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6th Baltic-Nordic School on Neuroinformatics (BNNI 2018)

by Marja-Leena Linne

6th Baltic-Nordic School on Neuroinformatics BNNI 2018 Understanding the Brain: from Neuroscience to Deep Learning Don't miss the extended application deadline: 12 April 2018: Application deadline (extended) 15 April 2018: Acceptance notification 11-13 June 2018: School See more information and applications at: web.lsmuni.lt/bnni2018/en<http://web.lsmuni.lt/bnni2018/en> Place: Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Inženieru 101, Ventspils Latvia Time: 11-13 June 2018 We invite advanced master students, doctoral students, and postdoctoral researchers to participate in the BNNI 2018 to be held at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Ventspils, Latvia in June 2018. The course is interdisciplinary and covers modeling at different levels of organization of the brain. Additionally this year's training course is planned more diverse and will include also EEG/SEEG signal processing techniques, forward and inverse modeling of the brain and various aspects of deep learning algorithms. This school is the sixth in the series of the Baltic-Nordic Courses on Neuroinformatics (BNNI 2013 in Kaunas, Lithuania; BNNI 2014 in Tampere, Finland; BNNI 2015 in Tartu, Estonia; BNNI 2016 in Warsaw, Poland, BNNI 2017 in Kaunas, Lithuania). The target audience of the course will be advanced master students, doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers in biomedical and technology sciences, from medicine, biology, psychology, to mathematics, informatics, information technology, physics, chemistry, who would like to get an introduction to neuroinformatics and computational neuroscience. Some experience with programming and quantitative reasoning as well as strong interest in computational and mathematical modeling of the brain will be desirable but not necessary to benefit from the school. Last year we had participants from 14 countries all over the world! Faculty includes: Marja-Leena Linne, Tampere University of Technology, Finland; The Human Brain Project Bruce Graham, University of Stirling, UK Daniel Wojcik, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland Arnd Roth, University College London, UK Peter Jedlicka, NeuroScience Center, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany Gaute Einevoll, UiO Department of Physics The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Norway Ausra Saudargiene, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania Radu Ranta, CRAN, University of Lorraine, France Louis Maillard, CHRU Hôpital central - Nancy, CRAN, University of Lorraine, France Janis Hofmanis, Smart Technology Research Center, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Ventspils, Latvia and others. Venue The lectures will be held at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Inženieru 101, Ventspils, Latvia. Practical arrangements There is a small tuition fee of 50 euros. The organizers will provide teaching materials, meals and coffee during the course. The participants are expected to cover their travel and health insurance expenses as well as lodging. Although Student accommodation will be available at a reduced cost. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences can provide a student dormitory rooms - 2 students per room, 2 rooms per block. One block costs 51 EUR (12,75 EUR for one person per night). We are looking forward to welcome you at the BNNI 2018 in Ventspils, Latvia!

April 3, 2018

[journals] CfP: Topical Issue on Deep Learning and Neural Systems in Robotics

by Di Nuovo, Alessandro

CALL FOR PAPERS Deep Learning and Neural Systems in Robotics Topical issue in PALADYN. Journal of Behavioural Robotics DESCRIPTION Deep Learning can equip robots with a new level of skill by utilizing insights from neuroscience. These new developments have impact on various types of robots, from companion robots to driver assistance in semi-autonomous vehicles. Deep Learning can enable unprecedented quality of results in tasks such as object detection, localization, communication and behavior learning. Training deep neural networks typically requires GPU workstations or high-performance computing servers. It may require huge amounts of data or innovative training schemes. These issues indicate only some of the special challenges when utilizing deep networks in robotics. Within this context the topics of this special issue include, but are not limited to: - Applications of deep learning - Software and hardware systems - Data acquisition for deep learning - Neural information processing systems - Deep learning training schemes and paradigms - GPU computing for deep learning - Software engineering for deep learning - Neural networks on low powered devices - Human robot interaction and communication - Cognitive, developmental and evolutionary robotics IMPORTANT DATES The deadlines for the submission are as follows: 15 June 2018 (publication in 2018) 15 December 2018 (publication in 2019) Notification of acceptance will be communicated as we progress with the review process. Individual papers will be reviewed and published online on an ongoing basis. HOW TO SUBMIT Authors are requested to submit their full version of papers to the Topical Issue complying also the general scope of the journal. The submitted papers will undergo the standard peer-review process before they can be accepted. All submissions to the Topical Issue must be made electronically via the journal online submission system Editorial Manager (http://www.editorialmanager.com/paladyn/) When entering your submission via online submission system please choose the option "TI on Deep Learning and Neural Systems in Robotics". All manuscripts will undergo the standard peer-review process (single blind, at least two independent reviewers). Submissions for the Topical Issue are now open. Contributors to the Topical Issue will benefit from: NO submission and publication FEES Free language assistance for authors from non-English speaking regions Fast online publication of articles (continuous publication model) Open Access to your article for all interested readers Indexation in SCOPUS Long-time preservation (articles archived in Portico) Extensive post-publication promotion GUEST EDITORS Stephan K. Chalup, University of Newcastle, Australia Alessandro Di Nuovo, Sheffield Hallam University, UK Alan D. Blair, University of New South Wales, Australia Aydan M. Erkmen, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Neil Vaughan, Royal Academy of Engineering / University of Chester, UK We are looking forward to your submission. If you have any question, please contact us at Stephan.Chalup(a)newcastle.edu.au or Justyna.Zuk(a)degruyteropen.com.

April 3, 2018

2018 Image Based Biomedical Modeling (IBBM) Course in Park City, Utah

by Rob MacLeod

Park City Summer Course in Image Based Biomedical Modeling (IBBM) July 16-26, 2018 Newpark Resort in Park City, Utah ibbm.sci.utah.edu <http://ibbm.sci.utah.edu/> Contact: ibbm(a)sci.utah.edu <mailto:ibbm@sci.utah.edu> The fellowships have been announced for the new edition of the Image Based Biomedical Modeling (IBBM) <http://ibbm.sci.utah.edu/> Summer Course in July, 2018 and now it is time to fill the rest of the class for this year. As always, capacity is limited so please do not delay too long to be assured of a spot. Registration Deadline: April 16, 2018 Registration fee: $2,050 (includes room, all breakfasts and lunches, and social events) Travel: Arrive Sunday, July 15 and depart Friday, July 27. Please visit the web site for more details or contact me directly (macleod(a)sci.utah.edu <mailto:macleod@sci.utah.edu>). For Graduate Students, Postdocs, Faculty, and Industry. We especially welcome participants who are underrepresented in health-related sciences. This course creates field-specific expertise and hands-on experience in bioelectric or biomechanical problems that arise in current biomedical research and clinical practice. It provides training in numerical methods, image analysis, and computational tools necessary to carry out end-to-end, image-based, subject-specific simulations in bioelectricity or biomechanics, using freely available software. Organizers: Rob Macleod, Jeff Weiss, and Ross Whitaker Scientific Computing and Imaging (SCI) Institute Supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Best, The IBBM Team

April 3, 2018

Fully funded PhD in Behavioral Neurophysiology at Sapienza University of Rome

by Stefano Ferraina

A fully funded 3-year PhD position beginning November, 2018 is available in the PhD School of Neuroscience and PhD program in Behavioral Neuroscience <https://goo.gl/c644> at Sapienza University of Rome. The call is open to non-resident researchers only. The selected candidate will be involved in the activity of the *Curriculum in Behavioral Neurophysiology* in the lab of one of the faculty members listed here <https://sites.google.com/a/uniroma1.it/dottorato-in-neuroscienze-del-compor…> . We are looking for excellent candidates with Neurobiology, Physics, or Mathematics background. Prior training and experience in neuroscience and neural data analysis is desirable. The successful candidate will be fully founded (€ 19.800,00 per year). For further information please email to: stefano.ferraina(a)uniroma1.it Deadline for completing the online application is April 23 2018 ----- *Stefano Ferraina, MD PhD* Full Professor of Neurophysiology Dept Physiology and Pharmacology Sapienza University Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome ITALY ph +39 0649910306; fax +39 0649690236

April 3, 2018

KogWis2018 Conference Call

by Constantin Rothkopf

KogWis 2018: 14th Biannual Conference of the German Cognitive Science Society Centre for Cognitive Science, Technische Universitaet Darmstadt S1|05: Hoersaal 122, Maschinenhaus, Magdalenenstrasse 12 Darmstadt, Germany, September 3-6, 2018 http://www.tu-darmstadt.de/kogwis2018 KogWis 2018 will be held in Darmstadt, Germany, and invites submissions of extended abstracts on current work in cognitive science. Generally all topics related to cognitive science are welcome. Contributions that address the focus of this meeting, that is, computational cognitive science are particularly encouraged. Computational approaches to cognitive science emphasize formalizing adaptive and intelligent behavior and have strong ties to machine learning and artificial intelligence. Confirmed keynote speakers: Frances Egan (Rutgers University) Noah Goodman (Stanford University) Mate Legyel (University of Cambridge) Iris van Rooij (Radboud University Nijmegen) Christopher Summerfiled (University of Oxford) Call for Presentations and Posters We call for extended abstracts for oral presentations and for posters. Submissions should be written in English, and be formatted according to the formatting guidelines below. Contributions must be submitted by 20 April 2018 via the EasyChair submission webpage: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=kogwis2018 All submissions will be peer-reviewed by members of the review committee. Acceptance will be based on novelty of research, significance of results, and quality of presentation. Accepted abstracts will be published in the online conference proceedings. All accepted contributions must be presented at the conference. So at least one author must register by the early registration deadline or the contribution will not be included in the program. The best submissions to KogWis 2018 will be selected for oral presentation at the conference. Important Dates Main conference: 03 - 06 September 2018 Submission deadline for extended abstracts: Friday, 20 April 2018 Notification of acceptance (presentations or posters): Monday, 28 May 2018 Early registration deadline: Monday, 02 July 2018 PhD Student Workshop Deadline: Monday, 23 July 2018 We are looking forward to meeting you in Darmstadt, Constantin Rothkopf, Dirk Balfanz, Ralf Galuske, Frank Jaekel, Kristian Kersting, Jakob Macke, Betty Mohler

April 2, 2018

DEADLINE APPROACHING -- InSpire - New Insights on Complex Neural Dynamics - 6-8 June - Paris

by A. Torcini

The deadline for the workshop is approaching InSpire - New Insights on Complex Neural Dynamics to be held on June, 6th-8th, 2018, at Institut d'Etudes Avancés - Maison Internationale de la Recherche at Neuville-sur-Oise (30 minutes from Paris with public transports) https://inspire2018parisseine.wordpress.com/ The workshop will represent an opportunity to bring together views from experimental and computational neuro-scientists as well as experts in the dynamics of complex systems. A common aim is to improve the knowledge of the mechanisms underlying neural activity in the brain. For registration, poster presentation and more details see here: https://inspire2018parisseine.wordpress.com/about/ deadline for registration: 20th April, 2018. The Organizers, Bruno Cessac, Antonio Politi, Marc Timme, and Alessandro Torcini

March 30, 2018

Two Junior Women Canadian Research Chair positions, Faculty of Engineering, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada

by Jean Rouat

The faculty of engineering from Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada is opening 2 Junior Women Canadian research chair positions. The research application domains are quite large and described on the web page: https://monemploi.sofe.usherbrooke.ca/sofe-service/f?p=103:40:0::NO:RP,40:P… My department (Electrical and Computer Eng.) is interested in recruiting candidates with expertises in neuroinformatics, neural networks and/or machine learning in relation with one of the domains described on the official announcement: neuroinformatics algorithms for neural networks/machine learning for embedded systems with low energy requirements, AI for transportation and mobility, neuronal prosthesis, etc. The deadline to submit to the dean of the faculty is 20 April 2018. Keywords: ———— Neural networks, Spiking neurons, Neurocomputational systems, Learning, Deep Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Human-machine interactions. All the best. Jean Rouat, Prof., coord. IGLU, http://iglu-chistera.github.io Université de Sherbrooke Université de Montréal Member of the centre for Interdisciplinary research Professeur titulaire, Professeur associé in Music Media and Technology NECOTIS: Computational Neurosciences Vision, neuroscience Lab McGill Schulich School of Music and Intelligent Signal Processing FAS- Sciences biologiques 527 Sherbrooke St. West Faculté de génie, GEGI, C1-3108 90 avenue Vincent-d’Indy Montreal, Qc, 2500 boul. de l'université Montréal, Qc, Canada, H3A 1E3 Sherbrooke, Québec Canada, H3C 3J7 Canada, J1K 2R1 Tél.: +1(819)-821-8000 ext. 63864 http://www.gel.usherbrooke.ca/rouat http://www.gel.usherbrooke.ca/necotis http://www.usherbrooke.ca/gelecinfo/fr/pers/profs/rouj-fr/ Jean.Rouat(a)umontreal.ca ou Jean.Rouat(a)usherbrooke.ca Publications (not updated): https://www.gel.usherbrooke.ca/rouat/publications/publiDeJRouat.html

March 29, 2018

Postdoctoral fellowships at the Neuromathematics Center in Sao Paulo State, Brazil

by Antonio Roque

The Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics (NeuroMat), hosted by the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and funded by FAPESP (São Paulo Research Foundation), is offering several postdoctoral fellowships for recent PhDs with outstanding research potential. The research will involve collaborations with experimental and theoretical groups and laboratories associated to NeuroMat and may be developed at USP São Paulo, USP Ribeirão Preto or Unicamp. We seek candidates capable to develop independent research in one of the research lines below. *1. *Stochastic and/or computational modeling of the brain functioning. *2. *Acquisition, processing and quantitative analysis of electrophysiological data. Candidates to the first research line are required to have at least one of the profiles below: - A strong background in probability theory with emphasis on stochastic processes. Previous knowledge of rigorous statistical mechanics or random graphs will be favorably considered. - A strong mathematical and/or computational background and experience with computers and programming. Previous experience with development and/or simulation of neural brain models, complex networks and parallel computing will be favorably considered. Candidates to the second research line are required to have at least one of the profiles below: - A strong background in neuroscience with previous experience in neurophysiological data acquisition, processing and analysis and knowledge of computer programming. Previous experience with multidisciplinary research teams is welcome. - A strong background in computer science with experience in the development of algorithms, software tools and data bases. Previous research experience in neuroscience or related areas will be favorably considered. The initial appointment is for one year, with a possible extension to up to four years, conditional on research progress. The fellowship is competitive at international level, and fellows benefit from extra funds for travel and research expenses plus limited support for relocation expenses. *Application Instructions * Applicants should complete and submit the application form at *neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/postdoc-form <http://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/postdoc-form>*. The following documents and information are requested (please see the form for further details): - Summary of the CV, in the FAPESP format (see *fapesp.br/en/6351 <http://fapesp.br/en/6351> *for instructions). - List of publications, with links to those available online. - A summary of your research plan for the next year, up to 5 pages length. It should explicitly address its place in the framework of the NeuroMat mission and research program. - Pointers to other research related output, such as software, web pages, and so forth. Candidates should be willing to send copies of publications, if requested. - Any further information deemed relevant to the application. In addition to the above, we require at least 2 recommendation letters. Those should be mailed by the recommenders directly to *postdoc-appl(a)numec.prp.usp.br <postdoc-appl(a)numec.prp.usp.br>*. Candidates are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience until April 25, 2018. Appointments are expected to start on June 1, 2018. This opportunity is open to candidates of any nationalities. The selected candidate will receive a FAPESP's Post-Doctoral fellowship in the amount of R$7.174,80 monthly and a research contingency fund, equivalent to 15% of the annual value of the fellowship which should be spent in items directly related to the research activity. More information about the fellowship is at: *www.fapesp.br/en/5427 <http://www.fapesp.br/en/5427>*. -- Dr. Antonio C. Roque Professor Associado Departamento de Fisica FFCLRP, Universidade de Sao Paulo 14040-901 Ribeirao Preto-SP Brazil - Brasil E-mails: antonior(a)usp.br <antonior(a)ffclrp.usp.br> aroquesilva(a)gmail.com URL: www.sisne.org Tels: +55 16 3315-3768 <+55%2016%203315-3768> (sala/office); +55 16 3315-3859 <+55%2016%203315-3859> (lab) FAX: +55 16 3315-4887 <+55%2016%203315-4887>

March 29, 2018

Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate Professor in Systems Neuroscience - Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

by Fleur Zeldenrust

Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate Professor in Systems Neuroscience (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands Link: http://www.ru.nl/werken/details/details_vacature_0/?recid=600469 As a tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor of Systems Neuroscience, your research programme will centre on bridging experimental and theoretical approaches to provide mechanistic insights in cognition and behaviour. Ideally, you have a focus on human neuroimaging using MEG, and potentially combine this with experimental approaches involving animal models for cognition and behaviour. You should be a well-trained academic with an internationally visible profile as evidenced by publications in top-ranked scientific journals. You should hold a PhD degree in systems neuroscience, neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience or a related discipline. We expect you will contribute to the training of undergraduate and graduate Science students and also students enrolled in the Research Master’s programme of Cognitive Neuroscience of the Donders Institute. Furthermore, you will supervise PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and non-academic technical staff. The position is intended for a junior faculty member to be appointed at the Assistant Professor level, but if you are an experienced candidate with an established research programme, external funding and significant teaching experience, you may be considered for an appointment at the Associate Professor level. Work environment The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class interfaculty research centre housing more than 600 researchers devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. Research at the Donders Institute is focused around four themes: 1. Language and communication, 2. Perception, action and control, 3. Plasticity and memory, and 4. Brain networks and neuronal communication. The Donders Institute was assessed by an international evaluation committee as ‘excellent’ and recognised as a ‘very stimulating environment, not only for top researchers but also for young talent’. The Donders Institute fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary, supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute. You will have your primary location at the Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging and will be embedded at the Donders Centre for Neuroscience of Radboud University’s Science Faculty. The Donders Institute has an MEG system (CTF, 275 channels), three 3T MRI systems, plus a 7T whole body system based in nearby Essen, EEG laboratories including a baby research lab, and NIRS and TMS laboratories. Scanning access to these facilities does not directly depend on the acquisition of third party funding. What we expect from you - several years of postdoctoral research experience; - the capability and proven ability to acquire research grants; - an aptitude for undergraduate and graduate teaching as evidenced by a university teaching qualification, or the willingness to acquire this certificate; - the proven ability to bridge experimental and more theoretical approaches; - a line of research that fits in with that of the Donders Institute; - a collaborative, open attitude and strong communication and management skills; - the qualities to become a successful research group leader. What we have to offer - employment: 0.8 - 1.0 FTE; - a maximum gross monthly salary of € 5,861 based on a 38-hour working week (salary scale 13); - in addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus; - starting salary will depend on experience; - duration of the contract: 6 years; - your performance will be evaluated after 6 years. If the evaluation is positive, you will be given a permanent contract; - you will be classified as an Assistant Professor (UD) or Associate Professor (UHD) in the Dutch university job-ranking system (UFO); - you will be able to make use of our Dual Career Service where our Dual Career Officer will assist with family related support, such as child care, and help your partner prepare for the local labour market and with finding an occupation. More information about our employment conditions: http://www.ru.nl/ english/working-at/why-work-at-radboud-university-0/terms-employment/ Radboud University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and as such encourages applications from women and minorities. Further information on the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour: <http://www.ru.nl/donders>http://www.ru.nl/donders/ For more information about this vacancy, please contact: Prof. Richard van Wezel, Scientific Director DCN Telephone: +3124 361 42 47 E-mail: r.vanwezel(a)donders.ru.nl <R.vanWezel(a)donders.ru.nl> You should upload your application (attn. of prof. Richard van Wezel) exclusively using the link on the website (see below).Your application should include (and be limited to) the following attachment(s): - CV including contact details of three references - research statement Deadline for application: 20 May 2018. Interviews will take place in June 2018. Link for application: http://www.ru.nl/werken/details/details_ vacature_0/?recid=600469 -- Fleur Zeldenrust Assistant Professor Department of Neurophysiology Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour Faculty of Science, Radboud University Heyendaalseweg 135, postvak 33, kamer 02.204 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands tel +31 24 36 53195

March 28, 2018

Job opening in Artificial Intelligence at Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE)

by Tassos Gmail

In the context of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Brain Sciences and Technology Initiative (AI@BRAIN), the Cognitive Engineering team of the Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE) <http://www.sinapseinstitute.org/> will be launching new projects and opening job positions at the introductory level for Senior Research Fellow, Research Fellow and Research Assistant. We are inviting researchers with undergraduate/bachelor degree in Computer Sciences, Computer Engineering, Mathematics/Informatics or relevant Science (e.g. neuroscience) and Engineering (e.g. EE) fields with expertise in AI disciplines: machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, machine perception and reasoning. Priority will be given to candidates with experience in multimodal data processing and multi-agent learning (e.g. deep multimodal learning methods, multimodal data fusion (e.g. graph-theoretic models, multilayer network analysis and community analysis). SINAPSE is a University-level Institute where research on brain, machine, and humans converge for many cutting-edge projects on brain-machine interface, robotics/prosthetics, and AI+cognitive sciences, giving the candidates a unique research environment, mentoring, and career-building experience. Accepted candidates will be involved in the development of AI algorithms for brain signal processing and analysis, as well as brain decoding (including cognitive state recognition, cognitive modeling and brain state modeling). Those who are interested in the jobs are invited to send their CV with two to three referee names and motivation letter to prof. Nitish Thakor (sinapsedirector(a)gmail.com <mailto:sinapsedirector@gmail.com> ), director of SINAPSE or to prof. Anastasios Bezerianos (anastasios.bezerianos(a)gmail.com <mailto:anastasios.bezerianos@gmail.com>). General Requirements: Fluency in written and spoken English (relevant certifications for candidates with no studying or working experience in English speaking countries), as well as Excellent communication skills and team working capabilities in multicultural environment, and independent and proactive character. Specific Requirments: 1. Senior Research Fellow; 1.1 Four (4) to eight (8) years Postdoctoral and/or Faculty position experience. 1.2 Research experience in AI models and algorithms. 1.3 Strong skills in Python and MATLAB programming 1.4 Fifteen (15) publications in international journals (five (5) as first or last author) and 20 book chapters and conference proceedings publications combined. 2. Research Fellow; 2.1 PhD degree in AI theory, models and applications 2.2 Minimum three3) years AI-relevant research experience. 2.3 Strong skills in Python and MATLAB programming 2.4 Minimum three (3) publications in international journals (two (2) as first author ) and 6 book chapters and conference proceedings publications combined 3. Research Assistant; 3.1 Bachelor degree 3.2 Undergraduate experience in AI courses and projects 3.3 Basic skills in Python and MATLAB programming 3.4 Relevant research experience and publications are an advantage Best Regards Tassos anastasios.bezerianos(a)gmail.com

March 28, 2018