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Neuroplasticity Workshop: From Bench to Machine Learning 13 July 2018 - 14 July 2018 -- University of Surrey near London

by a.gruning＠surrey.ac.uk

Dear colleagues, Full information at <http://www.ias.surrey.ac.uk/workshops/Neuroplasticity/index.php>. Neuroplasticity: From Bench to Machine Learning 13 July 2018 - 14 July 2018 The Surrey Sleep Research Centre, the Department of Computer Science, and the Institute of Advance Studies at the University of Surrey are pleased to announce a call for participation in and contributions to a two-day workshop where researchers can share and discuss the current advances in neuroplasticity and machine learning and their mutual inspiration. On one hand, Neuroscience keeps discovering new mechanisms involved in neural plasticity and its modulation, which involves the so-called “third factors” (e.g. dendritic computations, glia, neurotransmitters) and dynamics of neural networks (e.g. oscillations). However the functional and computational interpretation of these phenomena and their utilisation in machine learning remains to be explored. On the other hand, the advent of “deep networks” in machine learning has allowed us to model artificial neural networks that perform highly complex tasks (e.g. chess, go, image classification). But to date, none of these modeling approaches competes with general human or animal intelligence in terms of cost-effectiveness or domain-transferability. The main goal of this workshop will be to discuss the missing links between neural-level phenomena and their computational function on behavioural or technical level. This meeting will bring together international and national leaders in the fields of synaptic function and plasticity, network dynamic, computational neuroscience and machine learning and will offer a unique platform to establish new interdisciplinary collaborations. CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Katharina Wilmes, Imperial College London, UK Matthew Larkum, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany Cyril Hanus, INSERM U894, France Brendon Watson, University of Michigan, USA Keith Hengen, Washington University, USA Giorgos Kastellakis, IMBB-FORTH, Crete Friedemann Zenke, University of Oxford Connor Houghton, University of Bristol Liam McDaid, Ulster University David Lester, SpiNNaker, University of Manchester Tiina Maninen, Technical University of Turku -- Brief? Here's why: http://emailcharter.org<http://emailcharter.org/> Dr Andre Gruning Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) Postgraduate Research Director Department of Computer Science University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH United Kingdom

May 16, 2018

Information theory workshop at CNS*2018 -- 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 will be held once again at CNS*2018, Seattle, USA. The workshop will be held over the final two days of the main conference, July 17 and 18. Our confirmed invited speakers include the following (schedule available soon): * Braden Brinkman, Stony Brook University -- "Signal-to-noise ratio competes with neural bandwidth to shape efficient coding strategies" * Mireille Conrad, University of Geneva -- "Mutual information vs. transfer entropy in spike-based neuroscience" * Benjamin Cramer, University of Heidelberg -- "Information theory reveals a diverse range of states induced by spike timing based learning in neural networks" * Alex Dimitrov, Washington State University Vancouver -- "Modeling of perceptual invariances in biological sensory processing" * Eva Dyer, Georgia Tech -- "Finding low-dimensional structure in large-scale neural recordings" * Justin Gardner, Stanford University -- "Optimality and heuristics for human perceptual inference" * Jim Kay, University of Glasgow -- "Partial Information Decompositions based on Dependency Constraints" * Joseph T. Lizier, The University of Sydney -- "Pointwise Partial Information Decomposition Using the Specificity and Ambiguity Lattices" * Leonardo Novelli, The University of Sydney -- "Validation and performance of effective network inference using multivariate transfer entropy with IDTxl" * Tatyana Sharpee, Salk Institute for Biological Studies -- TBA * Nicholas M. Timme, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis -- "From neural cultures to rodent models of disease: examples of information theory analyses of effective connectivity, computation, and encoding" * Taro Toyoizumi, RIKEN Brain Science Institute -- "Emergence of Levy Walks from Second-Order Stochastic Optimization" * Siwei Wang, Hebrew University of Jerusalem -- "Closing the gap from structure to function with information theoretic design principles" * Patricia Wollstadt, Goethe University, Frankfurt / Honda Research Institute Europe "Validation and performance of effective network inference using multivariate transfer entropy with IDTxl" Also, we would like to call for contributions of talks (25 min + 5 min Q&A). If you are interested in contributing such a talk, please send a title and abstract to Joseph Lizier (joseph.lizier(a)sydney.edu.au) by Friday June 8, 2018. Please see our website http://bit.ly/cns2018itw for more details. We hope you will join us there! Organising Committee: Joseph Lizier Viola Priesemann Justin Dauwels Taro Toyoizumi Alexander Dimitrov Lubomir Kostal Michael Wibral

May 16, 2018

postdoc @ UCLA: consciousness, AI, blockchain tech

by Hakwan Lau

in collaboration with the industry (a startup company based in the Bay Area), we are looking for a postdoc to follow up on this <http://science.sciencemag.org/content/358/6362/486/tab-figures-data>. the ideal candidate may be someone with a computer science background, passionate for understanding neuroscience and human consciousness. familiarity with / interest in neural network modelling and/or blockchain tech a plus. the job will be primarily based at UCLA with frequent opportunities to travel to San Francisco & Hong Kong (not an obligation). please send CV to hakwan(a)gmail.com Hakwan Lau, D.Phil [my work <https://qualia.psych.ucla.edu/> & blog <https://inconsciousnesswetrust.blogspot.com/>]

May 16, 2018

PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience of sleep/memory at UPF (Barcelona)

by DE SANCRISTOBAL ALONSO, BELEN

*PhD Position inComputational Neuroscience, Ruben Moreno-Bote Lab Center for Brain and Cognition, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain1 fully funded PhD position is available in the group of Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience (https://www.upf.edu/web/ruben-moreno-bote <https://www.upf.edu/web/ruben-moreno-bote>) in the Center for Brain and Cognition at the University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain. The candidate will be supervised by both postdoctoral researcher Belén Sancristóbal Alonso and the head of the group, Rubén Moreno Bote.The selected candidate will develop his PhD within the field of sleep, sensory perception and memory. He/she will have access to rat’s electrophysiology recordings and can be involved in the design of behavioral experiments, thanks to our experimental collaborators. The project will require statistical analyses of neural data, programming and creative thinking. We are looking for motivated students with Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or Computer Science backgrounds, holding a Master’s degree and, ideally, with knowledge of Neuroscience. We will also consider candidates with Psychology background with strong mathematical skills and interested in modeling. This position is financed by the Junior Leader La Caixa Fellowship Programme.The candidate will also benefit from a larger network of neuroscience labs in Barcelona (http://www.barcelonaneuroscience.com <http://www.barcelonaneuroscience.com>).APPLICATION: A full CV in pdf format and an extract of grades for bachelor and master studies should be sent to belen.sancristobal(a)upf.edu <belen.sancristobal(a)upf.edu>DEADLINE: until the position is filledSTARTING DATE: Fall 2018* Belén de Sancristóbal Alonso Center for Brain and Cognition Universitat Pompeu Fabra c\ Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27 Mercè Rodoreda building, 5th floor (room 24.512) 08005, Barcelona

May 15, 2018

Michael Arbib's autobiography is now open

by Érdi Péter

Dear All: The memoir of one of the legendary brain theoreticians, Michael Arbib: >From cybernetics to brain theory, and more: A memoir published in Cognitive Systems Research is now freely available by August 13th at ScienceDirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389041718301360 Hope you will enjoy to read this paper! Kind regards Péter Érdi

May 13, 2018

Postdoc position in Computational Neuroscience in the Clopath lab.

by Clopath, Claudia

Postdoc position in Computational Neuroscience in the Clopath lab. ----------------------------------------------------- Computational Neuroscience Laboratory Headed by Dr. Claudia Clopath Department of Bioengineering Imperial College London -----------------Requirements:----------------- The Computational Neuroscience Laboratory, headed by Dr. Claudia Clopath, is looking for a talented Postdoc, interested in working in the field of computational neuroscience, specifically addressing questions of learning and memory. The perfect candidate has a strong mathematical, physical or engineering background (or equivalent), programing skills, and a keen interest in biological and neural systems. A PhD in the field of computational neuroscience is a plus. -----------------Research topic:----------------- Learning and memory are among the most fascinating topic of neuroscience, yet our understanding of it is only at the beginning. Learning is thought to change the connections between the neurons in the brain, a process called synaptic plasticity. Using mathematical and computational tools, it is possible to model synaptic plasticity across different time scales, which helps understand how different types of memory are formed. The Postdoc candidate will be working to build those models of synaptic plasticity, and study the functional role of synaptic plasticity in neural networks. ----------------- The lab:----------------------- The Computational Neuroscience Laboratory is very young and dynamic, and publishes in prestigious journals, such as Nature and Science. It is part of the Department of Bioengineering, which conducts state-of-the-art multidisciplinary research in biomechanics, neuroscience and neurotechnology. The lab is at Imperial College London, the 3rd ranked university in Europe, is in the top 10 worldwide, and is located in the city centre of London. More information can be found at: http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/c.clopath/ ----------------- How to apply:----------------- Candidates should send a single pdf file, consisting of a 1-page motivation letter and CV (including publication list) to clopathlab.imperial(a)gmail.com<mailto:clopathlab.imperial@gmail.com>, with the subject containing 'Postdoc2018'. In addition, candidates should organize two letters of reference to be sent to clopathlab.imperial(a)gmail.com<mailto:clopathlab.imperial@gmail.com>, with the subject containing 'Postdoc2018'. The position is open until filled but the earlier applications will be considered first.

May 12, 2018

PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience of decision-making at UPF (Barcelona)

by Alexandre Hyafil

One fully funded PhD position is available under the supervision of Rubén Moreno-Bote and Alexandre Hyafil in the group of Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience. The group is part of the *Center for Brain and Cognition* at the University Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain ( https://www.upf.edu/web/ruben-moreno-bote) The candidate will study theoretical models of decision-making and design and analysis human experiments to directly test these models. He/she could also be involved in the design and analysis of animal behavioral and multielectrode neural data. Candidates should have *Physics*, *Mathematics* or *Machine Learning* background, ideally with knowledge of *Neuroscience* or *Computational Neuroscience*, and interested in theory and applications. We will also consider candidates with *Psychology* background interested in computational modeling. The candidate will benefit from the stimulating environment of Barcelona area in Theoretical and Systems Neuroscience. Our lab forms part of a larger network of neuroscience labs in Barcelona ( http://www.barcelonaneuroscience.com) Candidates, please send a full CV and an extract of grades for degree and master studies to alexandre.hyafil(a)upf.edu and ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu <alexandre.hyafil(a)upf.edu>. Deadline: until the position is filled. Starting date: any time between October 2018 and January 2019.

May 12, 2018

Extended deadline: 2nd INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON NEURODYNAMICS (NDy18)

by ROBERTO BARRIO

Dear colleagues, we are sending the Second Announcement and Extended Deadline of the 2nd International Workshop on Neurodynamics (Ndy’18) September 26-29, 2018 Castro-Urdiales, Spain http://cody.unizar.es/events/neurodynamics18/ https://www.ciem.unican.es/2nd-international-workshop-neurodynamics *** Scientific committee *** Peter Ashwin, University of Exeter, UK. Roberto Barrio, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain. Silvia Daun, University of Cologne, Germany. Mathieu Desroches, Inria, Sophia Antipolis, France. Toni Guillamon, Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña, Spain. Serafim Rodrigues, Basque Center of Applied Mathematics, Spain. Neuroscience is nowadays one of the most collaborative and active scientific research fields as it has been increasingly involving the participation of experts from other disciplines. In particular, computational and mathematical aspects of neuroscience are currently playing an important role both in modeling and replicating experimental findings and in explaining the underlying mechanisms of neurophysiological or cognitive processes. Differential equations are ubiquitous in the modeling of such phenomena and, consequently, nonlinear dynamics and dynamical systems techniques become fundamental sources of new mathematical and computational tools to study neuroscience models. The aim of this Second Workshop on Neurodynamics, NDy'18 (first edition was NDy'14) is to present an overview of successful achievements in this rapidly developing collaborative field by putting together different types of applications of nonlinear dynamics (geometrical tools in dynamical systems, numerical methods, computational schemes, dynamical measures,...) to different problems in neuroscience (mononeuronal dynamics, network activity, cognitive problems,...). Additional emphasis will be put on experimental findings seeking for theoretical explanations, and therefore this meeting is focussed on using mathematics as the primary tool for elucidating the fundamental mechanisms responsible for experimentally observed behavior in the applied neurosciences. Importantly, it will draw attention to those pieces of mathematical theory which are likely to be relevant to future studies of the brain. The final goal is spreading together mathematical methodology and neuroscience challenges and stimulating future cross-collaborations among participants, being Mathematical Neuroscience the generic topic for NDy'18. The workshop length will be 4 days, distributed in special sessions and talks, with several round tables on different topics. Early Confirmed Speakers Include: Peter Ashwin, University of Exeter, UK. Silvia Daun, University of Cologne, Germany. Mathieu Desroches, Inria, Sophia Antipolis, France. Claudius Gros, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany. Cristina Masoller, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Spain. Hil Meijer, University of Twente, Netherland. Hinke Osinga, University of Auckland, New Zealand. Alex Roxin, CRM, Spain. Jonathan Rubin, University of Pittsburgh, USA. Joaquin Torres, Universidad de Granada, Spain. --------------------------------------------------------------------- *** IMPORTANT DATES *** Short abstract/Title submission deadline 20th May 2018 *EXTENDED DEADLINE* Acceptance notification 31st May 2018 Payment deadline (reduced fee, 220 Euros) 30th June 2018 Payment deadline (complete fee, 270 Euros) 6th September 2018 The registration includes the coffee-breaks, lunches and social dinner. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Send your abstract as soon as possible (always before May 20th) by e-mail to cody(a)unizar.es. Use the templates provided in http://cody.unizar.es/events/neurodynamics18/ndy18_abstract.zip *************************************************** Prof. Roberto Barrio Computational Dynamics Group (CoDy) Departamento de Matematica Aplicada University of Zaragoza Edificio de Matematicas, planta tercera. c/ Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009-Zaragoza SPAIN email: rbarrio(a)unizar.es web: http://cody.unizar.es Tel: (34) 976762480 ***************************************************

May 11, 2018

A unified theory of prefrontal cortex and its functions

by Grossberg, Stephen

Dear colleagues, The following Open Access article develops a unified theory of prefrontal cortex and its functions: Grossberg, S. (2018). Desirability, availability, credit assignment, category learning, and attention: Cognitive-emotional and working memory dynamics of orbitofrontal, ventrolateral, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices. Brain and Neuroscience Advances. May 8, 2018. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2398212818772179 Abstract: Background: The prefrontal cortices play an essential role in cognitive-emotional and working memory processes through interactions with multiple brain regions. Methods: This article further develops a unified neural architecture that explains many recent and classical data about prefrontal function, and makes testable predictions. Results: Prefrontal properties of desirability, availability, credit assignment, category learning, and feature-based attention are explained. These properties arise through interactions of orbitofrontal, ventrolateral prefrontal, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices with the inferotemporal cortex, perirhinal cortex, parahippocampal cortices; ventral bank of the principal sulcus, ventral prearcuate gyrus, frontal eye fields, hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia, hypothalamus, and visual cortical areas V1, V2, V3A, V4, MT, MST, LIP, and PPC. Model explanations also include how the value of visual objects and events is computed, which objects and events cause desired consequences and which may be ignored as predictively irrelevant, and how to plan and act to realize these consequences, including how to selectively filter expected vs. unexpected events, leading to movements towards, and conscious perception of, expected events. Modeled processes include reinforcement learning and incentive motivational learning; object and spatial working memory dynamics; and category learning, including the learning of object categories, value categories, object-value categories, and sequence categories, or list chunks. Conclusions: This article hereby proposes a unified theory of prefrontal cortex and its functions. Best, Steve Grossberg Stephen Grossberg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Grossberg http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3BIV70wAAAAJ&hl=en https://youtu.be/9n5AnvFur7I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hBye6JQCh4 Wang Professor of Cognitive and Neural Systems Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Psychological & Brain Sciences, and Biomedical Engineering Director, Center for Adaptive Systems Boston University http://cns.bu.edu/~steve steve(a)bu.edu<mailto:steve@bu.edu> <mailto:steve@bu.edu>

May 10, 2018

Post-doc positions available studying gamma's effects on learning, memory, and immune function

by Annabelle Singer

*Description* Postdoctoral or research scientist positions are available in the Singer lab at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine studying how neural activity affects learning and memory and the immune system in health and disease. *Major Responsibilities:* The successful applicant will examine how stimulating neural activity affects plasticity, immune responses, and learning and memory in health and disease with a focus on the hippocampal circuit. This research uses a variety of advanced neuroscience techniques including in vivo recordings from many single cells, MRI, innovative data analysis methods, and histological analysis in rodents. This project includes collaboration with other labs in the BME department at Georgia Tech and Emory and therefore a successful applicant must work well in a collaborative environment. This project is fully funded and aspects of this project will be applied to human subjects. To find out more about the Singer Lab, see our lab website http://singer.gatech.edu/ <http://singer.gatech.edu/publications/>and our recent publications: Gamma frequency entrainment attenuates amyloid load and modifies microglia <http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v540/n7632/abs/nature20587.html> Hippocampal SWR Activity Predicts Correct Decisions during the Initial Learning of an Alternation Task <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627313000937> And some recent press: Beating Alzheimer’s with Brain Waves <https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/12/beating-alzheimers-with…> What’s The Frequency <http://thebiomedicalscientist.net/science/what%E2%80%99s-frequency>? *Qualifications* The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline and a record of leading scientific projects to completion. Previous experience with in vivo experimentation, histology, MRI, behavior, electrophysiology and/or learning and memory is preferred. Candidates with computational backgrounds including signal processing, electrical engineering, or programming are encouraged to apply. The Singer Lab is part of the dynamic, exciting, and collaborative neuroscience and neuroengineering communities at Georgia Tech and Emory University. The candidate is expected to become an active member of this flourishing research community. *How to Apply:* If you meet these requirements and are interested in this position, please provide your detailed CV, a cover letter stating your research interests, and names and contact information for two references to Annabelle Singer: asinger(a)gatech.edu *Department Description* *The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech*is part of a vibrant biomedical community in Atlanta that includes the Emory School of Medicine, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Winship Cancer Institute, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), Georgia ImmunoEngineering Consortium, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, and more. This rich scientific environment provides unique and unparalleled research opportunities, including seminars given by leaders in science and engineering from throughout the U.S. and abroad, opportunities for collaborations, exposure to diverse research programs, and sophisticated core facilities. As such, we offer the best of internationally renowned institutions. The partnerships have created outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs, recognized as #1 and #2 in the nation, respectively. Georgia Tech is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Annabelle Singer Assistant Professor Coulter Dept. of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Tech & Emory University 313 Ferst Drive Atlanta, GA 30332 Web: http://singer.gatech.edu/ Email: Annabelle.singer(a)bme.gatech.edu Skype: annabellesinger Google Hangout: annabellecsinger(a)gmail.com Faculty support: Karine Avagian, email: karine.avagian(a)bme.gatech.edu

May 9, 2018