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Fwd: [seminar.wwtns] New recording on the VVTNS YouTube channel: Flexible analog computation in low-rank balanced spiking networks by Alfonso Renart

by David Hansel

[image: VVTNS.png] > > <https://84454458.streak-link.com/Cq-mDg07ey98pEfARQH4qidY/https%3A%2F%2Fwww…> > https://www.wwtns.online > <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> > - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide - on Youtube > New on the VVTNS YouTube Channel https://www.wwtns.online/past-seminars-2025-2026 *Flexible analog computation in low-rank balanced spiking networks* Lecture delivered on November 26, 2025 by Alfonso Renart Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon *Abstract:* Recurrent networks with balanced excitation-inhibition explain a wide range of neurophysiological observations, but can only implement a limited set of transformations on their input. On the other hand networks of firing-rate units with low-rank connectivity have universal computational capabilities, but do not work with spikes or generate noise self-consistently. Although empirical approaches to merge these two computational frameworks have been constructed, there is no established theory describing their unification. Here we develop such a theory. We study analytically and numerically networks with connectivity comprising random “strong”, and low-rank “weak” components. When the low-rank connectivity is slow, a well-defined notion of instantaneous firing rate emerges which implies universal computation as previously shown. However, the fact that such time-varying rates are the result of E-I balance has important implications. We show that internally or externally generated fluctuations along particular latent modes tend to break the E-I balance. Its maintenance is obtained through the emergence of a spontaneous coupling between the mean and the variance of the membrane potential and the norm of the latent state driving these modes. This leads to several predictions, the most counterintuitive of which is that coherent global fluctuations in subthreshold membrane potential (Vm) should coexist with desynchronized activity at constant firing rates when the dynamics of these modes is excited. To test our theory, we show that the coupling between the average Vm and the latent state adds new non-linear dimensions to the low-dimensional manifold of the network, which lead to a frequency doubling when the input to the network is periodic, a prediction that is borne out in population recordings from mouse V1. Our results unify two prevalent frameworks for cortical computation and clarify the relationship between computation, dynamics and geometry in circuits of spiking neurons. *About VVTNS : Launched as the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ

Nov. 26, 2025

Call for Contributions: Conference on the Simulation of Adaptive Behavior, 19-22 October, at TU Berlin, Germany

by Sprekeler, Henning

From Animals to Animats 18: The 18th International Conference on Simulation of Adaptive Behavior (SAB 2026) Where: TU Berlin, Germany When: 19-22 October 2026 Website: www.sab-conference.org<http://www.sab-conference.org/> Important Dates Submission deadline: 15 May 2026 Notification of acceptance:19 June 2026 Camera-ready paper version due: 17 July 2026 Conference takes place: 19-22 October 2026 Objectives: The interdisciplinary conference on the Simulation of Adaptive Behavior: From Animals to Animats (SAB) 2026 brings together researchers from artificial intelligence, robotics, behavioral biology, psychology, neuroscience, and many other fields. The conference offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas across disciplinary boundaries. We believe this exchange is necessary to advance our understanding of the mechanisms that enable general and robust behavior in natural animals and artificial agents. The conference focuses on characterizing and comparing organizational principles and architectures underlying adaptive behavior in animals and animats. Animats denote the conceptual connections between animals and synthetic agents. The conference therefore actively seeks submissions that bridge several of the aforementioned disciplines, combining their methodological foundations to arrive at novel insights and approaches. Of particular interest are research projects which connect natural behavior to synthetic agents, including those leveraging modern machine learning and deep learning techniques for behavioral modeling, analysis, and synthesis. Selected papers will be invited to a special issue in the journal Adaptive Behavior and will be published with Springer Nature. SAB accepts submissions in several tracks: * Conference papers are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published in conference proceedings “From Animals to Animats 18: SAB 2026” Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence, Springer Nature. * Conference papers without inclusion in the proceedings. These papers will undergo a light peer-review. Papers will be included on the conference website but they will not be formally published so that your research results can still appear in your disciplinary journals. * Poster abstracts are peer-reviewed for general suitability of the content. Accepted posters will be presented at a poster session and, time permitting, will be able to present a spotlight presentation to the conference attendees. * Position papers are peer reviewed; they offer a novel, visionary perspective on the convergence of different branches of behavior-based research in both artificial and biological systems. These papers are supposed to trigger a lively discussion. * Workshop or Tutorial proposals will be peer reviewed. Workshops and Tutorials will take place on September 20. The event should be relevant to the expected audience of SAB. Topics of interest: * Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Life, and Computational neuroscience * Action selection, behavioral sequencing * Communication and language * Emotion and motivation * Internal models and representations * Reinforcement learning * Sensory-motor coordination, motor control * Software agents and virtual creatures * Philosophical Issues * Consciousness * Ethics * Mind/Body problem * Robotics * Autonomous robotics * Bio-inspired and hybrid robotics * Cognitive robotics * Developmental robotics * Humanoid robotics * Navigation and mapping * Neurorobotics * Self-Organizing Systems * Body and brain co-evolution * Collective and social behavior * Dynamical systems approaches * Evolutionary and co-evolutionary approaches * Self-assembling and self-replication Paper and Abstract Submission: Author Guidelines for All Tracks All submissions must be written in English and formatted in the Springer LNCS style. Please refer to the LNCS Springer style guide<https://www.springer.com/gp/computer-science/lncs/conference-proceedings-gu…> for style templates and formatting instructions. We strongly encourage authors to prepare papers using LaTeX. The LNCS package for LaTeX and the instructions file can be downloaded directly from Springer’s website. Additional Guidelines for Conference and Position Papers All submitted papers (conference papers with and without inclusion in the proceedings, as well as position papers) must not exceed 12 pages, including references. Additional Guidelines for Poster Abstracts All submitted poster abstracts must not exceed 3 pages, including references. How to Submit All submissions will be handled through the CMT (Conference Management Toolkit) system. Authors must create a CMT account before submitting their paper. (For instructions: visit our website<https://sab2026.scioi.de/call-for-contributions/>.) Where to Submit SAB submission website (CMT)<https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/User/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FSAB2026%2FSubmi…> Paper Review & Acceptance: All submitted full papers will be peer-reviewed based on relevance, originality, quality of presentation, and technical quality. The authors of all accepted papers are kindly requested to revise their papers following the reviewers’ comments. Authors of accepted papers will be invited to present their research work either as an oral presentation or as a poster. Workshop Tutorial Proposals: We will consider proposals for workshops and tutorials. Workshops and tutorials will be held on the first day of the conference (19 October 2025) and must be held in-person. Proposals will be reviewed by the Organizing Committee. To submit a workshop or tutorial, please follow the below template and submit here: CMT Portal<https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/SAB2026/Track/6/Submission/Create> Template Similar to paper submissions, please follow the LNCS Springer style guide<https://www.springer.com/gp/computer-science/lncs/conference-proceedings-gu…> for templates and formatting instructions. For your workshop or tutorial proposal, please include the following information, as displayed on our website<https://sab2026.scioi.de/call-for-contributions/>. Publication: All accepted papers (oral and poster presentations) will be published by Springer Nature in the Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence series<https://link.springer.com/conference/sab>. Program Committee: Francisco Javier Bellas Bouza – Universidade da Coruña Maren Bennewitz – Universität Bonn Marcel Brass – Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Lola Cañamero – CY Cergy Paris Université Nikolaus Correll – University of Colorado Boulder Richard José Duro Fernández – Universidade da Coruña Heiko Hamann – Universität Konstanz Alex Kacelnik – University of Oxford Jens Krause – Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Oliver Kroemer – Carnegie Mellon University Poramate Manoonpong – Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology Justus Piater – Universität Innsbruck Tony Prescott – University of Sheffield Pawel Romanczuk – Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Gregor Schöner – Ruhr-Universität Bochum Dylan Shell – Texas A&M University Gaurav Sukhatme – University of Southern California Jochen Triesch – Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies Elio Tuci – Université de Namur Myra Wilson – Aberystwyth University Florentin Wörgötter – Universität Göttingen Program Chairs: Oliver Brock – Technische Universität Berlin Jeff Krichmar – University of California, Irvine The conference will be held at Science of Intelligence<https://www.scienceofintelligence.de/>/TU Berlin and the Universität der Künste (UDK), Berlin, Germany. We look forward to welcoming you at SAB 2026! Best regards, SAB Organizing Committee organisers(a)sab-conference.org<mailto:organisers@sab-conference.org> — Prof. Dr. Henning Sprekeler Modelling of Cognitive Processes Technische Universität Berlin Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience www: https://www.sprekelerlab.org

Nov. 26, 2025

23 RTAIM: "Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Traits of Integrated Psychopathy: a Comparative Analysis"

by steven gouveia

rTAIM (Rebuilding Trust in AI Medicine) Monthly Seminars Seminar #23 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Traits of Integrated Psychopathy: a Comparative Analysis | Mariana Olezza (University of Buenos Aires, Argentina) We are happy to announce the forthcoming 23rd rTAIM Online Seminar, with the participation of Mariana Olezza (University of Buenos Aires, Argentina) on the 25th November 2025, 19h00-20h30 (Lisbon Time Zone), via Microsoft Teams. ONLINE | Link Microsoft Teams<https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/32764207191669?p=CoVDpglNlFU2nuv7PD> #Seminar 23: This talk will address the issues raised in the following structure: Chekley., (1988); Lilienfeld et al., (2015); Mathieu et al., (2014); Persson & Lilienfeld., (2019); Rahman., (2012) argue that some people might have psychopathic traits and still function in society as part of a normal life—that is, the “integrated psychopath.” This is paralleled in Large Language Models (LLMs) (Vaswani et al., 2017) and Reinforcement Learning (RL)–based recommendation systems (Nie, 2025). The behavior has its distinct set of attributes: 1) Promising users all the goods but not living up to any of them—similar to hallucinations in RL–based LLMs (Huang et al., 2023)—Users were cheered up by “flattery” (one type of hallucination). 2) These systems seem devoid of any emotions, but they mimic emotional reactions, especially positive social emotions, similarly to the way human scammers do (Wang et al., 2021), in the absence of guilt and shame 3) Chekley also includes the notion of “semantic aphasia” in this regard, or fluent speech but with no real semantic comprehension—a feature which can still be inferred in LLMs on a deeper level, although inasmuch as they have no consciousness, no moral consciousness can be inferred. Short bio: Mariana Olezza is an Argentinian Computer Engineer (National University of Córdoba), pursuing a PhD in Philosophy (University of Buenos Aires). Some research areas of interest: philosophy of AI/Mind/Psychiatry/Abduction. She recently worked at Infosys in the field of “Semantic entropy and hallucinations in LLMs” theoretically and practically. rTAIM (Rebuilding Trust in AI Medicine) Monthly Seminars are online seminars open to anyone in the world that would like to present her/his current research on topics associated with the main theme of the project. rTAIM Seminars: https://ifilosofia.up.pt/activities/rtaim-seminars https://trustaimedicine.weebly.com/rtaim-seminars.html Organisation: Steven S. Gouveia (MLAG/IF) Mind, Language and Action Group (MLAG) Instituto de Filosofia da Universidade do Porto – UID/00502/2025 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) ____________________________________________ Instituto de Filosofia (UI&D 502) Faculdade de Letras da Universidade do Porto Via Panorâmica s/n 4150-564 Porto Tel. 22 607 71 80 E-mail: ifilosofia(a)letras.up.pt<mailto:ifilosofia@letras.up.pt> http://ifilosofia.up.pt/

Nov. 24, 2025

PhD Positions in NeuroAI at the University of Birmingham

by Jian Liu

The lab of Dr Jian Liu invites applications for several PhD positions at the interface of computational neuroscience and machine learning, at the School of Computer Science and Centre for Human Brain Health at the University of Birmingham. Candidates with a quantitative background are welcome to apply. We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a spirit of intellectual curiosity. The positions will come with competitive work conditions. Generous traveling budgets are available. The following application is approaching the deadline, while other funded projects are open for applicants. Towards a functional model for motor sequence planning Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Katja Kornysheva <https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mibtp/phd/supervisors/kkornysheva> University of Registration: University of Birmingham BBSRC Research Themes: Understanding the Rules of Life (Neuroscience and Behaviour <https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mibtp/phd/understanding_the_rules_of_li…> ) *DDL: 27/11/2025* Project Outline Motor planning, the cognitive process that precedes voluntary movement, is essential for executing skilled actions. Uncovering the neural mechanisms behind motor planning is key to understanding how the brain coordinates complex, sequential behaviours. This research will investigate the neural dynamics involved in motor planning, with an emphasis on how the brain organizes and prepares motor sequences. Previous studies suggest that neural competitive queuing of ordinal structures plays a central role in skilled sequential actions [1], allowing the brain to resolve competition between movements. Furthermore, recent research highlights the use of expansive null-space representations in motor cortex of non-human primate, which prepare movements while preventing premature execution [2]. Building on these insights, this project will explore how neural networks within the brain coordinate motor planning, focusing on exploring neural dynamics in different parts of brain areas. Human recordings conducted at the CHBH provide a rich foundation of experimental data for this study. The data, gathered through different modalities, will inform the development of a theoretical model that is consistent with both these new datasets and previously published results. The project will also involve designing new experiments based on the model’s theoretical predictions to validate or refine the proposed framework. By integrating advanced neural network models, we aim to build a comprehensive modelling framework of motor sequence planning that aligns with experimental findings. These models will provide valuable insights into human motor sequence planning, offering a deeper understanding beyond current non-human primate studies. [1] Kornysheva, et al. Neural competitive queuing of ordinal structure underlies skilled sequential action. Neuron 101, 11-15 (2019) [2] Churchland and Shenoy, Preparatory activity and the expansive null-space. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 25 (4), 213-236 (2024) *To Apply:* https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mibtp/phd/supervisors/jliu The School of Computer Science at the University of Birmingham is one of the leading UK institutions for research and teaching in computer science. Our research is ranked 3rd across all UK universities according to the latest UK-wide Research Excellence Framework. Education is ranked 7th in the UK for computer science, according to 2023 tables. While pursuing excellence in research and education, we also aim to optimize our positive impact on society—examples include collaborations with industry partners and charities, commercialisation activities and an extensive wider participation programme. The University of Birmingham is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offers a range of family friendly policies. We are committed to being an inclusive workplace that values all staff, and we are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. If female candidates are selected, the maternity leave will be fully guaranteed and the children care responsibilities will be satisfied (e.g. working in part time). We will also actively promote gender equality in education and employment opportunities through workshops, seminars, webinars, and university open days.

Nov. 24, 2025

IMPRS for Language Sciences PhD Fellowships 2026

by Lam, Kevin

** IMPRS for Language Sciences PhD Fellowships 2026 ** The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Language Sciences is offering two fully-funded PhD Fellowship for four years (2026-2030) with a preferred start-date in September or October, 2026. The goal of the scheme is to enable young researchers to pursue interdisciplinary research projects in the language sciences, supervised by leading scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics and its partner institutes at the Radboud University -- the Centre for Language Studies and the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour. https://www.mpi.nl/ | https://www.ru.nl/cls | https://www.ru.nl/donders Find out more about the Fellowships and read first-hand accounts by our members: https://www.mpi.nl/imprs-phd-fellowships-2026 | https://www.mpi.nl/imprs Share this opportunity on LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/posts/max-planck-institute-for-psycholinguistics_2…>. The application deadline is 5 January, 2026. Thanks in advance. Best wishes from Nijmegen, Dr. Kevin Lam, Graduate School Coordinator http://www.mpi.nl/imprs | https://www.mpi.nl/people/lam-kevin

Nov. 24, 2025

PhD opportunities in computational and theoretical neuroscience at Bocconi University

by Alessandro Sanzeni

Applications are open for the PhD in Statistics and Computer Science at Bocconi University (Milan, Italy). This fully funded four-year program offers an interdisciplinary environment connecting statistics, computer science, and data-driven modeling. Research in neuroscience at Bocconi combines theoretical modeling, drawing from physics and machine learning, with the analysis of experimental data to study how the brain processes information, learns, and remembers. Current projects focus on visual processing and learning mechanisms, in collaboration with experimental groups worldwide. The program is part of a vibrant research community spanning the physics of complex systems and computation, applied AI, and the foundations of machine learning, fostering rich cross-disciplinary exchange. Bocconi University is located in the center of Milan, an international city known for its active research community, cultural life, and quality of living. Further information on faculty and research areas is available on the Department of Computing Sciences website<https://cs.unibocconi.eu/>. Program details and application instructions can be found on the PhD program webpage<https://www.unibocconi.it/en/programs/phd/phd-statistics-and-computer-scien…>. Application deadline: 5 February 2026 Feel free to get in touch for informal inquiries. Alessandro Sanzeni Assistant Professor Department of Computing Sciences Bocconi University, Milan, Italy

Nov. 24, 2025

Jenny Saffran speaking on Thursday, December 4 in Developing Minds global online lecture series

by Jochen Triesch

Dear colleagues, On December 4, the Developing Minds global online lecture series is proud to host Jenny Saffran from Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, speaking on: "Learning to understand: Statistical learning and language development“. Thursday, December 4, 2025 8:00 am CT (Central Time, USA) 2:00 pm UTC (Universal Coordinated Time) 15:00 CET (Central European Time) 23:00 JST (Japan Standard Time) The zoom link/credentials are: https://uni-frankfurt.zoom-x.de/j/65360492761?pwd=E7EbBT8uMVWgyhBAYAJgLz33R… Meeting-ID: 653 6049 2761 Kenncode: 352501 Abstract: Infants rapidly develop from being naïve listeners, who experience language as a sea of sounds, to understanding their native language(s). How does this remarkable learning process unfold? One potentially useful source of information lies in the statistical patterns that characterize natural languages, which signal structures ranging from phonemes to words to grammatical structures. Beyond merely tracking these patterns, how might infants use statistical regularities to support language development? In my presentation, I will explore the hypothesis that infants exploit statistical regularities in the service of efficiently processing information in their linguistic environments. Short Bio: Dr. Jenny Saffran has been on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Madison since she received her Ph.D. in 1997. Her research program focuses on how infants learn, particularly in the domain of language. She is a highly engaged teacher and mentor to students at all levels. Dr. Saffran is the recipient of numerous awards for her scholarship and teaching, including as the inaugural recipient of the Jeffrey Elman Prize for Scientific Achievement and Community Building from the Cognitive Science Society. She was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2015. The talk will be recorded and made available for later viewing. For more information on the talk series and recordings of previous events, please visit: https://sites.google.com/view/developing-minds-series/home Best regards, Jochen Triesch -- Prof. Dr. Jochen Triesch Johanna Quandt Chair for Theoretical Life Sciences Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies and Goethe University Frankfurt http://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/~triesch/ Tel: +49 (0)69 798-47531 Fax: +49 (0)69 798-47611

Nov. 21, 2025

Computational Neuroscience graduate training at Penn

by Maria Geffen

The Computational Neuroscience Initiative<https://www.cni.upenn.edu/> at the University of Pennsylvania offers a new program for Interdisciplinary Training in Computational Neuroscience (ITCN) at the doctoral level. The goal of the ITCN is to train a new generation of scientists who will make quantitative links between properties of the brain and properties of the mind. ITCN trainees will learn to use computational methodology to interpret experimental results, build predictive models of brain function that inform the design of the experiments, and support an ever-growing list of applications from brain-machine interfaces in the clinic to cutting-edge forms of artificial intelligence. The ITCN brings together students and faculty<https://www.cni.upenn.edu/people> from Penn’s PhD programs in Neuroscience<https://www.med.upenn.edu/ngg/> (Biomedical Graduate Studies, Perelman School of Medicine), Bioengineering<https://be.seas.upenn.edu/doctoral/> (School of Engineering and Applied Science), Physics<https://www.physics.upenn.edu/graduate/> (School of Arts and Sciences), and Psychology<https://psychology.sas.upenn.edu/graduate> (School of Arts and Sciences). To join the ITCN, students first apply to one of those "home" PhD programs. Once admitted, students then typically apply to the ITCN before starting classes in their first year. Those selected meet with the ITCN Advisory Committee, both individually and as a group, to develop individualized training plans that meet the goals and requirements of the ITCN and each student’s home program. These plans include coursework, research, and other activities that aim to build both expertise in computational neuroscience and a sense of community in the ITCN. Details are provided below. The ITCN embraces diversity and inclusion in their many forms, including welcoming students with a broad range of personal, professional, and academic backgrounds into both our training program and the field of computational neuroscience as a whole. Application. The application deadline is Dec. 1 for the Neuroscience<https://apply.med.upenn.edu/apply/>, Psychology<https://apply.graduateadmissions.upenn.edu/apply/> and Physics<https://apply.graduateadmissions.upenn.edu/apply/>, and Dec. 15 for Bioengineering<https://gradadm.seas.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/> PhD programs! Prospective PhD students must first apply and be accepted into one of our participating graduate programs: Neuroscience<https://www.med.upenn.edu/ngg/>, Bioengineering<https://be.seas.upenn.edu/doctoral/>, Physics<https://www.physics.upenn.edu/graduate/>, or Psychology<https://psychology.sas.upenn.edu/graduate> (PhD students admitted to other PhD programs at Penn may also be considered; see below for additional requirements). Students typically apply to the ITCN before starting classes in their first PhD year, although we will also consider applications from students in more advanced years who believe they will be able to meet our academic requirements. Selection into the ITCN does not require a background in computational neuroscience. Instead, we require: 1) a brief (~½ page) essay describing why you want to join the ITCN and how it would fit into your training and career plans; 2) written permission from your Graduate Chair (and, for MD-PhD or VMD-PhD students, the Director of your Combined Degree Program); and 3) if you are not in one of our four participating programs, descriptions of the funding source(s) and course and research requirements for your home PhD program. Please send your application materials, and/or any questions, to Vijay Balasubramanian<mailto:vijay@physics.upenn.edu>, Maria Geffen<mailto:mgeffen@pennmedicine.upenn.edu>, and/or Joshua Gold<mailto:jigold@pennmedicine.upenn.edu>. ________________________________ Maria Neimark Geffen, Ph.D. (she/her) Professor Co-director, Penn Computational Neuroscience Initiative Department of Otorhinolaryngology: HNS (primary) Department of Neuroscience Department of Neurology Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania 5 Ravdin 3400 Spruce St. Philadelphia PA 19104 Tel.: 215.898.0782 My zoom<https://pennmedicine.zoom.us/my/mgeffen?pwd=eWVFbUJFUGRJZ3g1eU9YZEZic2VwZz09> mgeffen(a)pennmedicine.upenn.edu<mailto:mgeffen@pennmedicine.upenn.edu> http://hosting.med.upenn.edu/hearing https://bsky.app/profile/geffenlab.bsky.social

Nov. 20, 2025

Call for posters and participation, GRC and GRS Robotics, Ventura (USA), January 11-16 2026.

by Auke Ijspeert

Call for posters and participation, GRC and GRS Robotics, Ventura (USA), January 11-16 2026. Dear computational neuroscientists, We are happy to announce the *Gordon Research Conference (GRC) in Robotics *that will take place in Ventura (USA), January 11-16 2026. We have a great list of speakers and discussion leaders (see below and the website). The schedule has been published, and a call for participation and for posters in now open, see https://www.grc.org/robotics-conference/2026/ *Please apply soon, as the total number of participants is limited*.*December 14 is the final deadline, but the remaining seats will likely be assigned by then.* Note also the Robotics Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) that takes place just before (Jan 10-11) and that provides a unique forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to present their work, https://www.grc.org/robotics-grs-conference/2026/. This year’s conference will focus on *adaptive behavior and learning in animals and robots*. We will explore how biological inspiration drives advancements in robotics, from simple reactive behaviors to complex planning and learning systems. Insights from biomechanics, neuroscience, and animal studies are increasingly shaping the design and control of robots, making them more robust and adaptable. A key focus will be on *embodied intelligence, enabling robots to excel in locomotion, manipulation, and interactions with other agents*. Conversely, robotics research is also contributing to biology. Studies of perception and action in robotic systems are leading to new mathematical models that help integrative biologists understand locomotion, manipulation, and collective behavior in animals. By *bringing together experts from robotics, biomechanics, and neuroscience*, this conference aims to foster cross-disciplinary insights that will push the boundaries of both fields. Join us for a dynamic exchange of ideas at the intersection of robotics and biology, where engineering meets evolution. /The Robotics GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes an array of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field./ Best regards, Auke Ijspeert and Vijay Kumar, organizers./ / *Confirmed speakers:* Alin Albu-Schaeffer Nora Ayanian Spring Berman Oliver Brock Rod Brooks Bingni Brunton Henrik Christensen Kenji Doya Nadia Figeroa Josie Hughes Marco Hutter Monroe Kennedy Dan Koditschek Cecilia Laschi Yasemin Ozkan-Aydin Tony Prescott Amanda Prorok Daniela Rus Giulio Sandini Stefan Schaal Claire Tomlin Kotaro Yasui *Confirmed discussion leaders:* Josie Hughes Dan Koditschek Cecila Laschi Chen Li Barbara Mazzolai Yasemin Ozkan-Aydin Stefan Schaal Giulio Sandini Barry Trimmer -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Prof Auke Jan Ijspeert (he/him) Biorobotics Laboratory EPFL-STI-IBI-BIOROB, ME D1 1226, Station 9 EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne CH 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland Office: ME D1 1226 Tel: +41 21 693 2658 Fax: +41 21 693 3705 www:http://biorob.epfl.ch Email:Auke.Ijspeert@epfl.ch -----------------------------------------------------------------

Nov. 20, 2025

Postdoc position in computational NS - Ruhr University Bochum, Germany

by Vinita Samarasinghe

*Position as Postdoctoral Scholar in Computational Neuroscience* Are you curious about how the human brain stores memories? Have you wondered how we manage to navigate through space? Our dynamic research group uses diverse computational modeling approaches, including biological neural networks, cognitive modeling, and machine learning/artificial intelligence, to study learning and memory. Currently, we are actively seeking a talented *Postdoc* to join our team, someone whose primary task will be developing advanced algorithms to analyze learning dynamics. You will be analyzing neural, psychophysiological, and behavioral data from other projects within the SFB 1280 (https://sfb1280.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/home/ project F01) to compare learning dynamics across individuals, species, and paradigms. You will provide theoretical support to collaborating projects and coordinate the analysis of the data collected from experimental groups. This position is 100% at TV-L E13, starting on 01.03.2026, and is funded until 30.06.2029. *Your Profile:* Candidates must have: * an excellent doctoral degree in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field (mandatory) * competence in mathematical modeling (mandatory) * excellent programming skills, e.g., Python (mandatory) * relevant research experience in neuroscience or a related field is required * experience in the study of learning dynamics * experience working within a collaborative research group * excellent communication skills in English, and * team spirit. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment for female researchers and those with young children. Our university provides mentoring and coaching opportunities specifically aimed at women in research. We have a strong research network with female role models and will provide opportunities to meet with them. Wherever possible, events will be scheduled during regular childcare hours. Special childcare can be arranged if events have to be scheduled outside of regular hours, in case of sickness and during school or daycare closures. Where childcare is not an option parents will be offered a home office solution. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. The official posting for this position can be found at https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/ca74ad0f5c0f99ec276b0d6ca56195d5… To apply please submit an application via our online portal https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/jobposting/ca74ad0f5c0f99ec276b0d6ca5619… Upload your letter of motivation, CV, transcripts and research statement. *Application deadline:* 01.01.2026 Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions. Vinita Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/73 Postfachnummer 110 Universitätstr. 150 44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27996 Mobile: +49 (0)1512 7278698 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de

Nov. 20, 2025