- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

World wide VVTNS series (6th season): Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 11:00 am ET - Markus Diesman | Jülich Research Center

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 Markus Diesman Jülich Research Center on the topic of *Building on cortical models* The lecture will be held on zoom on December 10, 2025, at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > > *Abstract: *Over the past decade our community has made substantial progress in the construction of anatomically detailed network models of the cortical tissue. Thanks to advances in computer hardware and simulation technology, researchers can now routinely work with these models at the natural density of neurons and synapses. Moreover, the availability of cloud services means that such investigations can be carried out without having to install either the model or the simulation software. A recent workshop analyzed the impact of a specific model of the cortical microcircuit, published ten years ago . The model has been reused in multiple contexts: for reproduction studies, validation of mean-field approaches, exploration of methods of model sharing, and as a building block for larger models. Although the model was less successful in inspiring further neuroscientific studies than the authors of the original work had hoped, it became a de facto benchmark for neuromorphic computing systems. It sparked a constructive race for ever shorter simulation times and lower energy consumption. The quantitative comparison of different platforms reveals qualitative differences between conventional and neuromorphic hardware and limits of speed-up. The structure of the model is based on light microscopy because these were the data available at the time. Guided by simulation results and physiological evidence, the original publication hypothesized a preference of excitatory neurons for inhibitory targets. Modern electron microscopy data of cortical volumes combined with AI based reconstruction techniques is capable of resolving individual synaptic connections. This advances the concept of digital twins of the cortical network to a new level of precision, and has already enabled us to confirm the assumption of target type specificity underlying earlier models. Maybe with the progress sketched here, our community is at a transition point where it becomes easier to cooperatively and incrementally work on models with a larger explanatory scope. *About VVTNS : Launched as the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ

Dec. 7, 2025

MODVIS 2026 - Call for Papers

by Tim Oleskiw

The 2026 VSS satellite workshop on computational and mathematical models in vision (MODVIS) will be held May 13-14 in St. Pete Beach, FL, the two days immediately preceding the main meeting of the Vision Sciences Society (VSS). This year marks a departure for MODVIS: VSS will replace Purdue University in administering the workshop. MODVIS registration will be conducted through the VSS website, and the registration deadlines will align with those of VSS. The program consists of contributed oral presentations, which are longer and more interactive than a regular VSS talk, and the schedule is designed to provide many opportunities for discussions during coffee breaks and a generous lunch break. The workshop will conclude on Thursday with a keynote lecture by Jonathan Victor (Weill Cornell Medical College). As in the past, submission deadlines will be later than those for VSS, and post-deadline submissions will be accepted on a space-available basis. Abstract submissions will be made through the VSS website, with submissions opening in the coming weeks. MODVIS welcomes submissions covering the modelling of any area of vision. More information can be found on the (new) MODVIS website: https://www.modvis.org. On behalf of the MODVIS organizing committee, -Tim Oleskiw Assistant Professor University of Regina

Dec. 6, 2025

AREADNE 2026 Call for Abstracts

by John Pezaris

****** CALL FOR ABSTRACTS ****** AREADNE 2026 Research in Encoding and Decoding of Neural Ensembles 23-27 June 2026 Eliopoulos Conference Center Milos, Greece Celebrating 20 Years of AREADNE Conferences http://areadne.org info(a)areadne.org INTRODUCTION A fundamental problem in neuroscience is to understand how the activation of neuronal populations gives rise to higher order functions including learning, memory, cognition, perception, action and ultimately conscious awareness. Electrophysiological recordings have revealed considerable information about the firing patterns of single neurons, but it remains largely a mystery how collections of individual neurons interact to perform these functions. Understanding ensemble activity is critical to understanding the brain. CONFERENCE MISSION The AREADNE Conferences have been created to gather global scientific leaders who work on neural ensembles and establish a touch-point for the widely disparate and hybrid field. With a beautiful setting on Milos, the conferences have been carefully planned to foster discussion and interaction between attendees to encourage the establishment of lasting professional relationships. The meetings continue our efforts to promote systems neuroscience in Greece through creating a world-class forum for cutting-edge research. For 2026, we will be Celebrating Twenty Years of AREADNE Conferences! FORMAT AND SPEAKERS The conference will span four days, in morning and early evening sessions. Confirmed speakers include experts in the field of multi-neuron experiment, theory, and analysis (in alphabetic order): Jaideep Bains Farran Briggs Mark Cembrowski SueYeon Chung Brent Doiron Manolis Froudarakis Julijana Gjiorgjieva Michael Hauser Michele Insanally Viren Jain Mehrdad Jazayeri Sheena Josselyn Caleb Kemere Jennifer Linden Atila Losonczy Mackenzie Mathis Nina Miolane Bence Olveczky Stephanie Palmer Kanaka Rajan Jennifer Raymond CALL FOR ABSTRACTS We are currently soliciting abstracts for poster presentation. Submissions will be accepted electronically, and must be received by 30 January 2026. Automated email acknowledgment of submission will be provided, and manual verification will be made a few days after submission. Notification of acceptance will be provided by 3 March 2026. Please see our Call for Abstracts page for additional details and submission templates: http://areadne.org/call-for-abstracts ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Dora Angelaki Kenny Blum Nicholas Hatsopoulos, co-chair John Pezaris, co-chair Panayiota Poirazi Thanos Siapas Jiannis Taxidis Andreas Tolias FURTHER INFORMATION For further information on AREADNE 2026 please see the conference web site http://areadne.org or send email to info(a)areadne.org. -- Dr. J. S. Pezaris AREADNE 2026 Co-Chair Harvard Medical School Massachusetts General Hospital 55 Fruit Street Boston, MA 02114, USA john(a)areadne.org

Dec. 5, 2025

Master 2 computational neurosciences, Lyon (France)

by DI VOLO MATTEO

Dear colleagues, Applications for non-EU students are now open for the Master 2 in Computational Neuroscineces (CNS) at the University of Lyon (France). See our website for more details: https://masterneuro.univ-lyon1.fr/m2-cns/ The Lyon neurograduate school also offers fully funded scholarships to enrol in the CNS program or in other neurosciences training paths. Deadline : 23/01/2026, more information here : https://neurograduate.univ-lyon1.fr/fellowships/ The CNS program in Lyon trains students in modern computational and analytical methods to study the brain: from the electrical activity of single neurons to neural networks, interacting brain regions, and animal behavior. Students learn the principles of brain function by applying statistics, signal processing, and computational modeling to real neuroscientific datasets, gaining extensive hands-on experience through practical Python-based work. The main objective of CNS is to equip students with the skills and critical perspective needed to design, conduct, and interpret analyses of electrophysiological and behavioral data from a mechanistic point of view. Contact info: Matteo Di Volo (matteo.di-volo(a)univ-lyon1.fr<mailto:matteo.di-volo@univ-lyon1.fr>) and Jeremie Mattout (jeremie.mattout(a)inserm.fr<mailto:jeremie.mattout@inserm.fr>)

Dec. 5, 2025

Postdoc and PhD positions in Theoretical Neuroscience and Reinforcement Learning

by Ruben Moreno Bote

Moreno-Bote Lab is ooking for talented PhD students and Postdocs. Project: the foundations of behavior and intelligence. Come to our Comp Neuro lab in Barcelona to study natural and artificial Intelligence. Recent, related articles of the lab: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49711-1 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50214-2 https://openreview.net/forum?id=OcHrsQox0Z https://proceedings.neurips.cc/paper_files/paper/2024/hash/df0e4ffa41062ca0… Center for Brain and Cognition, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain 1 fully funded PhD position and 1 fully funded Postdoc position are available in the group of Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience of Ruben Moreno-Bote in the Center for Brain and Cognition at the University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain. We are looking for excellent candidates with Physics, Mathematics or Machine Learning background interested in developing theory for the brain and mind. Knowledge of Computational Neuroscience or Neuroscience would be ideal, but it is not necessary. The candidate will develop state of the art theory and models of cognition and intelligence by using neural networks, reinforcement learning, machine learning, data analysis and multielectrode neural data. The main research topic of our lab is decision-making, from a multidisciplinary angle. The candidate will benefit from the stimulating environment of the Barcelona area in Theoretical and Systems Neuroscience and will have the opportunity of enjoying a lively city. Our lab (https://www.upf.edu/web/tcn) forms part of a larger network of neuroscience labs in Barcelona. APPLICATION: A full CV in pdf format and an extract of grades for degree and master studies should be sent to the following address: ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu DEADLINE: until the position is filled STARTING DATE: flexible -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter Full Professor and ICREA Academia Director of the Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience Group Center for Brain and Cognition & Dept. of Engineering University Pompeu Fabra Campus Ciutadella c\ Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27 Mercè Rodoreda building, 3th floor (room 24.331) 08005 Barcelona, Spain https://sites.google.com/view/morenobotecompneuro https://twitter.com/morenobote <https://twitter.com/morenobote?lang=ca> -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter Full Professor and ICREA Academia Director of the Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience Group Center for Brain and Cognition & Dept. of Engineering University Pompeu Fabra Campus Ciutadella c\ Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27 Mercè Rodoreda building, 3th floor (room 24.331) 08005 Barcelona, Spain https://sites.google.com/view/morenobotecompneuro https://twitter.com/morenobote <https://twitter.com/morenobote?lang=ca>

Dec. 4, 2025

Neuroinformatics Unit Open Software Summer School, August 2026 in London

by Nikoloz Sirmpilatze

Applications are now open for the second Neuroinformatics Unit Open Software Summer School (OSSS) <https://neuroinformatics.dev/open-software-summer-school/index.html>, August 17-28 2026 in London, U.K. Join us for one or two of the following tracks: Animals in Motion (analysing video behavioural data) Large Array Data (how to handle large data in Python) BrainGlobe (species-agnostic computational neuroanatomy) Extracellular Electrophysiology (using SpikeInterface to process probe data) Each week starts with a symposium on the Monday afternoon, followed by 3 days of hands-on training, then 2 days of collaborative hacking, bringing together researchers and engineers to use, and improve neuroscience open source software. Please share with anyone who may be interested! Financial support is available. Apply now: https://neuroinformatics.dev/open-software-summer-school Kind regards, Niko Sirmpilatze NIKOLOZ SIRMPILATZE MD PhD Senior Research Software Engineer Neuroinformatics Unit Sainsbury Wellcome Centre & Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit University College London nikosirmpilatze.com

Dec. 4, 2025

Postdoc position for biophysical modeling and measurement of TMS effects

by Thomas Knoesche

The Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Leipzig, Germany, is an internationally recognized research institute of the Max Planck Society and is dedicated to the study of human cognitive abilities and brain processes as well as the development of neuroimaging methods. The Brain Networks Group led by Professor Thomas Knösche offers a Postdoc position (m/f/d) for 3 years. The successful candidate will work on a DFG funded project that is dedicated to the investigation of the working mechanisms underlying the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the human motor cortex using advanced electrophysiological measurement techniques combined with biophysical modeling. The project will be carried out in cooperation between the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences, the Czech Academy of Sciences, and the MPI-CBS. Candidates should hold a PhD degree and have a background in engineering, computer science, neuroscience, physics, or similar, as well as a keen interest in neuroscience. Good computer programming skills (e.g., C++, Matlab, Python) are necessary. The ideal candidate would have experience in EEG or MEG (or similar) experimenting, data analysis, and modeling. Prior exposure to volume conduction modeling and/or source analysis would be beneficial. The Institute offers a world-leading research environment with outstanding facilities and research infrastructure (five MR scanners, including a 3T Connectom and 7T Terra.X; MEG; EEG; TMS). The Brain Networks group is dedicated to the development of methods to investigate, model, and understand brain networks and how they give rise to human behavior and cognition. Current projects are centered around non-invasive brain stimulation of the motor system, sensory perception, the relation between human cognition and machine learning, and others. The position is offered for three years. Starting date is in principle flexible, while we aim to get started as soon as possible. The salary is fixed in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector: TVöD E13. We look forward to receiving your complete online application (reference number “PostDoc 16/25”). Please submit through the online application system on the MPI-CBS website: (1) a statement describing your research interest and motivation to apply for this position as well as your relevant qualifications (max. 2 pages), (2) a full CV, (3) transcript of records for the master and bachelor degrees, and (4) names and contact details of up to two potential referees. There is no formal closing date for the application – it will remain open until filled. Please feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Thomas R. Knösche (knoesche(a)cbs.mpg.de) for informal enquires about the position. The Max Planck Society seeks to employ more people with disabilities and strongly encourages them to apply. Furthermore, we actively support the compatibility of work and family life. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. -- Prof. Dr. Thomas R. Knösche Brain Networks (@brainnetleipzig) Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences Stephanstraße 1A 04103 Leipzig Germany Tel +49 341 9940 2619 Fax +49 341 9940 2624 knoesche(a)cbs.mpg.de http://www.cbs.mpg.de/~knoesche

Dec. 4, 2025

Konstanz School of Collective Behavior 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

Dec. 2, 2025

Research Fellow / Postdoc positions in TMS modeling - ICS CAS (Czechia)

by Vincent Chien

* Research Fellow / Postdoc positions in TMS modeling There is an open position for a Research Fellow / Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience within the TMSmodel project, jointly led by Konstantin Weise (HTWK, Leipzig), Thomas R. Knösche (MPI-CBS, Leipzig), and Vincent S.C. Chien (CAS, Prague). The goal of the project is to develop a comprehensive biophysical model that explains the dependence of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) recorded from hand muscles, as well as D-I-waves measured from the spinal cord, on the parameters of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). The successful candidate will join the Complex Networks and Brain Dynamics group and will focus on (1) transmission of action potential volleys along spinal and peripheral axon bundles, (2) modeling the spinal cord circuitry and muscle activation, and (3) fitting and evaluating the model against electric recordings. * Research Teams COBRA Lab (Czech Academy of Sciences): https://cobra.cs.cas.cz/ Brain Networks Group (Max Planck Institute): https://www.cbs.mpg.de/methods-and-development-groups/brain-networks * Job Details & Application Link https://www.cs.cas.cz/job-offer/Research-fellow-postdoctoral-positions-Chie… Sincerely, Vincent Chien, Ph.D. Department of Complex Systems, Institute of Computer Science, Czech Academy of Sciences

Dec. 2, 2025

Fully-funded PhD positions in Human & Machine Intelligence (Neuro & AI) at Boston College

by Momchil Tomov

How does the brain support adaptive decision making in the real world? Recent advances in AI have provided us with models that rival humans on challenging naturalistic tasks and can serve as starting points for tackling this question head-on. At the same time, as frontier AI labs push the limits of scaling laws, many doubt whether more data and compute alone will lead to human-level learning, planning, and generalization. The new *Human & Machine Intelligence Lab* at *Boston College* is recruiting *1-2 PhD students* to work on reverse-engineering naturalistic learning and decision making in the brain. Specifically, we aim to understand: 1. How the human brain *learns* internal models of complex, naturalistic environments. 2. How it uses these models to *plan* toward distant goals. 3. How it *generalizes* this knowledge to new environments. Building on recent work in theory-based RL [1], you will tackle these questions by leveraging state-of-the-art AI models (e.g., DDQN, MuZero, LLMs/VLMs) to analyze behavioral, fMRI, and MEG data from human subjects engaging in rich tasks, such as learning to play new video games. You will also have the opportunity to design and conduct experiments (behavior/fMRI/MEG) to test your hypotheses. The lab is led by *Momchil Tomov* (starting in Fall 2026) and is joint between the *Department of Psychology & Neuroscience* and the *Department of Computer Science*. *Why Boston College?* Boston College is an elite R1 research institution in the heart of the Boston metropolitan area. Greater Boston is a powerhouse of innovation, home to over 35 colleges and universities – including Harvard and MIT – and a thriving ecosystem of AI & biotech startups. As a PhD student, you will be immersed in this vibrant research community while enjoying the benefits of living in a diverse, bustling metropolis. For the outdoors-inclined, New England offers scenic opportunities to escape city life: from sailing on the Charles River, to hiking or skiing in the White Mountains, to surfing off the shores of Rhode Island, to enjoying freshly caught oysters on Cape Cod. *Position Details* - Lab: Human & Machine Intelligence - PI: Momchil Tomov - Website: www.momchiltomov.com - Contact: mtomov+compneuro(a)g.harvard.edu - Stipend: $45,000 / year (fully-funded) - Start date: September, 2026 *Application* - Deadline: *December 15, 2025* - Department of Psychology & Neuroscience: [*APPLY HERE <https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/schools/morrissey/departments/psychology-…>* ] - Department of Computer Science: [*APPLY HERE <https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/morrissey/departments/computer-science/ac…>* ] *Requirements* The ideal candidate has experience with state-of-the-art RL models/LLMs/VLMs and/or experience analyzing behavioral/neural data. Experience collecting fMRI/MEG data is a plus. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions! We also encourage you to forward this to anyone who might be interested. *References* [1] Tomov, M. S., Tsividis, P., Pouncy, T., Tenenbaum, J. B., Gershman, S. J. (2023). “The neural architecture of theory-based reinforcement learning.” *Neuron* 111 (2): 454-469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2023.01.023

Nov. 30, 2025