- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP IN NEUROECONOMICS
by Jean-Claude DREHER Jan. 28, 2015

Jan. 28, 2015

Center for Cognitive Neurocience, Lyon, France. Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position to study social decision making using model-based fMRI in healthy subjects and intracranial recordings in patients with epilepsy. Our research group combines multimodal neuroimaging with computational modelling to characterize the neural mechanisms underlying human social decision making. The focus of the project will be to unravel the neural correlates of social decision making using probabilistic representations of other’s intentions. We will use such approach to model ways in which we predict hypothetical action outcomes, the intentions of others and whether the other is cooperative or competitive. This will be implemented by parallel models and experiments using multimodal intracranial recordings and fMRI in humans to exploit maximally the experimental advantages of each technic. Candidates must have (or nearing completion of) a PhD degree in neuroscience, social psychology, behavioral economics, computational neuroscience or a related discipline. Candidates must have previous practical experience and working knowledge of human neuroimaging (EEG and/or model-based fMRI). The candidate must also have working knowledge of experimental statistics, signal processing and excellent programming skills in Matlab. Previous experience in simultaneous EEG/fMRI experiments, advanced multivariate data analysis and computational modelling is desirable but not required. The institute of Cognitive Science is located in Lyon, France, a thriving universitary city. The institute hosts an interdisciplinary neuroscience community with access to several brain imaging facilities, such as one research-dedicated 3T scanner, MEG, TEP, intracranial EEG in patients with epilepsy and other useful resources (http://dreherteam.cnc.isc.cnrs.fr/en/) This post is available immediatly, for up to three years. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications according to CNRS scales. Candidates should send their CV, statement of research interests, representative publications, and contact information of two referencesto Jean-Claude Dreher, email: dreher(a)isc.cnrs.fr <mailto:dreher@isc.cnrs.fr> -- Dr Jean-Claude Dreher, Research director, CNRS UMR 5229 Neuroeconomics group, Reward and decision making Centre de Neurosciences Cognitives 67 Bd Pinel, 69675 Bron, France tel: 00 33 (0)4 37 91 12 38 fax: 00 33 (0)4 37 91 12 10 http://dreherteam.cnc.isc.cnrs.fr/en/

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postdoctoral position in statistical analysis of population activity
by Gergo Orban Jan. 27, 2015

Jan. 27, 2015

The MTA Wigner Research Centre for Physics (Budapest, Hungary) in partnership with the the MTA Institute for Experimental Medicine (Budapest, Hungary) invites applications for a postdoctoral or for a PhD position in characterising neural population activity. The applicant will join the newly formed Population Activity Research Unit, which is sponsored by a prestigious National Brain Research Program grant and will be co-supervised by Gergő Orbán and András Telcs. The primary focus of the research group is the characterization of activity patterns of large-scale neural populations in the hippocampus and the understanding of the computational principles underlying its dynamically changing states. The unparalleled performance of the nervous system is due to the fast and parallel processing of information that is achieved by the coherent activity of networks of neurons. Recent advancements in recording techniques provides access to high temporal resolution data from hundreds of identified neurons during task performance of animals. Understanding the organizational principles underlying the high-dimensional activity patterns has become a fundamental challenge of neurobiology. We are seeking highly motivated candidates with strong analytical background to take part of this challenge and to work on a project that is based on a strong collaboration between neurophysiology and theoretical neuroscience. The ideal candidate has a strong mathematical background, preferably with a PhD in physics, computer science, or mathematics or other quantitative disciplines. Besides mathematical skills, the position requires competence in programming (e.g. matlab, R, python, or C++). Candidates with training or research experience in statistics, machine learning, computational modelling, dynamical systems are especially encouraged to apply. Training in neuroscience is not required but the applicant has to demonstrate his/her willingness to acquire the necessary background for the project. High dimensional neuronal data is recorded by the experimental part of the group (Attila Gulyas, Institute for Experimental Medicine) but the candidate will have the opportunity get experience with cutting-edge neuronal recording techniques to design of novel experiments based on the analysis of the recorded data. The official starting date of the project is 1 February 2015 but the start date of the position is negotiable. Initial appointment is made for one year but can be extended to three years upon successful evaluation. The work is based in the PATTERN lab at the MTA Wigner Institute (Budapest, Hungary) but requires regular interactions with the experimental partners at the Institute for Experimental Medicine (Budapest). For further information please visit the project website, http://pattern.wigner.mta.hu. For informal inquiries please contact Gergo Orban (orban.gergo(a)wigner.mta.hu) or Andras Telcs (telcs.szit.bme(a)gmail.com) Please send applications, including CV, a research statement and contact information of two references by email to András Telcs before 20 February.

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Post-doctoral research position in humanoid cognitive robotics research
by Patricia Hazel Shaw [phs] Jan. 27, 2015

Jan. 27, 2015

Intelligent robotics research group at Aberystwyth University, Wales, UK, announces: Post-Doctoral Research Associate vacancy, three-year fixed-term The Project: “Developmental Algorithms for Robotics” ==================================================== The project aims to investigate a mechanism for robots, building on top of basic spatial sensorimotor competencies, that drives the autonomous development of new behaviours and self learning about novel events for which they have no prior experience. This will involve (1) expanding existing motor-babbling activity into object play behaviour, (2) formulating play behaviour as a viable mechanism for autonomous learning about unknown environments, (3) establishing an extended schema concept as a mechanism for integrating memory, experience generalization and action generation, (4) exploring action perception from the agent's experience, and (5) close monitoring of the work with psychological data and expert psychologists. The project will closely follow current knowledge on infant development and aim to reproduce behaviour as reported in the psychological literature. In particular the focus will be on three areas of core knowledge: (1) Object understanding, (2) Interaction with animate objects, and (3) Tool use. The work will be supported by collaboration with leading developmental psychologists on the project scientific advisory panel. This will produce models and mechanisms that can be implemented and tested experimentally against psychological benchmarks. The models will be validated with challenging demonstrators based on a single humanoid robotic platform (iCub). As a main outcome, the project will advance the understanding and application of intrinsic motivations in autonomous learning systems and robots. This overall goal will be achieved with the support of an International Scientific Advisory Board, consists of: Kevin O'Regan, Jacqueline Fagard, Merideth Gattis, David Whitebread, Giorgio Metta, QinetiQ and Lego. The Appointment (PDRA) – Scientific modeller ============================================ Applications are invited for the post of Post-Doctoral Research Associate on this project at Aberystwyth University. The successful applicant will have a relevant background, experience of research (as demonstrated by PhD and/or publications), and proven abilities in mathematical/scientific modelling. The main tasks will involve analysing the psychological literature to develop models and experiments for testing on an iCub humanoid robot. This will be supported by another PDRA, and PhD student, who will have special responsibility for implementing the models whilst maintaining and supporting the robot. Other tasks include writing scientific documents and papers, documenting experiments and writing reports, supervising a PhD student, responsibility for day-to-day management of project needs, and collaborating with the scientific advisory panel and other researchers. Regular European travel will be involved. This post is available on a three-year fixed-term contract, funded by the EPSRC. Salary will be on the IA scale for Research Staff in the range: £32,277 - £37,384 (depending upon qualifications and experience). We expect to appoint for a start date in the first quarter of 2015. How to apply ============ Closing date: 5th February Ref: IMPACS.14.22  For information and application forms please go to www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/jobs/vacancies-external/ Completed Application Forms should be signed and returned to the Human Resources Recruitment Team by e-mail, or post. Email address: vacancies(a)aber.ac.uk / Tel: 01970 628555 Interview Date: Week commencing 16 February 2015 For informal enquiries contact Patricia Shaw: phs(a)aber.ac.uk +44 (0)1970-622432

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Research Topic "Closed-loop systems for next-generation neuroprostheses"; Frontiers in Neuroprosthetics
by Paolo Bonifazi Jan. 25, 2015

Jan. 25, 2015

Dear Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to our research topic “Closed-loop systems for next-generation neuroprostheses” in Frontiers in Neuroprosthetics. http://journal.frontiersin.org/ResearchTopic/3581 Abstract deadline: 28th February 2015 Manuscript deadline: 30th September 2015 The topic description follows below. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any question. Best regards, Paolo Bonifazi - on behalf of the Topic Editors *Timothée Levi, **Michela Chiappalone and **Paolo Massobrio* *Millions of people worldwide are affected by neurological disorders which disrupt connections within the brain and between brain and body causing impairments of primary functions and paralysis. Such a number is likely to increase in the next years and current assistive technology is limited. The response to such disabilities, offered by the neuroscience community, is given by Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMIs) and Neuroprostheses. * *Such a field of research is highly multidisciplinary, since it involves very different and disperse scientific communities, making it fundamental to create connections and to join research efforts. Indeed, to design neuroprosthetic devices, six main research topics are involved: interfacing of neural systems at different levels of architectural complexity (from in vitro neuronal ensembles up to the human brain), bio-artificial interfaces for stimulation and recording, innovative signal processing tools for coding and decoding of neural activity, biomimetic artificial neural networks and neural network modeling. In order to develop functional communication with the nervous system and create a new generation of neuroprostheses, studying closed-loop systems is mandatory. The bi-directional communication between living neurons and artificial devices is the main final goal of those studies. However, closed-loop systems are still rare in the literature, mostly due to the required multidisciplinary effort. Therefore through this research topic, we intend to encourage an active discussion among neurobiologists, electrophysiologists, bioengineers, computational neuroscientists and neuromorphic engineers. * *The overall goal of this research topic is to present the results and stimulate/promote the discussion about the design of a novel generation of neuroprostheses aimed at recovering impaired/damaged neural networks. In this Research Topic, we welcome submissions highlighting the latest results in neuroprosthetics but also covering the six major topics introduced above. Review articles about closed-loop systems and neuroprostheses are strongly encouraged. Indeed, the intrinsic multidisciplinary nature of the proposed topic, from which we expect to receive contributions from different specialists, will help the scientific community to converge to new ideas and solutions to treat invalidating neuronal disabilities.* ==================== Paolo Bonifazi, PhD Italy-Israel Initiative on Integrative Network Neuroscience P.I. of the BRAINBOW project - http://www.brainbowproject.eu School of Physics and Astronomy Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel

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New paper on Cortico-striatal plasticity in PLoS Biology
by Kevin Gurney Jan. 23, 2015

Jan. 23, 2015

This paper integrates several levels of description - from the synaptic, through systems modelling, to behaviour. Gurney, K.N., Humphries, M.D., Redgrave, P., 2015. A New Framework for Cortico-Striatal Plasticity: Behavioural Theory Meets In Vitro Data at the Reinforcement-Action Interface. PLoS biology 13, e1002034. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1002034 Operant learning requires that reinforcement signals interact with action representations at a suitable neural interface. Much evidence suggests that this occurs when phasic dopamine, acting as a reinforcement prediction error, gates plasticity at cortico-striatal synapses, and thereby changes the future likelihood of selecting the action(s) coded by striatal neurons. But this hypothesis faces serious challenges. First, cortico-striatal plasticity is inexplicably complex, depending on spike timing, dopamine level, and dopamine receptor type. Second, there is a credit assignment problem—action selection signals occur long before the consequent dopamine reinforcement signal. Third, the two types of striatal output neuron have apparently opposite effects on action selection. Whether these factors rule out the interface hypothesis and how they interact to produce reinforcement learning is unknown. We present a computational framework that addresses these challenges. We first predict the expected activity changes over an operant task for both types of action-coding striatal neuron, and show they co-operate to promote action selection in learning and compete to promote action suppression in extinction. Separately, we derive a complete model of dopamine and spike-timing dependent cortico-striatal plasticity from in vitro data. We then show this model produces the predicted activity changes necessary for learning and extinction in an operant task, a remarkable convergence of a bottom-up data-driven plasticity model with the top-down behavioural requirements of learning theory. Moreover, we show the complex dependencies of cortico-striatal plasticity are not only sufficient but necessary for learning and extinction. Validating the model, we show it can account for behavioural data describing extinction, renewal, and reacquisition, and replicate in vitro experimental data on cortico-striatal plasticity. By bridging the levels between the single synapse and behaviour, our model shows how striatum acts as the action-reinforcement interface. -- Kevin Gurney, PhD, FSB Professor of Computational Neuroscience Adaptive Behaviour Research Group Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, S10 2TP, UK <http://www.shef.ac.uk/%7Eabrg/> http://abrg.group.shef.ac.uk/people/kevin/ ------------- "Email is a wonderful thing for people whose role in life is to be on top of things. But not for me; my role is to [get to] the bottom of things. What I do takes long hours of studying and uninterruptible concentration." Donald Knuth: Professor Emeritus of the Art of Computer Programming at Stanford University, and winner of the 1974 Turing Award.

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3rd Baltic-Nordic Summer School on Neuroinformatics (BNNI 2015)
by Toomas Kirt Jan. 23, 2015

Jan. 23, 2015

2nd call: 3rd Baltic-Nordic Summer School on Neuroinformatics (BNNI 2015) Multiscale computational neuroscience: Neurons, networks and systems Place: University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia Time: June 15-18, 2015 More information and registration at http://neuro.cs.ut.ee/bnni2015/ Important dates: 21 February 2015 Application deadline 13 March 2015 Acceptance notification 15-18 June 2015 Summer School The BNNI 2015 is focused on computational multiscale modelling of brain functions at the cellular, network and systems levels. The course will also cover data sources, measurements and analysis of neural activity. Target audience Advanced master students, doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, both theoreticians and experimentalists, who would like to get an introduction to neuroinformatics and computational neuroscience. Faculty includes Gaute Einevoll, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway Bruce Graham, University of Stirling, United Kingdom Sean Hill, the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland Henrik Lindén, University of Copenhagen, Denmark Marja-Leena Linne, Tampere University of Technology, Finland, Claudio Mirasso, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain Arnd Roth, University College London, UK Ausra Saudargiene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania Raul Vicente, University of Tartu, Estonia Michael Wibral, Brain Imaging Center, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany Daniel Wójcik, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland and others to be named. Venue The course will be held in the University of Tartu, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science - Juhan Liivi 2, Tartu 50409, Estonia. Practical arrangements There is a small tuition fee of 100 euros. The sponsor will provide teaching, meals and coffee during the course. The participants are expected to cover their travel and health insurance expenses (small financial support is available for those without funding). The course is supported by International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility and University of Tartu. We are looking forward to welcome you at the BNNI 2015 in Tartu, Estonia!

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MSc program in Neural Systems and Computation - University of Zurich and ETH Zurich
by Michael Pfeiffer Jan. 22, 2015

Jan. 22, 2015

We are inviting applications for the MSc program in Neural Systems and Computation, an interdisciplinary program offered as a Joint Master Program by the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Switzerland. The program offers a theoretical and laboratory training in neural computation and systems neuroscience. It offers hands-on knowledge of data gathering, analysis and scientific presentation. Students join an international and interdisciplinary research community with expertise in neuroinformatics, advanced experimental techniques and neuromorphic engineering. Further information can be found on our homepage http://www.nsc.uzh.ch. We offer a specialized full-time Masters program open to students with a Bachelor’s degree in the following disciplines: neurosciences, information technology, electrical engineering, biology, physics, computer sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and mechanical/chemical/control engineering. The core courses (all offered in English) provide a common foundation for students with different educational backgrounds, and cover the following: 1. Systems Neurosciences 2. Neural Computation and Theoretical Neuroscience 3. Neurotechnologies and Neuromorphic Engineering The application deadline for students starting in Fall Semester 2015 is *February 15th 2015*. Details about the application process and required documents can be found here: http://www.nsc.uzh.ch/?page_id=10 The program is affiliated with the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Faculty (MNF) at the University of Zurich (UZH) and the Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Department (D-ITET) of the ETH Zurich. All applications are handled by the University of Zurich. Application documents should be sent by email to nsc(a)ini.uzh.ch. Michael Pfeiffer -- ========================================= Dr. Michael Pfeiffer Postdoc, Program coordinator NSC Institute of Neuroinformatics University of Zurich and ETH Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland Tel. +41 44 635 30 45 Fax +41 44 635 30 53 pfeiffer (at) ini.phys.ethz.ch http://www.ini.uzh.ch/~pfeiffer/ =========================================

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[journals] CFP: IEEE ToH Issue on Active Touch Sensing
by yon Jan. 22, 2015

Jan. 22, 2015

The other guest editors and I are very excited to present this special issue. We hope you will consider contributing. Best, Yon Visell Call for Papers IEEE Transactions on Haptics Special Issue on Active Touch Sensing in Robots, Humans, and Other Animals Submission deadline: April 1 2015 First decision to authors: June 1 2015 Complete Details: http://re-touch-lab.com/ieee-toh-issue Guest Editors: Yon Visell, Drexel University Vincent Hayward, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Mitra Hartmann, Northwestern University Nathan Lepora, University of Bristol Topical Summary: This special issue addresses the challenges posed by actively sensing and interacting with the world through the sense of touch, whether the latter is implemented through a technological or biological system. Active touch sensing is recovering information about the world by ‘touching’ rather than ‘being touched’ – by interpreting signals from sensors whose motion is deliberately controlled to facilitate information gain. The scope of this issue includes both biological and technological systems for active touch sensing, and implications for haptics. This issue will consider electronic systems for active touch sensing that are biologically inspired systems, in addition to other inherently active approaches to touch sensing. Biological systems for active touch sensing are highly capable, and, by comparison, the field of robotic touch sensing is in its infancy. The former demonstrate many valuable concepts for active touch sensing that are being intensively investigated. They have also illustrated ways that active touch sensing is enabled through specialized sensory transduction channels, biomechanics, structural morphology, behavioral, and control strategies that are implemented by biological systems, and through other advantages that they achieve, including robustness, adaptability, and power efficiency. Similar challenges must be overcome if technological systems are to one day achieve comparable levels of sensorimotor performance to biological systems. Specific topics of interest include: - The design of electronic or biological systems for active touch sensing, their principles of operation (electronic, biological, mechanical) and performance. - Biomechanical aspects of active touch sensing. - Relations between active touch sensing and behavior, especially motor activity. - Sensory information processing and sensorimotor control strategies in humans, animals, or robots related to active touch sensing, including behavioral, physiological or neuroscience investigations, and neural control. - Learning by active touch. - Applications to the design of haptic interfaces. Authors should specifically include a discussion of how their results shed light on fundamental aspects of active touch sensing rather than assuming that this can be inferred from context. Submission process: Visit http://www.computer.org/toh to view formatting requirements, and submit your paper at https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/th-cs. When uploading your paper please select the appropriate special issue title under the category “Manuscript Type.” _________________________________________________________ Yon Visell, PhD Assistant Professor Drexel University | Electrical and Computer Engineering Philadelphia, USA www.re-touch-lab.com Office: +1 215 571 4507 Mobile: +1 267 800 8960 _________________________________________________________

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Master program in Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics@Newcastle University
by Marcus Kaiser Jan. 22, 2015

Jan. 22, 2015

Dear all, our one-year master degree program in Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics at Newcastle University is now accepting student applications. The course focuses on handling brain connectivity datasets, analyzing electrophysiological recordings, and simulating neural activity and development. Neuroinformatics is one of the strategic areas of neuroscience research within Newcastle University (see overview at http://neuroinformatics.ncl.ac.uk/ ). Close interactions with experimental and clinical researchers are a key component of the course and the dissertation research project. Ongoing research areas in Newcastle include neuroimaging, psychophysics, systems neuroscience (visual, auditory, and motor system), aging, neurorehabilitation, brain rhythms, brain-machine interfaces, neurochips, and connectomics (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ion ). Newcastle University hosts around 100 principal investigators in the neurosciences. You can find out more about the program and how to apply at http://www.ncl.ac.uk/computing/study/postgrad/taught/5199/ *COURSE OUTLINE* The MSc in Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics is a full-time, one-year advanced masters course designed for students who have a good degree in the biological sciences or the physical sciences (computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering). It provides the specialist skills in core Neuroinformatics courses (such as computing and biology) with a significant focus on the development of research skills. The program aims to equip its graduates with the necessary skills to contribute to biologically realistic simulations of neural activity and development that are rapidly becoming the key focus of Neuroinformatics research. Prior experience with computers or computer programming is not required. The program is ideal for students aiming for careers in industry or academia. The course is based in the School of Computing Science and taught jointly by the Schools of Computing Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Biology, Cell and Molecular Biosciences and The Institute of Human Genetics. In addition, there are strong links with the Institute of Neuroscience and graduates of this master program might either apply for PhD studies at the School of Computing Science or for the Wellcome Trust 4-year PhD program in Systems Neuroscience (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ion/study/wellcome/ ). *WHY STUDY AT NEWCASTLE?* The MSc in Neuroinformatics is a truly interdisciplinary degree and provides the dual skills necessary to establish a rewarding career in this research area. The Newcastle program has a research focus on data management, network analysis (e.g. Kaiser, Neuroimage, 2011), and simulation, whilst delivering sound training and an introduction to research in computation and statistics, including exciting new areas such as e-science and cloud computing. Newcastle is among the pioneers of the field in the UK and hosted the £4m EPSRC-funded CARMEN project for managing and processing electrophysiology data. It also leads the development of simulations of optogenetic stimulation effects on human brain tissue as part of the £10m EPSRC/Wellcome Trust-funded CANDO project (http://www.cando.ac.uk/) Newcastle has strong links with the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF). Currently, members of the faculty lead the data-sharing special interest group and the UK special interest groups in image-based Neuroinformatics and brain connectivity as well as in neurally-inspired engineering. *COURSE CONTENT* Semester 1 contains modules to build the basic grounding in, and understanding of, Neuroinformatics theory and applications, together with necessary computational and numeric understanding to undertake more specialist modules next semester. Training in mathematics and statistics is also provided. Semester 2 introduces modules that focus heavily on introducing subject-specific research skills and includes three option slots for choosing modules. A major part of the Newcastle MSc in Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics is a research project that will occupy approximately six months. This project may be associated with staff in any of the Schools mentioned above, thus providing a wide range of exciting areas in which the newly learnt Neuroinformatics skills can be deployed. *HOW TO APPLY* Applications for this program are now being accepted. You can apply online using the electronic application system with the degree identifier 5199F. Please check http://www.ncl.ac.uk/computing/study/postgrad/taught/5199/ for more information. Best, Marcus -- Marcus Kaiser, Ph.D. Associate Professor (Reader) in Neuroinformatics Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems (ICOS) Research Group School of Computing Science Newcastle University Claremont Tower Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK Lab website: http://www.dynamic-connectome.org/ Neuroinformatics@Newcastle: http://neuroinformatics.ncl.ac.uk/

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[meetings] Living Machines IV: Second Call for Papers, Satellite Events and Sponsors
by Nathan F Lepora Jan. 22, 2015

Jan. 22, 2015

______________________________________________________________ Second Call for Papers, Satellite Events and Sponsors Living Machines IV: The 4th International Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems 27th to 31st July 2015 http://csnetwork.eu/livingmachines To be hosted at the La Pedrera Barcelona, Spain In association with the Universitat Pompeu Fabra Accepted papers will be published in Springer Lecturer Notes in Artificial Intelligence Submission deadline March 16th, 2015 ______________________________________________________________ ABOUT LIVING MACHINES 2015 The development of future real-world technologies will depend strongly on our understanding and harnessing of the principles underlying living systems and the flow of communication signals between living and artificial systems. Biomimetics is the development of novel technologies through the distillation of principles from the study of biological systems. The investigation of biomimetic systems can serve two complementary goals. First, a suitably designed and configured biomimetic artefact can be used to test theories about the natural system of interest. Second, biomimetic technologies can provide useful, elegant and efficient solutions to unsolved challenges in science and engineering. Biohybrid systems are formed by combining at least one biological component—an existing living system—and at least one artificial, newly-engineered component. By passing information in one or both directions, such a system forms a new hybrid bio-artificial entity. The following are some examples: • Biomimetic robots and their component technologies (sensors, actuators, processors) that can intelligently interact with their environments. • Active biomimetic materials and structures that self-organize and self-repair. • Biomimetic computers—neuromimetic emulations of the physiological basis for intelligent behaviour. • Biohybrid brain-machine interfaces and neural implants. • Artificial organs and body-parts including sensory organ-chip hybrids and intelligent prostheses. • Organism-level biohybrids such as robot-animal or robot-human systems. ACTIVITIES The main conference will take the form of a three-day single-track oral and poster presentation programme, 29th to 31st July 2015, hosted at the La Pedrera, Barcelona, Spain. The conference programme will include five plenary lectures from leading international researchers in biomimetic and biohybrid systems, and the demonstrations of state-of-the-art living machine technologies The full conference will be preceded by up to two days of Satellite Events hosted by the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona. SUBMITTING TO LIVING MACHINES 2015 We invite both full papers and extended abstracts in areas related to the conference themes. All contributions will be refereed and accepted papers will appear in the Living Machines 2015 proceedings which we expect to be published in the Springer-Verlag LNAI Series. Full papers (up to12 pages) are invited from researchers at any stage in their career but should present significant findings and advances in biomimetic or biohybid research; more preliminary work would be better suited to extended abstract submission (minimum 4 pages). Further details of submission formats will be circulated in an updated CfP and will be posted on the conference web-site. Full papers will be accepted for either oral presentation (single track) or poster presentation. Extended abstracts will be accepted for poster presentation only. Authors of the best full papers will be invited to submitted extended versions of their paper for publication in a special issue of Bioinspiration and Biomimetics. Satellite events Active researchers in biomimetic and biohybrid systems are invited to propose topics for 1-day or 2-day tutorials, symposia or workshops on related themes to be held 27-28th July at Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Events can be scheduled on either the 27th or the 28th or across both days. Attendance at satellite events will attract a small fee intended to cover the costs of the meeting. There is a lot of flexibility about the content, organisation, and budgeting for these events. Please contact us if you are interested in organising a satellite event! EXPECTED DEADLINES March 16th, 2015 Paper submission deadline May 1st, 2015 Notification of acceptance May 22nd, 2015 Camera ready copy July 27-31 2015 Conference SPONSORSHIP Living Machines 2015 is sponsored by the Convergent Science Network (CSN) for Biomimetics and Neurotechnology. CSN is an EU FP7 Future Emerging Technologies Co-ordination Activity that also organises two highly successful workshop series: the Barcelona Summer School on Brain, Technology and Cognition (http://bcbt.upf.edu/bcbt12/) and the Capocaccia Neuromorphic Cognitive Engineering Workshop. The 2015 Living Machines conference will also be hosted and sponsored by the Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Call for Sponsors. Other organisations wishing to sponsor the conference in any way and gain the corresponding benefits by promoting themselves and their products to through conference publications, the conference web-site, and conference publicity are encouraged to contact the conference organisers to discuss the terms of sponsorship and necessary arrangements. We offer a number of attractive and good-value packages to potential sponsors. ABOUT THE VENUE Living Machines 2015 returns to the venue of our first conference at the beautiful biomimetic building La Pedrera (Casa Mila) (https://www.lapedrera.com/en/home) designed by renown modernist architect Antoni Gaudi. Attendees at the conference will get a free ticket to visit this historic building in the centre the Barcelona. Workshops will be held at the Poblenou Campus of Universitat Pompeu Fabra, close to hotel and restaurant area of the Diagonal and Ramblas de Poblenou and a short walk from Barcelona’s famous beaches. Organising Committee: Paul Verschure, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Co-chair) Tony Prescott, University of Sheffield (Co-chair) Stuart Wilson, University of Sheffield (Program Chair) Anna Mura, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Communications, Local Organiser) Nathan Lepora, University of Bristol (Communications) Carme Buisan University Pompeu Fabra (Treasurer)[AM1]

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