- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Want to build a fly brain?
by Aurel A. Lazar Sept. 27, 2014

Sept. 27, 2014

Join us in an open-source collaborative effort aimed at (i) building in silico fruit fly brain circuits, and (ii) in vivo validation of these circuits. Neurokernel: An open source platform for emulating fruit fly brains on GPUs http://neurokernel.github.io Neurokernel Requests for Comments (RFCs): http://neurokernel.github.io/docs.html Aurel A. Lazar http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu

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December10-13th : Workshop and Course on "Neural Information Dynamics, Causality and Computation close to Criticality"
by Michael Wibral Sept. 26, 2014

Sept. 26, 2014

Dear colleagues, please find below an invitation to a joint workshop by LOEWE-NeFF and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS). Best Regards, Michael Wibral Matthias Kaschube ----------------------- LOEWE-NeFF and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) jointly invite you to a “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 student 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 the analysis of neural computation in large neural systems and covers three tightly related topics in the field of modern analysis of neural data: 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. 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, providing the link between these algorithms and their biophysical implementation. Large scale organisation and criticality Neural systems orchestrate the activity of a large number of interacting neurons to achieve their computational capabilities. Recent advances in recording technology make it possible to reveal the activity patterns of hundreds of neurons distributed across the brain. This offers the unique opportunity to identify the large-scale organising principles of neural activity, such as operation near a critical point, that support computation in the system. Confirmed speakers: Adam Barrett Demian Battaglia Sakyasingha Dasgupta Luca Faes Esther Florin Moritz Grosse-Wentrup Andreea Lazar Anna Levina Daniele Marinazzo Oliver Obst Gordon Pipa Alberto Porta Viola Priesemann Karin Schiecke Raul Vicente The supporting software course addresses young scientists who intend to apply information theoretic measures for neuroscience hands on, and that would like to contribute code to one of the open source toolboxes on the topic. Some minimal experience with MATLAB or GNU-Octave is necessary for participation. Some prior knowledge in information theory is a plus. Applications for the student course should include a brief statement of motivation. Student course faculty: Alessandro Montalto (MuTE) Michael Wibral (TRENTOOL, Java Information Dynamics Toolkit) Patricia Wollstadt (TRENTOOL) ---------------------------------------------------------- Please apply/register by email before October 24th to wibral(a)em.uni-frankfurt.de as places for course and workshop are limited. Registration fees Student course: 50,00 EUR Workshop: 75,00 EUR Course+Workshop: 100,00 EUR Upon successful registration please wire the registration fees to: Account holder: Universitätsklinikum Account: 37 99 99, BLZ: 50050201 IBAN: DE 32 500 502 01 0000 37 9999 SWIFT-Code: HELADEF 1822 Reference: 21000521

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ICCM 2015
by ICCM 2015 Sept. 26, 2014

Sept. 26, 2014

############################# Call for papers ICCM 2015 April 9 - 11, 2015 Tutorials: April 8, 2015 Groningen, The Netherlands ############################# We would like to invite you to the 13th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling: the premier conference for research on computational models and computation-based theories of human cognition. ICCM is a forum for presenting and discussing the complete spectrum of cognitive modeling approaches, including connectionism, symbolic modeling, dynamical systems, Bayesian modeling, and cognitive architectures. Research topics can range from low-level perception to high-level reasoning. In 2015 we specifically welcome contributions that use computational models to better understand neuroscientific data. We are pleased to announce three world-class invited speakers: Pieter Roelfsema (Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience), Mark Steyvers (University of California, Irvine), and John Anderson (Carnegie Mellon University). All types of submissions (full papers, poster abstracts, symposia, and pre-conference tutorials) are due on December 8, 2014, 11.59pm CEST. More information can be found on our website: http://www.iccm2015.org We hope to see you in Groningen! Niels Taatgen Marieke van Vugt Jelmer Borst Katja Mehlhorn #############################

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Invitation - 4th International Conference " Aspects of Neuroscience" Warsaw, Poland, November 14th to 16th 2014
by Daniel Borek Sept. 25, 2014

Sept. 25, 2014

Dear Friend, On behalf of the Board of the Student Neurobiology Society operating at the Faculty of Biology of the University of Warsaw (Poland) we would like to invite you to *the 4**th** International Conference " Aspects of Neuroscience"* that will be held in Warsaw, Poland, *from November 14**th** to 16**th** 2014* at the Faculty of Biology of the University of Warsaw. As in the following years, this time the Conference also consists of poster and report symposia*. *November symposia will be devoted to*: Neurobiology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience, Neuroinformatics and Neuroscience Borderlines*. Each of the thematic symposium will be preceded by a lecture delivered by one of the guests, a specialist of a given domain. The IV edition of Aspects of Neuroscience Conference will be opened by *prof. Krzysztof Palczewski *from Department of Pharmacology (Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, USA) with the lecture entitled "Chemistry of vision and inherited retinal disease". The closing lecture will be delivered by *prof. Wiesław Nowiński* from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research <http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agency_for_Science,_Technology_and_Research> who is a *creator of 3D human brain atlase.* Among our special guests are *dr Bruce Graham* from University of Stirling in Scotland (Neuroinformatics session), *prof. Leszek Kaczmarek* from Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences (Neurobiology session), *dr Valeria Gazzolla* from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience in Amsterdam, assistant professor at the University of Groningen in Netherlands (Cognitive neuroscience session) and *prof. Semir Zeki – *the Head of the Wellcome Laboratory of Neurobiology (Vislab) at the University of College London (Borderlines of neuroscience session). The student lectures will take place simultaneously in two rooms, in *basic* version *and* in *extended version*. Language of conference is *English*. The event is intended for students, doctoral students and research workers related to neuroscience, but also for people who do not have any experience in this field of knowledge. *Registration for the conference is already open! * http://www.neuronauka.org/eng/?page_id=69 More information about conference and the whole Project: www.neuronauka.org/eng. Find us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspectsOfNeuroscience?fref=ts Yours sincerely, Student Neurobiology Society at the University of Warsaw Organizing Committee of the International Conference of Students and Young Scientists "The Aspects of Neuroscience"

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POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE AT BROWN UNIVERSITY
by Wilson Truccolo Sept. 24, 2014

Sept. 24, 2014

POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE AT BROWN UNIVERSITY: Applications for NIH-funded post-doctoral positions are invited for the Laboratory of Dr. Wilson Truccolo in the Department of Neuroscience at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. The positions are for the development of data-driven stochastic and biophysical models of multiscale neural dynamics in human epilepsy. Data consist of simultaneous intracortical microelectrode array recordings of ensembles of single neurons and local field potentials, as well as ECoGs, during seizure and non-seizure states in individuals with intractable epilepsy. The project involves a collaboration between the labs of Dr. Truccolo and Dr. Sydney Cash (Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in computational/theoretical neuroscience and modeling of stochastic neural dynamics. Related recent publications can be found on the Truccolo lab website ( http://www.truccololab.com/ <http://dl.dropbox.com/u/983891/Truccolo_home.htm>). Inquiries should be addressed to Dr. Truccolo (wilson_truccolo(a)brown.edu) Applications including a CV, statement of research interests, and the names and full contact details of three referees should be sent to wilson_truccolo(a)brown.edu. -- Wilson Truccolo, Ph.D. Pablo J. Salame '88 Goldman Sachs Assistant Professor of Computational Neuroscience Institute for Brain Science & Department of Neuroscience, Brown University Lab website: http://www.truccololab.com/

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PhD position in systems neuroscience at the Queensland Brain Institute (Australia).
by Allen Cheung Sept. 23, 2014

Sept. 23, 2014

Dear Colleagues, We are seeking a suitable PhD candidate to investigate the computational underpinnings of spatial representations in the rodent hippocampus. The candidate will use in vivo electrophysiology and new wireless recording technologies to record from individual neurons in behaving rodents. The work will be carried out in state-of-the-art facilities at the Queensland Brain Institute in Brisbane, Australia. Further information about the PhD project and the Queensland Brain Institute can be found at: http://jobs.uq.edu.au/caw/en/job/496483/phd-position-in-systems-neuroscienc… Allen ________________________________________________ Dr Allen Cheung Group Leader | Computational Neuroscience | Spatial Navigation Queensland Brain Institute | The University of Queensland Email: a.cheung(a)uq.edu.au ________________________________

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Recruitment: Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour
by Peter Dayan Sept. 23, 2014

Sept. 23, 2014

Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour Under the Directorship of Professor John O’Keefe, the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour at UCL will commence operations in early 2015 bringing together world-leading scientists to investigate how brain circuits process information to create neural representations and guide behaviour. The Centre has been created through substantial investment from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and the Wellcome Trust, and is being structured to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, enquiry and excellence. The Centre will be accommodated in a new, purpose-designed, seven-storey building located in Central London and offering an outstanding and unparalleled research environment through its provision of state-of-the-art research laboratories with integral biological services capability, cutting-edge scientific equipment, technologically-advanced prototyping and fabrication laboratories, significant in-house high-performance computing facilities and extensive data storage systems to support both experimental analysis and theoretical modelling. Neuroscientists working in the Centre will use the latest advanced molecular and cellular biology, imaging, electrophysiology and behavioural techniques. The Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit will be located at the heart of the Centre, facilitating broad and deep collaborations in data analysis and computational modelling. The full complement of scientists in the Centre is expected to reach 150 together with around 50 dedicated support staff. Scientists joining the Centre will become part of UCL Neuroscience which brings together over 450 principal investigators located primarily within the UCL School of Life and Medical Sciences and offers extensive opportunities for interaction and collaboration. Neuroscience is a strategic priority for UCL as it positions itself to become the world’s leading neuroscience institution. The Centre will offer additional opportunities for collaboration, networking and intellectual stimulation through its visitor programme, regular seminar series and the hosting of world-class scientific conferences and workshops. Formal teaching commitments will be minimal allowing scientists to focus on their research. The Centre is recruiting high-achieving, highly-motivated collaborative scientists with backgrounds in neuroscience as well as related physical and biological sciences, at all career levels. We invite applications from outstanding, innovative scientists who can evidence the highest levels of academic excellence through substantial peer-reviewed publications and significant scientific achievement. Given the technologically- advanced research proposed for the Centre, we are particularly interested in scientists wishing to extend the boundaries of technological development in areas such as high-density electrophysiological probes, telemetry, optical recording, molecular and genetic tools, new anatomical mapping techniques, and the use of virtual reality and other novel behavioural approaches such as video image analysis. Recruitment will take place on a continuing ad hoc basis and at dedicated residential recruitment workshops. The first recruitment workshop has been scheduled for 3-4 November 2014 with a focus on Fellowship applications. Senior scientist interviews will be scheduled from November onwards. Competitive salaries, tailored research space and generous relocation and recruitment packages, including research support, will be offered. For further details about vacancies and how to apply online, please visit: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/swc/opportunities

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Tenure-track faculty position in computational cognitive neuroscience at Dartmouth
by James V. Haxby Sept. 23, 2014

Sept. 23, 2014

********** Assistant Professor, Computational Cognitive Neuroscience: The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College expects to make a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor (entry-level or advanced) in Computational Cognitive Neuroscience effective July 1, 2015. We seek an individual who is able to provide high-quality teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels and who has exhibited excellence in independent research. We are interested in applicants who investigate how information is encoded in neural activity and who develop and use methods for decoding information from population responses and neural circuits. Our department has particular strength in Cognitive Neuroscience, Social Neuroscience, and Behavioral/Systems Neuroscience. We are particularly interested in applicants whose work focuses on high-level cognitive functions, such as, but not limited to, high-level vision and audition, attention, working memory, social cognition, and decision making. The department is housed in a state-of-the-art research and teaching facility that includes a dedicated 3T MRI scanner for brain imaging research and animal research facilities. Dartmouth also is home to the Neukom Institute for Computational Science, the Geisel School of Medicine, and the Thayer School of Engineering, which provide further opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaborations. With an even distribution of male and female students and over a third of the undergraduate student population from minority groups, Dartmouth is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities. Please submit an application including curriculum vita, a statement of research interests, pdf files of representative journal reprints or manuscripts, and contact information for three references. Applications should be submitted via http://apply.interfolio.com/25762. Questions can be addressed to James Haxby, Chair, Computational Cognitive Neuroscience Search Committee, by email (preferred; james.v.haxby(a)dartmouth.edu<mailto:james.v.haxby@dartmouth.edu>) or regular mail (Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, 6207 Moore Hall, Hanover, NH 03755). Review of applications will begin in November and continue until the position is filled. ----------------------- James Haxby Director, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences 6207 Moore Hall Dartmouth College Hanover, NH 03755 Professor Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC University of Trento, Italy email: james.v.haxby(a)dartmouth.edu<mailto:james.v.haxby@dartmouth.edu>

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CFP: Special Issue on "Information Theoretic Incentives for Cognitive Systems"
by Keyan Ghazi-Zahedi Sept. 23, 2014

Sept. 23, 2014

Dear Colleagues, we would like to draw your attention to the forthcoming special issue on "Information Theoretic Incentives for Cognitive Systems <http://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy/special_issues/information-theoretic>" in the open access journal Entropy and invite you to contribute -- deadline February 28th, 2015. In recent years, ideas such as "life is information processing" or "information holds the key to understanding life" have become more common. However, how can information, or more formally Information Theory, increase our understanding of life, or life-like systems? Information Theory not only has a profound mathematical basis, but also typically provides an intuitive understanding of processes, such as learning, behavior and evolution terms of information processing. In this special issue, we are interested in both: a.) the information-theoretic formalization and quantification of different aspects of life, such as driving forces of learning and behavior generation, information flows between neurons, swarm members and social agents, and information theoretic aspects of evolution and adaptation and b.) the simulation and creation of life-like systems with previously identified principles and incentives. Topics with relation to artificial and natural systems: information theoretic intrinsic motivations information theoretic quantification of behavior information theoretic guidance of artificial evolution information theoretic guidance of self-organization information theoretic driving forces behind learning information theoretic driving forces behind behavior information theory in swarms information theory in social behavior information theory in evolution information theory in the brain information theory in system-environment distinction information theory in the perception action loop information theoretic definitions of life Christoph Salge Georg Martius Keyan Ghazi-Zahedi Daniel Polani - Guest Editors - Further Information: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy/special_issues/information-theoretic With best wishes, Keyan Ghazi-Zahedi -- Keyan Ghazi-Zahedi, Dr. rer. nat. Information Theory of Cognitive Systems Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences phone: (+49) 341 9959 545, fax: (+49) 341 9959 555, office A11

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job openings at Tufts university
by sepideh sadeghi Sept. 22, 2014

Sept. 22, 2014

There are two tenure-stream faculty openings (research area: ML) at Tufts, department of Computer Science for Sep 15. There is also another opening for an interdisciplinary professorship (Computer Science, Psychology, Philosophy), intended to bridge research and education across departments and schools. More information can be found at http://www.cs.tufts.edu/Jobs/employment-opportunities.html. *Full Time Faculty* *Faculty Positions in Computer Science* The Department of Computer Science in the School of Engineering at Tufts University invites applications for two tenure-stream faculty appointments to begin in September 2015. We are looking for engaged and engaging researchers with a strong vision who can build and maintain a high-quality funded research program at Tufts. We are seeking candidates at the rank of Associate Professor or full Professor, although exceptional candidates at the rank of Assistant Professor will also be considered. We are particularly interested in researchers in the areas of machine learning and data mining broadly interpreted to include related fields where data and its analysis are central. These include, for example, adaptive systems in robotics, computational linguistics, computational sustainability, and visual analytics, as well as research involving interdisciplinary collaborations and applications in science, engineering and the humanities. Senior-level applicants should have an internationally renowned research program and a strong track record of outside funding. Junior-level applicants must hold a PhD in Computer Science or closely related field at time of appointment, and are expected to develop a high-quality funded research program. At all levels, candidates must have a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring. The Department of Computer Science has grown tremendously in the past decade in faculty and student size and in research expenditures. Located in the Boston area, the department benefits from outstanding undergraduate and graduate students, collaborative faculty, and cross-disciplinary research opportunities. Tufts University is one of the smallest universities ranked as a Research 1 university, and it offers the best of a liberal arts college atmosphere, coupled with the intellectual and technological resources of a major research university. Tufts University supports and encourages a culture of interdisciplinary research and there are numerous such opportunities within the School of Engineering, the School of Arts and Sciences, and through graduate and professional schools. Tufts' School of Engineering distinguishes itself by the interdisciplinary focus and integrative nature of its engineering education within the intellectually rich environment of a research university. Located only six miles from historic downtown Boston, faculty members on the Tufts Medford/Somerville campus have extensive opportunities for academic and industrial collaboration as well as participation in the rich intellectual life of the area. The School of Engineering is in the midst of a period of exciting growth that has seen recruitment of outstanding new faculty, a quadrupling of funded research over the last ten years, addition of new laboratory space, an emphasis on building diversity in engineering, and major curricular initiatives at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. We request that applications include the following materials: (a) a curriculum vitae, (b) a statement describing current and planned research, (c) a statement of teaching philosophy, (d) names and affiliations of three to five potential references, and (e) a sample of scholarly work. All these should be submitted online through Academic Jobs Online <https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/4533> (AJO). Reference letters will be solicited only with the candidate's explicit approval. Applicants have the option of providing such approval and asking for their letters to be submitted through AJO. Review of applications will begin December 8, 2014 and will continue until the positions are filled. For more information about the department, the positions, and the application procedure please visit http://www.cs.tufts.edu/. Inquiries should be emailed to cssearch(a)cs.tufts.edu . Tufts University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. *Senior Faculty Position in Computer Science, Philosophy, and Psychology* The Departments of Computer Science <http://www.cs.tufts.edu/>, Philosophy <http://ase.tufts.edu/philosophy/>, and Psychology <http://ase.tufts.edu/psychology/> at Tufts University will make an appointment at the level of Associate or Full Professor as part of the Cognitive Science Ph.D. Program <http://cogsci.tufts.edu/>. This interdisciplinary professorship is the first of its kind at Tufts, intended to bridge research and education across departments and schools. We are looking for applications from well-established scholars who could contribute to the ongoing research and teaching mission of the Cognitive Science Ph.D. Program, while expanding the intellectual output and visibility of at least two participating departments. Teaching and service obligations will be shared between the host departments most fitting to the successful candidate. The successful candidate will have achieved international stature in a subfield in cognitive science, and would ideally have an established track record of obtaining external funding and advising Ph.D. students. Any research area in cognitive science that combines some aspects of computer science, philosophy, linguistics, and psychology will be considered, for instance, cognitive or agent-based modeling and simulation, computational pragmatics, and situated embodied cognition. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a statement describing current and planned research, a statement of teaching philosophy, a writing sample, the names and affiliations of three to five potential references, and an e-mail address and phone number at which the candidate may be reached. Evidence of teaching experience and expertise is also welcome. All application materials should be submitted online throughInterfolio <http://apply.interfolio.com/24625>. Letters of recommendation will be solicited only with the candidate's explicit approval. Review of applications will begin in Spring 2014 and will continue until the position is filled. The Cognitive Science Ph.D. Program at Tufts was started in 2011 and currently enrolls over 20 students for joint degrees in cognitive science and one of the following Ph.D. granting departments: Child Development <http://ase.tufts.edu/epcd/>, Computer Science, or Psychology. The undergraduate major inCognitive and Brain Sciences <http://ase.tufts.edu/psychology/undergradConcCognitive.htm> was started in 2008; currently there are 62 majors. This bridge professorship is intended to enhance interdisciplinary research and collaboration in cognitive science at Tufts; the successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage research activity broadly at Tufts and to shape the future of both the graduate and the undergraduate programs. For more information about the programs, please visit the Cognitive Science <http://cogsci.tufts.edu/> departmental page. Inquiries about the position should be emailed to cogsci-search(a)tufts.edu . Tufts University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty. Members of under-represented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

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