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ICPRAI 2026: Special Session on Frontiers of Artificial Intelligence for Medical Applications: Models, Reasoning, Perception, and Interaction

by Ghazaleh Khodabandelou

Special Session on Frontiers of Artificial Intelligence for Medical Applications: Models, Reasoning, Perception, and Interaction ICPRAI 2026, Montréal, Québec, Canada, June, 2026 https://icprai2026.com/ Scope Artificial intelligence has seen remarkable progress in digital healthcare across areas such as learning algorithms, knowledge representation, perception, and interaction. From deep learning advances in vision and language, to reinforcement learning for control, to symbolic and neuro-symbolic hybrids for robust reasoning, modern AI systems are increasingly capable of understanding complex data, adapting to new tasks, and interacting with humans and environments. This Special Session invites original contributions that explore foundational models, architectures, and applications spanning the AI spectrum, including but not limited to learning and representation; planning and decision-making; perception and multimodal understanding; human-AI collaboration; and trustworthy, explainable, and ethical AI. We welcome theoretical analyses, novel algorithms, system implementations, and domain-specific studies that illustrate state-of-the-art techniques and future directions in AI, with special encouragement for work in large language models, multimodal vision-language modeling, and impactful applications in healthcare and medical domains such as medical imaging, autism detection, neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s), and diabetes management. Topics of Interest Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: • Large Language Models (LLMs) and foundation models • Embeddings, representation learning, and transfer learning • Generative modeling: GANs, VAEs, diffusion and beyond • Multimodal integration: vision-language, audio-visual, sensor fusion • Symbolic, neuro-symbolic, and hybrid reasoning systems • Automated planning, scheduling, and decision-theoretic frameworks • Reinforcement learning, multi-agent systems, and control • Human-AI collaboration, mixed-initiative interfaces, and personalization • Explainability, interpretability, causal analysis, and fairness • Robustness, safety, trustworthiness, and privacy-preserving AI • Healthcare and medical AI applications: imaging, diagnostics, chronic care 1 Important Dates • Full paper submission deadline: January 15, 2026 • Notification of acceptance: March 7, 2026 • Camera-ready deadline: March 13, 2026 • Early Registration deadline: until April 30, 2026 • Special Session at ICPRAI: June 15-18, 2026 Submission Guidelines Please follow the standard ICPRAI submission instructions at the conference website. When up loading your paper, select “Frontiers of Artificial Intelligence for Medical Applications: Models, Reasoning, Perception, and Interaction ” as the target session. Organizers • Prof. Ghazaleh Khodabandelou, University Paris-Est, France ghazaleh.khodabandelou(a)u-pec.fr<mailto:ghazaleh.khodabandelou@u-pec.fr> • Prof. Mounîm A. El Yacoubi, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, France mounim.el_yacoubi(a)telecom-sudparis.eu<mailto:mounim.el_yacoubi@telecom-sudparis.eu>

Nov. 12, 2025

[ICANN 2026] 1st CALL FOR PAPERS, SPECIAL SESSIONS, WORKHOPS AND TUTORIALS

by davide.rigoni.1＠unipd.it

====================================================================== ICANN 2026 - CALL FOR PAPERS, SPECIAL SESSIONS, WORKHOPS AND TUTORIALS ====================================================================== On behalf of the ICANN 2026 Organizing Committee, it is our great pleasure to invite you to the 35th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks ICANN 2026, one of the premier conferences in the field of artificial intelligence, neural networks, neuroscience and brain-inspired computing in Europe, organized in collaboration with the European Neural Network Society (ENNS). ICANN 2026 will be held in Padua, Italy, one of the most charming and dynamic towns in Italy. It is located in the Veneto region, in Northern Italy. The historical center boasts a wealth of medieval, renaissance and modern architecture. Here a fascinating mix of historic and new, of centuries-old traditions and metropolitan rhythms creates a unique atmosphere. The medieval palaces, churches and cobbled streets emanate a sense of history. Padua features rich historical and cultural attractions, such as “Prato della Valle”, the largest square in Europe; the famous Scrovegni Chapel painted by Giotto; the Botanical Garden that is a UNESCO World Heritage; the University of Padua, that is the second oldest university in Italy (1222) with more than 800 years of history. Conference Dates: September 14 to September 17, 2026 Conference Venue: Conference center of the School of Psychology, University of Padua, Italy Conference Webpage: https://e-nns.org/icann2026/ General Chairs: Alessio Micheli (University of Pisa, Italy) Nicolò Navarin (University of Padua, Italy) Alessandro Villa (University of Lausanne, Switzerland) ICANN 2026 aims to be a transformative event with the dual track of Artificial Intelligence & Deep Learning and Neuroscience, encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and industry experts. The event will feature cutting-edge research presentations and keynote talks by leading experts, continuing its tradition as a global dynamic and interactive forum bridging academia and industry. ====================================================================== Prospective authors are invited to submit original contributions of up to 12 pages (including references) to be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series with individual DOI. The technical program, including special sessions, workshops and keynote talks covers almost all facets of Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning and Neuroscience. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: - AI and Machine Learning: - Theory and Foundations of Neural Networks - Novel Neural Network Architectures - Topics in Neural Networks - Large Language Models - Explainable AI - Machine Learning for Graphs - Graph Neural Networks - Clustering and Reinforcement Learning - New Topics in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - Neurorobotics - Neuroscience: - Theoretical/Computational Neuroscience - Cognitive Neuroscience - Brain-Inspired Computing - Spike Trains Neural Decoding - Functional Neuroimaging - Neuromorphic Systems - Digital Twins and Virtual Brain Models - Applications - AI in Drug Discovery - Human-Computer Interaction - Biosignal Processing - Medicine and Physiology - Speech and Language Processing - Computer Vision - Robotics - Climate and Environment - General Applications of Machine Learning CONFERENCE COMMITTEE General Chairs: - Alessio Micheli (University of Pisa, Italy) - Nicolò Navarin (University of Padua, Italy) - Alessandro Villa (University of Lausanne, Switzerland) Program Chairs: - Luca Pasa (University of Padua, Italy) - Alessandra Lintas (University of Lausanne, Switzerland) - Igor Tetko (Helmholtz Munich, Germany) Submission Chair - Linas Petkevičius (Vilnius University, Lithuania) Publication Chair - Domenico Tortorella (University of Pisa, Italy) Workshop and Special Session Chairs - Luca Oneto (University of Genoa, Italy) - Valerie Vaquet (Bielefeld University, Germany) Social Media Chairs - Giovanna Maria Dimitri (University of Milan, Italy) - Alessandro Dipalma (University of Pisa, Italy) Diversity and Inclusion Chair - Roseli S. Wedemann (Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Brazil) Communication Chairs - Davide Rigoni (University of Padua, Italy) - Matteo Zavatteri (University of Padua, Italy) Local Arrangements Chairs - Merylin Monaro (University of Padua, Italy) - Andrea Zangrossi (University of Padua, Italy) Volunteers Coordinator - Giovanni Donghi (University of Padua, Italy) IMPORTANT DATES - Deadline for full paper and abstract submission: 16 March 2026 - Final notification of Acceptance or Rejection: 29 may, 2026 - Camera-ready paper upload and author registration: 29 June 2026 For questions, please contact: icann2026(a)e-nns.org

Nov. 12, 2025

Neurotech School 2026: Registrations are now open

by Blaise Yvert

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the third edition of the Neurotech School will take place in Aussois from March 15 to March 20, 2026. The program and registration page can be found at the following link : https://neurotech2026.sciencesconf.org/ As in previous years, the number of available seats will be limited. For any question, feel free to contact Salma Mezzi in cc of this message. We look forward to your participation and to welcoming you in Aussois. Kind regards, Blaise for the local organizing committee.

Nov. 12, 2025

Fully-funded PhD in computational neuroscience, Sheffield, UK

by Hazem Toutounji

Dear all, A fully-funded PhD position in computational neuroscience is available with Dr Hazem Toutounji (University of Sheffield, UK). *Project title: *Flexible or Flawed? A Computational Neuroscience Approach to Learning Strategies and Psychiatric Traits In our complex and ever-changing world, humans are constantly faced with a flood of sensory information. To make effective and timely decisions, the brain cannot possibly process every single detail. Instead, it is thought to rely on intelligent "cognitive shortcuts" or simple strategies (heuristics) to simplify complex problems. This allows for rapid and flexible learning, but the mechanisms behind this process are not well understood. When are these shortcuts deployed? How does the brain select the right strategy for the task at hand? How does it know when a shortcut is no longer working and a new strategy is needed? And how are the selection and efficiency of those shortcuts influenced by common psychiatric traits such as anxiety and impulsivity? This 3.5-year fully-funded PhD studentship provides an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of computational modelling, cognitive neuroscience, and computational psychiatry. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in all required methods. Position available for UK students only Application deadline: February 4th 2026 PhD start date: October 1st 2026 Further information on the project, requirements, and how to apply can be found here: http://www.findaphd.com/?pj=190228 *Please note: *Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact me ( h.toutounji(a)sheffield.ac.uk) to discuss your interest in and suitability for the project prior to submitting your application. Best wishes, Hazem -- *Dr. rer. nat. Hazem Toutounji (they / them) *[pronounced ḤAH-zem TUTUN-ji <https://namedrop.io/hazemtoutounji>] *PI of the Neural Dynamics and Computation Lab* Lecturer in Computational Neuroscience MSc Exams Officer, ECR Champion, Sustainability Lead School of Psychology The Neuroscience Institute Insigneo Institute for in silico Medicine University of Sheffield ICOSS Building, 4th floor, desk 5 219 Portobello, Broomhall Sheffield S1 4DP, UK *Please don't feel obliged to respond to my emails outside your own working hours* If you are a student looking for support, please see this page <https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/study/support>. *Office hours during semester weeks:* Monday 14:00-15:00 -- Please book an appointment with a brief description of the topic using this link <https://calendar.app.google/1ayXM9DqBhAkLBCp6>. Face to face meetings are at *ICOSS E04a*. To meet outside of office hours, please email me 24 working hours in advance.

Nov. 12, 2025

Postdoctoral position in circuit/systems neuroscience at McGill University (Krishnaswamy/Cook/Masset)

by Paul Masset

Postdoctoral position in circuit/system neuroscience at McGill University. The Krishnaswamy and Cook laboratories are looking for a postdoctoral fellow to work on a project involving the neural circuits and computations underlying neuromodulation and behaviors such as attention and decision-making in mice. Position will involve cutting edge methods such as in vivo acousto-optic two-photon microscopy from cortical areas, fiber photometry from neuromodulator centers, widefield imaging using voltage/calcium-indicators, and genetic and optogenetic tools. Position will also involve using and developing advanced computational data analysis tools and building AI-inspired models of behavioral and neural activity. The project will involve close collaboration Dr. Paul Masset's lab to examine models of reinforcement learning in the context of neuromodulators. Prior experience in these methods is a plus but not a requirement. Background knowledge and/or graduate training in the neurosciences and computational methods is an advantage. We are located at the Life Sciences Complex (LSC) at McGill University, in the Bellini Building, which is a state-of-the-art research facility. Successful candidates will join a large community of neuroscientists which include researchers at the LSC, the Neuro (formerly the MNI), the Center For Research in Neuroscience, and Mila-Quebec AI institute. To apply, please send a CV and list of references to: arjun.krishnaswamy(a)mcgill.ca and erik.cook(a)mcgill.ca

Nov. 12, 2025

Permanent position in computational neuromodulation

by Axel Hutt

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Permanent position in computational neuromodulation of brain networks and application to mental disorders ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The new research team NECTARINE at Inria in Strasbourg / France aims to create a synergy between clinicians and computational researchers to develop new healthcare technologies. The team works on stochastic microscopic network models to describe macroscopic experimental data and computational techniques of neural feedback control based on subject behavior and/or encephalographic data. We collaborate closely with clinicians and choose our research focus along the clinical applications. Major scientific objectives are stochastic multi-scale simulations of neurostimulation and corresponding mean-field descriptions of neural activity on the macroscopic scale. Moreover, we develop novel closed-loop techniques with real-time control merging experimental data and numerical models by machine learning techniques. The team's clinical research focuses on neuromodulation of patients suffering from deficits in attention and temporal prediction. The team offers the possibility to apply for a permanent position as Chargé de Recherche (CR) or Directeur de Recherche (DR) in the research field of computational neuroscience with a strong focus on stochastic dynamics linking brain network modelling with experimental data. The new colleague should have a strong expertise in mathematical/computational modelling with a focus on nonlinear dynamics and/or network dynamics, as well as strong interest in clinical applications. Strong programming skills are mandatory. Inria is a French National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology ( [ https://www.inria.fr/en | https://www.inria.fr/en ] ) with 9 research centres in France. The team is located in the centre of Strasbourg on the hospital campus as part of the Research Centre at University of Lorraine in Nancy. Applications are welcome from now on until end of January 2026 , but it is strongly recommended to contact us well in advance. For more details or sending your application documents (motivation letter, CV including publication list), please contact Dr. Axel Hutt (email: axel.hutt(a)inria.fr ) . -- Axel Hutt Directeur de Recherche Equipe NECTARINE INRIA Center at University of Lorraine Bâtiment Explora 2, rue Marie Hemm 67000 Strasbourg, France

Nov. 11, 2025

Postdoc and PhD positions in Paris

by German Sumbre

Dear colleagues, We have several open positions for postdocs, PhDs and master students, at the neural dynamics & behaviour lab at theInstitute of biology of theEcole normale supérieure, Paris, France. The selected candidates will study neural circuit dynamics in zebrafish or cavefish using two-photon, light-sheet calcium imaging and/or optogenetics, to learn about neuro-glia interactions, behavioural states, development of neuronal assemblies, gut-brain interactions, brain-machine interfaces and the evolution of brain computations. You can find more information about the lab and relevant publications athttps://www.zebrain.biologie.ens.fr/ Applicants should have a strong background in systems or computational neuroscience and some experimental experience. Good programing skills are required. Knowledge on optics is a plus. The lab is an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment with postdocs and students coming from different disciplines and cultures. Some of these projects involve collaborations with the labs of Marcelo Rozenberg (Paris Cite), Julijana Gjorgjieva (MTU) and Pedro Hernandez (Curie). To apply please send a detailed CV, 2 academic referees and a research statement about a project you would like to carry out in the lab. Please send a single PDF file tosumbre(a)ens.fr. Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled.Best, *Germán Sumbre* Ecole Normale Supérieure Institut de Biologie de l'ENS Section de Neurosciences 46, rue d'Ulm 75005 Paris France Tel: +33 (0)1 44 32 23 67 http://www.zebrain.biologie.ens.fr

Nov. 10, 2025

[Workshop][Dec 8 · San Diego] NSF BRAID Workshop: Bridging Neuroscience and Engineering for Energy-Efficient AI (+Posters).

by sbezugam＠umail.ucsb.edu

Dear colleagues, We will host the *NSF BRAID Workshop: Bridging Neuroscience and Engineering for Energy-Efficient AI*—a one-day program on neuromorphic computing and energy-efficient AI—on *Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Omni San Diego, immediately following NeurIPS'25*, at the same location. The workshop will feature invited speakers from neuroscience, neuromorphic engineering, and computer systems, including James Aimone, Maksim Bazhenov, Kwabena Boahen, Dhireesha Kudithipudi, Robert Legenstein, Stefan Mihalas, Bruno Olshausen, Priyadarshini Panda, and Vijay Janapa Reddi (tentative). The program will comprise two themed sessions and a poster session, all centered on neuromorphic computing. The neuroscience session will explore how insights from the brain can be leveraged to improve, augment, or rethink state-of-the-art large language models and AI. The hardware session will address whether conventional, emerging, or hybrid device technologies are best suited for the next generation of AI systems. Each session will include short invited talks followed by a panel discussion. *Poster participation* Short abstracts (≤200 words) are invited and should include: title, authors, and affiliations. Please email submissions to strukov(a)ece.ucsb.edu with the subject line “BRAID 2025 Poster.” Review is rolling, and space is limited. (more details here https://sites.google.com/view/nsf-braid-workshop-2025/call-for-posters) *Program & details:* https://sites.google.com/view/nsf-braid-workshop-2025/ RSVP here: NSF Workshop on BRAID · https://luma.com/7c3w0o01 Best regards, Sai Sukruth Bezugam PhD Student Strukov Research Group UC Santa Barbara

Nov. 10, 2025

World wide VVTNS series (6th season): Wednesday, 12, 2025, at 11:00 am ET - Katharina Anna Wilmes, Institute of Neuroinformatics Zurich

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 Katharina Anna Wilmes Institute of Neuroinformatics Zurich on the topic of Uncertainty-aware predictive processing The lecture will be held on zoom on November 12, 2025, at *11:00 am ET * To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > > *Abstract: *Minimising cortical prediction errors is thought to be a key computation underlying perception, action, and learning. Yet, how the cortex represents and uses uncertainty in this process remains unclear. In the first part of this talk, I will present a normative framework showing how uncertainty can modulate prediction error activity to yield uncertainty-modulated prediction errors (UPEs), hypothesised to be represented by layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons. We propose that these UPEs are computed through inhibitory mechanisms involving SST and PV interneurons. A circuit model demonstrates how cortical cell types can locally compute means, variances, and UPEs, leading to adaptive learning rates. In the second part, I will discuss how uncertainty modulation could be controlled by higher-level representations. We formally derived neural dynamics that minimise prediction errors under the assumption that cortical areas must not only predict the activity in other areas and sensory streams but also jointly project their inverse expected uncertainty about their predictions, which we call “confidence”. This yields a confidence-weighted integration of bottom-up and top-down signals, consistent with Bayesian principles, and predicts the existence of second-order errors that compare confidence with performance. We predict that these second-order errors propagate alongside classical prediction errors through the cortical hierarchy, and simulations demonstrate that this mechanism enables nonlinear classification within a single cortical area. *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 ᐧ

Nov. 10, 2025

Software Engineer - Behavioral Analysis Platform Development - Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior

by Ahmed El Hady

As part of a startup spinoff project funded by Max Planck Innovation's MAX!mize program. We're developing next-generation software for automated analysis of animal social behavior . Our platform makes behavioral analysis tools accessible for research and industry applications. We have the following opening: * Software Engineer (m/f/d) (80 - 100 %) - Behavioral Analysis Platform Development* The Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior at its sites in Konstanz and Radolfzell offers an international, interdisciplinary, and cooperative environment that opens up unique research opportunities. The goal of our basic research is to develop a quantitative and predictive understanding of the decisions and movements of animals in their natural environment. The Max Planck Department of Collective Behavior would like to fill the following position starting in January/February 2026, initially for 1 year with the possibility of extension. The workplace will be in Konstanz, Germany. /Our Offer/ We offer an interesting job in an open-minded team, flat hierarchies and an open-door culture where we encourage building on strengths, a wide range of further training and education opportunities, 30 days of vacation for a five-day week, flexible working hours, a responsible and varied workplace in a growing interdisciplinary and international research institute. The payment is made in accordance with your experience and qualification and the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD-Bund). /Your tasks/ * Design and develop interface for video analysis and data visualization * Build APIs connecting Python backend with frontend applications * Integrate existing behavioral analysis research tools * Create annotation tools and real-time visualization dashboards * Transform Python-based behavioral analysis algorithms into accessible web applications * Ensure complex scientific tools are intuitive for non-programmer users /Your Profile/ * Bachelor's/Master's in Computer Science, Engineering or equivalent experience * Strong web development and applications skills (HTML/CSS/JavaScript + any modern framework * Proficient in Python programming * Experience making complex tools user-friendly * Self-directed problem solver with ability to work independently * Very good written and spoken English skills * Team-oriented with strong communication and collaboration abilities Other valuable experience: Scientific/data-heavy applications, real-time visualization, video processing/computer vision, Docker/containerization, research/startup experience The Max Planck Society endeavors to employ more severely disabled people. Applications of severely disabled persons are expressly welcome. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. /Are you interested? /Then we are looking forward to receiving your application until November 30, 2025, with your CV, a brief cover letter including link to GitHub or project portfolio under the following link <https://bewerbermanagement.net/en/jobposting/82ea614de840b641fc5b2e466fad8a…>: https://bewerbermanagement.net/en/jobposting/82ea614de840b641fc5b2e466fad8a… Questions about this position will be answered by Jacob Davidson (jdavidson(a)ab.mpg.de) or Ahmed El Hady (ahady(a)ab.mpg.de) Please make sure to spread it to anyone you think might be interested to apply or is well suited for the position. All the best regards, Ahmed El Hady Dr. Ahmed El Hady Research group leader Cluster for Advanced Study of Collective Behavior University of Konstanz/Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz Room ZT 907

Nov. 7, 2025