- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Explainable AI: Overcoming problems of Deep Learning problems with Adaptive Resonance

by Grossberg, Stephen

Dear Colleagues, There's currently a lot of interest in AI, notably Deep Learning, and in achieving autonomous adaptive intelligence. The following new article summarizes foundational problems of reliability and trustworthiness of Deep Learning, explains how Adaptive Resonance overcomes them, and outlines a blueprint for achieving autonomous adaptive intelligence: Grossberg, S. (2020). A path towards Explainable AI and autonomous adaptive intelligence: Deep Learning, Adaptive Resonance, and models of perception, emotion, and action. Frontiers in Neurobotics, June 25, 2020. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbot.2020.00036 Best, Steve Grossberg

July 2, 2020

Postdoctoral fellowships at the Neuromathematics Center in Sao Paulo State, Brazil

by Antonio Roque

Positions for Postdoctoral Researchers The Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics (NeuroMat), hosted by the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and funded by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), is offering *three post-doctoral fellowships* for recent PhDs with outstanding research potential. The research will involve collaborations with experimental and theoretical groups and laboratories associated to NeuroMat. The research to be developed by the post-doc fellows shall be strictly related to ongoing research lines developed by the NeuroMat team. The project may be developed at USP (main campus, São Paulo), USP campus Ribeirão Preto or University of Campinas (UNICAMP). We seek candidates capable to develop independent research in one of the research lines below: 1. Stochastic and/or computational modeling of the brain functioning; 2. Acquisition, processing and quantitative analysis of electrophysiological data; 3. Biomedical devices for neuroscience research. Candidates to the first research line are required to have at least one of the profiles below: - A strong background in probability theory with emphasis on stochastic processes. Previous knowledge of rigorous statistical mechanics or random graphs will be favorably considered; and/or - A strong mathematical and / or computational background and experience with computers and programming. Previous experience with development and / or simulation of neural brain models, complex networks and parallel computing will be favorably considered. Candidates to the second research line are required to have at least one of the profiles below: - A strong background in neuroscience with previous experience in neurophysiological data acquisition, processing and analysis, and knowledge of computer programming; and/or - A strong background in computer science with experience in the development of algorithms, software tools and data bases. Previous research experience in neuroscience or related areas will be favorably considered. Candidates to the third research line are required to have at least one of the profiles below: - A strong background in electromagnetism and biomedical engineering. Previous knowledge of transcranial magnetic stimulation or magnetic / electric field simulation will be favorably considered; and/or - A strong background in computer science and control software development expertise. Previous experience with neuroscience and neuronavigation systems will be favorably considered. Previous experience with multidisciplinary research teams is welcome for all the above research lines. The initial appointment is for one year, with a possible extension to up to four years, conditional on research progress. The fellowship is competitive at international level, and fellows benefit from extra funds for travel and research expenses plus limited support for relocation expenses. *Application Instructions* Applicants should complete and submit the application form (https://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/postdoc/new/) The following documents and information are requested (please see the form for further details): - Summary of the CV, in the FAPESP format (see http://www.fapesp.br/en/6351 for instructions); - List of publications, with links to those available online; - A summary of the research plan for the next year, up to 5 pages length. It should explicitly state for which of the three above profiles the candidate is applying. It should also address its place within the framework of the NeuroMat research program ( https://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/scientific-project/) - Pointers to other research related output, such as software, web pages, and so forth. Candidates should be willing to send copies of publications, if requested; - Any further information deemed relevant to the application. In addition to the above, we require at least 2 recommendation letters. Those should be mailed by the recommenders directly to postdoc-appl(a)numec.prp.usp.br. FAPESP requirements: The candidate should have concluded a doctorate less than seven years before the beginning of the PD fellowship. The fellowship demands full-time dedication to the research project (except under conditions outlined in resolution PR Nº 13/2009, 15 July 2009). The fellowship holder may not hold any formal or informal employment nor receive, during the term of the fellowship, a fellowship from another entity, salary or remuneration deriving from the exercise of activities of whatever nature (except under conditions outlined in the decree PR Nº 13/2009, 15 July 2009). *Timetable* Candidates are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience until August 16, 2020. Appointments are expected to start by November 1st, 2020. The initial period of the position lasts for 12 months, with possible renovations for up to three years. This opportunity is open to candidates of any nationality. The selected candidates will be awarded FAPESP Post-Doctoral fellowships in the amount of R$ 7,373.10 monthly and a research contingency fund, equivalent to 15% of the annual value of the fellowship, which should be spent in items directly related to the research activity. Check the rules of FAPESP post-doctoral fellowships at: http://www.fapesp.br/en/5427. -- Dr. Antonio C. Roque Professor Associado Departamento de Fisica FFCLRP, Universidade de Sao Paulo 14040-901 Ribeirao Preto-SP Brazil - Brasil E-mails: antonior(a)usp.br <antonior(a)ffclrp.usp.br> aroquesilva(a)gmail.com URL: www.sisne.org Tels: +55 16 3315-3768 <+55%2016%203315-3768> (sala/office); +55 16 3315-3859 <+55%2016%203315-3859> (lab) FAX: +55 16 3315-4887 <+55%2016%203315-4887>

July 1, 2020

[SOFTWARE] Open-Source Neurodynamic Modeling Software PyRates

by Richard Gast

The Brain Networks Group and Neurophysics Department of the Max-Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences Leipzig released an open-source Python software for neural network and dynamical systems modeling: PyRates (https://github.com/pyrates-neuroscience/PyRates, https://www.cbs.mpg.de/departments/neurophysics/software/pyrates) Main features of PyRates are: - Intuitive and re-usable model definitions via YAML files or purely in Python - networkx representations of each model allows to compute graph theoretic measurements on the fly (https://networkx.github.io/) - Efficient numerical simulations via scipy, numpy and tensorflow - evolutionary model parameter optimization - large-scale parameter sweeps on single machines and compute clusters - parameter continuation and bifurcation analysis via auto-07p For a full list of features and their documentation, check out the PyRates documentation at https://pyrates.readthedocs.io/en/latest/. For feedback and contributions, contact us via our GitHub repository: https://github.com/pyrates-neuroscience/PyRates. Install instructions can be found there as well!

July 1, 2020

Opening for Research Associate

by Paola Malerba

The Malerba Lab at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute Battelle Center for Mathematical Medicine in Columbus, Ohio is looking for a new Research Associate. The lab focuses on brain rhythms, especially during sleep, and their role in cognition (memory and motor skills). We are looking for a detail-oriented, adaptable and curious mind, who has graduate-level training and at least one year of experience working in a research lab. The position (initially for one year, with possible extension tied to lab funding) will be centered on high-level quantitative EEG analysis and simulations of neural network dynamics related to ongoing research projects. Demonstrated proficiency in programming (Matlab and python) is required, and so is interest in how brain dynamics is tied to behavior. Some neuroscience training is desirable. A small part of the position will be to screen and coordinate research subjects for participation to ongoing studies, hence timeliness and people skills are necessary. The Research Institute at NCH is a collaborative interdisciplinary environment, that strives to apply the most modern knowledge to challenging questions with high impact. The Malerba lab is part of the Center for Mathematical Medicine, and contributes to the Chronic Brain Injury collaborative at Ohio State University and the Neurodevelopmental Research Interest Group at NCH. We have collaborations at local, national and international level and are developing strategies to introduce brain dynamics during sleep to the toolbox of medical interventions. Link to the full ad and application page: https://external-nationwidechildrens.icims.com/jobs/24247/research-associat… Informal inquiries to MalerbaLab(a)nationwidechildrens.org are welcome. Paola Malerba, PhD Principal Investigator, Battelle Center for Mathematical Medicine Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Assistant Professor, Ohio State University Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine Biophysics Graduate Program Neuroscience Graduate Program Malerba Lab at BCMM <https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/research/areas-of-research/battelle-cen…> 575 Children’s Crossroad WB5145 Columbus, OH 43215 Phone: (614) 355-5894

June 30, 2020

Bernstein Conference 2020 - abstract submission deadlines extended

by a.dorrn＠fz-juelich.de

Each year the Bernstein Network invites the international computational neuroscience community to the annual Bernstein Conference for intensive scientific exchange. It has established itself as one of the most renown conferences worldwide in this field, attracting students, postdocs and PIs from around the world to meet and discuss new scientific discoveries. This year’s Bernstein Conference will take place September 29 – October 1, 2020 and will be held entirely online for the first time. It will be followed by the online Bernstein PhD Symposium on October 2, 2020 www.bernstein-conference.de<http://bit.ly/BC_online> ____ NEWS * Participation will be free of charge * Registration will open mid-July * Abstract submission deadlines have been extended: * July 17, 2020: deadline for submission of abstracts to be considered for Contributed Talks * August 21, 2020: deadline for abstract submission * Find more information here: bit.ly/BC20abstracts<http://bit.ly/BC20abstracts> * Selected satellite workshops are now published: bit.ly/BC20workshops<https://bit.ly/BC20workshops> * more information regarding the PhD symposium will follow soon ____ INVITED SPEAKERS William Bialek (Princeton University, USA) Michael Brecht (Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Germany) Laura Busse (LMU Munich, Germany) Megan Carey (Champalimaud Center for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal) Rosa Cossart (Institut de neurobiologie de la méditerranée, Marseille, France) Ann Hermundstad (Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, USA) Roozbeh Kiani (New York University, New York City, USA) Vanessa Ruta (The Rockefeller University, New York City, USA) David Sussillo (Google AI, Mountain View, USA) Srdjan Ostojic (L'École normale supérieure, Paris, France) Fred Wolf (Max-Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany) ____ CONFERENCE COMMITTEE Udo Ernst (Conference Chair) Elad Schneidmann (Program Chair) Julijana Gjiorgjieva (Program Vice Chair) Tim Vogels (Workshop Chair) Marion Silies (Workshop Vice Chair) Henning Sprekeler (Conference Host) Danielle Bassett, Matthew Botvinick, Peter Dayan, Alain Destexhe, Tim Gollisch, Stephanie Palmer, Nathalie Rochefort, Nicole Rust, Gasper Tkacik ____ For any further questions, please contact: bernstein.conference(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:bernstein.conference@fz-juelich.de> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Volker Rieke Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 30, 2020

Information theory workshop at CNS*2020 -- call for contributed talks

by Joseph Lizier

Dear all, We are pleased to announce that the Workshop on Methods of Information Theory in Computational Neuroscience<http://lizier.me/joseph/conferences/202007-CNS2020-ITW/> will be held once again at the CNS*2020<https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2020> conference, online. The workshop will be held during 3 sessions over two days of the main conference, July 21 (15:00-18:30 CET) and July 22 (09:00-12:30, 15:00-18:30 CET). Our confirmed speakers so far include the following (schedule available soon): * Oliver Cliff, The University of Sydney -- "Exact Inference of Linear Dependence Between Multiple Autocorrelated Time Series" * Abdullah Makkeh, University of Goettingen -- "A differentiable measure of pointwise shared information" * Thomas Parr, University College London -- "Inferring what to do" * Daniel Polani, University of Hertfordshire -- TBA * Maryam Shanechi, University of Southern California -- TBA * Naotsugu Tsuchiya, Monash University -- "Structure of information to understand the physical basis of consciousness" * ... more TBA! Also, we would like to call for contributions of talks. If you are interested in contributing a talk, please send a title and abstract to Joseph Lizier (joseph.lizier(a)sydney.edu.au<mailto:joseph.lizier@sydney.edu.au>) at your earliest convenience (earlier submissions will be prioritised) Please see our website https://bit.ly/cns2020itw for more details. We hope you will join us there! Organising Committee: Joseph Lizier Justin Dauwels Lubomir Kostal Michael Wibral

June 30, 2020

Computation research assistant - DZNE Berlin

by Silvia VianadaSilva

Job announcement: We are looking for a computational neuroscience research assistant to join my newly formed lab at the DZNE in Berlin. The qualification level for this position is a Bachelor in neuroscience, data science, bioinformatics or similar qualifications in another related field. The requirements are some basic knowledge of neuroscience and proficiency in Matlab and/or Python. My lab will be doing electrophysiology recordings in freely behaving mice in the field of neurodegeneration. Spiking and local field potential data will be the main focus of analysis. This is a 1year position (until end of July 2021) to help the team with analysis of tetrode and silicon probe recordings from awake, freely moving mice. Although the position is purely computational it will give the opportunity to closely work with the experimental side of the lab and some training can be provided if it is of interest to the potential candidate. Being a team player is an essential requirement. Position to be filled asap! We are committed to increase diversity in science and would specially encourage women and URM to apply. Come join us in the heart of Berlin. Please send your application or further questions to silvia.vianadasilva(a)dzne.de<mailto:silvia.vianadasilva@dzne.de> Thank you in advance, Silvia Silvia Viana da Silva Junior Research Group Leader DZNE Berlin Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e.V. (DZNE) c/o Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Charitéplatz 1 10117 Berlin

June 30, 2020

[JOBS] PhD @ Italian Institute of Technology, Ferrara

by Alessandro D'Ausilio

PHD PROGRAM in TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCES AND NEUROTECHNOLOGIES The Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication (CTNSC) @ Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), is opening 4 PhD positions for the Academic Year 2020-2021. Research areas: - Improving performance and biocompatibility of electrode arrays for brain-computer interfaces - Organic neuroelectronics for multimodal recordings and stimulation of the brain in vivo - Investigation of sensorimotor functions in animal models - Machine learning applications to multimodal brain and speech signals - Human neurophysiology of speech and sensorimotor communication - Cortical recordings in human patients during awake Neurosurgery - Hardware and software development for innovative exploration of brain signals Who: chemists, physicists, materials scientists, computer scientists, biomedical/electrical engineers, biologists, biotechnologist, medical doctors and experimental psychologists eager to work in an international and multidisciplinary team. Where: The CTNSC (https://www.iit.it/centers/ctnsc-unife <https://www.iit.it/centers/ctnsc-unife>) is hosted by the University of Ferrara (UNIFE) in a prestigious historical building in the city center. UNIFE is one of the oldest Universities (founded in 1391) and one of the excellence Universities in Italy nowadays for research. Ferrara is well connected by train and freeway (30-min to Bologna, 40-min to Padua, 60-min to Venice and their airports), bustling with students as it is an affordable University city (https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/733 <https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/733>). General INFO: http://www.unife.it/studenti/dottorato/it/corsi/riforma/neuroscience <http://www.unife.it/studenti/dottorato/it/corsi/riforma/neuroscience> Application INFO: http://www.unife.it/studenti/dottorato/concorsi/selection <http://www.unife.it/studenti/dottorato/concorsi/selection> DEADLINE: 24 July 2020 Contacts: Luciano Fadiga (CTNSC Director): luciano.fadiga(a)iit.it <mailto:luciano.fadiga@iit.it> Thierry Pozzo: thierry.pozzo(a)iit.it <mailto:thierry.pozzo@iit.it> Fabio Biscarini: fabio.biscarini(a)iit.it <mailto:fabio.biscarini@iit.it> Michele Bianchi: michele.bianchi(a)iit.it <mailto:michele.bianchi@iit.it> Antonino Casile: antonino.casile(a)iit.it <mailto:antonino.casile@iit.it> David Papo: david.papo(a)iit.it <mailto:david.papo@iit.it> Alessandro D’Ausilio: alessandro.dausilio(a)iit.it <mailto:alessandro.dausilio@iit.it>

June 30, 2020

PhD offer "Ultra-fast vision using Spiking Neural Networks" coordinated by Laurent Perrinet (CNRS - Marseille, France)

by Laurent Perrinet

Dear colleagues, Applications are welcome for a fully funded doctoral position at INT <http://www.int.univ-amu.fr/?lang=en> in Marseille <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marseille>, France. Your mission will be to build ultra-fast vision algorithms using event-based cameras and spiking neural networks. The project is funded by the APROVIS3D <https://laurentperrinet.github.io/grant/aprovis-3-d/> grant (ANR-19-CHR3-0008-03) and will be coordinated by Laurent Perrinet <https://laurentperrinet.github.io/>. The work will be carried out in collaboration with a leading computer science institute at Université Côte d’Azur (Sophia Antipolis, France), the Laboratoire d’Informatique, Signaux et Systèmes de Sophia-Antipolis (I3S, UMR7271 - UNS CNRS), that will be part of the supervision team. We are seeking candidates with a strong background in machine learning, computer vision and computational neuroscience. To obtain further information, please visit https://laurentperrinet.github.io/post/2020-06-30_phd-position <https://laurentperrinet.github.io/post/2020-06-30_phd-position> and contact me @ Laurent.Perrinet(a)univ-amu.fr <mailto:Laurent.Perrinet@univ-amu.fr>. To candidate, follow instructions on the dedicated server from the CNRS <https://bit.ly/3igRji4>. The starting date is set to October 1st, 2020 and the appointment is for 36 month. Applications are welcome immediately. Thanks for distributing this announcement to potential candidates! Laurent -- Laurent Perrinet - INT (UMR 7289)/CNRS https://laurentperrinet.github.io/ <https://laurentperrinet.github.io/>

June 30, 2020

Can you define behavior?

by Adam J Calhoun

Hi, Ahmed El Hady and I are writing to you to request your participation in a brief survey (less than 10 minutes). We are interested in how people from different disciplines define “behavior”. If you are willing to answer some questions on what constitutes behavior, please take the survey (link below)! Survey participants can enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Survey link: https://princetonsurvey.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aWUZqxtDbUCFGg5 Your participation in the survey is completely voluntary and all of your responses will be kept confidential. No personally identifiable information will be associated with your responses to any reports of these data. The Princeton Institutional Review Board has approved this survey. Should you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at adamjc(a)princeton.edu. Thank you very much for your time and cooperation. Sincerely, Adam Calhoun and Ahmed El Hady

June 30, 2020