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CNS*2015 Meeting in Prague, Early registration ends on May 14
by Tam, Nicoladie May 10, 2015

May 10, 2015

CNS*2015 Meeting in Prague, Czech Republic. Early registration for members ends on May 14, 2015, 11 pm, Pacific Time, USA, after which the registration price will increase. Meeting Info: Tutorial: July 18, 2015 Main Meeting: July 19-21, 2015 Workshop: July 22-23, 2015 http://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2015-prague See you all in Prague.

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new Purkinje neuron paper; alcohol action
by MICHAEL FORREST May 8, 2015

May 8, 2015

Group members may be interested in this new paper. Forrest MD (2015) Simulation of alcohol action upon a detailed Purkinje neuron model and a simpler surrogate model that runs >400 times faster. BMC Neuroscience 16(1):27.http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2202/16/27 Contributions of the paper: (1) New detailed computational model of the cerebellar Purkinje neuron (coded in NEURON and available in modelDB)(2) New reduced (2 compartment) model of the Purkinje neuron that runs >400 times faster than the detailed model. This reduced model replicates the behavior of the full model and can be used (a) in network simulations, to investigate how distinctive single neuron Purkinje behaviors are important to network and system function (b) as a proxy to find parameter values that will permit the full model to replicate new behavior (this is a massive help as parameter searches with the full model - that often have to be conducted manually - are typically very slow, given its large computational cost).(3) It shows a new reduction method - for producing a faithful 2-compartment surrogate model of a detailed multi-compartment model. We apply it to the Purkinje neuron but we envisage that it will be equally applicable to other neuron types - so please try it with your own neuron model investigations. The collapse NEURON code is included in the modelDB entry. (4) It further confirms our prior work which shows that the the sodium-potassium pump controls the intrinsic firing mode of Purkinje neurons; and that the sodium-potassium pump is a computational element in the cerebellum and the brain. This is a significant re-appraisal of the role of these pumps, which previously were thought to have no direct role in brain computations.(5) Why do people fall over when drunk? This paper suggests that alcohol corrupts body movements by inhibiting sodium-potassium pumps in the cerebellum. Kindest regards,Michael

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Summer school "Non-linear methods", University of Cologne, Germany, 28.9.-2.10.15
by Michael von Papen May 8, 2015

May 8, 2015

Dear all, I would like to draw your attention to the upcoming Cologne Summer School on non-linear analysis methods. Feel free to forward this message to interested colleagues. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Cologne Summer School 2015: *Non-Linear Methods for Complex Systems Analysis* Date: Mon-Fri 28.09-02.10.2015 Location: *University of Cologne*, Germany ------------------------------------------------------------------- This one-week summer school brings together *master's degree and PhD students from international universities* for an interdisciplinary hands-on learning experience. The workshop will introduce non-linear analysis methods using the Python toolbox pyunicorn. With the techniques presented in the summer school, such as complex networks and phase space concepts, the students will be able to characterize highly complex systems. Such systems are frequently encountered, e.g., in *biology, chemistry, economics, geoscience, neuroscience, and physics*. Lectures and computer labs will be led by Dr. Reik Donner and Marc Wiedermann from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. For the complete program visit *complexsystems.uni-koeln.de/summerschool.html*. The application deadline is 10.07.2015. The summer school is organized by the Competence Area 3: Quantitative Modeling of Complex Systems of the University of Cologne. Contact: Dr. Michael von Papen (/vonpapen(a)geo.uni-koeln.de/) -- ------------------------------------------ UNIVERSITY OF COLOGNE Institute of Geophysics & Meteorology Coordinator of Competence Area III: Quantitative Modeling of Complex Systems Dr. Michael von Papen Pohligstr. 3 (R 3.224) 50969 Cologne Tel.: +49 (0)221 470-2841 Email: vonpapen(a)geo.uni-koeln.de http://complexsystems.uni-koeln.de

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neuroscience summer school in Kyiv, Ukraine
by Sergiy Yakovenko May 7, 2015

May 7, 2015

Dear colleagues, I would like to promote the Xth Summer School "Achievements and Applications of Contemporary Informatics, Mathematics and Physics” in beautiful Kyiv, Ukraine this August 4-18. One of the streams is the Computational Neuroscience focused on models for cellular and system (neuromechanical) applications. The details about Xth Summer School program can be found at summerschool.ssa.org.ua/program. Registration is open until June 1, 2015. Students can also apply for registration discounts (see the “Discounts and scholarships” web page). Cheers, Sergiy -- Sergiy Yakovenko, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Neural Engineering Laboratory Exercise Physiology - Center for Neuroscience West Virginia University School of Medicine Adjunct Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering PO Box 9227, Morgantown, WV, 26506-9227 t: +1 (304) 293-7316 (Office), +1 (412) 407-7792 (Mobile) https://sites.google.com/site/neuralengineeringlab/

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POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR: Matlab Analysis to Decode Brain Neuron Learning
by GJBrewer May 7, 2015

May 7, 2015

Salary: $42,840-$44,556 in beautiful Irvine, California The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of California, Irvine, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the area of network analysis of brain regions involved in learning and memory. You will perform experiments to decode information processing in live rat neuronal networks in culture under the direction of Dr. Gregory J. Brewer. His NIH funded project examines hippocampal subnetwork function reconstructed in MEM devices over electrode arrays. You will discover the statistical basis for spontaneous and evoked differences in subregion spike dynamics to reveal coding mechanisms in the brain. The initial appointment will be full-time for a 12 month period. Renewal of the contract will be contingent on the availability of adequate funding and performance. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Requirements: Ph.D. in neuroscience, information/signal processing, network systems analysis, statistical math or physics or related field. Matlab coding expertise is required. Experience in neurophysiology desirable. Application Procedure: Applicants will need to upload their curriculum vitae, a cover letter and names, affiliation and email for 3 references to Professor Gregory J. Brewer via our online RECRUIT system at https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/apply/JPF02808 Screening will begin June 15 and will continue until position is filled. The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. -- Grace to you, Gregory J. Brewer, Ph.D., Professor University of California Irvine, Dept Biomedical Engineering Institute for Memory Impairment and Neurological Disorders (MIND) Nat. Sci, 2, Rm 3101 GJBrewer(a)uci.edu, 217-502-4511 http://brewer.eng.uci.edu/

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[jobs] PhD Opening on Mutual Understanding in Human-Robot Interaction at the Italian Institute of Technology
by Alessandra Sciutti May 7, 2015

May 7, 2015

Apologies for cross-posting =========================================================================== PhD Opening on Mutual Understanding in Human Robot Interaction Robotics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department (RBCS) - Italian Institute of Technology Cognitive Robotics, Interaction and Rehabilitation technologies curriculum =========================================================================== In the spirit of the doctoral School on Bioengineering and Robotics, the PhD Program for the curriculum Cognitive Robotics, Interaction and Rehabilitation Technologies provides interdisciplinary training at the interface between technology and biomedicine. The general objective of the program is to form scientists and research technologists capable of dealing with multidisciplinary projects involving aspects of engineering, technology and life-sciences. In RBCS we are merging top-level neuroscience research and top-level robotics research by sharing fundamental scientific objectives arising from the study of speech recognition and language, the foundations of physical and social interaction, the exploitation of sensory and motor rehabilitation. Among the different research themes proposed I would like to advertise the topic: "Mutual Understanding in Human Robot Interaction" The ideal candidates are students with a higher level university degree willing to invest extra time and effort in blending into a multidisciplinary team composed of neuroscientists, engineers, psychologists, physicists working together to investigate brain functions and realize intelligent machines, rehabilitation protocols and advanced prosthesis. International applications are encouraged and will receive logistic support with visa issues, relocation, etc. Below you can find more details related to the position and the instructions on how to apply. Best regards, Alessandra Sciutti ----------------------------------------- Alessandra Sciutti (PhD) Robotics Brain and Cognitive Sciences Dept. - Italian Institute of Technology Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy email: alessandra.sciutti(a)iit.it =========================================================================== Theme 8: Mutual Understanding in Human Robot Interaction Tutor: Dr. Alessandra Sciutti Department: RBCS (Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia) http://www.iit.it/rbcs =========================================================================== Description: As robots are making their way from factory floors into our everyday lives, the design of their interaction with humans is becoming more and more important and a key issue to address is how to transfer the excellent social skills exhibited by humans to human-robot interaction. Our approach to this challenge is based on leveraging on the neural and behavioral mechanisms naturally in place for human-human interaction to foster a seamless mutual understanding with humanoid robots. Hence, we use robots both as tools to stimulate human social interaction and as test beds for the derived models. In particular we focus on understanding in humans and implementing in a robotic platform the basic motor and perceptual skills supporting human collaboration, as gaze tracking [1], temporal coordination between partners [2], gesture and action understanding [3-5]. The activity we propose is twofold: on one side to further investigate how to establish efficient human robot collaboration by implementing models of social skills on the iCub robotic platform and on the other to assess these models in human-robot interactive scenarios by means of multiple techniques (e.g., eye-tracking, motion capture and force measurements). Requirements: Background in computer sciences, robotics, engineering is required, as also willingness to make experiments with human participants and strong motivation to work and adapt to a multidisciplinary environment. International opportunity: The successful candidate will have the opportunity to spend part of his/her PhD at Osaka University and the University of Tokyo in the framework of the Marie Curie IRSES collaborative project CODEFROR ( www.codefror.eu ). References: 1. O. Palinko, A. Sciutti, F. Rea, G. Sandini, Towards Better Eye Tracking in Human Robot Interaction Using an Affordable Active Vision System, HAI 2014 2. A. Bisio, A. Sciutti, F. Nori, G. Metta, L. Fadiga, G. Sandini, T. Pozzo, Motor Contagion during Human-Human and Human-Robot Interaction, PloS one, vol. 9, no. 8, 2014 3. N. Noceti, A. Sciutti, F. Rea, F. Odone, G. Sandini, Estimating human actions affinities across views, VISAPP 2015 4. A. Sciutti, L. Patanè, F. Nori, G. Sandini G., Understanding object weight from human and humanoid lifting actions, IEEE Transactions on Autonomous Mental Development, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 80-92, 2014 5. A. Sciutti, A. Bisio, F. Nori, G. Metta, L. Fadiga, G. Sandini, Robots can be perceived as goal-oriented agents, Interaction Studies, 14:3 . xv, 179, pp. 329350, 2013 Contact: alessandra.sciutti(a)iit.it =========================================================================== How to apply =========================================================================== Please note that the positions are available through the PhD course of Bioengineering and Robotics, curriculum on Cognitive Robotics, Interaction and Rehabilitation Technologies, offered jointly by IIT and the University of Genoa. The official call and application forms are available on the website of the University of Genoa. In particular: The official calls are available here: http://phd.dibris.unige.it/biorob/media/PhD%20Program%20in%20BioRob%20Cognit ive%20Robotics%202015%20def.pdf (Cognitive Robotics, Interaction and Rehabilitation Technologies curriculum. ) Applications must be submitted online, instructions for applicants are available here: http://phd.dibris.unige.it/biorob/index.php/how-to-apply Applicants are strongly encouraged to get in touch with Alessandra Sciutti ( alessandra.sciutti(a)iit.it ). ****** Application deadline: 10 June 2015, Noon, Italian time *******

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RA position – Machine vision & automated behavioral analysis – Brown University (Providence, RI).
by Thomas Serre May 7, 2015

May 7, 2015

Computational (Thomas Serre) and developmental (Dima Amso) labs in the Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, & Psychological Sciences are seeking an NIH-funded research assistant to work on the development of tools, including machine learning and computer vision, appropriate to examining naturalistic interactions in typical and atypical development. Candidates are expected to have solid background in computer vision and/or machine learning. Prior experience with depth sensors (kinect), tracking, object recognition and/or background subtraction algorithms would be a strong plus. An interest in development or cognitive science and applications of computer vision to the biological sciences would also be a plus but this is not a requirement for the position. The initial appointment is for 12 months, renewable for another year, and potentially longer depending on funding. The start date is negotiable though an early start is strongly preferred. Salary is commensurate with experience and is competitive. Requirements: Applicants are expected to have finished, or be about to finish a BS or MSc in computer science or related discipline. They must have a strong background in computer vision and/or machine learning and excellent programming skills (C/C++/Matlab/Python). Programming experience in CUDA and/or parallel computing would be a strong plus. Research groups: Our research groups are located within the Department of Cognitive Linguistic & Psychological sciences at Brown University. We maintain strong ties with the computer science, engineering and applied math departments as part of the Brain Institute. Through Brown’s Center for Computation and Visualization (https://www.ccv.brown.edu) our groups have access to a state-of-the-art computing facility with includes over 300K GPU cores and over 500 Teraflops of GPU computing power. Information about Dr. Serre and his research group can be found at http://serre-lab.clps.brown.edu. Information about Dr. Amso and her research group can be found at http://research.clps.brown.edu/dcnl. Application: Please send your applications by email to dima_amso(a)correct_university_name.edu and thomas_serre(a)correct_university_name.edu where correct_university_name should be replaced by ‘brown'. Please include a brief statement of interests, a curriculum vita and contact details for 2-3 letters of reference (no letters required at this stage). There is no deadline for the application but applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as the position will be filled as soon as a suitable applicant is found.

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Open Post-doc Position in Active Efficient Coding (AEC)
by Jochen Triesch May 7, 2015

May 7, 2015

We have an opening for a post-doc position in my lab (http://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/de/neuro/triesch) at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) to explore the new area of active efficient coding (AEC), a recently formulated generalization of the efficient coding hypothesis to active perception. The basic idea of AEC is that sensory systems learn to use their motor degrees of freedom to contribute to the efficient encoding of sensory signals. Along these lines, we have developed computational models for the self-calibration of active stereo and motion vision [1,2,3]. These models simultaneously learn a sensory representation with sparse coding approaches and controllers for their eye movements through reinforcement learning. Both learning components aim to maximize the overall coding efficiency of the system, which leads to fully self-calibrating sensory-motor loops for active stereo vision (dispartiy tuning and vergence control) and motion vision (motion tuning and pursuit movements). To the best of our knowledge, these models are the first to demonstrate how such self-calibration can emerge from a generic efficient coding objective. We have also validated the approach on robots such as the iCub (http://www.icub.org) The work will be performed in a stimulating interdisciplinary environment with ample opportunities for collaboration with neuromorphic engineers, neuroscientists, roboticists, psychologists, and clinicians across the globe. A special emphasis will be on better understanding how and why such self-calibration can go awry in clinical conditions such as strabism and amblyopia. We are seeking an outstanding and highly motivated post-doc for this project. Applicants should have obtained a PhD in Computational Neuroscience or a closely related field. The ideal candidate will have excellent programming skills (Matlab, Python, C/C++), very good analytic skills, and a broad knowledge of computational neuroscience, machine learning, computer vision, robotics, signal processing and statistics. Furthermore, specific expertise in visual neuroscience, sparse coding models, and reinforcement learning are requested. Experience with programming Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) is a plus. The position can be filled immediately, and lasts for 2 years. Extension to a third year is possible. The lab has an excellent track record of post-doctoral training with 6 out 11 post-docs having obtained professorships or other permanent academic posts directly after their time in the lab. The Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies is a research institution dedicated to fundamental theoretical research in various areas of science. It is embedded into Frankfurt's recently established natural science research campus. Frankfurt itself is the hub of one of the most vibrant metropolitan areas in Europe. Apart from its strong economic and financial sides, it boasts a rich culture and arts community and repeatedly earns highest rankings in worldwide surveys of quality of living. Applications should include a brief statement of research interests, CV and contact information for at least two references. Send applications to application(a)fias.uni-frankfurt.de. Review of applications will begin immediately. Interviews can be arranged at the upcoming Vision Science Society meeting in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, May 13-18 by emailing triesch(a)fias.uni-frankfurt.de. [1] A Unified Model of the Joint Development of Disparity Selectivity and Vergence Control. Zhao Y, Rothkopf CA, Triesch J, Shi B. IEEE Int. Conf. on Development and Learning and Epigenetic Robotics (ICDL), 2012. (Paper of excellence award.) http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6400876 [2] Robust active binocular vision through intrinsically motivated learning L. Lonini, S. Forestier, C. Teulière, Y. Zhao, B. Shi, J. Triesch, frontiers in Neurorobotics, 2013. http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnbot.2013.00020/full [3] Self-calibrating smooth pursuit through active efficient coding C. Teulière, S. Forestier, L. Lonini, C. Zhang, Y. Zhao, B. Shi, J. Triesch, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 2014 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921889014002486 -- Prof. Dr. Jochen Triesch Johanna Quandt Research Professor Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies http://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/~triesch/ Tel: +49 (0)69 798-47531 Fax: +49 (0)69 798-47611

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CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: Society for Neuroeconomics Annual Meeting 2015
by Echo Wang May 6, 2015

May 6, 2015

Society for Neuroeconomics Annual Meeting 2015 Call for Abstracts Due *June 3rd, 2015* 11:59PM EDT Submit at http://neuroeconomics.org/abstract/ <http://neuroeconomics.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=06bb83fa6d8d4ed86f…> *Meeting Information* *Dates:* September 25 – 27, 2015 *Location:* Conrad Miami Hotel, Miami, FL Annual Kavli Foundation Plenary Lecture Keynote Speaker: *Ann Graybiel*, PhD, Investigator and Institute Professor at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT Confirmed Kavli Foundation Workshops in the Foundations of Neuroeconomics: *David Laibson*, Harvard University; *Nick Barberis*,Yale University; and *Mara Mather*, USC Consumer Neuroscience Satellite Symposium at the University of Miami on 9/24. Registration is separate. More details to come. *Call for Abstracts* The Society for Neuroeconomics invites submission of research abstracts for its 2015 annual meeting. Abstracts are encouraged from any area of neuroeconomics and decision neuroscience research. All submissions will be evaluated by a Program Committee. About the Meeting: The Society for Neuroeconomics promotes interdisciplinary research and discussion through its annual meeting. The meeting is attended by scholars in all levels and areas of neuroeconomics research including the fields of economics, psychology, neuroscience, finance and medicine. The meeting's format, consisting of general sessions, meals, and a reception, provides ample opportunities for networking and offline discussions. Details of the meeting will be continually updated at http://www.neuroeconomics.org/conference <http://neuroeconomics.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=06bb83fa6d8d4ed86f…> How to submit your abstract: *NEW THIS YEAR: All abstracts will be blind-reviewed by the Program Committee.* In order for your abstract to be blinded for peer review, you must upload two separate files containing your abstract. Please see instructions on what to include in each file below: - The first file contains all sections of the abstract but DOES NOT include authors, affiliations, contact information or acknowledgements (if applicable). Please title this file “Blind_Abstract”. - The second file contains all sections of the abstract but DOES include authors, affiliations, contact information or acknowledgements (if applicable). Please title this file according to the following template: “Last Name_First Name_Abstract”. An administrator screening the abstracts for compliance with requirements will number the files and forward only blinded files to the Program Committee. All abstracts should have titles. Samples for each abstract file to be uploaded can be found by clicking the submission link below. Theses samples are in the preferred font and format with the recommended sections. Please submit abstracts online at http://neuroeconomics.org/abstract/ <http://neuroeconomics.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=06bb83fa6d8d4ed86f…> All submissions will be considered for a 20-minute slide presentation, unless the submitter opts out. If your submission is not selected for a slide presentation, the Program Committee will automatically consider it for a poster presentation. A small selection of posters will also be selected for Poster Highlights, two-minute oral spotlight presentations held during the general sessions. To qualify for abstract submission, you must be a member in good standing with your 2015 dues paid by the time of abstract submission. You can find membership and payment information at http://www.neuroeconomics.org/membership <http://neuroeconomics.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=06bb83fa6d8d4ed86f…> . *Guidelines for abstracts submitted to the Society for Neuroeconomics Meeting 2015* Abstracts should describe novel theoretical, computational and empirical results; abstracts that fail to do so will not be considered. Abstracts should not report findings that will be published elsewhere prior to the meeting, although presentation of the work at a recent meeting (e.g., within a year) of another society is acceptable. The abstract should state the study's objective, briefly describe the methods used, summarize the results obtained, and state the conclusions. Ideally, these sections will be indicated explicitly. It is not satisfactory to say, "The results will be discussed." Abstracts should emphasize the significance of results and general principles rather than describe common methods and procedures. Use standard abbreviations for units of measure. Other abbreviations should be fully spelled out on first mention, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. The body of your abstract should be no more than 2,300 characters, including punctuation (not spaces), and no longer than 1 page. Abstracts longer than this limit will be returned to the submitting author for revision and must be resubmitted by the abstract deadline or will not be accepted. The title, author, affiliations, contact information, acknowledgements, and references are NOT included in the character count but everything must fit on one page. Figures are not allowed in the abstract. Any conflicts of interest (e.g., financial disclosures) should be declared at the time of submission. For more information click here: http://www.neuroeconomics.org/conference/abstract <http://neuroeconomics.us10.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=06bb83fa6d8d4ed86…> or contact Echo Wang at wang(a)neuroeconomics.org

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Postdoc and RA positions
by Marta Garrido May 6, 2015

May 6, 2015

Applications are invited for two scientists to work on an Australian Research Council funded project to advance the knowledge of the brain mechanisms underlying learning and memory. The project will use a combination of MRI, M/EEG / LFP and behavioural recordings as well as computational modelling. This research will be conducted within the laboratory of Dr Marta Garrido (http://www.cai.uq.edu.au/garrido) based at the Centre for Advanced Imaging (http://www.cai.uq.edu.au/) and in collaboration with colleagues at the Queensland Brain Institute ( http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/) and the Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function (http://www.cibf.edu.au/) Postdoctoral Research Fellow: http://jobs.uq.edu.au/caw/en/job/497377/postdoctoral-research-fellow-cognit… Research Assistant: http://jobs.uq.edu.au/caw/en/job/497376/research-assistant Enquires: Dr Marta Garrido (m.garrido(a)uq.edu.au) (Apologies for cross-posting) -- Marta I. Garrido, PhD https://sites.google.com/site/martaigarridophd/ DECRA Research Fellow Centre for Advanced Imaging and Queensland Brain Institute The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia http://www.cai.uq.edu.au/garrido Chief Investigator ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function <http://www.cibf.edu.au/>

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