- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

6th CN³ Summer School | Ulster University | 12–19 August 2026

by O'Donnell, Cian

[cn3 -white long export(a)2x.png] We are pleased to invite you to the 6th CN³ Summer School — Computational Neuroscience, Neurotechnology & Neuro-inspired AI — to be held at Ulster University, Derry~Londonderry, UK, from 12 to 19 August 2026. Now in its sixth edition, CN³ brings together students, researchers, and industry professionals for an intensive eight-day programme at the intersection of brain science and artificial intelligence. The school combines expert-led lectures with hands-on sessions, providing both a rigorous foundation and exposure to the latest developments in the field. Please note: This edition is open for in-person participation only, with places limited to 20 attendees. Online participation will be available separately from 1 July 2026. Programme Topics covered across the eight days include: * Mathematical foundations of neuroscience * Computational modelling of neural-glial systems & cognition * NeuroAI & Neuro-Inspired AI * Neural data science * Cutting-edge neurotechnology * Neuromorphic computing & intelligent self-repairing machines * Cognitive robotics * Entrepreneurship in neurotech & AI Who Should Apply CN³ welcomes applications from MSc and PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, academics, and industry professionals with an interest in computational neuroscience, neurotechnology, or AI. The programme is designed to be accessible across disciplines — prior knowledge in any one of these areas is sufficient to participate fully. Application Deadlines In-person applications are now open. Given the limited number of places, early applications are encouraged. Applicants requiring a visa: 30 April 2026 All other in-person applicants: 31 May 2026 Online registration opens: 1 July 2026 (separate process — details to follow) Apply: ulster.ac.uk/conference/isrc-cn3-summer-school<https://www.ulster.ac.uk/conference/isrc-cn3-summer-school> We look forward to welcoming you to Derry~Londonderry this August. Kind regards, The CN³ 2026 Organising Committee 6th CN³ Summer School — Computational Neuroscience, Neurotechnology & Neuro-inspired AI Ulster University, Derry~Londonderry, UK ulster.ac.uk/conference/isrc-cn3-summer-school<https://www.ulster.ac.uk/conference/isrc-cn3-summer-school> This email and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee and may contain information which is covered by legal, professional or other privilege. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager at postmaster(a)ulster.ac.uk and delete this email immediately. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Ulster University. The University's computer systems may be monitored and communications carried out on them may be recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes. Ulster University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of a separate attachment, the text of email is not intended to form a binding contract. Correspondence to and from the University may be subject to requests for disclosure by 3rd parties under relevant legislation. The Ulster University was founded by Royal Charter in 1984 and is registered with company number RC000726 and VAT registered number GB672390524.The primary contact address for Ulster University in Northern Ireland is Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT52 1SA

March 24, 2026

Final call: Tenure Track Research Positions in Complex Networks and Brain Dynamics

by Jaroslav Hlinka

Tenure Track Research Positions in Complex Networks and Brain Dynamics The Institute of Computer Sciences of the Czech Academy of Sciences (ICS CAS), Prague, Czech Republic, invites applications for tenure‐track positions in Computer Science and related areas fitting and/or expanding some of its current research areas. The Complex Networks and Brain Dynamics group (https://cobra.cs.cas.cz/ <http://cobra.cs.cas.cz/>) invites applicants with interest to develop research agenda at the border of computer science & AI with neuroscience & complex systems research. For informal inquiries write to Jaroslav Hlinka at hlinka(a)cs.cas.cz <mailto:hlinka@cs.cas.cz>. We offer a full-time position, which includes the following benefits: * Freedom and support to develop an independent research program. * Flexible working conditions, including the option to work part-time. * Initial salary matching the local price level (monthly gross salary 55-80 thousand CZK based on qualifications and experience – approximately 47-68 thousand CZK net salary including non-taxable benefits). Salary top-up based on regular evaluations and successful grant applications (20-100% / FTE on grants). * Annual bonuses based on research performance. * Social and health care insurance. * Five weeks of paid vacation on top of public holidays. * Travel package up to 100 000 CZK for conferences and research stays. * Child care facilities in the institute’s building. * Highly attractive and safe location (Prague). We encourage you to apply, if you: * Hold a Ph.D. degree, * have an excellent research record in a relevant field (relative to your career stage), * show the potential to build an independent research group and acquire research funding. Conditions of contractYou will be appointed for up to 3 years initially and your performance will be evaluated towards the end of this period. In case of a positive review, you will be eligible for an extension or a tenured appointment. Your involvement in graduate teaching programs and supervising graduate students will not be mandatory, yet welcomed by the Institute. To apply, submit your application to jobs(a)cs.cas.cz <mailto:jobs@cs.cas.cz>, mentioning the Ref. No. 2026/4 and including the following: * Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position, * curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and a description of the three most important research achievements, * description of your scientific interests and plans, including potential collaborations within and outside of the institute.Contact hlinka(a)cs.cas.cz for consulting the outline prior to submission. * 3 letters of recommendation. The referees should send their recommendations directly to jobs(a)cs.cas.cz <mailto:jobs@cs.cas.cz>. The closing date for application is 31th March 2026. About us: The Complex Networks and Brain Dynamics group (https://cobra.cs.cas.cz/ <http://cobra.cs.cas.cz/>) focuses on the development and application of methods of analysis and modelling of real-world complex networked systems, with particular interest in the structure and dynamics of human brain function. Our main research areas are: Brain networks (Neuroimaging data analysis, Brain dynamics modelling), Causal interaction inference (Causality and information flow inference, Nonlinearity and nonstationarity), Complex network analysis (Graph theory, Machine learning and multivariate statistics, Application in neuroscience, climate research, economics, …). COBRA is a part of theDepartment of Complex Systems <https://www.cs.cas.cz/complex-systems/en>of theInstitute of Computer Science <https://www.cs.cas.cz/>of theCzech Academy of Sciences <https://www.cas.cz>. The Czech Academy of Sciences is the largest organization conducting foundational research in the Czech Republic. -- Jaroslav Hlinka Head of the Department of Complex Systems Deputy Director, Institute of Computer Science Czech Academy of Sciences Pod Vodarenskou vezi 2 Prague 8, 182 00, Czech Republic Tel: (+420) 26605 3808 E-mail: hlinka(a)cs.cas.cz Web: http://www.cs.cas.cz/hlinka/ Complex Networks and Brain Dynamics Group (COBRA): http://cobra.cs.cas.cz Brain Dynamics consortium project (BRADY): https://brady.cs.cas.cz/

March 23, 2026

Announcement: pymdp 1.0.0 (JAX backend for active inference modeling)

by Conor Heins

Dear colleagues, I would like to announce the release of pymdp 1.0.0, an open-source Python package for building and simulating active inference agents with discrete POMDP generative models. Repository: https://github.com/infer-actively/pymdp Documentation: https://pymdp-rtd.readthedocs.io/en/latest/ Examples: https://pymdp-rtd.readthedocs.io/en/latest/tutorials/notebooks/ Release notes: https://github.com/infer-actively/pymdp/releases/tag/v1.0.0 pymdp was originally developed as a NumPy-based library implementing core active inference routines for perception, planning, learning, and action selection. Version 1.0.0 is a substantial update that rebuilds the library around a JAX backend. Main changes in 1.0.0 include: - GPU/TPU-ready simulation of agents and environments - autodifferentiable inference, planning, learning, and action selection - JIT-compiled agent-environment loops for substantially faster execution - straightforward batching over agents and environments via vmap() - easier integration with JAX-native probabilistic programming tools such as NumPyro <https://github.com/pyro-ppl/numpyro> and pybefit <https://github.com/dimarkov/pybefit> In addition to the backend rewrite, the release includes several algorithmic and modeling improvements: - tree-search planning with sophisticated inference <https://arxiv.org/abs/2006.04120>, with compatibility with Monte Carlo Tree Search through DeepMind's mctx package - inductive inference, which augments planning with backward goal-reachability constraints and is particularly useful in long-horizon, deterministic or near-deterministic settings - exact HMM filtering and smoothing with associative scan - optimized differentiable implementations of marginal message passing and variational message passing - support for sparse dependency structure in large graphical models - more flexible many-to-many action dependencies between control factors and hidden-state factors One motivation for the JAX transition was to make active inference models easier to integrate into modern differentiable and probabilistic workflows. We expect this to be especially useful for researchers working in computational neuroscience, cognitive modeling, and computational psychiatry, where fitting decision-making models to behavior is a common goal. Feedback, bug reports, and contributions are very welcome. Best wishes, Conor Heins

March 23, 2026

Consciousness Commons (ASSC satellite): build a study in 2 days + $25,000 seed funding

by Lucia Melloni

Dear all, What if we created a space to move from ideas to concrete research on consciousness, together? Right after ASSC 2026, we are organizing Consciousness Commons: Building Collaborative Science with Open Consciousness Data, a two-day satellite workshop in Santiago, Chile (July 4–5, 2026). Consciousness Commons is designed for early-career researchers who want to move from ideas to concrete research. Working in interdisciplinary teams, participants will develop hypothesis-driven projects using openly available datasets, including those from the Cogitate consortium, with a strong focus on reproducibility and preregistration. By the end of the workshop, each team will leave with a fully specified, preregistered study. Projects will also be eligible to compete for $25,000 in seed funding to support further development. Key details: Open to PhD students, postdocs, and early-career researchers (≤10 years post-PhD) Pre-event virtual kick-off: May 18–19 (TBC) Application deadline: April 13, 2026 More information: https://consciousness-commons.github.io/cc-assc-2026 Apply here: https://forms.gle/c1xpSTk2sJ3oTzHZ6 Please share this opportunity with interested students and colleagues. Best wishes, The Consciousness Commons Team -- Lucia Melloni

March 23, 2026

Registration is now open for BrainNet 2026 workshop!

by Pascal Helson

Dear all, We are thrilled to announce the BrainNet 2026 workshop, the event's 5th edition! If you're interested in exploring multidisciplinary approaches to brain data and brain functions, we cordially invite you to attend the BrainNet 2026 in Stockholm, Sweden, from May 25th to 27th. Our interdisciplinary set of speakers will showcase state-of-the-art methods for analysing and explaining brain data, offering insights from both theoretical and experimental perspectives. This year’s theme is ”A multi-scale view of the brain". The event is hybrid, you can participate either in person or virtually. For on-site participants, you can submit an abstract for giving a contributed talk! Talk submission closes on 12th of April 2026 and on-site registration closes on 10th of May 2026. The confirmed speakers are: Cornelis Stam, VU University Medical Center Francesca Mastrogiuseppe, SISSA Alex Roxin, Centre de Recerca Matemàtica Marilyn Gatica, Northeastern London Stefano Sarao Mannelli, Chalmers and Gothenburg University Rikkert Hindriks, VU University Amsterdam Nicolas Brunel, Bocconi University Moritz Helmstaedter, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research Tomoki Fukai, OIST Sofie Ährlund-Richter, MIT Ramòn Nartallo-Kaluarachchi, University of Oxford Gilad Silberberg, KI Sarah Vandenbulcke, KTH Madeleine Skeppås, Uppsala University Paolo Medini, Umeå University This is a unique opportunity to connect with the experts and the participants, the event is structured with ample time for discussions. You can find more details, including the registration link, on the BrainNet 2026 webpage <https://brainnet26.github.io/>. We look forward to seeing you there! Please distribute the link in your networks for anyone who might be interested in attending. Best regards, The BrainNet 2026 Organising Committee: Pascal Helson, IMN University of Bordeaux Arvind Kumar, KTH Henri Riihimäki, Nordita / Stockholm University Jason Smith, Nottingham Trent University Sarah Vandenbulcke, KTH BrainNet funding: BrainNet 2026 is supported by the Strategic Research Area Neuroscience (StratNeuro) [Karolinska Institute, Umeå University and KTH], the Wallenberg Initiative on Networks and Quantum Information (WINQ) program [Nordita institute] and Digital Futures [KTH, Stockholm University and RISE].

March 23, 2026

World wide VVTNS series (6th season): Neural Manifolds in Spinal Networks that Orchestrate Movement | Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11:00 am ET -Rune Berg, University of Copenhagen

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 Rune Berg University of Copenhagen on the topic of Neural Manifolds in Spinal Networks that Orchestrate Movement The lecture will be held on zoom on March 25 ,2026, at *11:00 am ET * WARNING: USA IS AT SUMMER TIME. 11am ET = 3pm GMT=4pm CET > To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > *Abstract: *How does a cat gracefully walk and suddenly freeze when spotting a mouse? In this talk, we look at how networks in the spinal cord generate movement. In particular, we address the fundamental yet poorly understood question of motor control: How can rhythmic movements, such as walking, be generated and stopped at any point in the cycle while posture is preserved? Since conventional models of spinal motor function rely on alternation between flexor and extensor modules, which are limited to just two phases, this question exposes the essential shortcoming of the conventional understanding: How can a system with only two phases generate and stop walking in any phase? To address this question and better understand the generation and stopping of motor activity, we use Neuropixels probes in the rat spinal cord during voluntary, freely moving locomotion. We utilize optogenetic activation of a brainstem nucleus to induce stopping. During locomotion, neuronal manifold activity exhibits robust rotational patterns that are topologically invariant with respect to speed (Linden 2022). Furthermore, this trajectory converges on a stable point-attractor precisely at the moment of arrest, and it persists until the movement is resumed. Through computational modeling, we propose that the walk-to-stop represents a bifurcation from a limit cycle to a fixed point attractor. We also propose a structural network mechanism for its physical implementation (Komi 2026). The structural mechanism entails a longitudinal projectome with a skewed Mexican hat topology, i.e., primarily local recurrent excitation and longer-range inhibition. Such a network can generate motor patterns via traveling waves, with frequency and amplitude controlled independently, and rhythm induced without requiring cellular pacemaker mechanisms. Together, our experimental observations support a new theory for the mechanism behind the generation of movement by networks in the spinal cord. *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

March 22, 2026

PhD position in Neurotechnology in the Reichenbach lab, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

by Reichenbach, Tobias

The Chair for Sensory Neuroengineering at the Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering is looking for a PhD student to work on an innovative project in neurotechnology. Together with partners in the Cluster4Future SEMECO (TU Dresden, MED-EL, Fraunhofer) you will develop a Brain-Computer-Interface (BCI) for the next generation of hearing prosthetics. To this end you will develop AI methods for analyzing brain signals and for steering the processing of acoustic signals. The prototype hearing prosthetic with neurofeedback should be then be able to abadjust to the needs of their users and to adapt in real time. AI at the interface to neurobiology is a highly timely topic of immense societal relevance. We offer you the possibility to actively shape this exciting and rapidly developing field. We support your work through: - A lively scientific environment within the Department and the possibility to cooperate with excellent partners at the TU Dresden, at the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg as well as with industry partners - An excellent environment to conduct leading science and to realise own scientific ideas - An excellent training in the development of AI methods for neuronal data - Development of your personal strengths, for instance through extensive courses on personal development - 26 days of holiday per year The renumeration is according to Group 13 of the German public service (TV-L). FAU is the most innovative university in Germany and ranks second among the most innovative European universities. It is located in one of the most attractive regions in Germany. Erlangen is a bicycle-friendly city with 100,000 inhabitants, former home of the Huguenots as well as a key location for industry. It is close to Nuremberg, a city with a population of half a million and a metropolitan flair. The mixture of academia, innovative companies, art and culture makes the region the perfect place for creative minds, keen athletes and nature lovers. To apply, please send a letter detailing your motivation, a CV, copies of your degrees and details of two referees. Please combine all documents into a single pdf and send them per email with subject “Application PhD student” to Prof. Dr. Tobias Reichenbach (tobias.j.reichenbach(at)fau.de). Applications will be considered until the 10th of April 2026. The preferred start date of the PhD position is the 1st of October 2026. More information is available here: https://www.neurotech.tf.fau.eu/phd-position-in-sensory-neurotechnology/ ------------------------------------------- Prof. Dr. Tobias Reichenbach Chair of Sensory Neurotechnology Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE) Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg Nürnberger Strasse 74 91052 Erlangen https://www.neurotech.tf.fau.eu/

March 20, 2026

call for papers: Formal Models and Empirically Informed Simulations of Interpersonal Dynamics

by Peter Dayan

Dear colleagues, We would like to draw your attention to the Call for Papers for the Special Issue "Formal Models and Empirically Informed Simulations of Interpersonal Dynamics" in the journal Zeitschrift für Psychologie (a journal published in English with a German title). The submission deadline for proposals is July 15, 2026, and the submission deadline for full manuscripts is November 15, 2026. Further information can be found at: https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/10.1027/2151-2604/a000619 Kind regards, Stefan Westermann and Peter Dayan --- Topic of the Special Issue: Within a dyad of two interacting individuals, each serves as the environment for the other and, in turn, experiences the other as their environment. Capturing the complex interpersonal dynamics that emerge from this interdependence is a major psychological and computational challenge. Interactions become even richer given polyadic relationships and larger groups. Mathematical and computational methods offer powerful tools for uncovering the mechanisms that shape such interact ions. The topical issue "Formal models and empirically informed simulations of interpersonal dynamics" will highlight recent advances in applying such methods to the study of interpersonal processes. We invite contributions from across psychological disciplines - including social, clinical, and personality psychology - that employ frameworks such as agent-based modeling, evolutionary game theory, Bayesian modeling, active inference, and related approaches to provide formal ways of representing, simulating, and analyzing interpersonal phenomena. Both purely theory-driven, formal models and empirically informed simulations are welcome, offering insights into the emergence, maintenance, and change of interpersonal patterns.

March 19, 2026

Computational Neuroscience Introductory School (Stream I): Training Instructors Application

by Tolulope Gbayisomore

The African Computational Neuroscience Education Initiative (ACNEI) invites applications for Training Instructors (TIs) for our *Computational Neuroscience Introductory School (Stream I) for young African scholars.* *About the Training Program* Virtual Training: 11th-22nd May 2026 (TIs participate alongside students) Training at specific regional hubs (optional for participants): 23th -27th May 2026 (Hands-on projects with open-access datasets and networking) *Training Instructor Responsibilities* Each Training Instructor will manage 5-10 undergraduate students during the virtual training, guiding them through: - Provided course resources and materials - Practical computational neuroscience exercises - Mentorship and Q&A support *Timeline * *Application Window*: *16th March - 1st April 2026* *How to Apply:* Complete your application at: https://forms.gle/FA6EPPhKsxnfx3m28 before 1st April 2026, 11:59 PM UTC. NB: If you need more information about the program modality, you can register for any of the Q&A sessions (*24th March - 28th March 2026) *before submitting the application. Register here: https://forms.gle/vrqUQD1rg3UeU79a8 For inquiries, contact contact(a)acnei.org or our Science Communications Lead at c.martina(a)acnei.org Regards, Program Development Lead, African Computational Neuroscience Education Initiative (ACNEI <www.acnei.org>)

March 19, 2026

2026 NEURON Summer Course

by McDougal, Robert

The 2026 NEURON Summer Course will be held at Duke University in Durham, NC from Wednesday, June 10, through Monday, June 15, 2026. The course will present a thorough introduction to computational modeling of neurons and networks with the NEURON simulator (https://www.neuronsimulator.org) and is suitable for individuals at all levels of expertise. The registration deadline is Monday, June 1, 2026. No applications will be accepted after that date, and there will be no on-site registration. Space is limited, and applications will be considered in the order received. For more information and the on-line registration form, see https://github.com/neuronsimulator/nrn/discussions/3729

March 19, 2026