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CFP: Special Session on “Neural Models for Behavior IJCNN 2018

by Pablo Barros

Call for papers: special session on “Neural Models for Behavior Recognition” at IJCNN 2018 - http://www.ecomp.poli.br/~wcci2018/ International Joint Conference on Neural Networks, hosted at IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence (IEEE WCCI 2018) 8-13 July 2018, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Special Session on Neural Models for Behavior Recognition Organized by: Pablo Barros (Universität Hamburg, Germany), Bruno Fernandes (Universidade de Pernambuco, Brazil) and Stefan Wermter (Universität Hamburg, Germany) Categorizing and, to a certain degree, understanding human behavior is an important skill for autonomous systems. A robot able to identify whether a person needs help, an autonomous car to perceive whether a pedestrian is crossing the road, or a camera to localize someone in danger need a robust and reliable human behavior understanding. Although many different solutions have appeared in the past years, most of them do not take longer contextual information into consideration, usually only relying on instantaneous or short-context scenarios which limits the applicability of such systems in a real-world scenario. The potential of having neural models that take into consideration contextual information is substantial and it would be beneficial to develop this technology further for this field. To have a system which is capable of learning, understanding and generalizing human behavior within a longer contextual scene is a challenging task. With recent neural computing technologies, such as training and understanding deep neural networks, life-long learning and unsupervised approaches, to name a few, we believe that autonomous systems which are capable of learning from long-context human behavior are feasible. This kind of processing would provide contextual information which would be beneficial to understanding and acting in real-world scenarios. We invite papers on both practical and theoretical issues about neural learning for behavior recognition. In particular, topics of interest include, but are not limited to: - Gesture processing, recognition and/or generation - Models for emotional behavior analysis and/or understanding - Speech based sentiment analysis and/or dialog processing - Action recognition and/or generation - Crossmodal human behavior learning - Temporal architectures for human behavior learning - Emotional feedback and modulation in decision-making processes - Life-long learning for human behavior processing Submitted papers will be reviewed according to the IJCNN reviewing process and will be evaluated on their scientific value: originality, correctness, and writing style. More details: http://www.ecomp.poli.br/~wcci2018/submissions/#papersubmission IMPORTANT DATES: Paper submission: 15th January 2018 Paper acceptance: 15th March 2018 Final paper submission: 1st May 2018 Early registration: 1st May 2018 IEEE WCCI 2018 conference: 8-13 July 2018 Dr. rer. nat. Pablo Barros Knowledge Technology Department of Informatics University of Hamburg barros at informatik.uni-hamburg.de https://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/people/barros.html https://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/wtm/ -- Dr.rer.nat. Pablo Barros Research Associate Knowledge Technology Department of Informatics University of Hamburg Vogt-Koelln-Str. 30 22527 Hamburg, Germany Phone: +49 40 42883 2535 Fax: +49 40 42883 2515 barros at informatik.uni-hamburg.de https://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/people/barros.html www.knowledge-technology.info

Dec. 14, 2017

PhD studentship in Biocomputation Research Group, Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research, University of Hertfordshire

by Shabnam Kadir

Applications are invited for a *PhD studentship* on *Computational frameworks for high-dimensional neural data* with *Dr. Shabnam Kadir *in the *Biocomputation Research Group* in the Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research, University of Hertfordshire, U.K. *Project Description* New developments in experimental technology have led to petabytes of raw data being produced by experimental neuroscientists, which are increasingly publicly available, e.g. Allen Institute data http://www.brain-map.org/. In particular, we are in the realm where population recordings of tens of thousands of neurons are feasible thanks to, e.g. a new generation of large dense probes for electrophysiological recordings, imaging using 2-photon microscopy coupled with calcium fluorescent sensors. Large scale neuronal recordings require novel approaches for both processing and quantitative analysis. As well as using techniques from high-dimensional statistics, machine learning, information theory, we aim to explore new approaches from mathematical fields outside statistics, such as algebraic topology. The study of networks is a particularly important topic in neuroscience: neurons communicate with each other electrically via synapses, forming intricate networks. These networks can be studied using techniques from computational topology (e.g. persistent homology, clique topology). These could be used to extract information about subnetworks and assemblies, both from large scale recordings, and via connectomics derived from simulations (Blue Brain Project). We aim in this project to go beyond spike sorting and develop new tools and computational frameworks which would help interpret high dimensional data and interrogate how information is being processed by the brain, e.g. How are sensory stimuli (location in environment, visual and auditory stimuli) encoded? How can we characterise the neural activity associated with memory, attention, decision making and motor control? We shall be collaborating with labs at Imperial, Pennsylvania State University and UCL. More information can be found here: http://www.herts.ac.uk/_ _data/assets/pdf_file/0003/187455/Dec2017-computational-frameworks-for-high- dimensional-neural-data.pdf *Requirements * We are looking for candidates with the following profile: - Strong first degree in a quantitative field such as mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, computational neuroscience. - Strong programming skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB, C++). - Interest in neuroscience and biology would be helpful. A studentship from the PhD Programme in Computer Science provides approximately £14,550 per annum bursary plus the payment of student fees. Applicants from outside the UK or EU are eligible. Research in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has been recognised as excellent in the latest Research Excellence Framework Assessment, with 50% of the research submitted rated as internationally excellent or world-leading. The Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research provides a very stimulating environment, offering a large number of specialised and interdisciplinary seminars as well as general training and researcher development opportunities. The University is situated in Hatfield, in the green belt just north of London. Please contact *Dr Shabnam Kadir* (shabnam.kadir(a)imperial.ac.uk) for informal enquiries. Application forms are available under http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/schools-of-study/computer-science/our-research/ the-phd-programme-in-computer-science and should be returned to Mrs Lorraine Nicholls and Mrs Emma Thorogood, Research Student Administrators, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9AB, Tel: 01707 286083, doctoralcollegeadmissions(a)herts.ac.uk. The short-listing process will begin on 8 January 2018. The earliest start date will be mid-April 2018. -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Shabnam Kadir Department of Bioengineering Imperial College London Royal School of Mines Exhibition Road London, SW7 2AZ United Kingdom ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dec. 14, 2017

Connectome to Behaviour Discussion Meeting, London January 29th-31st 2018

by Stephen Larson

Hi all, The Royal Society is hosting a 2-day discussion meeting on the topic of *Connectome to behaviour: modelling C. elegans at cellular resolution*. The meeting is an interdisciplinary look at the future of data collection for and simulation of the only complete adult nervous system that has been mapped at EM resolution. Free registration is available on the website: https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2018/01/mind-of-a-worm/ Additional events related to the OpenWorm Foundation (http://openworm.org) will occur the day following the discussion meeting, also in London. More details available here: http://blog.openworm.org/post/168271424220/royal-society-meeting-open-house… Please register for any events you plan to attend so we can get a good head count. I hope to see you in London! Best, Stephen -- Stephen D. Larson, Ph.D OpenWorm Project Director http://openworm.org

Dec. 13, 2017

Complex Oscillatory Systems conference AMCOS, Barcelona March 2018 - 1 week until abstract submission deadline!

by AMCOS Conference

*ONLY 1 WEEK UNTIL ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE* *AMCOS – ANALYSIS AND MODELING OF COMPLEX OSCILLATORY SYSTEMS* March 19-23, 2018 Barcelona, Spain The *AMCOS conference* aims at bringing together renowned experts and young researchers who work on the modeling of complex systems and the emergence of collective phenomena, as well as on the analysis of complex data sets in order to infer structure and functionality of networks. Accompanying TUTORIALS by leading experts will interactively introduce the different conference themes. Do you want to present your work? *Abstract submission deadline is in 1 week**.* More info at amcosconference.com. *DATE AND VENUE* March 19, 2018 March 20 - 23, 2018 PRBB <http://www.prbb.org/>, Biomedical Research Park of Barcelona *KEYNOTE SPEAKERS* - Leon Glass, - Damian H. Zanette. *LIST OF SPEAKERS (*TBC)* - Peter Ashwin, - Ernest Barreto, - Ginestra Bianconi*, - Raffaella Burioni, - Dante R. Chialvo, - Gustavo Deco, - Albert Díaz-Guilera, - Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo, - Wulfram Gerstner*, - Sonja Grün, - Cristina Masoller, - Yamir Moreno, - Florian Mormann, - Hiroya Nakao, - Diego Pazó , - Juan G. Restrepo , - Alex Roxin, - Tilo Schwalger. *TOPICS COVERED* synchronization and nonlinear dynamics - dynamics on networks - connectivity and network inference - data analysis in neuroscience - critical phenomena - neural field models - computational neuroscience - complex oscillatory behaviour in physiology *TUTORIALS* Leading experts in the field will introduce the different conference themes interactively in tutorials on the first day of the conference week. The speakers are: - Ralph G. Andrzejak, - Arkady Pikovsky, - Michael Rosenblum, - Aneta Stefanovska. A (tentative) list of topics comprises basic theory of synchronization, synchronization approach to data analysis, basic concepts of nonlinear time series analysis, and time series analysis of non-autonomous dynamics. The participants are required to bring laptops installed with MATLAB/Octave if they want to take part in the practical activities. ORGANIZERS The doctoral students (Early Stage Researchers <http://www.uni-potsdam.de/cosmos-itn/people/early-stage-researchers-esrs/>) of the H2020 Marie Curie project COSMOS <http://www.uni-potsdam.de/cosmos-itn/>. For further information see amcosconference.com or contact us via e-mail <amcosconference(a)upf.edu>. Please forward to anyone interested. Follow us on social media. Twitter: @amcosconference <https://twitter.com/amcosconference> Facebook: amcosconference <https://www.facebook.com/amcosconference/>

Dec. 13, 2017

RaPID-2 2018 Workshop @ LREC: Resources and ProcessIng of linguistic, para-linguistic and extra-linguistic Data from people with various forms of cognitive/psychiatric impairments

by Dimitrios Kokkinakis

[Apologies if you receive multiple copies] *2nd Call for Papers* RaPID 2018: "*Resources and ProcessIng of linguistic, para-linguistic and extra-linguistic Data from people with various forms of cognitive/psychiatric impairments*" Half-day workshop at LREC2018 | Miyazaki, Japan | May 8th, 2018 Submission deadline: January 14th, 2018 (see also Important dates below) RaPID website: <https://spraakbanken.gu.se/eng/rapid-2018> The RaPID 2018 Workshop will follow up on the successful RaPID Workshop @ LREC2016 (<https://spraakbanken.gu.se/eng/rapid-2016>) *CALL FOR PAPERS:* RaPID-2018 will be an interdisciplinary forum for researchers to share information, findings, and experience on the creation and processing of data acquired or produced by people with various forms of mental, cognitive, neuropsychiatric, or neurodegenerative impairments, such as aphasia, dementia, autism, Parkinsons or schizophrenia. Particularly, the workshop focus on the creation, annotation, description, processing and analysis of linguistic, paralinguistic and extra-linguistic resources (e.g., spontaneous spoken language; audio-recorded samples and transcripts; eye tracking measurements; wearable and in-situ sensor data etc.) from individuals at various stages of these impairments and with varying degrees of severity in order to identify, extract, process, correlate, evaluate and disseminate various linguistic phenotypes and measurements and thus aid the diagnosis, monitor the progression or predict individuals at risk. A central aim is to facilitate the study of the relationships among various levels of linguistic, paralinguistic and extra-linguistic observations (e.g., acoustic measures; phonological, syntactic and semantic features; eye tracking measurements; sensors, signs and multimodal signals). Submission of papers are invited in all of the aforementioned areas, particularly emphasizing multidisciplinary aspects of processing such data and the interplay between clinical/nursing/medical sciences, language technology, computational linguistics, natural language processing (NLP) and computer science. The workshop will act as a stimulus for the discussion of several ongoing research questions driving current and future research by bringing together researchers from various research communities. *TOPICS OF INTEREST:* The topics of interest for the workshop session include but are not limited to: - Building, adapting and availability of linguistic resources, data sets and tools - Data collection methodologies - Acquisition and combination of novel data samples - Guidelines, annotation schemas, annotation tools - Addressing the challenges of representation, including dealing with data sparsity and dimensionality issues, feature combination from different sources and modalities - Domain adaptation of NLP tools - Acoustic/phonologic/phonetic, syntactic, semantic and pragmatic/discourse analysis of data; including modeling of perception (e.g. eye-movement measures of reading) and production processes (e.g. recording of the writing process by means of digital pens, keystroke logging etc.); use of gestures accompanying speech and non-linguistic behavior - Modeling and deep / machine learning approaches for early diagnostics, prediction, monitoring, classification etc. of various cognitive and psychiatric impairments - Information fusion - Evaluation of the significance of features in diagnostics - Evaluation of tools, systems, components, metrics, applications and technologies including methodologies making use of NLP - Evaluation, comparison and critical assessment of resources - Digital platforms/technologies for cognitive assessment and brain training - Involvement of medical/clinical professionals and patients - Ethical and legal questions in research with human data in the domain, and how they can be handled - Deployment - Experiences, lessons learned and the future of NLP/AI in the area *SUBMISSION DETAILS:* Papers are invited in all of the areas outlined in the Topics of interest, particularly emphasizing multidisciplinary aspects of processing such data and the interplay between clinical/nursing/medical sciences, language technology, computational linguistics, NLP, and computer science. We welcome also papers discussing problems derived from the design of relevant data samples and populations, but also the exploitation of results and outcomes as well as legal and ethical questions on how to deal with such data and make it available. The workshop solicits papers describing original research. Papers may preferably describe substantial and completed work, but may also focus on a contribution, a negative result, an interesting application nugget, a software package, a small, focused contribution *or* work in progress. The workshop will act as a stimulus for the discussion of several ongoing research questions driving current and future research and challenges by bringing together researchers from various research communities. RaPID-2018 will be a half-day LREC workshop to be held in the afternoon of Tuesday the 8th of May 2018. The oral presentations will be allocated 10-20 minutes (please see the program for details), possibly, followed by a common poster session (depending on the volume of received submissions). Submitted papers must be formatted according to the camera-ready style for LREC 2018 (style guidelines, templates etc. for the camera-ready papers are provided on LREC's main conference page/Submission), and submitted electronically in PDF format through the START conference manager page < https://www.softconf.com/lrec2018/RAPID-2/>. Authorship does not have to be anonymous and *papers should be 4-8 pages of content*. Additional, unlimited pages containing the list of references and appendices are allowed. We will strive to have all submissions reviewed by at least three, or more, members of the program committee. Depending on the volume of contributions, papers that describe systems or tools will be invited to give a demo of their system during a poster session. *IMPORTANT DATES:* - Second call for papers: 13th of December, 2017 - Submission deadline: Sunday 14th of January, 2018 - Notification of acceptance: Saturday 10th of February, 2018 - Early-bird registration for the main conference *and* workshops is the 15th of February, 2018 - Camera-ready papers: Sunday 10th of March 2018 - RaPID Workshop: Tuesday 8th of May, 2018 *CONTACT:* Dimitrios Kokkinakis: dimitrios _DOT_ kokkinakis _AT_ gu _DOT_ se *INVITED SPEAKER:* Yasunori Yamada, PhD. Aging Research, IBM Research - Tokyo. *ORGANIZING COMMITTEE:* - Dimitrios Kokkinakis, University of Gothenburg, Sweden - Kristina Lundholm Fors, University of Gothenburg, Sweden - Kathleen Fraser, University of Gothenburg, Sweden - Charalambos Themistocleous, University of Gothenburg, Sweden - Graeme Hirst, University of Toronto, Canada - Alexandra König, Geriatric Hospital Nice and the University of Côte d'Azur, France - Frank Rudzicz, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the University of Toronto, Canada *PROGRAMME COMMITTEE**:* - Osvaldo Agamennoni, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Argentina - Jan Alexandersson, DFKI GmbH, Germany - Eiji Aramaki, Kyoto University, Japan - Heidi Christensen, University pf Sheffield, UK - Simon Dobnik, University of Gothenburg, Sweden - Marie Eckerström, University of Gothenburg, Sweden - Jens Edlund, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden - Gerasimos Fergadiotis, Portland State University, USA - Kathleen Fraser, University of Gothenburg, Sweden - Peter Garrard, St George's, University of London, UK - Lena Hartelius, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden - Graeme Hirst, University of Toronto, Canada - Kristy Hollingshead, Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC), USA - Richard Johansson, University of Gothenburg, Sweden - Masatomo Kobayashi, IBM Research, Tokyo, Japan - Dimitrios Kokkinakis, University of Gothenburg, Sweden - Alexandra König, Geriatric Hospital Nice and the University of Côte d'Azur, France - Peter Ljunglöf, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden - Kristina Lundholm Fors, University of Gothenburg, Sweden - Marcus Nyström, University of Lund, Sweden - Paul Rayson, Lancaster University, UK - Vassiliki Rentoumi, SKEL, NCSR Demokritos, Greece - Fabien Ringeval, Université Grenoble Alpes, France - Frank Rudzicz, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the University of Toronto, Canada - Kairit Sirts, University of Tartu, Estonia - Hironobu Takagi, IBM Research, Tokyo, Japan - Charalambos Themistocleous, University of Gothenburg, Sweden - Athanasios Tsanas, University of Oxford, UK - Magda Tsolaki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece - Spyridoula Varlokosta, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece - Åsa Wengelin, University of Gothenburg, Sweden - Yasunori Yamada, IBM Research, Tokyo, Japan ------------------------------ ------------------------------

Dec. 13, 2017

BRAIN Initiative Fellows: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (F32)

by Michele Ferrante

The NIH has reissued a postdoctoral funding opportunity through the BRAIN Initiative to encourage applications from those with quantitative backgrounds including physics, math, chemistry, etc. Please share this information widely. *BRAIN Initiative Fellows: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (F32)* - Purpose is to enhance research training of promising postdoctorates, early in their postdoctoral training period, who have the potential to become productive investigators in research areas that will advance the goals of the BRAIN Initiative. - Applications must be relevant to one or more goals of the BRAIN 2025 <https://braininitiative.nih.gov/pdf/BRAIN2025_508C.pdf> report, including neuroethics. - Formal training in analytical tools appropriate for the proposed research is expected to be an integral component. - Eligible trainees must be must be citizens or non-citizen nationals of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence. - On the application due date, candidates may not have completed more than 12 months of postdoctoral training, excluding well-justified leave. - Due dates: *March 15, 2018; December 7, 2018; August 7, 2019; April 7, 2020.* - *Pre-submission Webinar December 12, 2017 at 1 PM EST https://nih.webex.com/nih/onstage/g.php?MTID=e48f6b7a4f3ca4f2172c591e4838af… <https://nih.webex.com/nih/onstage/g.php?MTID=e48f6b7a4f3ca4f2172c591e4838af…>* - Contact: Ashlee Van’t Veer Brain.Initiative.Training(a)nih.gov - RFA link: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-MH-18-510.html

Dec. 12, 2017

NIH/NSF funded postdoc (U Penn/U Houston/CU Boulder)

by Zachary Kilpatrick

We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join an NIH/NSF funded interdisciplinary project that includes Joshua Gold (University of Pennsylvania), Krešo Josić (University of Houston), and Zack Kilpatrick (University of Colorado, Boulder). Our aim is to understand how the brain accumulates evidence in dynamic environments. The project is guided by the overriding hypothesis that brain networks involved in decision-making computations incorporate learned expectations of the environment to implement adaptive decision-making. We seek a candidate who can work at the interface of experimental, computational, and theoretical neuroscience. As part of an interdisciplinary team, The candidate will develop models of neural circuits that approximate normative evidence accumulation in dynamic environments. The candidate will also help to validate these models, using behavioral data from humans and neural recordings from primates performing dynamic decision tasks. For further information please contact Krešimir Josić (josic(a)math.uh.edu <mailto:josic@math.uh.edu>) or Zack Kilpatrick (zpkilpat(a)colorado.edu <mailto:zpkilpat@colorado.edu>)

Dec. 12, 2017

Call for Workshops - Bernstein Conference 2018

by Kerstin Schwarzwaelder

The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience invites proposals for Satellite Workshops directly preceding the Bernstein Conference 2018 in Berlin. ************************************************************** Important Dates: Satellite Workshops: September 25 - 26, 2018 Main Bernstein Conference: September 26 - 28, 2018 Deadline for Satellite Workshop proposal submission: March 15, 2018 Notification of Workshop acceptance: April 2018 ************************************************************** Since 2013, the Bernstein Conference hosts pre-conference workshops which provide a stage to discuss topical research questions, novel scientific approaches and challenges in Computational Neuroscience and related fields. Workshops addressing controversial issues, open problems, and comparisons of competing approaches are encouraged. The format should be designed to foster debate, rather than a mere series of talks. The Bernstein Conference started out as the annual meeting of the Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience and has become the largest annual single-track Computational Neuroscience conference in Europe in recent years. Satellite Workshop schedule: September 25, 2018, 2:00 pm - 6:30 pm September 26, 2018, 8:30 am - noon Workshop proposals are welcome for either half-day or full-day workshops. Workshop costs – FINANCIAL SUPPORT: All organizers and speakers of accepted workshops will receive a waiver for the workshop fee. Organizers of accepted workshops additionally receive a waiver for the main conference. Up to 10 selected workshops can receive financial support up to 1.500,00 € each. For further information about the conference, please visit the conference website http://www.bernstein-conference.de. INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSAL PREPARATION Workshop proposals must contain: 1) Workshop Title 2) Concise description of workshop topic 3) List of potential speakers indicating speaker commitment Please use the Workshop Proposal Form that can be downloaded here: http://www.nncn.de/de/bernstein-conference/2018/satellite-workshops Deadline for submission of Workshop proposals: March 15, 2018 CONTACT: bernstein.network(at)fz-juelich.de We are looking forward to seeing you in Berlin! WORKSHOP SELECTION COMMITTEE: Jakob Macke (Workshop Chair) Tatjana Tchumatchenko (Workshop Vice Chair) Axel Borst Nicolas Brunel Anne Churchland Claudia Clopath Gaute Einevoll Adrienne Fairhall Gilles Laurent (Program Chair) Mate Lengyel Elad Schneidman Susanne Schreiber (Program Vice Chair) Terry Sejnowski Henning Sprekeler (Conference Host) Fred Wolf -- Dr. Kerstin Schwarzwälder Scientific Coordination / Management Officer Please note: Our email addresses have changed. Please use k.schwarzwaelder(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:k.schwarzwaelder@fz-juelich.de> Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience | Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Jülich at the University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9589 mail: k.schwarzwaelder(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:k.schwarzwaelder@fz-juelich.de> web: www.nncn.de<http://www.nncn.de> Twitter: NNCN_Germany<https://twitter.com/NNCN_Germany> YouTube: Bernstein TV<https://www.youtube.com/user/BernsteinNetwork> Facebook: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.facebook.com/BernsteinNetwork/> LinkedIn: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dec. 12, 2017

[meetings] 2nd CFP IEEE WCCI/IJCNN Special Session: Cognition and Development

by Nikolas HEMION

=============== CALL FOR PAPERS =============== IEEE WCCI / IJCNN 2018 Special Session: Cognition and Development 8-13 July 2018, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Important dates: 15th January 2018 – Paper Submission 15th March 2018 – Paper Acceptance 1st May 2018 – Final Paper Submission 8-13 July 2018 – IEEE WCCI / IJCNN 2018, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Scope and Topics The special session aims at the presentation of the latest results in the investigation of machine learning and cognitive robotics models that are taking inspiration from our understanding of sensorimotor, cognitive, and social development in humans and other animals. The aim is twofold: On the one hand, the special session provides a platform for presenting insights about the functions and processes underlying developmental learning. On the other hand, it encourages discussion of the role of developmental aspects in learning, in particular in the light of the ongoing success of deep learning methods. Relevant research questions include: – How can deep learning models be improved by including developmental processes, such as intrinsic motivation, sensorimotor exploration, or social learning and interaction? – Is current deep learning methodology suited for autonomous and open-ended learning in cognitive robots? Or will it be necessary to consider developmental processes, and if so, which ones? – What are the mechanisms that allow a child or robot to autonomously develop cognitive capabilities? – How does the social and physical environment, with which the child interacts, shape and scaffold the child’s developing cognitive skills and knowledge? And how can machine learning systems (including cognitive robots) exploit these beneficial factors? – What is the relative contribution of Nature and Nurture in the development of human and machine intelligence? – What do qualitative stages during development, and body and brain maturational changes, tell us about the mechanisms and principles supporting development? The special session also encourages submissions of relevant research on cognition and development from other disciplines, such as child psychology, developmental linguistics, neuroscience, philosophy, and interdisciplinary approaches to cognition and development. List of main topics: – developmental robotics – epigenetic robotics – developmental deep learning – neuro-robotics – bio-inspired and cognitive robotics – cognitive modelling – intrinsic motivation – sensorimotor development – cognitive development – social development – language acquisition Submission Guidelines: Please follow the general submission guidelines of the IEEE WCCI / IJCNN 2018 (see http://www.ecomp.poli.br/~wcci2018/) Please make sure to select the Special Session "Cognition and Development" as the "Main Research Topic" of your submission. Organizers: Nikolas J. Hemion, SoftBank Robotics Europe, Paris, France Anna-Lisa Vollmer, Bielefeld University, Germany Angelo Cangelosi, Plymouth University, UK Pierre-Yves Oudeyer, Inria Bordeaux, France -- Nikolas Hemion, Ph.D. Senior Researcher, AI Lab Manager SoftBank Robotics Europe 43 rue du Colonel Pierre Avia 75015 PARIS http://nikolas.hemion.org/ -- *This email and any attachment thereto are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed.If you are not the intended recipient, please be advised that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this email is strictly prohibited. In such case, please immediately advise the sender, and delete all copies and attachment from your system.This email shall not be construed and is not tantamount to an offer, an acceptance of offer, or an agreement by SoftBank Robotics Europe on any discussion or contractual document whatsoever. No employee or agent is authorized to represent or bind SoftBank Robotics Europe to third parties by email, or act on behalf of SoftBank Robotics Europe by email, without express written confirmation by SoftBank Robotics Europe’ duly authorized representatives.* ------------------------------ *Ce message électronique et éventuelles pièces jointes sont confidentiels, et exclusivement destinés à la personne ou l'entité à qui ils sont adressés.Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire visé, vous êtes prié de ne pas divulguer, copier, distribuer ou prendre toute décision sur la foi de ce message électronique. Merci d'en aviser immédiatement l'expéditeur et de supprimer toutes les copies et éventuelles pièces jointes de votre système.Ce message électronique n'équivaut pas à une offre, à une acceptation d’offre, ou à un accord de SoftBank Robotics Europe sur toute discussion ou document contractuel quel qu’il soit, et ne peut être interprété comme tel. Aucun employé ou agent de SoftBank Robotics Europe n'est autorisé à représenter ou à engager la société par email, ou à agir au nom et pour le compte de la société par email, sans qu’une confirmation écrite soit donnée par le représentant légal de SoftBank Robotics Europe ou par toute autre personne ayant reçu délégation de pouvoir appropriée.*

Dec. 11, 2017

Postdoctoral position at Brandeis in theoretical neuroscience

by Jonathan Touboul

A postdoctoral position is available at Brandeis University to work on exciting problems in theoretical neuroscience (mathematical-neuroscience.net <http://mathematical-neuroscience.net/> <http://mathematical-neuroscience.net/ <http://mathematical-neuroscience.net/>>). The techniques we employ rely on dynamical systems (with delays, multiple timescales, nonlocal terms or jumps) and stochastic processes (statistical physics), and our research topics include the analysis of the dynamics of neuron model or neural networks with heterogeneous elements, learning, memory and pathological brain states, as well as the embryonic development of neural assemblies. All projects will involve heavy collaboration with experimental groups in the Boston area, Paris and abroad. The positions are up to 3 year terms, contingent upon satisfactory progress, with competitive salary and benefits packages. The fellows will participate to the vibrant scholar life in the Boston area. The successful candidates will join the Mathematics Department at Brandeis University (http://www.brandeis.edu/departments/mathematics/ <http://www.brandeis.edu/departments/mathematics/> <http://www.brandeis.edu/departments/mathematics/ <http://www.brandeis.edu/departments/mathematics/>>) with strong ties to the Neuroscience group (http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/ <http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/> <http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/ <http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/>>). Opportunities to teach in the math department could be available and are encouraged! Candidates should have a Ph.D. in mathematics, (computational) neuroscience, physics or engineering and have an excellent track record of scholarship, have experience in dynamical systems and/or stochastic models, and be familiar with computational programing. Applications from under-represented groups are strongly encouraged. Candidates should send their applications through MathJobs with a CV, a cover letter indicating their research interests and professional goals: https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/11351 <https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/11351> <https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/11351 <https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/11351>> Best wishes, Jon http://mathematical-neuroscience.net <http://mathematical-neuroscience.net/>

Dec. 10, 2017