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Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling: March 30 to April 3, 2020
by Jelmer Borst 05 Dec '19

05 Dec '19

Fifth Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling – ACT-R, Nengo, PRIMs, error-driven learning, and dynamical systems. – Date: March 30 to April 3, 2020 Location: Groningen, the Netherlands Fee: € 250 (late fee after February 15 will be € 300) More information and registration: www.cognitive-modeling.com/springschool <http://www.cognitive-modeling.com/springschool> We are happy to announce the fifth Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling (March 30 to April 3, 2020). This year, the Spring School will again cover four different modeling paradigms: ACT-R, Nengo, PRIMs, and error-driven learning. It thereby offers a unique opportunity to learn the relative strengths and weaknesses of these approaches. Moreover, this year we are offering a lecture series on dynamical systems, which should be interesting for anyone looking into modeling cognitive dynamics at some level of abstraction. We recommend this lecture series as an excellent combination with Nengo, for those interested in neuromorphic computing. The first day will provide an introduction to all five topics. From day two, spring school students will be asked to commit to one topic, for which they will attend lectures as well as tutorials. In addition, students can sign up for a second topic, for which they will attend lectures only. All students are invited to join a series of plenary research talks on the different paradigms. On the first day, spring school students are asked to introduce themselves and their research interests in a poster session. Registration is now open. For more information and registration, please see the website: www.cognitive-modeling.com/springschool <http://www.cognitive-modeling.com/springschool> Please feel free to forward the information to anyone who might be interested in the Spring School. We are looking forward to welcoming you in Groningen, The Spring School team ______________ ACT-R Teachers: Jelmer Borst, Maarten van der Velde, Stephen Jones, & Katja Mehlhorn (University of Groningen) Website: http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu <http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu/>. ACT-R is a high-level cognitive theory and simulation system for developing cognitive models for tasks that vary from simple reaction time experiments to driving a car, learning algebra, and air traffic control. ACT-R can be used to develop process models of a task at a symbolic level. Participants will follow a compressed five-day version of the traditional summer school curriculum. We will also cover the connection between ACT-R and fMRI. Nengo Teacher: Terry Stewart (University of Waterloo) Website: http://www.nengo.ca <http://www.nengo.ca/> Nengo is a toolkit for converting high-level cognitive theories into low-level spiking neuron implementations. In this way, aspects of model performance such as response accuracy and reaction times emerge as a consequence of neural parameters such as the neurotransmitter time constants. It has been used to model adaptive motor control, visual attention, serial list memory, reinforcement learning, Tower of Hanoi, and fluid intelligence. Participants will learn to construct these kinds of models, starting with generic tasks like representing values and positions, and ending with full production-like systems. There will also be special emphasis on extracting various forms of data out of a model, such that it can be compared to experimental data. PRIMs Teacher: Niels Taatgen (University of Groningen) Website: https://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/prims/index.html <https://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/prims/index.html> How do people handle and prioritize multiple tasks? How can we learn something in the context of one task, and partially benefit from it in another task? The goal of PRIMs is to cross the artificial boundary that most cognitive architectures have imposed on themselves by studying single tasks. It has mechanisms to model transfer of cognitive skills, and the competition between multiple goals. In the tutorial we will look at how PRIMs can model phenomena of cognitive transfer and cognitive training, and how multiple goals compete for priority in models of distraction. Error-driven learning Teachers: Jacolien van Rij and Dorothée Hoppe (University of Groningen) Error-driven learning (also called discrimination learning) allows to simulate the time course of learning. It is based on the Rescorla-Wagner model (Rescorla & Wagner, 1972) for animal cognition, which assumes that learning is driven by expectation error, instead of behaviorist association (Rescorla, 1988). The equations formulated by Rescorla and Wagner have been used to investigate different aspects of cognition, including language acquisition (e.g., Hsu, Chater, and Vitányi, 2011; St. Clair, Monaghan, and Ramscar, 2009), second language learning (Ellis, 2006), and reading of complex words (Baayen et al, 2011). Although error-driven learning can be applied for all domains in cognitive science, in this course we will focus on how it could be used for modeling language processing and language learning. Dynamical Systems: a Navigation Guide Teacher: Herbert Jaeger (University of Groningen) This lecture-series gives a broad overview over the zillions of formal models and methods invented by mathematicians and physicists for describing “dynamical systems”. Here is a list of covered items: Finite-state automata with and without input, deterministic and non-deterministic, probabilistic), hidden Markov models and partially observable Markov decision processes, cellular automata, dynamical Bayesian networks, iterated function systems, ordinary differential equations, stochastic differential equations, delay differential equations, partial differential equations, (neural) field equations, Takens’ theorem, the engineering view on “signals”, describing sequential data by grammars, Chomsky hierarchy, exponential and power-law long-range interactions, attractors, structural stability, bifurcations, phase transitions, topological dynamics, nonautonomous attractor concepts. In the lectures, I try to work out the underlying connecting lines between the “dots” listed above. -- Jelmer Borst Assistant Professor Model-Based & Computational Neuroscience University of Groningen, Bernoulli Institute, dept. of Artificial Intelligence http://www.jelmerborst.nl/

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Postdoctoral positions, Brown University (Truccolo Lab)
by Wilson Truccolo 03 Dec '19

03 Dec '19

Applications for postdoctoral positions in Computational Neuroscience are invited for the laboratory of Dr. Wilson Truccolo in the Department of Neuroscience at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. The positions are for the development of theoretical and data-driven stochastic models of neuronal network dynamics, including applications to collective dynamics in normal neocortex, and propagation and control of epileptic seizures. Neural data consist of recordings of ensembles of single-neurons and high-density local field potentials obtained via multiple intracortical microelectrode arrays implanted in human and nonhuman primates. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in computational/theoretical neuroscience, and modeling of stochastic neural dynamics. Related publications can be found on the Truccolo lab website ( http://www.truccololab.com/) Inquiries should be addressed to Dr. Truccolo (wilson_truccolo(a)brown.edu) Applications including a CV, statement of research interests, and the names and full contact details of three referees should be sent to wilson_truccolo(a)brown.edu. -- Wilson Truccolo, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Neuroscience Department of Neuroscience & Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University Lab website: http://www.truccololab.com/

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Neuroscience PhD Program, Tuebingen: deadline 15th Dec
by Peter Dayan 03 Dec '19

03 Dec '19

The Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics and the University of Tübingen invite students from all over the world to apply for their interdisciplinary 5-year PhD program leading to a PhD in Neuroscience. Full funding will be available for top-ranked applicants. We are seeking talented, curious and open-minded young scientists with strong backgrounds in neuroscience, biomedical sciences, computational science, applied mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, or engineering. Successful candidates will possess a burning aspiration to shape the future of neuroscience and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary, environment. The application deadline is December 15, 2019. Please visit: https://www.kyb.tuebingen.mpg.de/phd-program for more details and information about applying. The PhD program is a collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics and the University of Tübingen. It is closely affiliated with the renowned Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, the centerpiece of neuroscience training in Tübingen. Students (who should have been awarded a Bachelor's degree by September 2020) will receive a broad interdisciplinary training in neuroscience, including expert teaching by international renowned scientists and individual and intensive mentoring. Potential research topics cover a variety of fields in systems neuroscience, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, computational neuroscience, translational and clinical neuroscience as well as cellular and molecular neuroscience. Teaching and research are conducted in English.

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Single Units and Human iEEG Meeting - April 1-3, 2020 - Birmingham UK
by MJ ter Wal 02 Dec '19

02 Dec '19

Dear colleagues, We are very happy to announce registration and abstract submissions are open for SUsHi 2020! The Single Units and Human iEEG Meeting (SUsHi), taking place in Birmingham, UK, from 1st – 3rd April 2020, will bring together Cognitive Neuroscientists working with human single unit and/or LFP recordings. The three day event will comprise of a small workshop followed by a two-day traditional conference, hosted at the University of Birmingham. SUsHi will bring together researchers who work with these rich and complex datasets, with the aim to discuss the appropriate methods for data analysis, hands-on training for researchers who are new to these methods, and a discussion of the latest scientific progress in the field. This three day event includes a spike sorting workshop for early career researchers (sold out), panel discussions, poster sessions and the chance to take part in a Method Challenge prior to the conference. We have exciting Keynote Presentations from Prof. Florian Mormann, Dr Leila Reddy, Dr Ueli Rutishauser and Prof. Rodrigo Quian Quiroga. You can *register *here: https://shop.bham.ac.uk/conferences-and-events/college-of-medical-dental-sc… submit *abstracts *here: https://memorybham.squarespace.com/abstract-submission and find out more about our *Method Challenge* here: https://memorybham.squarespace.com/method-challenge * * *Important deadlines:* 15th January – Abstract and Method Challenge Submissions 16th March – Registration Kind regards, Dr Simon Hanslmayr, Dr Bernhard Staresina and Dr Maria Wimber SUsHi Organisers SUsHi(a)contacts.bham.ac.uk https://memorybham.squarespace.com/sushi2020 <mailto:SUsHi@contacts.bham.ac.uk>

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Postdoctoral Fellowships at the Computational Brain Science group at Western University
by Jorn Diedrichsen 02 Dec '19

02 Dec '19

Postdoctoral Fellowships at the Computational Brain Science group at Western University The newly formed Computational Brain Sciences Group<https://brainscan.uwo.ca/research/cores/computational_core/index.html> at Western University offers postdoctoral positions through Western’s prestigious BrainsCAN postdoctoral fellowship program<https://brainscan.uwo.ca/research/cores/computational_core/postdoctoral_and…>. Applicants should have a PhD in a computational or neuroscience-related field. Candidates with expertise in both are strongly preferred. The successful applicant will play a key role in neuroimaging and computational investigations of human brain function. They will enjoy working as part of an interdisciplinary collaborative team and will join the Brain and Mind Institute<https://www.uwo.ca/bmi/> (BMI), which is one of the leading centres in cognitive neuroscience in Canada. The BMI hosts a full range of ultra-high field, research-dedicated MRI scanners and state-of-the-art research facilities for cognitive, behavioural, and neurophysiological testing. The applicant should contact one or more potential supervisors<https://brainscan.uwo.ca/research/cores/computational_core/affiliated_labs.…> with a cover letter, a detailed CV and 2-3 referees. Review of applicants will start on Dec 15, 2019. The deadline for submitting the final proposal is Feb 1st, 2020. In brief, applicants must be no more than 6 years post-PhD and the salaries are highly competitive (55-70K per year, CDN, with additional benefits). The proposed research should fit within the broad BrainsCAN remit, which covers research that addresses fundamental questions regarding how we learn, think, move, and communicate. Jörn Diedrichsen Western Research Chair Brain Mind Institute Department of Computer Science Department of Statistics Email: jdiedric(a)uwo.ca<mailto:jdiedric@uwo.ca> Tel: 1-519-661-2111 x86994

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Postdoc in computational neuroimaging
by Vuksanovic, Vesna 02 Dec '19

02 Dec '19

Dear List The following link contains details of a postdoc vacancy at University of Aberdeen in understanding of multi-modal MRI brain data to develop a network approach in understanding changes in brain structure and functions in patients with Alzheimer's disease: https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BWR950/research-fellow Please forward the link, if you know of some potential candidates. Many thanks, Vesna The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683. Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain na charthannas clàraichte ann an Alba, Àir. SC013683.

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Dynamics Days XL: Nice, France, 24- 28 August 2020
by Mathieu Desroches 29 Nov '19

29 Nov '19

We are pleased to invite you to the 40th Dynamics Days Europe Conference, which will be held in Nice, France, on the 24-28 August 2020. Dynamic Days Europe is a major international conferences providing a forum for developments in the applications of and theory for dynamics. The themes of the meetings include Physics, Biology, Theoretical Dynamical Systems, Complex Systems, and Numerical Methods. The list of plenary speakers include: * Sylvain Crovisier (Université Paris-Sud) * Bard Ermentrout (University of Pittsburgh) * Veronica Grieneisen (Cardiff University) * Björn Hof (IST Austria) * Chris Jones (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) * Alejandro Maass (University of Chile) * Antonio Politi (University of Aberdeen) * Katharina Schratz (Heriot-Watt University) * Anna von der Heydt (Universiteit Utrecht) * Lai-Sang Young (Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences New York University) All information regarding the conference will be published on our website https://dynamicsdays2020.univ-cotedazur.fr <https://dynamicsdays2020.univ-cotedazur.fr/> We are currently soliciting Minisymposia proposals (deadline on the 20th of December 2019), which can be submitted on our website, or by filling out this form https://dynamicsdays2020.univ-cotedazur.fr/Minisymposium_proposal/ <https://dynamicsdays2020.univ-cotedazur.fr/Minisymposium_proposal/> We invite you to follow us on Twitter @dyndays_2020, and to use the hashtag #DDaysXL. Please disseminate this advert to potential participants. We look forward to hosting you in Nice! The organising committee: Daniele Avitabile, Stéphane Barland, Mathieu Desroches, François Gautero, Sergey Nazarenko, Elisabeth Pécou

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PhD position in computational neuroscience/brain physics in Oslo Norway
by Gaute Einevoll 28 Nov '19

28 Nov '19

PhD-position in Computational Neuroscience/Brain Physics in Oslo, Norway Applications are invited for a position as PhD Research Fellow available at the Department of Biosciences in the research group of Professors Gaute Einevoll and Marianne Fyhn at CINPLA. The position is funded by the UiO:Life Science Initiative, Convergence Environments to the project ”MultiModal Mental Models: converging approaches from genomes to mental illness and interplay with psychosocial stressors (4MENT)”<https://www.uio.no/english/research/strategic-research-areas/life-science/r…>. The successful candidate will work on model-based exploration of cortical neuron and neural network models, in particular effects of genetic variants on neural functions. The modeling work will be carried out in collaboration with statistical geneticists as well as researchers working with stem cells and brain imaging. The goal of the project is to build models for mental phenotypes that are relevant in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The candidate will work in the cross-disciplinary environment Center for Integrative Neuroplasticity (cinpla.org) a research center set up by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Presently, CINPLA includes about twenty biologists, physicists, and computer scientists co-localised in the building of Department of Biosciences at UiO. The candidate will develop and use state-of-the-art computer simulation packages and national supercomputer resources. The fellowships will be for a period of 3 years, with no compulsory work, or for a period of 4 years, with 25 % compulsory work at the UiO:LifeScience. Anticipated start date is Winter/Spring 2020. The research fellow must take part in the Faculty’s appproved PhD program and is expected to complete the project within the set fellowship period. Requirements: * Master’s degree in physics, mathematics, or computer science. The Master thesis should preferably have been done within computational neuroscience, but also candidates with master projects in other branches of computational science may be considered. * Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system. * The candidate must have demonstrated strong skills in developing codes for scientific computing. * A good command of English is required. For more information, including on how to apply, see: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/178653/phd-research-fellowsh… Deadline for application: December 18th 2019 For questions, please contact professor Gaute T. Einevoll, gaute.einevoll(a)fys.uio.no. ********************************************** Professor Gaute T. Einevoll Faculty of Science and Technology Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Aas, Norway; Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway Ph. +47-64965433, Mobile: +47-95124536 email: Gaute.Einevoll(a)nmbu.no, web: compneuro.nmbu.no, cinpla.org

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Call for Paper: [Information] Special Issue--"Advances in Mobile Gaming and Games-based Leaning" （More than 15 scholars agreed to submit）
by Blink Yu 27 Nov '19

27 Nov '19

Special Issue: Advances in Mobile Gaming and Games-based Leaning Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2020 Website and Planned Papers:https://www.mdpi.com/journal/information/special_issues/MobileGaming… Guest Editor: Dr. Antonio Coelho Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal Dr. Carlos Vaz de Carvalho Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Polit?cnico do Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal ======================= Dear Colleagues, We cordially invite you to submit a manuscript for consideration and possible publication in a Special Issue on "Advances in Mobile Gaming and Games-based Leaning" to be published in an EI, ESCI and Scopus-indexed open access journal Information (http://www.mdpi.com/journal/information) The submission manuscript deadline is 31 January 2020. For more details, please visit the website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/information/special_issues/MobileGaming_Gamesb… You may share this invitation with your team members and colleagues; co-authors are most welcome. Please let me know within a month or as soon as possible if you and your colleagues are interested in submitting a manuscript for this special issue. If more time is needed, please feel free to tell us (information(a)mdpi.com) Your contribution would be most welcome. Information is fully open access. Open access (unlimited and free access by readers) increases publicity and promotes more frequent citations, as indicated by several studies. Open access is supported by the authors and their institutes. An Article Processing Charge (APC) of CHF 1000 currently applies to all accepted papers. You may be entitled to a discount if you have previously received a discount code or if your institute is participating in the MDPI Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP), for more information see: http://www.mdpi.com/about/ioap. For further details on the submission process, please see the instructions for authors at the journal website (http://www.mdpi.com/journal/information/instructions) We hope this topic is of interest to you and look forward to collaborating with you in the near future. Kind regards, Blink Yu Section Managing Editor --- Dear Colleagues, Education is evolving to overcome new challenges related to the unique competencies of the professionals of the future and the requirements of a new generation that is immersed in the digital media world from birth. Digital Games is one of the media that have the potential to reach these two objectives. Game-based learning is the scientific area that focuses on the development of games that are designed over specific learning objectives. From thoroughly crafted educational games to the use of gamification, the new era of the school will be digital. However, we should not forget tangential learning with the use of entertainment games. Mobile games are also leveraging a large community of gamers that relies on the specifics of mobile technology, such as ubiquity and pervasiveness. The solutions can leverage informal learning, literacy, science communication, and citizenship, among a vast area of applications. The aim of this Special Issue is to disclose the new advances in game-based learning and mobile games that can enhance the effectiveness and outreach of learning objects. Topics of interest include but are not limited to the following: Game-based learning; Serious games; Mobile games; Pervasive games; Learning models and practices with the use of games; New technologies for game-based learning: Virtual and augmented reality; New interaction devices, toys, and playthings; Simulations; 3D rendering technologies; Game engines and development tools; Location-based games; Artificial intelligence; Educational games analytics; Assessment and evaluation of educational games; User experience design; The psychology of educational games; Gender and age issues; Social and collaborative games; Security and confidentiality in educational games; Case studies in educational games; Game development for mobile devices. Dr. Antonio Coelho Dr. Carlos Vaz de Carvalho Guest Editors -- Mr. Blink Yu Managing Editor E-Mail: blink.yu(a)mdpi.com Skype: live:c91693ac8277e1f0 -- MDPI Wuhan Office No.6 Jingan Road, 430064 Wuhan, China MDPI Postfach, CH-4020 Basel, Switzerland http://www.mdpi.com -- Disclaimer: MDPI recognizes the importance of data privacy and protection. We treat personal data in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and with what the community expects of us. The information contained in this message is confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this message in error, please notify me and delete this message from your system. You may not copy this message in its entirety or in part, or disclose its contents to anyone.

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Research Fellow in Deep Reinforcement Learning for Machine Theory of Mind @ Oxford Brookes
by Fabio Cuzzolin 26 Nov '19

26 Nov '19

The Visual Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at Oxford Brookes University, led by Professor Fabio Cuzzolin, is seeking a Research Fellow in Deep Reinforcement Learning for Machine Theory of Mind, to be appointed asap, on a 30-month contract. The deadline for application is 16th December 2019. Salary: £31,866 rising annually to £34,804. The Research Fellow will lead the Lab’s efforts within the Leverhulme Trust-funded Research Project Grant “Theory of mind at the interface of neuroscience and AI”, in partnership with Prof Barbara Sahakian of the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Cambridge, a leading figure in the field of Clinical Neuropsychology and the President of the International Neuroethics Society ( https://www.bcni.psychol.cam.ac.uk/directory/barbara-sahakian) The project aims to provide machines with ‘theory of mind’ capabilities, i.e., the ability to guess the reasoning processes and intentions of other intelligent agents. It will explore the possibility of creating flexible theory of mind simulations based on the concept of reconfigurable deep networks, trained in a reinforcement learning setting, as well as refine and test new cognitive models for these functionalities in the human brain. Similarities and differences with inverse reinforcement learning will also be investigated. The Visual Artificial Intelligence Laboratory ( http://cms.brookes.ac.uk/staff/FabioCuzzolin/) is of the top research groups in the world in deep learning for action detection, and is heavily investing in the topic of predicting future behaviour and events. The team designed in 2017 the first system yet able to localise multiple actions on the image plane in real time, and our algorithms regularly compete for the best detection accuracies. Former PhD students have moved on to postdoc positions at Oxford, Stanford and ETH Zurich. The Laboratory is currently running on a budget of almost £2 million, with seven live funded projects spanning computer vision, machine learning, general AI, autonomous driving, surgical and mobile robotics, AI for healthcare, decision making and uncertainty theory. We are also significantly involved in the new £1.9 Oxford Brookes AI Incubator (AIDA), and in the University’s Ethical AI Institute. For an overview of our research themes and projects, please consult http://cms.brookes.ac.uk/staff/FabioCuzzolin/files/VAIL.pdf You will join a vibrant and fast growing team projected to comprise 25+ people in 2019-20. You will be working on a network of cutting edge 4-GPU and 8-GPU workstations. The Lab collaborates with various companies including Huawei, Leonardo, Cisco, Ocado, Cortexica and Oxbotica, and is in the process of spinning off a company in the area of action detection. We closely work with Cambridge University’s Neuroscience, as well as Oxford University’s Engineering and Computer Science Departments, and have established links with IIT Bombay, Harvard, Seoul National, the Fraunhofer Institute, and numerous other European partners. You are encouraged to contact Prof Cuzzolin at fabio.cuzzolin(a)brookes.ac.uk for more information and informal feedback on your application. To formally apply, please follow the instructions provided here: https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BWZ564/research-fellow-in-reinforcement-learning…

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