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Workshop on Neural Population Dynamics, Paris region, Feb. 4th 2015
by Antoine Chaillet Dec. 3, 2014

Dec. 3, 2014

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the Workshop on Neural Population Dynamics, to be held in Supélec (Gif sur Yvette) on February, 4th 2015: http://neural-pops.sciencesconf.org This workshop aims at gathering neuroscientists and control theoreticians around the dynamics of neural populations. Its topics cover: • Modeling • Identification of parameters based on experimental data • Link between models • Mathematical analysis • Feedback control. The list of confirmed speakers is: • Bruno Cessac, INRIA • Alain Destexhe, UNIC • David Hansel, Univ. Paris 5 • Axel Hutt, INRIA • Dimitris Pinotsis, UCL • Peter Wellstead, Hamilton Institute. Registration is free but mandatory. Posters are welcomed. See website for details. The workshop is organized in the framework of the Research Initiative "Control and Neuroscience" of the iCODE institute of Paris-Saclay and the ANR project SynchNeuro. We look forward to seeing you there ! The organizers, Georgios Detorakis and Antoine Chaillet http://neural-pops.sciencesconf.org

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CFP: Special Issue on Applications of Operations Research in Neuroscience
by Ruben Tikidji-Hamburyan Dec. 3, 2014

Dec. 3, 2014

Dear Colleagues, [We apologize if you have received multiple copies of this message] We would like to draw your attention to the special volume on "Applications of Operations Research for Neuroscience" in the Annals of Operations Research. We cordially invite researchers in neuroscience who use operations research methods and related mathematical fields to contribute to this special issue. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following areas of neuroscience: * intracellular signaling and regulation * synaptic plasticity * dynamics in heterogeneous neural networks * intelligent systems and control * perceptual, cognitive and behavioral functions * learning and memory * spatio-temporal network analysis * combinatorial optimization * signal and information processing * neuroimaging and functional brain imaging processing * computational modelling and simulation Please note that the use of methods from modern operations research is a prerequisite for any paper submitted to this special issue to be accepted for review. Important Dates: Submission deadline of full papers: August 1, 2015. Submission Details: The format of manuscripts for the Annals of Operations Research as well as guidelines can be found on the web page of Springer, the publisher of the journal: http://www.springer.com/business/operations+research/journal/10479 Authors should submit a cover letter mentioning that the paper is for a special volume, along with and a manuscript via the journal's online submission site: http://www.editorialmanager.com/anor More details can be found in the Call for Paper attached to this e-mail. Please consider sharing this call for papers with any researchers who might be interested in contributing. On behalf of special volume guest editors, Ruben Tikidji-Hamburyan ------- Ruben Tikidji-Hamburyan,Ph.D. Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy Health Sciences Center Louisiana State University New Orleans, LA, 70112 A.B.Kogan Research Institute for Neurocybernetics Southern Federal University 344090, Russia

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Call for Papers ( Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience): Special Issue on Neuropsychology through the lenses of Computational Modelling
by Eirini Mavritsaki Dec. 2, 2014

Dec. 2, 2014

Call for Papers Special Issue in Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience 'Neuropsychology through the lenses of Computational Modelling' Computational modelling may provide an increasingly important tool for furthering neuropsychology and understanding brain impairments – but there remain many issues: how can different types of lesion be best modelled? What are the differences between damage to grey matter and to fibre tracts? What the effects of learning within damaged systems or systems where there is an imbalance in neurotransmitters? For this reason a special issue that brings together state-of-the-art papers on the computational modelling of neuropsychological disorders, with papers covering different levels of modelling (from spiking neurons to higher-level connectionist modelling), using imaging as well as behavioural data, and addressing a number of different disorders (attention, language, memory etc.) is expended to contribute significantly to the field of Neuropsychology and Computational Neuroscience. In collaboration with Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience, we are organizing a Research Topic titled "Neuropsychology through the lenses of computational modelling”, hosted by Eirini Mavritsaki, Glyn Humphreys. As host editor, I would like to encourage you to contribute to this topic. 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 Computational Neuroscience) 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/Computational_Neuroscience/researchtopics/Neurop…. 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. I would be delighted if you considered participating in this Research Topic. Should you choose to participate, please confirm by sending me a quick email and then your abstract no later than Feb 16, 2015 using the following link: http://www.frontiersin.org/Computational_Neuroscience/researchtopics/Neurop… Please note that the deadline for manuscript submission is on: Jun 30, 2015 Since I am using the Frontiers system to manage this topic, I would really appreciate if you could also please indicate your decision by clicking on one of the links below. <<Variable for accept/decline links – do not edit!>> With best regards, Eirini Mavritsaki Guest Associate Editor, Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience www.frontiersin.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eirini Mavritsaki, Ph.D., CPsychol Co-Director of the Centre for Applied Psychological Research (CAP Research) Business Development Coordinator for Social Sciences Lecturer in Cognitive Psychology Faculty of Business Law and Social Sciences Birmingham City University D 3.17 Dawson Building City North Campus Perry Bar, Birmingham B42 2SU eirini.mavritsaki(a)bcu.ac.uk<mailto:eirini.mavritsaki@bcu.ac.uk> 0121 331 6361 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Call for proposals to host the annual Computational Neuroscience (CNS) Meeting in 2017
by Erik De Schutter Dec. 1, 2014

Dec. 1, 2014

After the record breaking CNS meetings in Paris, France and Québec City, Canada, OCNS (http://www.cnsorg.org) requests proposals from candidate local organizers to organize the CNS meeting in 2017 at a location in Europe. Groups or individuals interested in organizing the CNS*2017 meeting should submit a proposal with consideration of the extensive on-line information (http://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2017-local-organizer) and using the on-line templates provided as a guide. The OCNS board members will select/discuss the different proposals, contact the potential local organizers for more information if necessary and come to a timely agreement between OCNS and potential local organizers. Proposals should be emailed to the OCNS president at president(a)cnsorg.org no later than January 31, 2015. Decisions are expected to be conveyed to potential organizers about a month later. Erik De Schutter OCNS President

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Postdoctoral position in cerebellar network modeling in Okinawa
by Erik De Schutter Nov. 30, 2014

Nov. 30, 2014

A postdoctoral researcher position to model cerebellar function is available in the Computational Neuroscience Unit (https://groups.oist.jp/cnu) of Prof. Erik De Schutter at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University. Depending on previous experience research emphasis can be on analyzing population activity in network models of the olivocerebellum or on further development of XML-based methods for network model description and simulation, or a combination of both. Candidates should have experience in network modeling, preferentially using the parallel NEURON environment. Prior knowledge of cerebellar anatomy and physiology is a plus but not required. The postdoc will interact with other researchers and students in the lab who are working on cerebellar modeling projects. We offer attractive financial and working conditions in an English language graduate university that emphasizes interdisciplinary research, located on a beautiful subtropical island. Send curriculum vitae, Candidates should mail a summary of research interests and experience, and the names of three referees to Prof. Erik De Schutter at erik(a)oist.jp

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Two postdoctoral/research associate positions in computational neuroscience at Drexel University College of Medicine.
by Ilya Rybak Nov. 29, 2014

Nov. 29, 2014

Two postdoctoral/research associate positions in computational neuroscience at Drexel University College of Medicine Two postdoctoral/research associate positions in computational neuroscience for the duration of up to three years are available at Drexel University College of Medicine (Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience Lab of Dr. Ilya A. Rybak) to participate in externally funded projects. One position is for computational modeling of neural control mechanisms, involving interactions between basal ganglia, thalamus, cerebellum, cortex and spinal cord in connection with simulation of pathological changes in motor control during Huntington’s disease. The other position involves modeling of spinal cord circuits, including the circuits of locomotor CPG, in close interactive collaboration with several world leading laboratories performing experimental studies in the isolated rodent spinal cord. Applicants must have a PhD degree in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Neuroscience, or related discipline and have excellent C++ programming skills. Previous experience in computational modeling of biological neurons and neural networks is a plus. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Rybak (rybak(a)drexel.edu) by email. To apply, please send an email along with (1) curriculum vitae; (2) a cover letter describing previous research experience and interests; (3) the names and contact information of three references. ================================= Ilya A. Rybak, Ph.D. Professor Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy Drexel University College of Medicine 2900 Queen Lane Philadelphia, PA 19129 USA Tel.: (215) 991-8596 FAX: (215) 843-9082 E-mail: rybak(a)drexel.edu http://neurobio.drexelmed.edu/rybakweb/rybak.html http://www.drexelmed.edu/Home/AboutOurFaculty/IlyaARybak.aspx https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ilya_Rybak/publications/ http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=SnA068QAAAAJ http://www.pubfacts.com/author/Ilya+A+Rybak

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PhD Studentships in Neurotechnology at Imperial College London
by Simon Schultz Nov. 28, 2014

Nov. 28, 2014

*4-year studentships available in the Imperial College EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Neurotechnology for Life and Health* *Ten fully-funded studentships are now available for start in October 2015. * Neurotechnology is the use of insights and tools from engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology to investigate neural function and treat dysfunction. Brain-related illnesses affect more than two billion people worldwide, and the numbers are growing. Reducing this burden is a major challenge for society. The Centre for Doctoral Training in Neurotechnology for Life and Health will train a new generation of multidisciplinary researchers at the interface of neuroscience and engineering, to address this challenge. The Centre spans the Faculties of Engineering, Natural Sciences and Medicine at Imperial, with investigators from the Departments of Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computing, Chemistry, Physics, Life Sciences, and the Division of Brain Sciences. Directed by Dr Simon Schultz, Prof Bill Wisden and Prof Paul Matthews, it intends to admit approximately 14 students per year. All research projects will involve a team of supervisors, each of whom will bring complementary expertise to the project. In addition to researchers from across Imperial College, the Centre involves twenty industry and charity partners, as well as satellite research groups at the Crick Institute and the University of Oxford. Studentships begin with a one-year MRes in Neurotechnology, which forms an integral part of the four year training programme. During this year, students will take 3 months of taught courses specially developed for the CDT, followed by laboratory rotations as part of a single research training project. After the first year, students enter the PhD phase having developed the interdisciplinary and technical skills to thrive in a cutting edge research environment, and make the most impact with their PhD. *Who should apply* Applicants should be seeking to undertake a /multidisciplinary /4-year research training programme at the interface between neuroscience and engineering. Candidates should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class degree, or non-UK equivalent, in an engineering or physical sciences discipline. Students with a biological or medical sciences background will be considered in exceptional circumstances, provided they can demonstrate substantial quantitative skills. All studentships are open to UK or EU applicants who meet EPSRC eligibility criteria (see www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility <http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility>). A limited number of places is also available to UK or EU applicants, with no residency criteria. International (ie non UK/EU) candidates may be considered for the CDT programme *if they can provide their own full funding*for the 4 years. *Funding* Studentships cover tuition fees and a tax free stipend of approximately £16,000 per year. A generous annual allowance is provided for research consumables and for conference attendance. *How to Apply* Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology/cdt <http://www.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology/cdt>for more information on the CDT as well as details of projects available and how to apply.*Application deadline: 30^th January 2015*. -- Simon R Schultz Reader in Neurotechnology & Royal Society Industry Fellow Neural Coding Laboratory: http://www.schultzlab.org Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK Director, Imperial College Centre for Neurotechnology Administrator: Dr Kate Hobson, Phone: +44 207 594 5101 http://www.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology EU Neural Engineering Marie Curie ITN: http://www.neural-engineering.eu

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Job offer
by Silvia Gruhn Nov. 27, 2014

Nov. 27, 2014

Dear Madam/Sir, could you please post the following Job offer for us? "The Heisenberg Research Group of Computational Biology at the University of Cologne in Cologne, Germany announces a Research Position (100%, EG TV-L 13) in computational neuroscience for the duration of up to three years. The position is available in the externally funded project "Central pattern generators and reflexive feedback in insect locomotion: a cross-species study". Animal locomotion begins in the central nervous system and results in quantifiable mechanical activity; it therefore provides an excellent entry point into the neural computations that create intentional behaviors that respond to environmental conditions. Locomotion originates in central pattern generators: neural networks in the spinal cord of vertebrates and thoracic ganglia of insects which produce rhythmic movements. Some preparations (e.g. lamprey, crayfish) can generate stable, near-periodic rhythms in isolation, others require sensory feedback either to produce functional gaits or for the stabilization of the rhythms. Cockroaches and stick insects exemplify these two extremes. They share the same basic neural and biomechanical architecture, but the former run rapidly over rough ground, while the latter are adapted for slow walking on twigs and leaves with varying orientations with regard to gravity. Using existing information and collecting new data, this project will compare these species and address questions as described in the work plan. The development of integrated mathematical and computational models is central to answering such questions. New data will improve existing models, and new models will be created to span the morphological and behavioral ranges from stick insects to cockroaches, allowing us to illuminate their adaptive strategies to different environments. The objective of our research project is to deepen our understanding of the generation and control of locomotion. This collaborative project is performed jointly by the groups of Drs. Silvia Gruhn (Dept. of Animal Physiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany) and Phil Holmes (Dept. of Mathematics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA). Applicants must have a Master's degree or a Diploma in Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline and have excellent C++ programming skills. Previous experience in computational neuronal modeling is an advantage. The possibility to be enrolled into a PhD program will be provided if desired. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Silvia Gruhn (sgruhn(a)uni-koeln.de) by email. To apply, please send an email along with (1) curriculum vitae; (2) a cover letter describing previous research experience and interests; (3) the names and contact information of two referees." Thank you very much! With kind regards, Silvia Gruhn -- PD Dr. Silvia Gruhn DFG-Heisenberg Programm - Leiterin der Arbeitsgruppe 'Computational Biology' Zoologisches Institut, Abt. Tierphysiologie Universität zu Köln Biowissenschaftliches Zentrum, Zi. 1.104 Zülpicher-Straße 47b 50674 Köln Tel. 0221-4703829 Fax. 0221-4704889 http://www.neuro.uni-koeln.de/neuro-gruhn-staff-sg.html

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Program available for Workshop on Neural Information Dynamics, Causality and Computation near Criticality”, December 12-13th, 2014
by Michael Wibral Nov. 25, 2014

Nov. 25, 2014

Dear Computational Neuroscience Community, the program for the "Workshop on Neural Information Dynamics, Causality and Computation near Criticality" (below) is available from Thursday, Nov. 26th at: http://www.proloewe.de/en/neff A few places are still left for both, workshop and course, and will be given away first come, first serve (email to wibral(a)em.uni-frankfurt.de) The program of the workshop now offers the opportunity to bring a Poster. Best Regards, Michael Wibral ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ LOEWE-NeFF and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) jointly invite to the “Workshop on Neural Information Dynamics, Causality and Computation near Criticality” December 12-13th, 2014 The workshop is preceded by a “Software course on Neural Information Dynamics with TRENTOOL, the Java Information Dynamics Toolkit and MuTE” December 10-11th, 2014 Venue: Workshop and Software course will be held at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS, www.fias.uni-frankfurt.de) Ruth-Moufang-Straße 1, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany The workshop addresses methods and recent advances in the analysis of computation in large neural systems, focusing on three tightly interrelated topics: Neural information dynamics Information theoretic quantities separate and measure key elements of distributed computation in neural systems, such as the storage, transfer, and modification of information. These concepts can help to better understand the computational algorithms implemented by the dynamics of a neural system, and to provide the link between these algorithms and their biophysical implementation. Causality The analysis of causal interactions yields important insights into the biophysical substrate of neural dynamics that enable emergent computation. It is one of the goals of the workshop to discuss the link between causal analysis and the analyses of information processing proper, in order to clarify the dividing line and the mutual benefit of these two types of analyses. Large scale organisation and criticality Neural systems orchestrate the activity of an enormous number of interacting neurons to achieve their computational capabilities. Recent technological advances make it possible to record simultaneously from a large number of neurons. Here we explore recent developments in identifying large-scale organizing principles underlying computation in extended neural system.

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[meetings] Living Machines IV: First Call for Papers, Satellite Events and Sponsors
by Nathan F Lepora Nov. 25, 2014

Nov. 25, 2014

______________________________________________________________ First Call for Papers, Satellite Events and Sponsors Living Machines IV: The 4th International Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems 27th to 31st July 2015 http://csnetwork.eu/livingmachines To be hosted at the La Pedrera Barcelona, Spain In association with the Universitat Pompeu Fabra Accepted papers will be published in Springer Lecturer Notes in Artificial Intelligence Submission deadline March 16th, 2015 ______________________________________________________________ ABOUT LIVING MACHINES 2015 The development of future real-world technologies will depend strongly on our understanding and harnessing of the principles underlying living systems and the flow of communication signals between living and artificial systems. Biomimetics is the development of novel technologies through the distillation of principles from the study of biological systems. The investigation of biomimetic systems can serve two complementary goals. First, a suitably designed and configured biomimetic artefact can be used to test theories about the natural system of interest. Second, biomimetic technologies can provide useful, elegant and efficient solutions to unsolved challenges in science and engineering. Biohybrid systems are formed by combining at least one biological component—an existing living system—and at least one artificial, newly-engineered component. By passing information in one or both directions, such a system forms a new hybrid bio-artificial entity. The following are some examples: • Biomimetic robots and their component technologies (sensors, actuators, processors) that can intelligently interact with their environments. • Active biomimetic materials and structures that self-organize and self-repair. • Biomimetic computers—neuromimetic emulations of the physiological basis for intelligent behaviour. • Biohybrid brain-machine interfaces and neural implants. • Artificial organs and body-parts including sensory organ-chip hybrids and intelligent prostheses. • Organism-level biohybrids such as robot-animal or robot-human systems. ACTIVITIES The main conference will take the form of a three-day single-track oral and poster presentation programme, 29th to 31st July 2015, hosted at the La Pedrera, Barcelona, Spain. The conference programme will include five plenary lectures from leading international researchers in biomimetic and biohybrid systems, and the demonstrations of state-of-the-art living machine technologies The full conference will be preceded by up to two days of Sateliite Events hosted by the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona. SUBMITTING TO LIVING MACHINES 2015 We invite both full papers and extended abstracts in areas related to the conference themes. All contributions will be refereed and accepted papers will appear in the Living Machines 2015 proceedings which we expect to be published in the Springer-Verlag LNAI Series. Full papers (upto 12 pages) are invited from researchers at any stage in their career but should present significant findings and advances in biomimetic or biohybid research; more preliminary work would be better suited to extended abstract submission (minimum 4 pages). Further details of submission formats will be circulated in an updated CfP and will be posted on the conference web-site. Full papers will be accepted for either oral presentation (single track) or poster presentation. Extended abstracts will be accepted for poster presentation only. Authors of the best full papers will be invited to submitted extended versions of their paper for publication in a special issue of Bioinspiration and Biomimetics. Satellite events Active researchers in biomimetic and biohybrid systems are invited to propose topics for 1-day or 2-day tutorials, symposia or workshops on related themes to be held 27-28th July at Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Events can be scheduled on either the 27th or the 28th or across both days. Attendance at satellite events will attract a small fee intended to cover the costs of the meeting. There is a lot of flexibility about the content, organisation, and budgeting for these events. Please contact us if you are interested in organising a satellite event. EXPECTED DEADLINES March 16th, 2015 Paper submission deadline May 1st, 2015 Notification of acceptance May 22nd, 2015 Camera ready copy July 27-31 2015 Conference SPONSORSHIP Living Machines 2015 is sponsored by the Convergent Science Network (CSN) for Biomimetics and Neurotechnology. CSN is an EU FP7 Future Emerging Technologies Co-ordination Activity that also organises two highly successful workshop series: the Barcelona Summer School on Brain, Technology and Cognition (http://bcbt.upf.edu/bcbt12/) and the Capoccaccia Neuromorphic Cognitive Engineering Workshop. The 2015 Living Machines conference will also be hosted and sponsored by the Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Call for Sponsors. Other organisations wishing to sponsor the conference in any way and gain the corresponding benefits by promoting themselves and their products to through conference publications, the conference web-site, and conference publicity are encouraged to contact the conference organisers to discuss the terms of sponsorship and necessary arrangements. We offer a number of attractive and good-value packages to potential sponsors. ABOUT THE VENUE Living Machines 2015 returns to the venue of our first conference at the beautiful biomimetic building La Pedrera (Casa Mila) (https://www.lapedrera.com/en/home) designed by reknown modernist architect Antoni Gaudi. Attendees at the conference will get a free ticket to visit this historic building in the centre the Barcelona. Workshops will be held at the Pobleneu Campus of Universitat Pompeu Fabra, close to hotel and restaurant area of the Diagonal and Ramblas de Pobleneu and a short walk from Barcelona’s famous beaches. Organising Committee: Paul Verschure, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Co-chair) Tony Prescott, University of Sheffield (Co-chair) Stuart Wilson, University of Sheffield (Program Chair) Anna Mura, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Communications, Local Organiser) Nathan Lepora, University of Bristol (Communications) Carme Buisan University Pompeu Fabra (Treasurer) -- Dr N Lepora Phone: 07859 024565 Website: www.lepora.com Honorary Research Fellow, Sheffield Centre for Robotics (SCentRo) University of Sheffield S10 2TP Lecturer in Robotics, Department of Engineering Mathematics and Bristol Robotics Laboratory University of Bristol BS8 1UB

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