- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

[WCCI 2018 Special Session] Interpretable Deep Learning Classifiers

by Teng Teck Hou

[Apologies for cross-postings] Special Session on Interpretable Deep Learning Classifiers IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence 8 - 13 July 2018, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil www.ieee-wcci.org Chairs: Plamen P. Angelov, Lancaster University, UK p.angelov(a)lancaster.ac.uk Jose C. Principe, University of Florida, principe(a)cnel.ufl.edu Synopsis: Deep Learning is becoming a synonym of highly precise (reaching or surpassing capabilities of a human) computational intelligence technique. Very interesting and important results were reported recently in both scientific literature and also grabbed the imagination of the wider public and industry helping propel the interest towards AI, neural networks, machine learning. It was applied mostly to solve classification problems in image processing, but also for predictive tasks in speech processing and other problems. Despite the undoubted success in achieving high precision and avoiding handcrafting in feature selection a number of issues remain unresolved, such as: i) transparency and interpretability; ii) the requirement for extremely large training data set, computational resources and time; iii) overfitting and catastrophic failures with high confidence in some cases; iv) convergence proof for the case of reinforcement learning; v) rigid structure unable to be adapted/to dynamically evolve with new samples and/or new classes; vi)repeatability of the results. Methodologically, the vast majority of the techniques of this hot and quickly developing area are based exclusively on neural networks (convolutional, belief based, etc.). Very recently publications appear where the deep learning (multi-layer) architecture with different levels of abstraction is build based on fuzzy rulebased systems or fuzzy sets are used to represent coefficients/weights in Restricted Bolzman Machines, etc. The aim of the special session is to address the bottleneck issues listed above and discuss and represent alternative and most recent methods, techniques and approaches that can help resolve these issues. The specific sub-topics that will be of interest include: * Interpretable/Transparent Deep Learning * Computational and time complexity/efficiency of Deep Learning Methods * Repeatability of the results of Deep Learning Methods * Degree of confidence in the results of Deep Learning * Highly Parallelisable Deep Learning Methods * Deep Learning with proven convergence * Re-trainability and dynamically evolving structures/architectures for Deep Learning * Ensembles of Deep Learning Classifiers * Fuzzy Deep Rule-based Classifiers * Self-adaptive and Self-organising Deep Learning Architectures Also applications to: * Computer Vision * Image Classification * Robotics * Remote Sensing * Biology and Tomography * Surveillance and Defense * Industry 4.0 * Assistive Technologies and Digital Health Important dates: * Paper Submission Deadline 15 January, 2018 * Paper acceptance notification date 15 March, 2018 * Final paper submission deadline 1 May, 2018 Conference: 8-13 July, 2018 Submission Guidelines: Please follow the regular submission guidelines of WCCI 2018. Please notify the chairs of your submission by sending an email to: p.angelov(a)lancaster.ac.uk or principe(a)cnel.ufl.edu This special session is supported by the IEEE Task Forces on Deep Learning http://deeplearning.math.unipd.it/ and on Evolving and Adaptive Fuzzy Systems, http://www.caos.inf.uc3m.es/aefs/

Nov. 23, 2017

University of Sussex 4-year PhD Programme in Neuroscience

by Miguel Maravall

Dear comp-neuro colleagues, We are now inviting applications for the PhD Programme in Neuroscience at the University of Sussex, for entry in September 2018. Could you please kindly distribute to interested students - we are very interested in applications from students with quantitative (physical sciences/computing/math) backgrounds. Thank you Best wishes Miguel Maravall University of Sussex 4-year PhD Programme in Neuroscience Sussex Neuroscience is now inviting applications for September 2018 entry to our funded PhD Programme, which includes a first year of laboratory rotations and taught modules. These support a transition into neuroscience from other science disciplines such as physics and computing, and provide students with the opportunity to both broaden and deepen their experience of different neuroscience fields and techniques. More than 40 supervisors are offering research projects across the following thematic areas: Circuits, Systems and Computational Neuroscience Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Translational and Clinical Neuroscience Application Deadline: January 8th 2018 The Sussex campus is home to one of the largest neuroscience research communities in the UK, with strong interdisciplinary interactions between the biological and computational sciences. Our PhD Programme attracts some of the brightest students internationally. Home/EU fees are waived and a stipend is provided. We also welcome applications from non-EU students; we are able to contribute top-up funds to exceptional international students who have secured external funding. All students on the Programme can access financial support to attend conferences and additional training opportunities in the UK and overseas throughout their PhD. For further information and application instructions, please visit: www.sussex.ac.uk/sussexneuroscience/study/4yearphd<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/sussexneuroscience/study/4yearphd>

Nov. 22, 2017

a fantastic post-doc opportunity in the University of Cambridge

by Julija Krupic

Dear All, I am looking for talented and highly motivated researchers interested in studying how hippocampal spatial representations are generated and used for navigation. If you are interested please contact me directly krupiclab.com or apply here: http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BFR632/research-assistant-associate/ Best, Julija

Nov. 22, 2017

2018 Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop Call for Topic Proposals: Deadline 21.12.2017

by elisabetta chicca

The call for 2018 Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop Call for Topic Proposals is now open. The 2018 theme for the workshop is * Embodied Perception and Cognition*. Deadline for proposals is *21.12.2017*. See the call here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11tdwIIcJ75NagH5ENyQrG05z2pGKEt9EGRTOSWB… We look forward to your proposals. Regards, The 2018 Telluride Workshop Organizing Team -- Prof. Dr. Elisabetta Chicca CITEC - Bielefeld University Inspiration 1 33619 Bielefeld - Germany Tel.: +49 521 106-12043 Fax : +49 521 106-12348

Nov. 22, 2017

Postdoctoral position in Human Single Unit and Intracranial EEG to study Human Memory

by Zaghloul, Kareem (NIH/NINDS) [E]

Hi, I would like to post the following advertisement for an available post-doc position to the comp-neuro listserv. If you could help me with that, I would appreciate it. Please let me know if you need any more information. Thank you for your help, Kareem Kareem A. Zaghloul, MD, PhD Surgical Neurology Branch National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH Bldg 10, Rm. 3D20 10 Center Drive Bethesda, MD 20892-1414 O: 301-594-8114 F: 301-402-0380 The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is seeking a full-time post-doctoral position focused on understanding the neural correlates of human memory. This position involves studies focused on analyzing and manipulating human intracranial electrophysiological signals, including single-unit activity, local field potentials, and electrocorticography (ECoG), captured from patients with medically refractory epilepsy and from patients receiving deep brain stimulation surgery. Post-doctoral fellows will join a laboratory aimed at understanding the neural mechanisms that underlie human episodic memory formation and decision making and at developing novel and innovative techniques to directly communicate with those circuits. We are seeking candidates that are highly creative, motivated, and independent with a Ph.D. in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or a related field. Candidates must have a strong research background, with a record of relevant publications. Candidates will be encouraged and expected to participate in independent laboratory research, and will be expected to write scholarly manuscripts. Candidates must be able to lead and work well in a team. Candidates should have strong computational, quantitative, and/or engineering skills, with proficiency in developing custom code (Matlab, Python, etc.) for data analysis preferred. Past medical research is not required, but candidates must be willing to perform experiments in a clinical setting. Candidates will interact with clinical staff, graduate students, research fellows, and must have excellent spoken and written English skills. Applicants who will be attending either the Society for Neuroscience (Washington, DC), or American Epilepsy Society (Washington, DC) conferences can arrange for a meeting with the Principal Investigator, Dr. Kareem Zaghloul. Applicants should submit a brief statement of research activities and interests, a current CV, and names and contact information of at least three references. Salary will be commensurate with experience and accomplishments. To arrange a meeting with the PI and to send materials required for consideration for this appointment please contact Dr. Zaghloul at: zaghloulka(a)mail.nih.gov<mailto:zaghloulka@mail.nih.gov> NIH, an agency of DHHS, is an equal opportunity employer. All employees are subject to background investigation.

Nov. 22, 2017

[jobs] Fully funded MS/PhD student positions in Data Science, Bio-inspired Robotics, and Neural Engineering at IST, VISTEC, Thailand

by Poramate Manoonpong

Dear Colleagues, The School of Information Science and Technology (IST) at Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Thailand, welcomes all applicants for our international Master's and Doctoral degree program. Our school offers a competitive, English language, interdisciplinary, world-class PhD training and research program in Information Science and Technology. We have 20 fully funded Master and PhD student positions. Our program includes 2-years MS, 5-years MS+PhD, and 3-years PhD options. The students will be formally affiliated with the Master/PhD program at IST, VISTEC, Thailand. They will have the opportunity to develop new algorithms and research ideas and perform experiments on real hardware, e.g., High performance computing, Advanced robotic systems, Exoskeleton, and Brain computer interface systems. Our basic research under the IST umbrella focuses on main areas: Data Science, Cloud/HPC, IOT, Bio-inspired Robotics, and Neural Engineering. Data Science and Engineering (Large-Scale Analytics, Data Engineering, Data Mining, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning): We address various scalability issues in machine learning, data mining, database query processing. We are especially interested in developing solutions for machine learning problems with an extremely large number of classes and a scalable system for managing and storing various forms of high-dimensional data. Our application domains include (but not limited to) natural language processing, time series data management, geospatial data mining, business intelligence, IoT data analytics, and health data analytics. Bio-inspired robotics: We address how to develop brain-like mechanisms for adaptive motor control and autonomous learning of embodied multi-sensorimotor robotic systems (i.e., bio-inspired robots, exoskeleton). We also transfer the developed mechanisms (BRAIN technology) to application areas like human-machine interaction, brain-machine interface, and rehabilitation (see www.brain.vistec.ac.th<http://www.brain.vistec.ac.th/> for more details). Neural Engineering: We address an investigation of closed-loop EEG-based Brain Computer Interface (BCI) helps bridge the gap in communication between man and machine. Understanding patterns of brain activity from basic neuroscience research will help engineering to optimize the BCI system that could be applied in the real-world environment. Advanced signal processing techniques and pattern recognition methods such as machine learning, artificial neural network, and deep learning can improve the efficiency of BCI by increasing information transfer rate and accuracy. Ultimately, research based on BCI could lead to the development of novel tools used in both clinical and healthy populations (see www.brain.vistec.ac.th<http://www.brain.vistec.ac.th/> for more details). Financial Support: This studentship includes 1) fee bursary to cover the tuition fee rate 2) a maintenance allowance during the study, 3) grant of 1 Million Bath scholarship for international research experience. Person Specification: The successful applicant from any nationality will have a strong undergraduate (first class or upper second class) and/or Master's degree in 1) Science (Physics, Mathematics, Computer and related fields) 2)Engineering (Computer, Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, and related fields) 3) Applied Science (Information Technology, ICT, Machine Learning, and related fields) Applicants with excellent programming and analytical/mathematical skills as well as expertise and research interests lying at the intersection of Data science, Bio-inspired Robotics, and Neural Engineering are particularly welcome to apply. Applicants from non-English speaking countries will need to satisfy English language entry requirements. Application Documents: 1. CV 2. Official Transcripts 3. Statement of Purpose/ Statement of research interest Optional: 4. Letters of recommendation 5. English test score (TOEFL, IELTS, or other tests) 6. Publications, awards & honors 7. Portfolio and other relevant documents Applications should be submitted online by January 31st , 2018. http://www.vistec.in.th/admission/form.php http://www.vistec.in.th/admission/ For further information or questions please contact Box Leangsuksun E-mail: chokchai.l(a)vistec.ac.th<mailto:chokchai.l@vistec.ac.th> Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology, Wangchan Valley 555 Moo1 Payupnai, Wangchan, Rayong 21210 Thailand Tel: +6633-01-4116 Website of VISTEC: http://www.vistec.ac.th<http://www.vistec.ac.th/>

Nov. 21, 2017

Multiple academic positions in Cognitive Analytics Research Laboratory, Ulster University

by Wong-Lin, Kongfatt

Several academic positions in data analytics, including neuroinformatics, are available at Ulster University. They range from Lecturership (Assistant Professorship equivalent) to (Full) Professorship. The application deadline is 8 December 2017. Best, KongFatt Wong-Lin https://www.ulster.ac.uk/staff/k-wong-lin ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Professor of Data Analytics (2 posts)<https://atsv7.wcn.co.uk/search_engine/jobs.cgi?SID=amNvZGU9MTY5MTM4MCZ2dF90…> http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BFM233/professor-of-data-analytics-2-posts/ Readers/Senior Lecturers in Data Analytics (3 posts)<https://atsv7.wcn.co.uk/search_engine/jobs.cgi?SID=amNvZGU9MTY5MTM4MSZ2dF90…> http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BFM247/reader-senior-lecturer-in-data-analytics-3… Lecturers in Data Analytics (3 posts)<https://atsv7.wcn.co.uk/search_engine/jobs.cgi?SID=amNvZGU9MTY5MTM4NCZ2dF90…> http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BFM258/lecturer-in-data-analytics/ Ulster University – Cognitive Analytics Research Laboratory, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment An exciting opportunity to contribute to internationally recognised research and help shape the future of data analytics. Ulster is a university in the top 3% globally, where excellence in teaching is underpinned by world-leading research. Ranked as one of the world’s top 150 young universities and in the top 25% of UK universities for overall research, Ulster is ambitious, forward-thinking and outward-looking. Our new Cognitive Analytics Research Laboratory is Northern Ireland’s first data analytics institute. It is a £4 million investment that brings together businesses, government and advanced academic research expertise to find innovative application areas for cognitive analytics techniques. It is part of an exciting programme of investment in new infrastructure and initiatives driven by a five-year strategic vision to deliver a university that is sustainable and innovative with a strong international reputation. Ulster has a long history of expertise in data analytics in both machine learning algorithms and the application of analytical techniques across a diverse range of domains including Health and Neuroinformatics. We are seeking to appoint talented and creative people with a genuine passion for their work, who will deliver outstanding research and teaching that encourages innovation, leadership and vision. The appointment is permanent and is open to applications from individuals or teams. Location: Magee campus, Derry~Londonderry. Attractive reward package including a competitive starting salary, pension scheme and financial assistance with relocation. Closing date for applications: 8 December 2017. For more information about this opportunity visit: www.ulster.ac.uk/jobs<http://www.ulster.ac.uk/jobs> ------------------------------------------------ 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

Nov. 21, 2017

Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience and machine learning

by Maxim Bazhenov

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research position in the laboratory of Dr. Maxim Bazhenov at the University of California, San Diego to develop neuroscience inspired machine learning algorithms capable of continual learning and adapting to the novel situations and contexts.This project involves close collaboration with the experimental laboratory of Dr. Bruce McNaughton (UC Irvine). The ultimate goal of the work is to advance the knowledge of how human and animal brains learn from experience and apply these principles to the artificial systems to enable continuous learning without catastrophic forgetting. The successful candidate will collaborate with a team of researchers to design neural network models of dynamic interactions between the hippocampus and neocortex during learning and memory consolidation based on experimental data. These models will be used to derive learning principles that can be combined with advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning. An ideal candidate should have experience in computational/theoretical neuroscience and a basic knowledge of machine learning, or, alternatively, experience in machine learning algorithms and some basic knowledge ofneuroscience. Experience with hierarchical learning, reinforcement learning, and/or goal-directed decision-making would be particularly helpful. The University of California offers excellent benefits. Salary is based on research experience. Applicants should send a brief statement of research interests, a CV and the names of three references to Maxim Bazhenov at mbazhenov(a)ucsd.edu -- Maxim Bazhenov, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Medicine, Neurosciences Graduate Program, UCSD, School of Medicine http://www.bazhlab.ucsd.edu/

Nov. 20, 2017

NEST Conference 2017 --- Register NOW!

by Dennis Terhorst

Dear all! Coming up mid of December the community of NEST users and developers will meet to discuss neuroscientific work with NEST and the status and future of simulation technology on the NEST Conference 2017 to be held on 19/20 December 2017 (Tuesday/Wednesday, lunch to lunch) at Haus Overbach in Barmen near Jülich, Germany. After our very successful and stimulating meeting in Karlsruhe last November, we are greatly looking forward to 24 hours filled with presentations and discussions of NEST applications to computational neuroscience and neurorobotics projects and NEST technology development. You are cordially invited to contribute to the program with your contribution! We are grateful to the Human Brain Project Outreach Programme and Education Programme for financial support. Important deadlines: - 19 November 2017: Extended deadline for submission of contribution - 26 November 2017: Extended deadline for registrations For details, contribution submission and registration, please see https://indico-jsc.fz-juelich.de/event/52/overview We are looking forward to seeing you all in December! best, Dennis Terhorst -- Dipl.-Phys. Dennis Terhorst Coordinator Software Development Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6) Computational and Systems Neuroscience & Theoretical Neuroscience, Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Jülich Research Centre, Member of the Helmholz Association and JARA 52425 Jülich, Germany Building 15.22 Room 4004 Phone +49 2461 61-85062 Fax +49 2461 61- 9460 d.terhorst(a)fz-juelich.de

Nov. 17, 2017

Postdoc position in systems/computational neuroscience (retina)

by Philipp Berens

Dear all, Thomas Euler and I have a postdoc position available. Applications are sought for a Postdoc position for a collaborative project in the groups of Thomas Euler and Philipp Berens at the Institute for Ophthalmic Research , the CIN, and the Bernstein Centre for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) of the University of Tübingen. The project is part of the DFG Priority Programme „Computational Connectomics” (SPP 2041). The goal of the project is to combine functional imaging of excitatory and inhibitory signals with computational modeling based on connectomics data from electron microscopy to study the role of amacrine cell circuits in the retina. The candidate for the position ... must have a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. neuroscience) must have experimental skills ideally in functional 2P imaging, alternatively in electrophysiology has a strong background in neuroscience at the circuit or systems level, ideally in the visual system is proficient in modern programming languages (i.e. Python) is experienced in data analysis. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, independent, and able to learn quickly, is proficient in English verbal and written communication and has strong problem-solving skills. What we offer The positions is available immediately, with funding for 3 years and possible extension depending on further funding. The postdoc will work embedded in an highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, providing ample possibilities for career development. Applications should include a CV, a statement of research motivation and experience, and the names of at least two referees. Please compile your application in one single PDF-file and email it to positions(a)eulerlab.org. Further details: http://eulerlab.de/positions/ -- PD Dr. Philipp Berens (Group Leader) University of Tübingen Institute for Ophthalmic Research http://www.berenslab.org phone: +49-7071-2988833

Nov. 17, 2017