus. * Math: Comfort with linear algebra and optimization theory. Why Join? * Impact: Your code will directly contribute to tools intended for clinical use to improve mental health treatment outcomes. * Environment: UNT is a Tier 1 Research University. You will collaborate with clinical partners (including international collaborations) and have access to large-scale clinical datasets. To Apply: Please email a CV, transcripts (unofficial are fine), and a brief statement of research interests to Dr. Wael Korani ([wael.korani(a)unt.edu] Please use the subject line: "PhD Application Fall 2026 – [Your Name]". Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the two positions are filled. Dr. Wael Korani Assistant Professor Department of Data Science University of North Texas [Link to your Faculty Profile or Lab Website]

Feb. 3, 2026

Call for Papers Now Open | Submit Your Work to ISCS 2026 | June 03–05, La Rochelle, France

by MOURCHID Youssef

📢 Call for Papers – ISCS 2026 The International Conference on Complex Systems (ISCS 2026) invites researchers and practitioners to submit original contributions on all aspects of Complex Systems. Submission formats * Long Papers: up to 12 pages * Short Papers: up to 8 pages * Extended Abstracts: 3–4 pages 🗓 Submission deadline: March 2, 2026 🔗 Submit via CMT: https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/ISCS2026/ (Please select “ISCS 2026”) 🌐 Conference website: https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/iscs/ Join us in shaping the future of Complex Systems Science and engaging with an international, interdisciplinary community. — ISCS 2026 Organizing Committee [cid:image001.png@01DC9553.F8D8E360] Youssef MOURCHID Enseignant-Chercheur UR 7527 Tel : +33 (0)7 88 33 17 65 22 B Rue du Cap Vert, 21800 Quetigny [cid:image002.png@01DC9553.F8D8E360]<https://www.facebook.com/CESIingenieurs> [cid:image003.png@01DC9553.F8D8E360]<https://www.facebook.com/CESIingenieurs> [cid:image004.png@01DC9553.F8D8E360]<https://www.youtube.com/user/groupecesi1> [cid:image005.png@01DC9553.F8D8E360]<https://www.linkedin.com/company/groupe-cesi/> [cid:image006.png@01DC9553.F8D8E360]<https://www.instagram.com/cesi_officiel/> lineact.cesi.fr<https://lineact.cesi.fr/>

Feb. 3, 2026

Postdoc in statistical/computational models of birdsong

by Peter Dayan

The Computational Neuroscience lab led by Peter Dayan of the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics and the University of Tübingen, in collaboration with the Neurobiology of Vocal Communication Lab led by Lena Veit, invites applications for a Postdoc Research Fellow (m/f/d; E13 TVöD, 100%, 2 years). This role involves developing statistical and computational models for characterizing and understanding the structure of animal vocal communication, starting with the songs of the Bengalese Finch. This position is suited for researchers who have finished or are about to finish their PhD in a relevant discipline, such as computational neuroscience, cognitive (neuro-)science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer science, or psychology. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, comfortable with both analytic and critical thinking, and has a strong background in computational neuroscience, machine learning, or related fields. Relevant areas of expertise include computational modelling, signal processing, machine learning, and cognitive modeling. The applicant should have excellent programming skills, experience with advanced data analysis, and a strong publication record. The candidate should have a solid knowledge of the literature in relevant areas, and ideally have experience working in close collaboration with experimentalists. The working language is English; command of the German language is not necessary. What we offer: The position, initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of an extension, is part of a newly established DFG research unit "Neural Basis of Vocal Communication" (FOR 5768), which investigates, through a collaborative approach across four research sites, how vocal communication is produced, coordinated, and learned across vertebrate species by mapping and comparing the underlying neural networks. Using behavioral studies, neurophysiological recordings, and computational modeling, we aim to uncover shared principles and species-specific adaptations of vocal communication. The position will be supervised by Peter Dayan and Lena Veit. We offer remuneration in accordance with TVöD (collective wage agreement for the Public Service of the German Federal States) in addition to all the customary benefits granted to employees working in Public Services. The position is based at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics along with the Werner Reichardt Center for Integrative Neuroscience which are both in Tübingen. There are no formal teaching duties, allowing full flexibility for conducting research. There will be opportunities to mentor and work with PhD and MSc students working on related topics. About Tübingen: Tübingen is a scenic university town on the Neckar River in South-Western Germany. The quality of life is exceptionally high, and the atmosphere is diverse, inclusive, and most locals speak English. Tübingen offers excellent research opportunities due to the University, three Max Planck institutes, the University Hospital, and Europe’s largest AI research consortium. You can find out more about Tübingen here: https://www.tuebingen.de/ How to apply: If you are interested in the position, please get in touch with Peter Dayan via email (agpd-applications(a)tue.mpg.de) enclosing your CV. For formal applications, please send a motivation letter, your CV, up to two representative publications, and the contact information of two referees as a single PDF to Susan Fischer (susan.fischer(a)tuebingen.mpg.de) The MPI for Biological Cybernetics is an equal opportunities employer. Applications of qualified women academics are especially encouraged; applications of disabled persons will be given preferential treatment to those of other candidates with equal qualifications. Preference will be given to applications received by 28th February 2026, but applications might be considered thereafter until the position is filled.

Feb. 3, 2026

EMBO Dendrites 2026: Abstract submission deadline extended to Feb. 9th

by marouso_velissariou＠imbb.forth.gr

Dear Colleagues, In response to popular demand, we have extended the deadline for abstract submission until Feb. 9th, 2026. Please register and submit your abstract online at: https://meetings.embo.org/event/26-dendrites No payment is required for abstract submission. Notifications will be provided by February 28th, 2026 Registration payment due by March 15th, 2026 Potential attendees are strongly encouraged to submit an abstract as presenters will have registration priority. For more information about the conference, please refer to our web site or send email to embo2026(a)artion.com.gr We look forward to seeing you in person at DENDRITES 2026, in Heraklion, Crete, on 19-22 May 2026! The organizers, Panayiota Poirazi, Lucy Palmer, Mark Harnett -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

Feb. 3, 2026

Doctoral and postdoctoral studies in the neuroscience of dynamic action planning and motor control

by Andrea Green

Doctoral and postdoctoral studies in the neuroscience of dynamic action planning and motor control Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal Applications are invited for doctoral and postdoctoral studies in systems neuroscience in the laboratories of Andrea Green and Paul Cisek. Successful applicants will join a multidisciplinary research group studying how the primate brain controls real-time, natural behavior in dynamic environments. Different projects address how we specify and plan potential actions such as reaching under changing conditions as we move through our environment, decide between actions even during ongoing behavior, control and learn to execute movements in different behavioral contexts (e.g., body stationary vs. in motion) and integrate multisensory cues to estimate and keep track of our motion through space. Research in our group involves single- and multi-electrode neural recording experiments in non-human primates, human behavioral studies using techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and galvanic vestibular stimulation, and computational modeling of the nervous system. New collaborative projects will combine use of sophisticated spatial motion systems and virtual reality environments to study naturalistic behavior in both humans and non-human primates and develop computational models of real-time action selection, planning and control. For more information, see: https://neurosciences.umontreal.ca/recherche/les-chercheurs/andrea-green/ and https://cisek.org/pavel/ Multiple positions are available. All students with a strong background in biological sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics or psychology and an interest in system-level study of the brain are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in neurophysiology, behavioral neuroscience and/or computational modeling of neural systems is highly desirable. Depending on the applicant's qualifications and interests, they will help to design and conduct behavioral and neurophysiological experiments, analyze data, develop theoretical models of neural systems, prepare manuscripts for publication, and participate in international conferences. Interested candidates are asked to send a curriculum vita, copies of academic transcripts, a statement of research interests and the names and contact information for two references, to Andrea Green (andrea.green(a)umontreal.ca<mailto:andrea.green@umontreal.ca>) and Paul Cisek (paul.cisek(a)umontreal.ca<mailto:paul.cisek@umontreal.ca>). Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled, but preference will be given to applications received before March 16, 2026.

Feb. 2, 2026

Fwd: [seminar.wwtns] World wide VVTNS series (6th season): Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 11:00 am ET - Marcella Noorman, University of Chicago

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 Marcella Noorman University of Chicago on the topic of *Continuous representations in small, discrete circuits* The lecture will be held on zoom on February 4, 2026, at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > *Abstract: *Many animals rely on persistent internal representations of continuous angular variables for working memory, motor control, and navigation. Theories have proposed that such representations are maintained by a class of recurrently connected networks called ring attractor networks. These networks rely on large numbers of neurons to maintain continuous and stable representations and to accurately integrate incoming signals. The head direction system of the fruit fly, however, seems to achieve these properties with a remarkably small network. These findings challenge our understanding of ring attractors and their putative implementation in neural circuits. In this talk, I will show analytically how small networks can overcome the constraints of their size to generate a ring attractor and are hence capable of stably maintaining an internal representation of a continuous, periodic variable. Further, I will show how ring attractors emerge in small threshold linear networks through the coordination of a discrete set of line attractors. More broadly, this work informs our understanding of the functional capabilities of small, discrete systems. *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.*

Feb. 2, 2026

Accepting applications: The Brain Prize Course - Computational and Theoretical Neuroscience 2026

by Maria Neimark Geffen

Dear Colleagues, I’m writing as a co-director of the upcoming *CAJAL Advanced Neuroscience Training Course: The Brain Prize Course - Computational and Theoretical Neuroscience 2026*, now open for applications. This intensive course is a unique opportunity for early-career researchers interested in this field. Hosted at the *Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown*, this three-week course focuses on *bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and experimental neuroscience*. It provides intensive training in neural coding, network dynamics, and advanced data analysis, combining high-level lectures with hands-on Python-based projects to model complex brain functions and interpret large-scale neuronal datasets. 📍 *Location:* Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal 📅 *Dates:* 13 - 31 July 2026 ⏳ *Application Deadline:* 27 February 2026 🔗 *Apply now:* https://form.jotform.com/Cajal_training/computational-neuro2026 *Course Directors* - *Alfonso Renart* - Champalimaud Foundation, Portugal - *Julijana Gjorgjieva* - Technical University of Munich, Germany - *Maria Geffen* - University of Pennsylvania, USA - *Omri Barak* - Technion, Israel Institute of Technology *Course Themes & Topics:* - *Neural Modeling & Dynamics*: Mastering the mathematical foundations of brain function, from single-cell biophysical models like Hodgkin−Huxley to the complex behavior of excitatory-inhibitory networks. - *Neural Coding & Data Analysis*: Learning how populations of neurons represent information using advanced computational tools like dimensionality reduction to decode large-scale neural datasets. - *Cognitive & Normative Theory*: Exploring high-level functions through Bayesian inference and reinforcement learning to understand how the brain optimizes decision-making and motor control. *Speakers include:* - Larry Abbott (Columbia University, USA) - Haim Sompolinsky (Harvard University, USA & Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel) - Susanne Schreiber (Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany) - Francesca Mastrogiuseppe (SISSA – International School for Advanced Studies, Italy ) - Il Memming Park (Champalimaud Foundation, Portugal) - Jakob Macke (University of Tübingen, Germany ) - Wiktor Młynarski (LMU Munich – Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany ) - Laura Busse (LMU Munich – Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany ) - Yiota Poirazi (IMBB–FORTH, Heraklion, Greece ) - Adrienne Fairhall (University of Washington, USA) - Agostina Palmigiano (Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, UCL, UK) - Joe Paton (Champalimaud Foundation, Portugal) - Dmitri Chklovskii (Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, USA) - Brent Doiron (University of Chicago, USA) - Gilles Laurent (Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Germany) - Alex Cayco Gajic (École Normale Supérieure – PSL, France ) - Rafal Bogacz (MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit, University of Oxford, UK) ________________________________ Maria Neimark Geffen, Ph.D. (she/her) Professor Co-director, Penn Computational Neuroscience Initiative Department of Otorhinolaryngology: HNS (primary) Department of Neuroscience Department of Neurology Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania 5 Ravdin 3400 Spruce St. Philadelphia PA 19104 Tel.: 215.898.0782 My zoom <https://pennmedicine.zoom.us/my/mgeffen?pwd=eWVFbUJFUGRJZ3g1eU9YZEZic2VwZz09> mgeffen(a)pennmedicine.upenn.edu http://hosting.med.upenn.edu/hearing https://bsky.app/profile/geffenlab.bsky.social

Jan. 30, 2026