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Neural plasticity for rich and uncertain robotic information streams. Call for participation to our upcoming Frontiers research topic.

by Andrea Soltoggio

Dear all, I would like to inform you that the research topic “Neural plasticity for rich and uncertain information streams”, hosted by Frontiers in Neurorobotics, has now opened for submission. Description: Models of adaptation and neural plasticity are often demonstrated in robotic scenarios with heavily pre-processed and regulated information streams to provide learning algorithms with appropriate, well timed, and meaningful data to match the assumptions of learning rules. On the contrary, natural scenarios are often rich of raw, asynchronous, overlapping and uncertain inputs and outputs whose relationships and meaning are progressively acquired, disambiguated, and used for further learning. Therefore, recent research efforts focus on neural embodied systems that rely less on well timed and pre-processed inputs, but rather extract autonomously relationships and features in time and space. In particular, realistic and more complete models of plasticity must account for delayed rewards, noisy and ambiguous data, emerging and novel input features during online learning. Such approaches model the progressive acquisition of knowledge into neural systems through experience in environments that may be affected by ambiguities, uncertain signals, delays, or novel features. This research topic promises to unveil fundamental properties and dynamics of neural learning system that are naturally immersed in a rich information flow. We invite papers describing advances in robotic neural learning systems that model adaptation or plasticity with a rich and realistic stream of information. Abstract Submission Deadline: Aug 11, 2014, Article Submission Deadline: Jan 12, 2015 Topic Editor(s): Andrea Soltoggio, Fran van der Velde Frontiers, a Swiss open-access publisher, recently partnered with Nature Publishing Group to expand its researcher-driven Open Science platform. Frontiers articles are rigorously peer-reviewed, can be disseminated freely and are widely read by your colleagues and by the broader scientific and medical research communities. The idea behind a research topic is to create an organized, comprehensive collection of several contributions, as well as a forum for discussion and debate. Contributions can be articles describing original research, methods, hypothesis & theory, opinions, etc. We have created a homepage on the Frontiers website (Frontiers in Neurorobotics) where all articles will appear after peer-review and where participants in the topic will be able to hold relevant discussions: http://www.frontiersin.org/Neurorobotics/researchtopics/Neural_plasticity_f… . Frontiers will also compile an e-book, as soon as all contributing articles are published, that can be used in classes, be sent to foundations that fund your research, to journalists and press agencies, or to any number of other organizations. As such, a manuscript accepted for publication incurs a publishing fee, which varies depending on the article type. Research Topic manuscripts receive a significant discount on publishing fees. Please take a look at this fee table: http://www.frontiersin.org/about/PublishingFees. Once published, your articles will remain free to access for all readers, and will be indexed in PubMed and other academic archives. As an author in Frontiers, you retain the copyright to your own papers and figures. Should you choose to participate, please confirm by sending me a quick email and then your abstract no later than Aug 11, 2014 using the following link: http://www.frontiersin.org/Neurorobotics/researchtopics/Neural_plasticity_f… With best regards, Andrea Soltoggio Guest Associate Editor, Frontiers in Neurorobotics www.frontiersin.org Lecturer in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Haslegrave Building, N.2.03 Loughborough University LE11 3TU UK

July 1, 2014

A multiscale perspective of the BRAIN Initiative

by Chi-Sang Poon

An upcoming paper titled "Multiscale fingerprinting of neuronal functional connectivity" in the journal Brain Structure and Function (in press) is available in MIT's open access collection: https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/88126 SUMMARY. Current cellular-based connectomics approaches aim to delineate the functional or structural organizations of mammalian brain circuits through neuronal activity mapping and/or axonal tracing. To discern possible connectivity between functionally identified neurons in widely distributed brain circuits, reliable and efficient network-based approaches of cross-registering or cross-correlating such functional-structural data are essential. Here, a novel cross-correlation approach that exploits multiple timing-specific, response-specific and cell-specific neuronal characteristics as coincident fingerprint markers at the systems, network and cellular levels is proposed. Application of this multiscale temporal-cellular coincident fingerprinting assay to the respiratory central pattern generator network in rats revealed a descending excitatory pathway with characteristic activity pattern and projecting from a distinct neuronal population in pons to its counterparts in medulla that control the post-inspiratory phase of the respiratory rhythm important for normal breathing, airway protection and respiratory-vocalization coordination. This enabling neurotracing approach may prove valuable for functional connectivity mapping of other brain circuits.

July 1, 2014

Reminder Announcement Special Session Neurotechnix 2014

by Martin Bogdan

Dear colleagues, it's my pleasure to announce in behalf of my co-chairs a special session at Neurotechnix 2014, 25- 26 October, 2014 - Rome, Italy (http://www.neurotechnix.org/BrainRehab.aspx) Brain-computer Interfaces and Brain Stimulation for Neurorehabilitation Important Dates Paper Submission: July 17, 2014 Authors Notification: July 31, 2014 Camera Ready and Registration: August 8, 2014 Scope Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and brain stimulation are unique methods for neurorehabilitation because they allow a direct interaction with the patient's brain. BCIs enable biofeedback approaches for paralyzed patients, while brain stimulation techniques modulate the activity of neuronal circuits to support brain reorganization. However, towards their application as reliable treatment options, important challenges such as a deeper understanding of neural (re-)organization, the design of suitable feedback and stimulation paradigms, the adaptation to individual patients and the transfer from the laboratory to clinical settings need to be faced. We invite neuroscientists, engineers and clinicians to submit papers discussing recent developments and future trends in the fields of neurostimulation and BCIs with a focus on their application towards the rehabilitation of patients. Topics: - Brain-computer interfaces - Decoding of brain activity - Neurofeedback - Brain stimulation - Closed-loop stimulation systems - Chronic pain - Stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases Paper Submission Prospective authors are invited to submit papers in any of the topics listed above. Instructions for preparing the manuscript (in Word and Latex formats) are available at: http://www.neurotechnix.org/GuidelinesTemplates.aspx#paper_templates Please also check the Guidelines and Templates. Papers should be submitted electronically via the web-based submission system at: http://www.insticc.org/Primoris Publication Both complete papers and extended abstracts can be submitted. All accepted extended abstracts will be published on CD-ROM without an ISBN, accepted papers will be published on CD-ROM support and in a special section of the congress proceedings book, under an ISBN reference. The proceedings are submitted for indexation by Thomson Reuters Conference Proceedings Citation Index (ISI), INSPEC, DBLP and EI (Elsevier Index). All papers and extended abstracts presented at the congress venue will also be made available at the SCITEPRESS DIGITAL LIBRARY. SCITEPRESS is member of CrossRef. -- ************************************************************************** Prof. Dr. Martin Bogdan Institut für Informatik Technische Informatik Universität Leipzig Augustusplatz 10 D-04109 Leipzig Germany Postadresse: PF 100920 D-04009 Leipzig Tel: (++49) 341 97 32208 Fax: (++49) 341 97 32252 E-mail: bogdan(a)informatik.uni-leipzig.de www.informatik.uni-leipzig.de/ti/ ************************************************************************** 'Nihil est ab omni parte beatum' (Horaz) **************************************************************************

July 1, 2014

PhD position, University of Genoa, Italy - 3D shape visual descriptors

by Silvio P. Sabatini

Applications are invited for one full-time PhD studentship (with scholarship) for a period of 3 years, starting Nov 2014, at “The Physical Structure of Perception and Computation” lab of the Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and System Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Italy. The proposed PhD research project will be focused on “Learning compositional visual representation of 3D shapes in vergent geometry”. The goal is to derive a deep architecture for abstracting the statistically relevant information present in the disparity patterns obtained by binocular fixations. Starting from a neuromorphic early representation of 2D binocular disparity, the resulting 3D visual descriptors should be characterized by generalized perceptual constancy. The project will provide the opportunity to work on neural modeling, visual psychophysics, computer vision, or a combination of them. Experimental, modeling, and theoretical approaches might be pursued with a different accent according to personal attitude. Ongoing cooperation, at international level, with research groups of different disciplines, will ensure a highly interdisciplinary and stimulating environment. Successful applicants will have at their disposal state-of-the-art sw and hw, 3D VR-AR experimental set-ups, a high precision 3D laser scanner, a large-scale CPU/GPU-based neuromorphic architecture for joint stereo and motion cortical representation, and an iCub 6dof binocular robot head. Successful applicants would have a good honors degree in bioengineering, computer science, physics or related disciplines, strong interest in computational neuroscience, and an open mind for interdisciplinary research. On-line application will be soon opening (deadline: August 30th, 2014 at 12:00 noon (Italian time/CET)) Prospective students, please contact: Silvio Sabatini (silvio.sabatini(a)unige.it) DIBRIS is a unique inter-school department of the University of Genoa, bridging together researchers from the former Science and Engineering Faculties. It offers an excellent multidisciplinary, interactive and collaborative research environment combining expertise in computer vision, computational neuroscience, neuromorphic computing, robotics and mechatronics. PSPC-Lab (www.pspc.unige.it) has a long-standing expertise in visual coding and multidimensional signal representation, robot perception and computer vision. In the last five years, the lab’s research activity focused on the analysis of the structural mechanisms of visuo-spatial cognition, responsible for orienting and interacting in the 3D space. -- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Silvio P. SABATINI, PhD [PSPC Research Group] Professor of Bioengineering DIBRIS - University of Genova | e_mail:silvio.sabatini@unige.it Via Opera Pia, 11A | phone: +39 010 3532092/3532794 I-16145 Genova (ITALY) | fax: +39 010 3532289/3536533 URL:http://pspc.unige.it --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Imagination is more important than knowledge..." [Albert Einstein]

July 1, 2014

PhD position, University of Genoa, Italy – Multidimensional peripersonal space sensing

by Silvio P. Sabatini

Applications are invited for one full-time PhD studentship (with scholarship) for a period of 3 years, starting Nov 2014, at “The Physical Structure of Perception and Computation” (PSPC) lab of the Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and System Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Italy. The proposed PhD research project will be focused on “Representing peripersonal space through sensorimotor likelihoods”. On the ground of the research framework developed in the PSPC lab at DIBRIS (see www.eyeshots.it, [1]), the activity will focus on the design of theoretical models by converting computational approaches from engineering into cortical-like models of implicit representations of the peripersonal space. Such implicit representations, besides advancing experimental predictions about neuronal activity, are expected to drive learning of meaningful interactions with the environment thus achieving fluid multi-dimensional motor control in the presence of multiple sensory channels, and with minimal a priori knowledge. [1] Antonelli M., Gibaldi A., Beuth F., Duran A.J., Canessa A., Chessa M., Solari F., del Pobil A.P., Hamker F., Chinellato E. and Sabatini S.P. (in press) A hierarchical system for a distributed representation of the peripersonal space of a humanoid robot. IEEE Trans. on Autonomous Mental Development. The project will provide the opportunity to work on neural modeling, visual psychophysics, robotics, or a combination of them. Experimental, modeling, and theoretical approaches might be pursued with a different accent according to personal attitude. Ongoing cooperation, at international level, with research groups of different disciplines, will ensure a highly interdisciplinary and stimulating environment. Full details on the call and the application procedure are available at: http://phd.dibris.unige.it/biorob/index.php/how-to-apply Successful applicants would have a good honors degree in bioengineering, computer science, physics or related disciplines, strong interest in computational neuroscience, and an open mind for interdisciplinary research. On-line application will be soon opening (deadline: August 30th, 2014 at 12:00 noon (Italian time/CET)) Prospective students, please contact: Silvio Sabatini (silvio.sabatini(a)unige.it) DIBRIS is a unique inter-school department of the University of Genoa, bridging together researchers from the former Science and Engineering Faculties. It offers an excellent multidisciplinary, interactive and collaborative research environment combining expertise in computer vision, computational neuroscience, neuromorphic computing, robotics and mechatronics. PSPC-Lab (www.pspc.unige.it) has a long-standing expertise in visual coding and multidimensional signal representation, robot perception and computer vision. In the last five years, the lab’s research activity focused on the analysis of the structural mechanisms of visuo-spatial cognition, responsible for orienting and interacting in the 3D space. -- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Silvio P. SABATINI, PhD [PSPC Research Group] Professor of Bioengineering DIBRIS - University of Genova | e_mail:silvio.sabatini@unige.it Via Opera Pia, 11A | phone: +39 010 3532092/3532794 I-16145 Genova (ITALY) | fax: +39 010 3532289/3536533 URL:http://pspc.unige.it --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Imagination is more important than knowledge..." [Albert Einstein]

July 1, 2014

Postdoc position in computational neuroscience (University of Leicester, UK)

by Quian Quiroga, Rodrigo (Prof.)

apologies for multiple postings... Postdoc in computational neuroscience (University of Leicester, UK) Description: Spike sorting is the classification of single neurons from extra-cellular recordings based on their spike shapes. The main focus of your research will be the study and implementation of optimal spike detection and sorting techniques. For this you will study different techniques to improve the spike detection and sorting results and will then implement these advances in a graphic user interface and in batch codes to run in Matlab. Group: Centre for Systems Neuroscience (http://www.le.ac.uk/csn) Visit the University of Leicester job site for more details, input the job reference (SEN00493) and click search. http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/jobs/opportunities/jobsearch Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Sue Atkinson, Research Centre Manager, sam45(a)le.ac.uk<mailto:sam45@le.ac.uk> or 0116 252 3249. Rodrigo Quian Quiroga Centre for Systems Neuroscience University of Leicester www.le.ac.uk/csn

June 30, 2014

Postdoctoral position at MIT/Janelia Farm

by Sam Gershman

The labs of Alla Karpova (HHMI/Janelia Farm), Josh Tenenbaum (MIT) and Sam Gershman (MIT/Harvard) are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to work on a collaborative project studying neural implementation of internal models of the environment in rat medial prefrontal cortex. The goal is to understand the role of prefrontal cortex in inferring the general structure of tasks in hierarchically structured, dynamically changing environments, and the process by which this inference is used to optimize behavior. The fellow will be closely involved in the design of experiments and data analysis, including the development of new behavioral and neural analysis techniques. This position will give the successful candidate an opportunity to develop broad expertise in computational neuroscience, ranging from models of probabilistic inference at behavioral level to decoding behaviorally-relevant parameters from circuit dynamics. The fellow will be based at MIT, but will also spend time at Janelia Farm. Funding is available for 3 years, beginning immediately. We are looking for candidates with a strong mathematical and computational background, ideally with experience in both theoretical neuroscience and probabilistic modeling. Candidates with experimental training in neurophysiology who are interested in developing their computational skills are also encouraged to apply. For more information, please contact Sam Gershman (sjgershm(a)mit.edu) along with a CV and brief cover letter.

June 29, 2014

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN SYSTEMS NEUROSCIENCE

by Santamaria, Cookie

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN SYSTEMS NEUROSCIENCE The BioCircuits Institute (BCI) and Departments of Physics, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Bioengineering, and Psychology and Neurobiology at the University of California, San Diego invite applications for a postdoctoral position in systems neuroscience, for experiments leading to the neuromorphic engineering of cognitive abilities. The ideal candidate will have experience with in vivo electrophysiology, in awake behaving animals, and desire to apply biologically inspired algorithms to VLSI circuits and systems. Close interaction with other project researchers in computational and theoretical neuroscience, nonlinear dynamical systems, and neuromorphic engineering is involved. We will accept applications immediately and will begin making selections on 1 September 2014, until the position is filled. Appointments are for two years (in one-year increments) with the possibility of a third. Send your statement of qualifications and interest with curriculum vitae, your two most significant publications and three letters of reference to Tim Gentner, Henry Abarbanel, Gert Cauwenberghs, Katja Lindenberg, Mikhail Rabinovich, and Terrence Sejnowski via email to: postdoc.muri[at]gmail.com. A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree is required prior to the appointment. UCSD is an EO/AA employer.

June 27, 2014

New Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience at IIT - Laboratory of Neural Computation, Rovereto, Italy

by Stefano Panzeri

Dear all I have the opportunity to open a new postdoctoral position in my laboratory (The “Neural Computation” laboratory) at the Centre for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems in Trento (Italy). The postdoc will work to develop a set of novel information theoretic algorithms for the analysis of simultaneous recordings from large populations of retinal ganglion cells under dynamic natural visual stimulation. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the laboratory of Prof Tim Gollisch (University of Gottingen). Interested applicants should contact Stefano Panzeri ( stefano.panzeri @iit.it ) by email, emailing their CV with the inquiry. The position can be opened very rapidly. Therefore interested candidates are warmly suggested to inquire as soon as possible. For recent reviews about the work carried out by the laboratory of Neural Computation, prospective applicants are invited to consult the following articles: G.T. Einevoll, C. Kayser, N.K. Logothetis and S. Panzeri (2013) Modelling and analysis of local field potential for studying the function of cortical circuits. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 14:770-785; Panzeri S, Brunel N, Logothetis NK, Kayser C (2010) Neural codes at multiple temporal scales in sensory cortex.Trends in Neuroscience 33: 111-120 Quian Quiroga R, Panzeri S (2009) Extracting information from neuronal populations: information theory and decoding approaches. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 10: 173-185. Regards Stefano Panzeri

June 27, 2014

Bernstein Conference 2014 - Early registration ends July 7

by Kerstin Mosch

*BERNSTEIN CONFERENCE 2014 in Göttingen* Reminder: Early registration deadline: *July 7, 2014* Please register here <http://www.nncn.de/en/bernstein-conference/2014/registration>. We encourage timely booking of accommodation. A list of hotels can be found here <http://www.nncn.de/en/bernstein-conference/2014/venue/accommodation>. **************************************************************************** Satellite Workshops <http://www.nncn.de/en/bernstein-conference/2014/workshops> September 02-03, 2014 Main Conference <http://www.nncn.de/en/bernstein-conference/2014/program-1> September 03-05, 2014 **************************************************************************** The Bernstein Conference has become the largest annual Computational Neuroscience Conference in Europe and now regularly attracts more than 500 international participants. This year, the Conference is organized by the Bernstein Focus Neurotechnology Goettingen and will take place September 03-05, 2014. In addition, there will be a series of pre-conference satellite workshops on September 02-03, 2014. The Bernstein Conference is a single-track conference, covering all aspects of Computational Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, and sessions for poster presentations are an integral part of the conference. The Bernstein conference will also feature a series of satellite workshops on September 02-03, 2014. The goal is to provide an informal forum for the discussion of timely research questions and challenges. For more information on the conference, please visit: http://www.bernstein-conference.de CONFERENCE DATE AND VENUE: Satellite Workshops September 02-03, 2014 Main Conference September 03-05, 2014 Venue: Central Lecture Hall (ZHG), Platz der Goettinger Sieben 5, 37073 Göttingen, Germany PUBLIC PHD STUDENT EVENT: September 02, 2014 PROGRAM COMMITTEE: Ilka Diester, Daniel Durstewitz, Thomas Euler, Alexander Gail, Matthias Kaschube, Jason Kerr, Roland Schaette, Fred Wolf, Florentin Wörgötter, ORGANIZING COMMITTEE: Florentin Wörgötter, Kerstin Mosch, Yvonne Reimann Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS): Andrea Huber Broesamle, Mareike Kardinal, Kerstin Schwarzwaelder We look forward to seeing you in Goettingen in September! -- Dr. Kerstin Mosch Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) Goettingen Bernstein Focus Neurotechnology (BFNT) Goettingen Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization Am Fassberg 17 D-37077 Goettingen Germany T: +49 (0) 551 5176 - 425 E:kerstin@nld.ds.mpg.de I:www.bccn-goettingen.de I:www.bfnt-goettingen.de

June 27, 2014