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Re: [Comp-neuro] Postdoc position in Large-scale Neuronal Ensemble Recordings in Sensori-motor Cortices in Behaving Marmosets
by Nicho Dec. 21, 2015

Dec. 21, 2015

A postdoctoral position is available starting as soon as possible to characterize the spatio-temporal organization of sensori-motor cortical activity at multiple spatial scales associated with upper limb movements of behaving marmosets.This project involves high density multi-electrode array recordings as well as calcium fluorescence imaging from motor and somatosensory cortical sites in marmosets performing natural arm and hand movements.Facilities include a fully equipped electrophysiological laboratory with three 128-channel acquisition systems for multi-electrode recording and stimulation, calcium fluorescence imaging microscopes, and camera-based and a 3D videofluoroscopy-based motion capture systems.Expertise in multi-site, behavioral electrophysiology and/or calcium imaging is preferred.A strong mathematical, computational, or engineering background is also desirable.Applicants should send a CV and names and addresses of two or three references to Dr. Nicholas Hatsopoulos, Department of Organismal Biology, University of Chicago, 1027 East 57^th Street, Chicago, IL 60637 or by e-mail to nicho(a)uchicago.edu <mailto:nicho@uchicago.edu>.

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PhD Position: Modelling Gait in People with Parkinson's Disease.
by Tsaneva-Atanasova, Krasimira Dec. 21, 2015

Dec. 21, 2015

PhD in Modelling Gait in People with Parkinsons Disease. Primary supervisor: Prof Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova<http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298> Secondary supervisors: Dr Mark Wilson (University of Exeter), Dr Victoria Goodwin (University of Exeter) Based within the EPSRC Centre for Predictive Modelling in Healthcare, a £2M initiative bringing together mathematicians, statisticians and clinicians, you will work on a project aiming to develop a data-driven mathematical modeling framework in order to study gait impairments in patients with Parkinson’s. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition that mainly affects people of 50 and over. One person in every 500 has Parkinson's, which equates to about 127,000 people in the UK. There's currently no cure, and the range of symptoms and how quickly they progress are different for everyone. The main symptoms of Parkinson's are tremor, rigidity and slowness of movement. Despite optimal medication therapy, many people with Parkinson’s still experience gait impairments. Gait impairments (e.g., freezing of gait) are associated with falls and fear of falling, and reduced quality of life. This studentship aims to further our understanding of the degenerative nature of the disease by taking a dynamical systems approach to modelling the coordination of locomotion (gait) from an individual perspective. While many studies have examined discrete gait measures (e.g. step length) it is likely that several gait malfunctions will interact and incur a simultaneous deterioration of stepping. A dynamical systems approach is particularly useful in predicting when and if this deterioration may cross a critical threshold; for example, triggering a freeze or a stumble. The first stage of this project will be to develop a model based on gait data we have already collected from 18 people with Parkinson’s. The second stage would be to collect additional data to test model’s predictions and refine and improve the model. This project is one of a number which are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Training Partnership to commence in September 2016. The studentships will provide funding for a stipend (currently £14,057 per annum for 2015/16), research costs of £3,000 and UK/EU tuition fees at Research Council rates for 3.5 years. Application Criteria Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in Maths, Physics, Medicine, Natural Sciences or other numerate discipline. The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 4 January 2016. Interview will be held at the University of Exeter is mid-late January 2016. For further information, or informal discussion about the position, please contact Prof Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova, e-mail: K.Tsaneva-Atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:K.Tsaneva-Atanasova@exeter.ac.uk>. Summary Application deadline: 4th January 2016 Value: £14,057 per annum plus UK/EU fees for eligible students (2015-16 rates) Duration of award: per year Contact: Postgraduate Research Office emps-pgr-ad(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:emps-pgr-ad@exeter.ac.uk> How to apply Please visit www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/money/studentships/application/<http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/money/studentships/application/> and complete the online web form. You will be asked to submit some personal details and upload a full CV, covering letter and details of two academic referees. Your covering letter should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project. Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova Professor of Mathematics for Healthcare College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences University of Exeter Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QF, UK tel: +44 (0) 1392 723615 email: k.tsaneva-atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:k.tsaneva-atanasova@exeter.ac.uk> web: http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298 ALTEREGO - Enhancing Social Interaction with an AlterEgo artificial agent http://www.euromov.eu/alterego/homepage

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Postdoctoral position
by Eran Mukamel Dec. 21, 2015

Dec. 21, 2015

I would like to advertise the following opportunity in our group. Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuro-Epigenomics The UCSD Computational Neural Data and Dynamics Lab <http://brainome.ucsd.edu/> is seeking applications for a funded postdoctoral research position as part of our group’s studies of epigenomic regulation in brain cells. Our lab in the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Cognitive Science department uses tools from bioinformatics and machine learning to analyze a variety of neural epigenetic processes. We have helped to identify unique forms of DNA methylation in neurons and glial cells, and we are working to understand the distribution, development and potential function of these epigenomic marks. Our theoretical and computational research group has close ties with experimental neurobiology and genomics labs in San Diego. More information about the lab is at http://brainome.ucsd.edu <http://brainome.ucsd.edu/>. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. (or expect to receive one shortly) and have a strong background in computational biology (e.g. computational neuroscience, bioinformatics), or physical science or engineering (e.g. math, physics, computer science, bioengineering) as well as a strong interest in fundamental genomic processes underlying neural development and cognition. Previous experience with genomic or epigenomic data analysis is helpful, but not necessary. To apply, please send the following to emukamel(a)ucsd.edu <mailto:emukamel@ucsd.edu>: - A cover letter describing your background, research interests and how they fit with our lab - Curriculum vitae - Contact information for 2-3 references - If available, a sample of scientific research, e.g. a manuscript, thesis, or other work product Salary will be commensurate with NIH rates. For inquiries or more information, please contact Eran Mukamel at the address above. Eran A. Mukamel Assistant Professor of Cognitive Science University of California, San Diego emukamel(a)ucsd.edu <mailto:emukamel@ucsd.edu> http://brainome.ucsd.edu <http://brainome.ucsd.edu/>

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Opportunities for Ph.D. Studentships
by Wong-Lin, Kongfatt Dec. 21, 2015

Dec. 21, 2015

The Intelligent Systems Research Centre (ISRC) at Ulster University, UK, invites applications for 3-year Ph.D. studentships. A list of studentships offered for the year 2016 and the projects' details can be found at: http://www.compeng.ulster.ac.uk/rgs/showPhDProposals.php?ri=3. The computational neuroscience and neural systems research community at the ISRC focuses on both fundamental brain and behavioural sciences, and their applications, including clinical neuroscience and neural engineering. In particular, I have the available computational neuroscience projects available for 2016: 1. Dynamics of decision making in heterogeneous systems. http://www.compeng.ulster.ac.uk/rgs/displayPhDProposal.php?id=894&ri=3 2. Big data analytics and computational modelling in mental health. http://www.compeng.ulster.ac.uk/rgs/displayPhDProposal.php?id=893&ri=3 3. Computational neuromodulation. http://www.compeng.ulster.ac.uk/rgs/displayPhDProposal.php?id=892&ri=3 The application process for the Ph.D. studentship is opened with a closing date for applications on the 26th February 2016. All studentships, which are highly competitive, are expected to start in September 2016, and include tuition fees and an annual maintenance allowance for EU and non-EU students. All applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject, such as computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics or neuroscience. Applicants must be highly motivated and willing to pursue research and develop skills across disciplines. If you wish to apply for a studentship, please follow the instructions at: http://www.compeng.ulster.ac.uk/rgs/guideForApplicants.php. Unless indicated, successful students will be based primarily at the ISRC with opportunities to interact with other related ISRC research teams, including from the Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Centre for Stratified Medicine, and external collaborators. The ISRC has recently established state-of-the-art functional brain mapping facility, and high performance computing facility for big data analytics. The ISRC is situated in the city of Derry~Londonderry, which received the City of Culture 2013 award. Please note that some studentship (DEL Awards) have restrictions on residence eligibility - see guidance notes for details. For further information, please contact me (k.wong-lin(a)ulster.ac.uk) ------------------- Dr. KongFatt Wong-Lin Intelligent Systems Research Centre School of Computing and Intelligent Systems Faculty of Computing and Engineering Ulster University http://isrc.ulster.ac.uk/kwonglin/contact.html ________________________________ This email and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee and may contain information which is covered by legal, professional or other privilege. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager at postmaster(a)ulster.ac.uk and delete this email immediately. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Ulster University. The University's computer systems may be monitored and communications carried out on them may be recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes. Ulster University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of a separate attachment, the text of email is not intended to form a binding contract. Correspondence to and from the University may be subject to requests for disclosure by 3rd parties under relevant legislation. The University of Ulster was founded by Royal Charter in 1984 and is registered with company number RC000726 and VAT registered number GB672390524.The primary contact address for Ulster University in Northern Ireland is Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT52 1SA

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Open Position: Coordinator of the Smart Start Training Program
by Kerstin Schwarzwaelder Dec. 21, 2015

Dec. 21, 2015

Dear colleagues, The Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH <http://www.fz-juelich.de/portal/EN/Home/home_node.html> and theCoordination Site of the Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience <http://www.nncn.de/en/the-network/Network-Partners/BCOS> are looking for a Coordinator of the Smart Start Training Program <http://www.nncn.de/en/study-training-options/smart-start>. Please find the announcement and online application system here <http://www.fz-juelich.de/SharedDocs/Stellenangebote/_common/dna/2015-291-EN…>. Application deadline: January 14, 2016 For inquiries regarding the position please contact Andrea Huber Broesamle (e-mail: andrea.huber(a)bcos.uni-freiburg.de) or Kristin Urbach (phone: +49 2461 61-9700) Best regards, Kerstin Schwarzwälder

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Job Vacancies in Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE)
by Tasos_UPatras Dec. 21, 2015

Dec. 21, 2015

Job Vacancies in Neuroinformatics The Cognitive Engineering Lab of Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE) (http://www.sinapseinstitute.org/ <http://www.sinapseinstitute.org/>) is seeking to appoint one Research Fellow (RF) and one Research Assistant (RA) for a period of 1 year; (positions to be filled as soon as possible). Remuneration and benefits will be based in NUS standards and candidates’ qualifications and years in service. Research Topic · Our group is leading a project aiming to develop virtual reality (VR)-based brain augmentation systems including realistic VR based simulations and real-time brain states analysis. The simulation applications will be developed (in Unity3D Game Engineer) for virtual reality system to provide various stimuli. A remote EEG system will be used to monitor the brain activity in real time. · The aims of the study is to identify reliable and robust individual biomarkers of cognitive states for VR-based training scenarios and compare the training effects with traditional 2-Dimensional computer based simulations to understand if VR-based trainings lead to better user-experience and performance Scientific profile for the Research Fellow Position · Recent Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction or Cognitive Science · Publications in Computational Intelligence and Machine Learning Methods and/or Brain Computer Interaction with applications · Bachelor or Master Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering · Knowledge of experimental design in cognitive-related experiments Scientific profile for the Research Assistant Position · Bachelor or Master Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering · Experience of game research or game development (experience of VR preferred, both Oculus Rift and room-size VR) · Experience of Unity3D game engineer, proficiency in C++ or Javascript (experience with middleVR preferred) Personal profile · Good communication and English writing skills is essential · Interdisciplinary communication and team competence · Creative and highly self-motivated. Contact · Applications should include CV, statement of experience and motivation, and names of referees (for the RF position). Informal inquiries prior to application are welcome. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. · Applications should be sent, preferably as single pdf file by email, to prof Tassos Bezerianos (lsiba(a)nus.edu.sg <mailto:lsiba@nus.edu.sg>). Best Regards Tassos Anastasios(Tassos) Bezerianos, BS,MS,PhD prof. Electrical and Computer Engineering, NUS Head of Cognitive Engineering Lab SINAPSE , 28 Medical drive #05-COR , Singapore 117456 office:+65 66013054, cell:+65 97738374

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Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation
by Aurel A. Lazar Dec. 20, 2015

Dec. 20, 2015

Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation BCMC 2016 <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/workshops/bcmc/2016> Friday and Saturday, March 18-19, 2016 Center for Neural Engineering and Computation <http://www.cnec.columbia.edu/> Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 Overview The goal of the workshop is to bring together researchers interested in developing executable models of neural computation/processing of the brain of model organisms. Of interest are models of computation that consist of elementary units of processing using brain circuits and memory elements. Elementary units of computation/processing include population encoding/decoding circuits with biophysically-grounded neuron models, non-linear dendritic processors for motion detection/direction selectivity, spike processing and pattern recognition neural circuits, movement control and decision-making circuits, etc. Memory units include models of spatio-temporal memory circuits, circuit models for memory access and storage, etc. A major aim of the workshop is to explore the integration of various sensory and control circuits in higher brain centers. A Fruit Fly Brain Hackathon <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/hackathons/ffbh/2016> is being conducted in conjunction with the workshop. Confirmed Invited Speakers J. Douglas Armstrong <http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/jda/index.html>, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh. Alexander Borst <http://www.neuro.mpg.de/borst>, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried. Thomas R. Clandinin <http://flyvisionlab.weebly.com/>, Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University. Michael Hawrylycz <https://alleninstitute.org/our-science/brain-science/about/team/staff-profi…>, Allen Institute of Brain Science Stanley Heinze <http://www.biology.lu.se/stanley-heinze>, Department of Biology, Lund University. Chung-Chuan Lo <http://life.nthu.edu.tw/~lablcc/>, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan. Matthieu Louis <http://www.crg.eu/en/matthieu_louis>, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona. Gaby Maimon <http://www.rockefeller.edu/research/faculty/labheads/GabyMaimon/>, Rockefeller University. Mala Murthy <http://www.molbio1.princeton.edu/labs/murthy/lab/Home.html>, Princeton University. Michael B. Reiser <https://www.janelia.org/lab/reiser-lab>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Vanessa Ruta <http://www.rockefeller.edu/research/faculty/labheads/VanessaRuta/>, Rockefeller University. Glenn C. Turner <https://www.janelia.org/people/glenn-turner>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Marta Zlatic <https://www.janelia.org/lab/zlatic-lab>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Aurel http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu

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[Deadline Extended] 2016 IEEE EAIS - Natal, Brazil, 23-25 May 2016
by Teng Teck Hou Dec. 20, 2015

Dec. 20, 2015

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Paper submission until 15 January 2016 (We apologize for multiple copies) - Please distribute this CFP among your colleagues and students 2016 IEEE International Conference on Evolving and Adaptive Intelligent Systems - 2016 IEEE EAIS Natal, Brazil, May 23-25, 2016 Website: http://eventos.ifrn.edu.br/eais2016 * IMPORTANT DATES * -------------------------------------------------------------- Special Session Proposals Deadline: 13 November 2015 Paper Submission Deadline: 15 January 2016 (Deadline extended!) Decision Notification: 19 February 2016 Final Paper Submission Deadline: 18 March 2016 Authors Registration Deadline: 18 March 2016 All accepted papers will be published in the conference Proceedings and IEEEXplore. Authors of selected papers will be invited to submit extended versions for possible inclusion in a special issue of the Journal Evolving Systems (Springer). Submission page: http://eventos.ifrn.edu.br/eais2016/instructions.html * CONTEXT * -------------------------------------------------------------- The 2016 IEEE Conference on Evolving and Adaptive Intelligent Systems (2016 IEEE EAIS) will be held in Natal (Brazil), a beautiful city located at the Brazil's northeast coast. It is the Brazilian closest capital to/from Europe and Africa. Natal has several tourist attractions and is famous for its natural beauty, for its historical monuments and buildings and for its gorgeous beaches. The city also boasts the second largest urban park in Brazil and was one of the host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. 2016 IEEE EAIS will provide a friendly atmosphere and will be a leading international forum focusing on the discussion of recent advances, the exchange of recent innovations and the outline of open important future challenges in the area of Evolving and Adaptive Intelligent Systems. Over the past decade, this area has emerged to play an important role on a broad international level in today's real-world applications, especially those ones with high complexity and dynamics change. Its embedded modelling and learning methodologies are able to cope with real-time demands, changing operation conditions, varying environmental influences, human behaviors, knowledge expansion scenarios and drifts in online data streams. 2016 IEEE EAIS is organized by the IEEE Technical Committee on Evolving and Adaptive Intelligent Systems, SMC Society. 2016 IEEE EAIS will be held for the first time in Latin America, however, the conference series has a history starting in 2006 in Lake District (England). It was held after that in Witten-Bommerholz (Germany), Nashville (USA), Leicester (England), Paris (France), Madrid (Spain), Singapore, Linz (Austria) and Douai (France). Authors of selected papers will be invited to submit extended versions for possible inclusion in a special issue of the Journal Evolving Systems (Springer). * CALL FOR SPECIAL SESSIONS * -------------------------------------------------------------- Distinguished researchers working in theory, analysis and applications of evolving adaptive and intelligent systems and related areas are encouraged to submit proposals within the technical scope of 2016 IEEE EAIS. Researchers interested in organizing special sessions are invited to submit a formal proposal at the website: http://eventos.ifrn.edu.br/eais2016/special.html * AREAS OF INTEREST * -------------------------------------------------------------- Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: Basic Methologies - Evolving Soft Computing Techniques - Evolving Fuzzy Systems - Evolving Rule-Based Classifiers - Evolving Neuro-Fuzzy Systems - Adaptive Evolving Neural Networks - Online Genetic and Evolutionary Algorithms - Data Stream Mining - Incremental and Evolving Clustering Approaches - Adaptive Pattern Recognition - Incremental and Evolving ML Classifiers - Adaptive Statistical Techniques - Evolving Decision Systems - Big Data - Advanced Concepts Drifts and Shifts in Data Streams - Stability, Robustness, Convergence in Evolving Systems - Online Feature Selection and Dimension Reduction - Online Active and Semi-supervised Learning - Online Complexity Reduction - Computational Aspects - Interpretability Issues - Incremental Adaptive Ensemble Methods - Online Bagging and Boosting - Self-monitoring Evolving Systems - Human-Machine Interaction Issues - Hybrid Modeling - Transfer Learning - Reservoir Computing - Real-world Applications EIS for On-Line Modeling and System Identification - EIS for Time Series Prediction - EIS for Data Stream Mining and Adaptive Knowledge Discovery - EIS in Robotics, Intelligent Transport and Advanced Manufacturing - EIS in Advanced Communications and Multi-Media Applications - EIS in Bioinformatics and Medicine - EIS in Online Quality Control and Fault Diagnosis - EIS in Condition Monitoring Systems - EIS in Adaptive Evolving Controller Design - EIS in User Activities Recognition - EIS in Huge Database and Web Mining - EIS in Visual Inspection and Image Classification - EIS in Image Processing - EIS in Cloud Computing - EIS in Multiple Sensor Networks - EIS in Query Systems and Social Networks - EIS in Alternative Statistical and Machine Learning Approaches * SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS * -------------------------------------------------------------- Full papers - max. 8 pages IEEE style (double-column). * INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE * ------------------------------------------------------------------ Plamen Angelov, Lancaster University, UK Dimitar Filev, Ford Motor Co., USA Nikola Kasabov, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand * ORGANIZING COMMITTEE * ------------------------------------------------------------ Chair: Bruno Sielly Jales Costa, Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN), Natal, Brazil Co-chair: Luiz Affonso Guedes, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil Publication Chairs: Igor Škrjanc, Slovenia Edwin Lughofer, Austria Local Arrangement Chairs: Arthur S. Medeiros, Brazil Marcus Fernandes, Brazil Clauber G. Bezerra, Brazil Allan M. Martins, Brazil Marcelo Damasceno, Brazil Web & Publicity Chair: José A. Iglesias, Spain Teng Teck Hou, Singapore Special Session Chair: Radu-Emil Precup, Romania Program Committee Chair: Bruno Sielly Jales Costa, Brazil Best regards, ------- Prof. Dr. Bruno Sielly Jales Costa IFRN - Campus Natal/Zona Norte IEEE Computational Intelligence Society IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society

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[UKCI 2016] Updated Call for Papers
by Teng Teck Hou Dec. 20, 2015

Dec. 20, 2015

[Apologies for cross-postings] ########################################################### CALL FOR PAPERS The 16th Annual UK Workshop on Computational Intelligence, UKCI-2016 September 7-9, 2016, Lancaster, United Kingdom http://wp.lancs.ac.uk/ukci2016/ ########################################################### The 16th Annual UK Workshop on Computational Intelligence, UKCI-2016 this year is being hosted by Lancaster University. UKCI is the premier UK event for presenting leading research on all aspects of Computational Intelligence. The aim of this Workshop is to provide a forum for the academic community and industry to share ideas about developing and using Computational Intelligence (CI) techniques, the new trends and to exchange views and ideas. CI is a rapidly expanding research field, attracting a large number of scientists, engineers and practitioners working in areas such as fuzzy systems, neural networks, evolutionary computation, evolving systems and machine learning. A growing number of companies are employing CI techniques to improve previous solutions and to deal with new problems. These include evolving systems that allow high performance in spite of changes which are either external or internal to the system, thereby increasing the re-usability of developed systems. This also include smart, intelligent and autonomous systems, self-learning, self-adapting, self-calibrating and self-tuning. UKCI-2016 will take place in Lancaster House Hotel, located conveniently within the campus of Lancaster University, few miles from the city centre including Lancaster Castle. The city offers excellent transport links, with easy access to the M6, railway station and ferry links. Beyond the array of activities within the city, Lancaster is close to the Britain’s premier touristic area – Lake District, home to theatres, museums, Ashton Memorial and Williamson park. #################### Important dates ##################### - Special Session proposals: January 4th, 2016 - Paper submission: April 1st, 2016 - Notification of paper acceptance: June 15th, 2016 - Camera-ready submission: July 15th, 2016 ########################################################## #################### Plenary speakers #################### - Jose Principe, Distinguished Professor, University Of Florida, USA - Trevor Martin, Bristol University and Senior Researcher, British Telecom ########################################################## #################### Organizing committees ############### * Honorary Chair - Prof. Janusz Kacprzyk, Fellow Polish Academy of Sciences * General Chair - Prof. Plamen Angelov, Lancaster University * Programme Chairs - Prof. Qiang Shen, Aberystwyth University - Prof. Chrisina Jane, Robert Gordon University * Publication Chair - Dr. Alexander Gegov, Portsmouth University * International Liaison - Ms Azliza Mohd Ali, Lancaster University * Finance Chair - Ms Carol Airey, Lancaster University * Local Organisation Chairs - Dr. John Mariani, Lancaster University - Mr Richard Gnosill, Lancaster University * Publicity Chair - Dr. Teng Teck Hou, Singapore Management University * Awards Chair - Prof. Araceli Sanchis de Miguel, Carlos III University, Spain * Special Session Chair - Dr. Xiao Jun Zeng, Manchester University ########################################################## ############# Paper Submission and Publication ########### * Papers for UKCI 2016 should be submitted electronically through the Conference website at http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/fas/scc/sites/ukci2016/, and will be refereed by experts in the fields and ranked based on the criteria of originality, significance, quality and clarity. * Selected papers will be considered for publication, following substantial extension, in a Special Issue of the Soft Computing Journal (Springer). ########################################################## #################### Awards ############################## * A best regular paper and a best student paper will be selected for this award * This best paper award consists of a plaque and a €200 honorarium * The best paper awards are sponsored by Springer ########################################################## ###### Topics and Areas include, but not limited to ###### Topics of interest include (but are not limited to) * Computational intelligence methodology * Computational intelligence for big data * Making Sense from Data (streams) * Knowledge representation * Fuzzy logic, fuzzy systems, approximate reasoning; * New Machine Learning Methodologies * Artificial Neural Networks * Evolutionary computation, swarm intelligence, artificial immune systems, memetic computing, Nature-inspired computing * New and emerging computational intelligence approaches from hybrid learning and systems, molecular and quantum computing * Software agents and multi-agent systems, intelligent control * Intelligent Video Analytics * Applications of computational intelligence techniques in engineering, healthcare, finances, (cyber)security, signal, image and video processing ########################################################## #################### Call for Special Session Proposals ######################### * UKCI-2016 will retain its traditional format of a single track with special sessions on selected “hot” topics. * Please email proposals for special sessions to ukci2016(a)lancaster.ac.uk by 4th January 2016 ########################################################## #################### Co-Sponsors ######################### * Springer * Department of Engineering and the School of Computing and Communications, Lancaster University ##########################################################

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Postdoctoral fellowship in statistical neuroscience at Boston University
by Mark Kramer Dec. 20, 2015

Dec. 20, 2015

Postdoctoral fellowship in statistical neuroscience at Boston University A postdoctoral position is available for working in an NIH-funded BRAIN initiative project focused on understanding the computational principles and neural circuit mechanisms that underlie complex interactions across distributed circuits during brain function. The candidate will be responsible for developing data analysis and statistical modeling methods to characterize simultaneous LFP and spike train recordings from multiple brain regions during decision-making tasks. The successful candidate will have a strong background in statistics and computer programming; experience in interdisciplinary neuroscience research is preferred, although not essential. The position is based at Boston University in the labs of Uri Eden and Mark Kramer. The project is highly interdisciplinary and will involve frequent and extensive interactions with experimentalists at UCSF (Loren Frank) and Cold Spring Harbor (Adam Kepecs). Please contact Uri Eden or Mark Kramer (see links below) for more information. Boston University offers a vibrant community of statistical, mathematical, and neuroscience faculty and students, and many opportunities for collaboration within and outside the University. http://math.bu.edu/people/tzvi/ http://math.bu.edu/people/mak/

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[INNS-BigData 2016] Updated Call for Papers
by Teng Teck Hou Dec. 20, 2015

Dec. 20, 2015

[Apologies for cross-postings] ########################################################### CALL FOR PAPERS The 2nd INNS Conference on Big Data 2016 October 23-25, 2016, Thessaloniki, Greece http://conferences.cwa.gr/inns-big-data2016/ ########################################################### Big data is not just about storage of and access to data. Analytics play a big role in making sense of that data and exploiting its value. But learning from big data has become a significant challenge and requires development of new types of algorithms. Most machine learning algorithms can't easily scale up to big data. Plus there are challenges of high-dimensionality, velocity and variety. The neural network field has historically focused on algorithms that learn in an online, incremental mode without requiring in-memory access to huge amounts of data. This type of learning is not only ideal for streaming data (as in the Industrial Internet or the Internet of Things), but could also be used on stored big data. Neural network technologies thus can become significant components of big data analytics platforms and this inaugural INNS Conference on Big Data will begin that collaborative adventure with big data and other learning technologies. Thus the aim of this conference is to promote new advances and research directions in efficient and innovative algorithmic approaches to analyzing big data (e.g. deep networks, nature-inspired and brain-inspired algorithms), implementations on different computing platforms (e.g. neuromorphic, GPUs, clouds, clusters) and applications of Big Data Analytics to solve real-world problems (e.g. weather prediction, transportation, energy management). #################### Important dates ##################### - Tutorial and workshops proposals: February 15th, 2016 - Notification of tutorial and workshops proposals: February 20th, 2016 - Paper submission: April 30th, 2016 - Notification of paper acceptance: May 30th, 2016 - Camera-ready submission (AISC): June 11th, 2016 - Early registration: June 20th, 2016 Registration deadline: papers without confirmed registration by June 24th 2016 risk their inclusion in the proceedings ########################################################## #################### Invited speakers #################### - Francesco Bonchi, ISI Foundation, Torino, Italy - Stephen Furber, University of Manchester, UK - Rudolf Kruse, OVG University of Magdeburg, Germany - Piotr Mirowski, Google Deep Mind, London, UK ########################################################## #################### Organizing committees ############### General Chairs - Plamen Angelov, Lancaster University, UK - Yannis Manolopoulos, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece Program Chairs - Lazaros Iliadis, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece - Asim Roy, Arizona State University, Tempe USA - Marley Vellasco, PUC-Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Advisory Board - Nikola Kasabov, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand - Ali Minai, University of Cincinnati, USA - Danil Prokhorov, Toyota Tech Center, Michigan, USA - Theodore Trafalis University of Oklahoma, USA - G. Kumar Venayagamoorthy, Clemson University, USA Tutorials/Workshop Chairs - Apostolos Papadopoulos, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece - Bernardete Ribeiro, Portugal Poster Session Chairs - Yi Lu Murphey, University of Michigan-Dearborn, USA Special Sessions Chairs - Irwin King, Chinese University of Hong Kong, China - Luca Oneto, University of Genoa, Italy Panel Chairs - Leonid Perlovsky, Harvard University, Boston, USA Awards Chair - Araceli Sanchis de Miguel, Carlos III University, Spain Competitions Chairs - Adel Alimi, University of Sfax, Tunisia Publication Chairs - Mariette Awad, American University of Beirut, Lebanon - Danilo Mandic, Imperial College, London, UK Publicity Chairs - Jose Antonio Iglesias Martinez, Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain - Simone Scardapane, The Sapienza University of Rome, Italy - Teck Hou Teng, Singapore Management University, Singapore International Liaison Chairs - Petia Georgieva, University of Aveiro, Portugal - De-Shuang Huang, Tongji University, Shanghai, China Local Organizing Committee: - Anastasios Gounaris, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece WebMaster - Yannis Karydis, Ionian University, Greece ########################################################## ############# Paper Submission and Publication ########### * Original works submitted as a regular paper limited to a maximum of 14 pages in Springer format will be published in the proceedings to be available electronically as a Springer book in ADVANCES IN INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS AND COMPUTING Series, to download for delegates. * It will be peer-reviewed by at least three PC members on the basis of technical quality, relevance, originality, significance and clarity. * At least one author of an accepted submission to the conference should register with a regular fee to present their work at the conference. ########################################################## #################### Awards ############################## * Best papers will be selected and awarded as follows: - Best regular paper - Best student paper * This will be based on a combination of reviewers' comments, presentations and importance and quality judged by a panel. * Best paper awards (500 Euros) are donated by the sponsor Springer Verlag, Germany and will be commemorated by a certificate. ########################################################## ###### Topics and Areas include, but not limited to ###### * Autonomous, online, incremental learning - theory, algorithms and applications in big data * High dimensional data, feature selection, feature transformation - theory, algorithms and applications for big data * Scalable algorithms for big data * Learning algorithms for high-velocity streaming data * Big data streams analytics * Deep neural network learning * Machine vision and big data * Brain-machine interfaces and big data * Cognitive modeling and big data * Embodied robotics and big data * Fuzzy systems and big data * Evolutionary systems and big data * Evolving systems for big data analytics * Neuromorphic hardware for scalable machine learning * Parallel and distributed computing for big data analytics (cloud, map-reduce, etc.) * Big data and collective intelligence/collaborative learning * Big data and hybrid systems * Big data and self-aware systems * Big Data and infrastructure * Big data analytics and healthcare/medical applications * Big data analytics and energy systems/smart grids * Big data analytics and transportation systems * Big data analytics in large sensor networks * Big data and machine learning in computational biology, bioinformatics * Recommendation systems/collaborative filtering for big data * Big data visualization * Online multimedia/ stream/ text analytics * Link and graph mining * Big data and cloud computing, large scale stream processing on the cloud ########################################################## #################### Co-Sponsors ######################### * International Neural Network Society (INNS) * Springer ##########################################################

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CFP: VECPAR 2016 - High Performance Computing for Computational Science
by Carlos Ferreira Dec. 18, 2015

Dec. 18, 2015

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CALL FOR PAPERS 12th International Meeting on High-Performance Computing for Computational Science (VECPAR 2016) University of Porto, Porto, Portugal June 27 - 30, 2016 http://vecpar.fe.up.pt/2016/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT DATES: Deadline for submission: January 15th, 2016 notification of acceptance: March 3rd, 2016 camera ready version: April 25th, 2016, on easychair.org. The International Meeting on High Performance Computing for Computational Science (VECPAR) is the premier venue for presenting and discussing the latest research and practice in high end computer modeling and complex systems. VECPAR encourages submission of research contributions from academia, research laboratories and industry to address pressing issues in computational science resulting from applications of interest to society and hardware innovations. VECPAR'16, the 12th edition of the VECPAR series of conferences is organized by the University of Porto, Portugal, and will be held at the Department of Computer Science, School of Sciences. An award is planned for best student papers. Contributions are solicited in all areas of computational science and engineering (CS&E), including (but not limited to) the following topics: * Large scale Simulations in CS&E * Parallel and Distributed Computing * Parallel Algorithms * Numerical Algorithms on Multicore, GPUs and Emerging Architectures * Symbolic algorithms on Multicore, GPUs and Emerging Architectures * Support Tools and Environments * Scheduling and Load Balancing * Performance Analysis, Evaluation and Tuning You should make your submissions through EasyChair at: https://www.easychair.org/conferences/?conf=vecpar2016 Submitted papers must be formatted according to the rules of the Springer Series Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS): http://www.springer.com/computer/lncs?SGWID=0-164-6-793341-0 Please note that papers (for conference presentation) must not exceed 8 pages in length, using the LNCS format. Accepted papers will be distributed in electronic format to participants of VECPAR'16. Printed versions of the invited talks and a set of selected papers will be published by Springer in the series entitled Lecture Notes in Computer Science. Selected papers will be limited to 14 pages and will be judged based on relevance, significance, originality, correctness and clarity. More information about this process will be sent to interested authors after the conference. Carlos Ferreira [http://www2.isep.ipp.pt/assinatura_email/EMAIL_ISEP.png] ISEP | Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431 4249-015 Porto - PORTUGAL tel. +351 228 340 500 | fax +351 228 321 159 mail(a)isep.ipp.pt | www.isep.ipp.pt<http://www.isep.ipp.pt>

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[Call for applications] *Graduate Programs in Computational Neuroscience* in Berlin; MSc and PhD; 6 PhD scholarships; deadline March 15, 2016
by Robert Martin Dec. 18, 2015

Dec. 18, 2015

[Apologies for cross-posting] *Doctoral* and *Master Program* "Computational Neuroscience" at the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin in Berlin, Germany Application deadline: *March 15, 2016* Begin of courses: October 2016 Internet: www.computational-neuroscience-berlin.de _Doctoral Program_ The Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin and the TU Berlin invite applications for *6 fellowships* of the Research Training Group "Sensory Computation in Neural Systems" (GRK 1589/2, https://www.eecs.tu-berlin.de/grk_15891/) The *scientific program* of the research training group combines techniques and concepts from machine learning, computational neuroscience, and systems neurobiology in order to specifically address sensory computation. Doctoral candidates will work on interdisciplinary projects investigating the mechanisms of neural computation, address the processes underlying perception on different scales and different levels of abstraction, and develop new theories of computation hand in hand with well-controlled experiments in order to put functional hypotheses to the test. The training group offers structured supervision complemented by a teaching and training program. Each student will be supervised by two investigators with complementary expertise and will be associated with the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin (https://www.bccn-berlin.de/) a leading research center dedicated to the theoretical study of neural processing. Candidates are expected to hold a Masters degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g., neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science, physics, mathematics, etc.) and have the required advanced mathematical background. Candidates selected in the first application step will be invited for lab visits and an interview, expected to take place in June 2015. The *fellowships of 1468 €/month* - with additional children allowances if applicable---will be granted for up to three years. _Master's Program_ The tuition-free Master program in Computational Neuroscience offers *15 places* per year, has a duration of 2 years and is fully taught in English. The *curriculum* is subdivided into ten modules, whose content includes theoretical neuroscience, programming, machine learning, cognitive neuroscience, acquisition, modelling, and computational analysis of neural data, with a strong focus on a complementary theoretical and experimental training. Three lab rotations and a Master's thesis are accomplished in the second year. The aim of the program is to provide the students with an interdisciplinary education and an early contact to the neurocomputational research environment. *Requirements* BSc or equivalent degree in a relevant subject (typically in the natural sciences, in an engineering discipline, in cognitive science, or in mathematics), certificate of English proficiency, proof of sufficient mathematical knowledge (at least 24 ECTS credit points). ~~~ _For more information_ ... ... come and visit us on our *information day* on January 27, 2016, at 3 PM (sharp) at the BCCN Berlin: https://www.bccn-berlin.de/Calendar/Events/event/?contentId=3822 ... or browse: www.computational-neuroscience-berlin.de ... or e-mail: graduateprograms(a)bccn-berlin.de . Best regards, Robert Martin -- Robert Martin, PhD Teaching Coordinator Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin Philippstr. 13 House 6; 10115 Berlin; Germany Phone/Fax +49 (0)30 2093 6773/6771 http://www.computational-neuroscience-berlin.de GRK 1589/1, Sensory Computation in Neural Systems Technische Universitaet Berlin Sekretariat MAR 5-6; Marchstr. 23; 10587 Berlin Phone/Fax +49 (0)30 314 72006/73121 http://www.eecs.tu-berlin.de/grk_15891/

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CFP on "Computationally Intelligent Methods in Neural Information Processing" at the IEEE WCCI2016.
by Mufti Mahmud Dec. 17, 2015

Dec. 17, 2015

Sorry for cross-posting. Please consider circulating and contributing to the session. Thanks and regards, Mufti *Call for Paper for Special Session on * *Computationally Intelligent Methods in Neural Information Processing* *at the IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence (IEEE WCCI) 2016* Organized by: Mufti Mahmud 1-4, €, Amir Hussain 4, 5, £ 1*NeuroChip Lab, University of Padova, 35131 – Padova, Italy, *2*Institute of Information Technology, Jahangirnagar University, 1342 – Dhaka, Bangladesh, *3*Theoretical Neurobiology & Neuroengineering Lab, University of Antwerp, 2610 – Wilrijk, Belgium, *4*COSIPRA Lab, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA – Stirling, UK, *5*Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601 - China* €*Email: muftimahmud(a)gmail.com <muftimahmud(a)gmail.com>, *£*Email: ahu(a)cs.stir.ac.uk <ahu(a)cs.stir.ac.uk>* *Introduction:* The brain, being the most complex organ in human body, is specialized to process information simultaneously coming from many different sources. The neurons work as basic information processing units in the brain and interconnect to each other to form hierarchical and/or parallel pathways. These pathways are mainly involved in transforming information originated from one or more sources into either action (as in motor movements) or specialized information understood by the brain itself (as in cognitive functions). To have a detailed and better understanding of these biological phenomena two approaches have been practiced by the research community – experimental and theoretical studies. Also, some theoretical studies are inspired by the nature itself which reframes earlier computational techniques to suggest research on biophysical basis of brain research and its information processing capabilities. Needless to say that most of these studies are results of interdisciplinary research involving medical sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and cognitive sciences. *Scope:* The focus of this special session is to address the recent advances in computationally intelligent techniques in processing neural information. Developing intelligent methods capable of deciphering brain’s information processing capability is one the biggest challenges in brain research. The objective of this special session is to provide updated information and a forum for the scientists and researchers who are looking for more relevant information in decoding brain functions using expert and computationally intelligent systems. This special session is expected to attract papers on recent research progress in the area of intelligent methods in processing neural signals. The targeted research topics are, but not limited to, the following: Ø Computationally intelligent tools for analysis of Spikes, LFP, EEG, MEG, MRI/fMRI, PET, and fNIRS; Ø Computationally intelligent methods for modeling and estimating neural signals; Ø Computational intelligence in developing smart BMI and neural prosthesis; Ø Biologically inspired methods for pattern analysis in neuronal signals; Ø Machine learning methods applied to brain research; *Submission of papers:* Submit IEEE US Letter complaint pdf papers to IEEE CEC 2016, following the steps below: Ø Visit http://ieee-cis.org/conferences/cec2016/upload.php Ø Provide paper details (i.e., Paper Title, Author(s), PDF file to upload, Abstract, Preferred form of presentation, Main paper focus) Ø At '*Main research topic*' or '*Additional research topics'*, select '*8bc. Computationally Intelligent Methods in Neural Information Processing*' from the dropdown list. *Important dates:* Ø Paper submission deadline: *15 January 2016* Ø Decision notification: *15 March 2016* Ø Final paper submission and early registration deadline: *15 April 2016* Ø Conference dates: *25-29 July 2016*. -- Mufti Mahmud, PhD Postdoctoral Research Fellow NeuroChip Lab <http://www.vassanellilab.eu/> - Dept. of Biomedical Sciences <http://www.biomed.unipd.it/?L=1> University of Padova Via f. Marzolo 3 35131 - Padova, Italy Lab: +39 049 827 5308 Fax: +39 049 827 5301 https://sites.google.com/site/muftimahmud/ & Assistant Professor (on leave) Institute of Information Technology Jahangirnagar University Savar, 1342 - Dhaka, Bangladesh

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Fwd: EANN 2016 CFP Scotland
by Chrisina Jayne Dec. 17, 2015

Dec. 17, 2015

Dear Colleague, The 17th International Conference on Engineering Applications of Neural Networks will take place in Aberdeen, Scotland, between *2nd-5th September 2016* (EANN 2016 – http://www.eann.org.uk/eann2016/index.php) The INNS (International Neural Network Society) is the primary sponsor of EANN. Authors are invited to submit electronically original, English-language research contributions or experience reports not concurrently submitted elsewhere. The proceedings of the conference will be published in *Springer CCIS Series*. Extended contributions will also be considered for publication in a *Special Issue of Neural Computing and Applications Journal (Springer)*. In the spirit of the previous EANN conferences, the paper should concentrate on the application rather than just the algorithm or the theory. All application areas are relevant. Novel contributions related to deep learning and application of neural networks to data science applications are encouraged. The deadline for paper submission is *20th April 2016*. Proposals for Workshops that examine emerging, innovative, or otherwise provocative issues within the conference area are encouraged as well. Workshop proposals should include a 1-2 page summary of the topic and the names and affiliations of 3-4 panellists who have made a commitment to participate. A mix of industry and academic panel members is recommended. Proposals for 90-minute tutorials are also invited on topics within the conference area. Tutorial proposals must be at most 5 pages, they must identify the intendedaudience, and they must give enough material to provide a sense of what will be covered. Full CFP is available at http://www.eann.org.uk/eann2016/cfp.php Important deadlines are available at http://www.eann.org.uk/eann2016/timeline.php If you have any questions please email Chrisina Jayne at ( c.p.jayne(a)rgu.ac.uk) Best wishes, Prof Chrisina Jayne and Prof Lazaros Iliadis Programme Chairs for EANN2016

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4 faculty positions: Centre for Cognitive Science at Technische Universitaet Darmstadt
by Constantin Rothkopf Dec. 17, 2015

Dec. 17, 2015

Technische Universität Darmstadt is establishing a Centre for Cognitive Science and invites applications for 4 tenured professorships. The Centre’s research programme will be based on computational and engineering approaches to Cognitive Science, with strong interactions with the engineering departments. Research methodologies will include, but are not limited to, theoretical studies, human experimental work, cognitive engineering applications, the use of big data, and ubiquitous sensing. The professorships are to be filled in the Department of Human Sciences (Institutes of Psychology and of Sports Science) and in the Department of Computer Science, and will complement and interact with the existing research activities in Cognitive science at Technische Universität Darmstadt. The four positions are to be filled in the following areas: 1) One professorship (W2/W3) in the Institute of Sports Sciences in the area Sensorimotor Control & Learning 2) two professorships (W2/W3) in the Institute of Psychology in the areas Perception, Decision Making & Preference or Models of Higher Cognition (e.g. reasoning, natural language, learning and memory), 3) and one professorship (W3) in the Department of Computer Science in the areas Machine Learning or Biosignal Processing (e.g. prosthetics, brain-computer interface). Successful appointees are expected to contribute to teaching in the study programme for cognitive science, which is currently being developed, and to the undergraduate and graduate level courses of their respective departments. The positions are tenured with a remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications, following the German "W-Besoldung". The regulations for employment are specified under §§ 61 and 62 HHG (Hessisches Hochschulgesetz). The Technische Universität Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female faculty members and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference. The Technische Universität Darmstadt is certified as a familiy-friendly university and offers a dual career program. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, list of publications, copies of relevant diplomas, as well as a research and teaching statement, preferably all in a single PDF file. Applications for the positions in the Institute of Sport Science and the Institute of Psychology should be directed to the Dean of the Department of Human Sciences, Professor Frank Hänsel (dekanat(a)humanw.tu-darmstadt.de) applications for the position in Computer Science should be directed to the Dean of the Department of Computer Science, Professor Reiner Hähnle (dekanat(a)informatik.tu-darmstadt.de) It is possible to apply for several of the positions. Please include the code number of the position(s) you apply for. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Constantin Rothkopf (Tel +49 6151 16-76084; rothkopf(a)psychologie.tu-darmstadt.de) or Professor Jan Peters (Tel +49-6151-16-7351; peters(a)ias.tu-darmstadt.de) For further information please also visit www.cogsci.tu-darmstadt.de. Code No. 489 (Sensorimotor Control) Code No. 490 (Perception, Decision Making & Preference, Models of Higher Cognition) Code No. 491 (Machine Learning, Biosignal Processing) Application deadline: January 31, 2016 -- Constantin A. Rothkopf, PhD Technical University Darmstadt & FIAS phone: +49 6151 16-76084 http://www.pip.tu-darmstadt.de/ mailto:rothkopf@psychologie.tu-darmstadt.de

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PhD position in computational neuroscience. 'Identification of Metastable Cortical Dynamics Underlying Cognitive Decisions'. Bournemouth & Barcelona Universities
by Emili Balaguer-Ballester Dec. 17, 2015

Dec. 17, 2015

PhD position in computational neuroscience. "Identification of Metastable Cortical Dynamics Underlying Cognitive Decisions? Bournemouth University-IDIBAPS". A PhD position is available in 3-years fully-funded project "Identification of Metastable Cortical Dynamics Underlying Cognitive Decisions"; based at Bournemouth University (UK) https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/centre/interdisciplinary-neuroscience-re… and at the Biomedical Research Institute August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS, http://www.idibaps.org/en_index.htm, University of Barcelona, Spain). Do we have analysis tools for a reliable identification of the dynamical processes underlying decision-making? This is a fundamental question, touching the very basics of our understanding of neural computation and hence one of the most exciting topics in neuroscience. However, to reconstruct in detail neural dynamics generating cognitive decisions is a major challenge for current methodologies. This would be a highly significant advance; for instance the identification of stable dynamical patterns of activity in hippocampus deserved to win the last Nobel Prize. The aim of the project is to develop innovative approaches designed for the identification of metastable dynamics underlying cognitive decisions. We aim for the fusion of statistical learning approaches to pattern discovery with methods for identifying neural attractor dynamics and neurocomputational modelling. The novel approach will reconstruct neural dynamics during tasks specifically designed at Sanchez-Vives Lab in rodents and in human subjects at the Bournemouth EEG lab. The training possibilities that this interdisciplinary project offers are multiple and relevant in building-up a high-profile as a neuroscientist. The student will benefit from the vibrant scientific environment of neural computation and neurosciences at BU https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/centre/interdisciplinary-neuroscience-re… and at the cortical networks lab; embedded in the renowned systems neuroscience network in Barcelona http://www.sanchez-vives.org/. Applicants holding a degree in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science or similar disciplines are welcome. Interest or previous training in neuroscience or laboratory experience and a strong mathematical or machine learning background would be very welcome. The researcher will be based at the Faculty of Science, Bournemouth University, and work with Dr Balaguer-Ballester at the Computational Neuroscience laboratory in the context of the interdisciplinary group for neurosciences; and will spend prolonged periods of time in the Cortical Networks Lab (IDIBAPS, Barcelona) led by Prof. Maria Victoria Sanchez-Vives; providing an outstanding opportunity to gain a diverse experience of both neuro-computational and experimental approaches. For formally applying and more information please visit https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/pgr/funded-phd-studentships-in-the-facul… Please Cc your application to eb-ballester(a)bournemouth.ac.uk For further details please do not hesitate to contact me any time: eb-ballester(a)bournemouth.ac.uk: Twitter: @emilibalball; http://dec.bournemouth.ac.uk/staff/ebb/ Kind regards, Emili BU is a Disability Two Ticks Employer and has signed up to the Mindful Employer charter. Information about the accessibility of University buildings can be found on the BU DisabledGo webpages This email is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender and delete this email, which must not be copied, distributed or disclosed to any other person. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Bournemouth University or its subsidiary companies. Nor can any contract be formed on behalf of the University or its subsidiary companies via email.

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Workshop "modeling the early visual system" in Paris, January 19-20th
by Olivier Marre Dec. 17, 2015

Dec. 17, 2015

INTRODUCTION Do we know what the early visual system does? This question was the topic of a workshop at the SFN meeting ten years ago. Over the last decade, there has been tremendous progress in understanding the computations performed in the visual system, and how they are implemented by the neural circuitry. The purpose of this workshop is to gather both theoreticians and experimentalists in the field to take stock and debate about the current challenges when trying to understand the computations performed by the early visual system, and how they result from both bottom-up and top-down processes. CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Philipp Berens, University of Tuebingen, Germany Laura Busse, University of Tuebingen, Germany Matteo Carandini, UCL, UK Frédéric Chavane, INT, Marseille, France Karl Farrow, NERF, Belgium Yves Frégnac, UNIC laboratory, CNRS, Gif sur Yvette, France Charles Gilbert, Rockefeller University, New York, USA Tim Gollisch, University of Gottingen, Germany Peter Neri, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris, France Elad Schneidman, Weizman Institute of Science, Israel Andreas Tolias, Baylor College of Medicine, Austin, USA Shimon Ullman, Weizman Institute of Science, Israel REGISTRATION This workshop will take place in the European Institute for Theoretical Neuroscience ( http://www.eitn.eu/ ), Paris, January 19th and 20th. Registration is free but mandatory. We have a few slots for posters that will be presented during the meeting. If you are interested in presenting a poster. For registration and/or abstract submission, please refer to the workshop website: http://eitnconf-190116.sciencesconf.org/ On behalf of the organizing committee, Olivier Marre Institut de la Vision F-75012 Paris

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International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS) 2016
by Zachary Kilpatrick Dec. 17, 2015

Dec. 17, 2015

We would like to remind you about… The 2nd International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS 2016) at the Congress Center in Juan-les-Pins on the French Riviera May 29 to June 1, 2016 Tutorials: May 29 Main Conference: May 30 - June 1 https://icmns2016.inria.fr/ <https://icmns2016.inria.fr/> One page abstracts will be reviewed by a Program Committee and divided into three categories: featured talks, session talks, and posters. https://icmns2016.inria.fr/call-for-contributions/ <https://icmns2016.inria.fr/call-for-contributions/> The abstract submission deadline is January 7, 2016. Meeting registration will open shortly thereafter. Questions should be directed to the conference email: icmns2016-contact(a)inria.fr <mailto:icmns2016-contact@inria.fr> CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Wulfram Gerstner (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) John Rinzel (New York University) Antoine Triller (École Normale Supérieure de Paris) Rachel Kuske (U British Columbia) Jonathan Rubin (U Pittsburgh) Hinke Osinga (U Aukland) Carina Curto (Penn State University) Ruben Moreno-Bote (Foundation Sant Joan de Deu) Hiroya Nakao (Tokyo Institute of Technology) Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Si Wu (Beijing Normal University) Alex Roxin (Centre de Recerca Matematica) PROGRAM COMMITTEE Toni Guillamon (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) Roland Potthast (U Reading) Gregory Faye (Université Paul Sabatier ) Wilhelm Stannat (TU Berlin) Jonathan Touboul (College de France) Gilles Wainrib (Ecole Normale Supérieure) Suzanne Ditlevsen (University of Copenhagen) Boris Gutkin (Ecole Normale Supérieure) Martin Wechselberger (U Sydney) Jonathan Rubin (U Pittsburgh) Martin Krupa (INRIA Sophia Antipoilis) Carlo Laing (Massey University) Andre Longtin (U Ottawa) Daniele Avitabile (U Nottingham) Jose Carrillo (Imperial College) Pascal Chossat (Université Nice Sophia Antipolis) Carson Chow (National Institutes of Health) Steve Zucker (Yale University) Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Rachel Kuske (U British Columbia) Laura Sacerdote (Universita di Torino) Reinhard Hopfner (Johannes-Gutenberg Universitat) Olivier Faugeras (INRIA - Sophia Antipolis) Paul Bressloff (U Utah) Steve Coombes (U Nottingham) CONFERENCE CHAIRS Romain Veltz (INRIA - Sophia Anitpolis) Zachary Kilpatrick (U Houston) Evelyn Buckwar (Johannes Kepler Universitat Linz) We hope to see you in Juan-les-Pins! All the best Romain, Zack, and Evelyn

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NeuronUnit/NeuroML & Modeling Postdoctoral Research Position at ASU
by Sharon Crook Dec. 16, 2015

Dec. 16, 2015

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics (Job #11446) We are soliciting applications for a postdoctoral position in the Laboratory for Informatics and Computation in Open Neuroscience at Arizona State University. This laboratory, jointly supervised by Dr. Sharon Crook and Dr. Rick Gerkin, focuses on developing resources for the community for describing, validating and sharing computational models in neuroscience. In addition, lab personnel conduct empirical and modeling studies in order to investigate fundamental questions in neuroscience. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and use of tool chains for model validation and model exchange that revolve around NeuronUnit and NeuroML. The postdoctoral researcher also will have the opportunity to choose the direction of their own modeling studies. Applicants must provide evidence of excellence in sustainable software development, experience in applications in neuroscience, and should also be highly independent, with a strong propensity for interdisciplinary research. Candidates must hold a PhD in neuroscience, computer science, applied mathematics, computational neuroscience or a related discipline by time of appointment and be highly motivated and creative. Experience with some combination of Python, XML, MySQL, Ruby on Rails, and NEURON is desirable. Named the #1 Most Innovative University in the US, Arizona State University offers an exciting research environment in a unique setting. ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona, which offers many rich cultural and outdoor opportunities with access to mountains and canyons visited by people from around the world. All applications must be submitted online through mathjobs at https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/8375 and must include the following: 1) A detailed CV 2) Two recommendation letters 3) A statement of research interest Any questions should be sent by email to Dr. Sharon Crook (sharon.crook(a)asu.edu) and Dr. Rick Gerkin (rgerkin(a)asu.edu) Initial review of applications will begin January 15, 2016; if not filled, applications will be reviewed every two weeks thereafter until the search is closed. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.

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Three PhD projects in modelling brain diseases and brain development at Newcastle University
by Marcus Kaiser Dec. 16, 2015

Dec. 16, 2015

Dear all, we are currently advertising the following three 4-year PhD positions for our lab with application deadlines early next year. The funding covers living expenses and UK/EU fees over four years and, using overseas research studentships, potentially also the higher fees for non-EU applicants. Students are chosen in competition with students who choose projects in other fields, which means that we would particularly encourage strong applicants with very good academic marks and previous research experience to apply. Please follow the links below for more information. *Newcastle-DTA PhD studentships* (1) Building brains: Which developmental pathways lead to better performance in information processing? <http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/study/postgrad/dta/documents/2016-Kaiser-122.pdf> (School: Computing Science Ref: DTA122) Within this project, a student will help to develop detailed simulations of brain network development. In addition, the student will test the performance of the grown networks on visual tasks. Through this, we will investigate (a) how developmental mechanisms are linked to the resulting topology and (b) how the resulting network is linked to processing performance. As a result, we will get a better understanding how changes during development are linked to brain architecture and how they can lead to cognitive deficits. Supervisors: Prof. Marcus Kaiser, Dr Gavin Clowry, and Dr Roman Bauer (2) Predicting patient outcomes following traumatic brain injury <http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/study/postgrad/dta/documents/2016-Kaiser-123.pdf> (School: Computing Science Ref: DTA123) In this study we will investigate the impact of simulated brain lesions using human brain connectivity data and computer simulations. We shall aim to produce biomarkers for patient outcomes. These techniques may hive wider applications in stroke, multiple sclerosis and ageing. Supervisors: Prof. Marcus Kaiser and Dr Peter Taylor Please *apply by 22 January* at http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/study/postgrad/dta/ *Newcastle-Singapore PhD studentships* (3) Improving surgery in focal epilepsy using computational modelling <http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/study/postgrad/singapore/documents/Improvingsurge…>(School: Computing Science Ref: NSS12) In this project we shall attempt to predict which patients will be seizure free after surgery. For those patients predicted to be not seizure free we shall suggest alternative strategies for surgery. See also our recent article in PLOS CB: http://www.ploscompbiol.org/article/metrics/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.… Supervisors: Dr. Peter Taylor, Prof. Marcus Kaiser, and Asst. Prof. Justin Dauwels (NTU, Singapore). The student will be based at Newcastle but also visit Singapore Please *apply by 26 February* at http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/study/postgrad/singapore/ *Research Environment* There are currently 12 faculty members with a link to neuroinformatics and computational neuroscience. Using computational models for clinical applications is a strong interest of our group (see http://neuroinformatics.ncl.ac.uk/ for an overview). Students will be based in the School of Computing Science, which was ranked #9 for research and #1 for impact in the recent UK Research Excellence Framework evaluation, as part of the ICOS Group (http://ico2s.org/ ). They will also be affiliated with the Institute of Neuroscience which integrates more than 100 principal investigators across medicine, psychology, computer science, and engineering and which was ranked #9 overall and #5 for impact in the UK ( http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ion/) Newcastle University, with 20,000 students, lies in the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne -- an area in the North-East of England with around one million inhabitants. The university is at the centre of Newcastle which itself is on the main train-line between London and Edinburgh, 20 minutes away from both the airport and the sand beach by public transport ( http://www.ncl.ac.uk/about/visit/city/ ). We also offer a one-year master programme in Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/computing/study/postgrad/taught/5199/ ) which is now accepting applications.

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DENDRITES 2016, June 18-21, Crete: CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
by Yiota Poirazi Dec. 16, 2015

Dec. 16, 2015

Please distribute to potentially interested parties and email lists. Many thanks! Looking forward to welcoming you in Crete! On behalf of the organizing committee, Yiota Poirazi ------------------------------------------------------- EMBO Workshop on Dendritic Anatomy, Molecules and Function (DENDRITES 2016) Heraklion, Crete, Greece June 18-21, 2016 http://dendrites2016.gr/ <http://www.dendrites2016.gr/> * * * * * *CALL FOR ABSTRACTS* * * * * * Abstract submission for poster and oral presentation is open until *February 15, 2016* This EMBO Workshop brings together scientific leaders to present their research on dendrites, at the molecular, anatomical and biophysical level. Apart from scientific talks from top experts in the field, the meeting includes a full day dedicated to Career Issues in academia. This session features talks from the current President of FENS as well as young Neuroscientists from theFENS-Kavli Network of Excellence <http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/> that are dealing with such issues. _Invited speakers (scientific talks): _ Claudia Clopath Daniel Dombeck Casper Hoogenraad Arthur Konnerth Attila Losonczy Judit Makara Rishikesh Narayanan Elly Nedivi Jackie Schiller Erin Schuman Idan Segev Nelson Spruston Greg Stuart _Invited speakers (Career Issues in academia):_ Monica Di Luca, FENS President: "Publication issues: right time for a reality check" Camilla Belone, FENS-Kavli Scholar: "Retention of women in high levels of neuroscienceÂ - Perspectives" Emre Yaksi, FENS-Kavli Scholar: "Funding opportunities in Neuroscience: how to write a successful grant proposal" CALL FOR ABSTRACTS We are soliciting abstracts for oral and poster presentations. We welcome both experimental and theoretical contributions addressing novel findings, methods or databases related to dendrites that fall into one or more of the following domains: * morphological and functional characterizations, * dendritic integration and compartmentalization, * dendritic channel distribution and their functional implications, * molecular pathways and signaling networks, * RNA trafficking and local protein synthesis, * functional or structural plasticity and homeostasis, * the role of dendrites in complex processes, including learning/memory, neural computations etc. Please note that places are limited and subject to availability. Attendees are highly encouraged to submit abstracts for presentations, since presenters will be given priority for registration. Instructions for on-line submission can be found at http://www.dendrites2016.gr/call-for-papers *Important dates * * Abstract submission opens: December 15th, 2016 * Abstract submission closes: February 15th, 2016 * Notification of abstract acceptance: February 29th, 2016 * Notification of oral/poster presentation: early March 2016 _Organizing committee:_ Yiota Poirazi, IMBB-FORTH Michael Hausser, UCL * * Matthew Larkum, Humboldt University IMPORTANT NOTE: The Workshop takes place on the island of Crete and is followed by the AREADNE 2016 meeting <http://areadne.org/> (June 22-26th, 2016), focusing on Research in Encoding And Decoding of Neural Ensembles, on the neighboring island of Sandorini. DENDRITES 2016 participants are encouraged to consider attending both meetings. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Please see the conference web site http://dendrites2016.gr/ <http://www.dendrites2016.gr/> or send an email to info(a)dendrites2016.gr <mailto:info@dendrites.gr> -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Director of Research Computational Biology Laboratory Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385 GR 711 10 Heraklion, Crete, GREECE Tel: +30 2810 391139 <tel:+30%202810%20391139> Fax: +30 2810 391101 <tel:+30%202810%20391101> Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr <mailto:poirazi@imbb.forth.gr> http://www.dendrites.gr Chair http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/

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Postdoctoral fellowships in computational neuroscience at the University of Washington
by Adrienne Fairhall Dec. 16, 2015

Dec. 16, 2015

We invite applications for the Washington Research Foundation Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowships in Neuroengineering at the University of Washington in Seattle. These fellowships are offered as part of the UW Institute for Neuroengineering, which aims to stimulate research excellence in the development of novel approaches to the understanding and manipulation of brain function. These highly selective fellowships fund research in computational and engineering approaches to neuroscience; joint mentoring between faculty in different disciplines (CS, engineering, mathematics, biology) is strongly encouraged. The fellowships provide two years of funding including a $65,000 annual salary and a $25,000 research stipend. Applications are due by January 15, 2016. Please see http://uwin.washington.edu/post-docs/ for more information.

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postdoc position with BRAIN project at Emory University
by Jaeger, Dieter Dec. 15, 2015

Dec. 15, 2015

A postdoctoral position is available for working in an NIH funded Obama BRAIN initiative project on the role of the basal ganglia in motor decision making in behaving mice (https://projectreporter.nih.gov/project_info_description.cfm?icde=0&aid=901…) The project aims to elucidate how subcortical structures feed back onto and influence cortical processing. The position will involve multisite recording and optogenetics in behaving mice in the Jaeger lab at Emory University, which provides a strong training environment in computational and systems neuroscience in collaboration with the Georgia Institute of Technology. The successful candidate needs previous electrophysiological experience and strong data analysis skills using Matlab or Python. A PhD in Biomedical Engineering or Neuroscience is preferred. If interested & qualified, please contact djaeger(a)emory.edu. Dieter Jaeger, PhD Professor Department of Biology, Emory University 1510 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322 404 727 8139, e-mail: djaeger(a)emory.edu<mailto:djaeger@emory.edu> http://www.biology.emory.edu/research/Jaeger ________________________________ This e-mail message (including any attachments) is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender by reply e-mail message and destroy all copies of the original message (including attachments).

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Postdoc in Computational Neuroscience/ Robotics
by Sen Cheng Dec. 15, 2015

Dec. 15, 2015

A postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience/ robotics is available immediately in the research unit of Prof. Sen Cheng in the Institute for Neural Computing at the Ruhr University Bochum in Germany. For further information see www.rub.de/cns. The postdoc will study spatial navigation and learning in robots using biologically realistic algorithms. The focus will be on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying spatial navigation and learning in mammals, in particular, the role of the hippocampus in these processes. The salary will be on the standard German pay scale of TV-L E13. The full-time position is available immediately for two years with the possibility of extension. Limited teaching in computational neuroscience and/ or robotics is required. Candidates should have a doctoral degree in neuroscience, robotics, computer science, physics, or a related field. Competence in mathematical modeling, and excellent programming skills are mandatory. Familiarity with robotics and computational neuroscience would be a further asset. To apply please send a statement of your motivation and research interests, academic transcripts, and a complete CV to sen.cheng(a)rub.de in a single PDF file. Please, also request from at least two academic referees that they send letters of reference directly to the same email address. The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. --- Prof. Dr. Sen Cheng Ruhr-University Bochum Mercator Research Group "Structure of Memory" Universitaetsstr. 150 44801 Bochum Germany office: GA 04/48 | +49-234- 32 27136 | FAX: +49-234- 32 07136 sen.cheng(a)rub.de | http://www.rub.de/cns

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BRAIN Initiative post-doctoral position
by Joshua Gold Dec. 14, 2015

Dec. 14, 2015

The Gold lab (http://www.med.upenn.edu/goldlab <http://www.med.upenn.edu/goldlab>) at the University of Pennsylvania is looking for an energetic and talented post-doc to participate in a funded BRAIN Initiative grant studying neural mechanisms of individual differences in learning and decision-making (http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=135926 <http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1533623>). The work will combine psychophysics, single-unit electrophysiology, and computational modeling. A strong background in systems neuroscience is preferred. Anyone interested should contact Joshua Gold directly via e-mail (jigold(a)mail.med.upenn.edu <mailto:jigold@mail.med.upenn.edu>). Please include a CV and cover letter stating your research experience and reasons for applying to this position. Also please be prepared to provide contact information for up to three references upon request. Penn has a rich and interactive environment for both systems and computational neuroscience, with journal clubs, lab meetings, retreats, and other joint activities, many of which are organized by our new Computational Neuroscience Initiative (CNI: http://cni.upenn.edu <http://cni.upenn.edu/>). We also value diversity and seek talented individuals from diverse backgrounds (http://jobs.hr.upenn.edu <http://jobs.hr.upenn.edu/>).

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Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop 2016: Call for Topics
by Ralph Etienne-Cummings Dec. 14, 2015

Dec. 14, 2015

Call for Topic Area Proposals 2016 Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop *Telluride, Colorado, June 26 –July 16, 2016* *DEADLINE: January 8th, 2016* We are now accepting proposals for Topic Areas in the 2016 Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop. We support topics and projects in neuromorphic cognition, particularly those that involve solving challenging ‘everyday’ tasks that incorporate domain-specific knowledge, exploration, prediction, and problem solving. In particular, we are interested in projects that hold promise for addressing Grand Challenge types of problems that do not have strong solutions of any form, neuromorphic or not. These Challenge problems should feature long-duration sensorimotor problems that involve autonomous cognitive decision making. Examples might include tasks such as learning a new language, navigating through an unknown environment to locate an object or reach a desired location, visual and auditory understanding of human actions, adaptively manipulating unknown or complex objects in the service of a task, playing a game requiring inference of hidden information or long-term planning and learning, etc. Proposals related to hardware technologies that aim to bring these capabilities to reality are also encouraged. Topic proposals that aim to solve a particular problem using the multidisciplinary experience of participants will be favored over topics that simply gather a large number of people working within a discipline, or using a single technology, or approach. Topic areas for this summer's Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop <http://ine-web.org/> will be chosen from proposals submitted to the organizers. *Topic areas can span a large field; we are looking for leadership in planning activities and inviting good people in a field.* Although past topic areas have tended to be very broad and discipline-oriented (e.g., cognition, audition, vision, robotics, neural interfacing, neuromorphic VLSI, etc.), application-oriented topic areas (e.g., sensor fusion, game-playing robot, object recognition, sound localization, human robot interaction, etc.) are especially desirable. *Topic area leaders will receive housing for themselves and their invitees, and limited travel funds.* Topic area leaders will help to define the field of neuromorphic cognition engineering through the projects they pursue and the people they invite. They shape their topic by inviting speakers and project leaders (the *invitees*) and by initiating topic area project discussions prior to the workshop. Teams of two organizers are required. One of the organizers should be an attendee of a previous Telluride Workshop (in any capacity) and has stayed at the Workshop for at least one week. *Pre-workshop topic area choices and study assignments.* Before the workshop begins, each topic area will be required to prepare and distribute study materials that constitute: 1) an introductory presentation (e.g., pptx, video, review paper) of the fundamental knowledge associated with the topic area that *everyone at the workshop* should be exposed to, and 2) a few critical papers that the participants in the topic area should read before the workshop. The topic area should 3) begin a serious group discussion of the projects (e.g., via Facebook, Skype, email, etc). *The maximum 2-page proposals should include:* 1. Title of topic area. 2. Names of the two topic leaders, their affiliations, and contact information (email addresses). 3. A paragraph explaining the focus and goals of the topic area. 4. A list of possible specific topic area projects. 5. A list of example invitees (up to six names and institutions). No commitments necessary. 6. Any other material that fits within the two-page limit that will help us make a smart choice. *Send your topic area proposal* in pdf or text format to organizers13(a)neuromorphs.net <organizers12(a)neuromorphs.net> with subject line containing "topic area proposal". *Proposals must be received by January 8, 2016*; proposals received after the deadline may still be considered if space is available. *We expect to accept 4-5 topic areas*, each with 5 invitees*.* If your proposal for the topic area is not accepted, we will work with you to see if there is a natural way to include your ideas (and you) into the accepted topic areas. We hope to have significant turn-over each year in the topic areas and leaders to ensure fresh new ideas and participants. See the Institute of Neuromorphic Engineering (www.ine-web.org) for background information on the workshop and neuromorphs.net <https://neuromorphs.net/ws2009/wiki/PastWorkshops> for past workshop wikis. We look forward to your topic proposals! *Deadline: January 8, 2016* *The Workshop Directors:* Cornelia Fermüller <http://www.cfar.umd.edu/~fer/> (University of Maryland), Ralph Etienne-Cummings <http://etienne.ece.jhu.edu/people/ralph/index.html> (Johns Hopkins Univ.) Shih-Chii Liu <https://www.ini.uzh.ch/~shih/> (University of Zurich and ETH Zurich), Timmer Horiuchi <https://www.isr.umd.edu/faculty/horiuchi> (University of Maryland), Katalin Gotthard <http://physiological-sciences.arizona.edu/katalin-gothard> (University of Arizona), Michael Pfeiffer <https://www.ini.uzh.ch/~pfeiffer/index.html> (University of Zurich and ETH Zurich), Francisco Barranco <fbarranco(a)ugr.es> (University of Granada) *Former 2007-2013 Workshop Director: * Tobi Delbruck <https://www.ini.uzh.ch/~tobi/> (University of Zurich and ETH Zurich) -- Ralph Etienne-Cummings, PhD, FIEEE Professor and Chairman Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Computational Sensor Motor Systems Lab Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics The Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD [image: cid:image001.png@01CFC064.B58B46A0]

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four postdoctoral positions available at the University of Göttingen
by Schloegl, Christian Dec. 14, 2015

Dec. 14, 2015

The Georg-August-University Göttingen, the German Primate Center and the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience are looking to fill four positions of Postdoctoral fellows The postdoctoral fellows will be associated with the Cognitive Ethology Laboratory (Julia Fischer, www.dpz.eu/de/abteilung/kognitive-ethologie<http://www.dpz.eu/de/abteilung/kognitive-ethologie>), the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory (Stefan Treue, www.dpz.eu/cnl<http://www.dpz.eu/cnl>), including the Sensorimotor Group (Alexander Gail, www.dpz.eu/smg<http://www.dpz.eu/smg>) and the Decision and Awareness Group (Igor Kagan, www.dpz.eu/dag<http://www.dpz.eu/dag>), at the University of Göttingen and the German Primate Center, or the Theoretical Neurophysics Group (Fred Wolf, https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/58058.html) at the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience. All positions are at pay grade 13 TV-L, full-time (currently 39, 80 hours per week) for an initial duration of 2 years and are available immediately. Your project We are recruiting postdoctoral fellows for an interdisciplinary research project studying social interactions and decision-making in human and non-human primates. For this purpose, a novel experimental platform is to be developed for behavioral (and with the later option of electrophysiological / stimulation) studies of sensorimotor decision-making in cooperative and competitive social interaction settings, across humans and different non-human primate species. We are searching for two postdoctoral fellows with an experimental or engineering background to develop this innovative experimental platform by integrating several technological (e.g., eye-tracking, hand motion tracking, real-time behavior-contingent visual stimuli, etc.) and methodological approaches (e.g., from neurosciences, behavioral biology and psychology) into a single experimental tool. Two postdoctoral fellows with a mathematical or theoretical background are expected to develop a mathematical framework and the computational tools for the analysis of large-scale multimodal data streams to be generated through the platform and from other sources. Your profile We are looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic and creative researchers with strong experimental and/or analytical skills. Good command of written and spoken English is a must, German is a plus. The ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and the capacity to supervise students and technical personnel is expected. Successful candidates for the development of the experimental platform should have a PhD in cognitive science, psychology, behavioral biology, neuroscience or related fields. Demonstrable experience with designing, conducting and analyzing behavioral experiments in humans and/or non-human primates is essential; programming skills and an understanding of hardware and software integration in real-time experimental systems is beneficial; a prior experience in studying social interactions is of additional value. Successful candidates for the development of computational tools should have a PhD in computational neuroscience, physics, mathematics, informatics, statistics, or related fields. Advanced knowledge of stochastic dynamics, systems and signal theory, as well as excellent computational skills are required. Extensive experience with the analysis of complex data streams is a plus. Ideal candidates will be driven by a genuine interest in theoretical approaches to complex biological systems. The project is embedded in the recently established Leibniz ScienceCampus "Primate Cognition" (www.primate-cognition.eu/en<http://www.primate-cognition.eu/en>) that encompasses a wide range of Göttingen researchers from multiple disciplines interested in understanding primate cognitive functions. Due to a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the project, and the recent upsurge of interest in the social aspects of decision-making and goal-directed actions both locally and in the international scientific community, it promises to be very visible. While the fellow positions are available for two years, the goals and the underlying framework of the project are a central part of the long-term commitment of the "Primate Cognition" scientific community and are expected to be continued. The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as they are underrepresented in this field. Disabled persons with equivalent aptitude will be favored. The positions are generally suitable for part-time employment. Please send your application with the usual documents submitted as a single PDF file via email to the ScienceCampus coordinator, Dr. Christian Schloegl (cschloegl(a)dpz.eu<mailto:cschloegl@dpz.eu>), with the subject "Application social decision-making". Application deadline is January 31st, 2016. Three months after completion of the application process, submitted application material will be deleted. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Christian Schloegl (cschloegl(a)dpz.eu<mailto:cschloegl@dpz.eu>; phone: +49-551-3851-480). _________________________________ Dr. Christian Schloegl Leibniz-WissenschaftsCampus Primatenkognition Deutsches Primatenzentrum GmbH Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen Tel: +49 551 3851-480 Fax: +49 551 3851-489 E-Mail: cschloegl(a)dpz.eu<mailto:cschloegl@dpz.eu> http://www.primate-cognition.eu<http://www.primate-cognition.eu/> Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrates: MDgt Rüdiger Eichel Geschäftsführer: Prof. Dr. Stefan Treue, Assessor jur. Michael Lankeit Sitz der Gesellschaft: Göttingen Handelsregister: Göttingen HRB 933

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Postdoctoral positions at the interface of algebraic topology and theoretical neuroscience at Penn State
by Vladimir Itskov Dec. 12, 2015

Dec. 12, 2015

Dear colleagues, Applicants are invited for postdoctoral positions at the interface of theoretical neuroscience and algebraic topology or applied algebra. An ideal candidate is a mathematics Ph.D. with background in areas such as algebraic topology, geometry, commutative algebra, or combinatorics. Prior familiarity with neuroscience is not required, but interest in learning the relevant background is expected. The postdoctoral fellow will engage in the development of novel mathematical methods for understanding neural coding and neural networks. To apply, please submit your application via the mathjobs.org website in response to the job ad http://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/7575 See also http://sites.psu.edu/mathneurolab/ for more information. __________________________________ Vladimir Itskov Associate Professor of Mathematics The Pennsylvania State University email: vladimir.itskov(a)psu.edu http://www.personal.psu.edu/vui1 __________________________________

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faculty positions at Penn State
by Vladimir Itskov Dec. 12, 2015

Dec. 12, 2015

---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2015 14:57:49 -0500 From: "Adam Smith (CSE)" <asmith(a)cse.psu.edu> Subject: data science/ML and cognitive science faculty positions at Penn State -- talk to us at NIPS! Penn State will be hiring multiple faculty in "data science" and "brain science", broadly defined. There are open positions in the department of Computer Science & Engineering as well as Statistics, and positions have the potential to be joint with other departments at Penn State. The ad for the CSE department follows. I will be at NIPS on Thursday (11am poster session) and Friday (at the workshop on adaptive data analysis). Send me an email if you'd like to talk! Adam Smith -- Penn State Computer Science & Engineering http://www.cse.psu.edu/~asmith Links: https://psu.jobs/job/60027 http://eecs.psu.edu/departments/EECS-Departments-Employment-Opportunities.a… http://cra.org/job/pennsylvania-state-university-faculty-position-vacancies/ =========================== Applications are invited for several tenure-track faculty positions at all ranks. Outstanding candidates in all areas of Computer Science and Engineering will be considered. Areas of particular interest are: hardware systems, computer architecture/embedded systems, software systems, brain science, data science, and security with applications to networking, systems and data analytics. Faculty lines in the areas of architecture/embedded systems, data science, and networking will be hired jointly with the Department of Electrical Engineering in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Hiring in the brain science (especially around the analyses of imaging data) and the security of large-scale cyberphysical systems (including smart grids and food-water-energy systems), will be jointly hired with the Institute for CyberScience. These positions are part of a university-wide initiative to appoint exceptional candidates who can advance algorithms, software and hardware systems with a demonstrated commitment to participating in interdisciplinary research (see www.ics.psu.edu/hire.html) The department has 30 tenure-track faculty in the major areas of computer science and engineering. Fourteen members of our faculty are NSF Career Award recipients. Three faculty members from the department have received the prestigious NSF PECASE Award. In recent years, faculty in the department were awarded several large-scale research grants, including the Collaborative Research Alliance for the Science of Security, a Collaborative Technology Alliance for Network Science and an NSF Expeditions in Computing award. Further, the faculty have received awards in computing and research infrastructure and instrumentation grants from NSF, and are part of DARPA/STARNET Center, an NSF ERC and NSF IGERT team. The faculty are highly successful in obtaining funding from NSF, DARPA, ARL, DOE, DTRA, AFOSR and AOR. There are state-of-the-art research labs for computer systems, computer vision and robotics, microsystems design and VLSI, networking and security, high performance computing, bioinformatics and virtual environments. The department offers a graduate program with 30 Masters students and 132 Ph.D. students, and undergraduate programs in computer science and computer engineering. The university is committed to growing the faculty ranks and promoting interdisciplinary research toward cyber-enabled discovery and design. Penn State is a major research university and is ranked 3rd in the nation in industry-sponsored research and 8th in the nation in research expenditures. U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks Penn State?s College of Engineering undergraduate and graduate programs among the top in nation. Penn State is ranked 5th world wide in Computer Science Citations according to Thomson-Reuters. The university is located in the beautiful college town of State College in the center of Pennsylvania. The State College area has 130,000 inhabitants and offers a wide variety of cultural and outdoor recreational activities. The university offers outstanding events from collegiate sporting events to fine arts productions. Many major population centers on the east coast (New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Baltimore) are only a few hours drive away and convenient air services to several major hubs are operated by three major airlines out of State College. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related field and should be committed to excellence in both research and teaching. Support will be provided to the successful applicants for establishing their research programs. We strongly encourage dual career couples and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Applicants should submit a statement of professional interests, curriculum vitae, and the names and addresses of four references. Please submit these items in a single PDF file electronically at http://apptrkr.com/681413. Nominations and applications will be considered until the positions are filled. If you have questions regarding the application process, please email recruiting(a)cse.psu.edu. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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MICCAI 2016 - Call for Papers and Workshop/Tutorial/Challenge Proposals
by Devrim Unay Dec. 12, 2015

Dec. 12, 2015

[Apologies for cross posting] We are writing to invite you to participate in *MICCAI 2016*, the 19th International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention, which will be held from *October 17th to 21st, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey*. Call for papers can be found here: http://miccai2016.org/en/CALL-FOR-PAPERS.html. The paper submission deadline is *March 10, 2016*. Call for workshop/tutorial/challenge proposals can be found here: http://miccai2016.org/en/SATELLITE-EVENTS.html. The proposal submission deadline is *January 19, 2016*. For the latest information, please refer to our website: http://miccai2016.org. Also, please follow us on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/groups/1050034681703084/> and Twitter <https://twitter.com/MICCAI2016>. We look forward to welcoming you to Istanbul in October 2016! On Behalf of the MICCAI 2016 Organizing Committee Sebastien Ourselin General Chair

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1st call for papers: PRNI 2016
by Jo Etzel Dec. 11, 2015

Dec. 11, 2015

******* please accept our apologies for cross-posting ******* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FIRST CALL FOR PAPERS PRNI 2016 6th International Workshop on Pattern Recognition in Neuroimaging 22-24 June 2016 Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), Trento, Italy www.prni.org - @PRNI2016 - www.facebook.com/PRNI2016/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Paper submission deadline: 18 March 2016, 11:59 pm PST Acceptance notification: 22 April 2016 Camera-ready paper deadline: 7 May 2016 Oral and poster sessions: 22-24 June 2016 Pattern recognition techniques have become an important tool for neuroimaging data analysis. These techniques are helping to elucidate normal and abnormal brain function, cognition and perception, anatomical and functional brain architecture, biomarkers for diagnosis and personalized medicine, and as a scientific tool to decipher neural mechanisms underlying human cognition. The International Workshop on Pattern Recognition in Neuroimaging (PRNI) aims to: (1) foster dialogue between developers and users of cutting-edge analysis techniques in order to find matches between analysis techniques and neuroscientific questions; (2) showcase recent methodological advances in pattern recognition algorithms for neuroimaging analysis; and (3) identify challenging neuroscientific questions in need of new analysis approaches. PRNI welcomes submissions on topics including, but not limited to: * Learning from neuroimaging data - Algorithms for brain-state decoding or encoding - Optimization and regularization - Bayesian analysis of neuroimaging data - Causal inference and time delay techniques - Network and connectivity models (the connectome) - Dynamic and time-varying models - Dynamical systems and simulations - Empirical mode decomposition, multiscale decompositions - Combination of different data modalities - Efficient algorithms for large-scale data analysis * Interpretability of models and results - High-dimensional data visualization - Multivariate and multiple hypothesis testing - Summarization and presentation of inference results * Applications - Disease diagnosis and prognosis - Real-time decoding of brain states - Analysis of resting-state and task-based data - MEG, EEG, structural MRI, fMRI, diffusion MRI, ECoG, NIRS Authors should prepare full papers with a maximum length of 4 pages (two column IEEE style) for double-blind review. The manuscript submission deadline is 18 March 2016. Accepted manuscripts will be assigned either to an oral or poster sessions; all accepted manuscripts will be included in the workshop proceedings. -- Joset A. Etzel, Ph.D. Research Analyst Cognitive Control & Psychopathology Lab Washington University in St. Louis http://mvpa.blogspot.com/

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Postdoc in mathematical neuroscience at the University of Houston/UC, Boulder
by Kresimir Josic Dec. 11, 2015

Dec. 11, 2015

We are looking for a postdoctoral associate with a background in applied mathematics and/or computational neuroscience. The successful applicant will work with Krešimir Josić at the University of Houston and Zack Kilpatrick at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The goal of the project is to use linear response theory and its extensions to predict how patterns of activity and structure of neuronal networks co-evolve. This is a collaborative project with Brent Doiron (Pitt) and Eric Shea-Brown (UW, Seattle). The deadline for applications is January 15, 2016. This position is expected to run September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2018. Interested applicants can apply online at at the University of Houston jobs website: https://jobs.uh.edu/postings/28856 <https://jobs.uh.edu/postings/28856> Please contact Krešimir Josić (josic(a)math.uh.edu <mailto:josic@math.uh.edu>) or Zack Kilpatrick (zpkilpat(a)math.uh.edu <mailto:zpkilpat@math.uh.edu>) if you have any questions. The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Additionally, the University prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. -- ** Krešimir Josić ** Department of Mathematics ** University of Houston ** http://math.uh.edu/~josic ** Tel: (713) 743-3485

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PhD at Edinburgh on data analysis
by Matthias Hennig Dec. 10, 2015

Dec. 10, 2015

A funded PhD position is available at the University of Edinburgh to develop and implement efficient paralellised methods for analysis of large scale, high density multielectrode array recordings. The project will focus on analysis of primary raw data from a 4,096 channel array, and aims at improving spike detection and sorting, and statistical analysis of multi-neuron activity. Data will come from the labs of Evelyne Sernagor (Newcastle, retina) and Luca Berdondini (IIT Genova, cultured networks). Applicants should have a strong quantitative background and interest in interdisciplinary research. Background in neuroscience and/or parallel programming is desirable, but not essential. This position is available to UK/EU applicants, and eligible for funding by the EPSRC CDT in Pervasive Parallelism. Interested individuals should send a c.v., statement of interest and the names of three references to Matthias Hennig (h.hennig(a)ed.ac.uk) Apply by 1 February 2016. PPar http://pervasiveparallelism.inf.ed.ac.uk/ J.-O. Muthmann, H. Amin, E. Sernagor, A. Maccione, D. Panas, L. Berdondini, U.S. Bhalla, M.H. Hennig (2015). Spike detection for large neural populations using high density multielectrode arrays. Front Neuroinform, 9:28. http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fninf.2015.00028/abstract D. Panas, H. Amin, A. Maccione, O. Muthmann, M. van Rossum, L. Berdondini, M.H. Hennig (2015). Sloppiness in spontaneously active neuronal networks. J Neurosci, 35(22): 8480-8492. http://www.jneurosci.org/content/35/22/8480.full -- Matthias H Hennig http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/mhennig/ -- Matthias H Hennig http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/mhennig/ The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

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PhD student position in Computational Vision - Video Analysis at KTH in Stockholm
by Tony Lindeberg Dec. 10, 2015

Dec. 10, 2015

PhD student position in Computational Vision - Video Analysis at KTH in Stockholm Job description The position is in the area of Computational Vision — the science of understanding the computational mechanisms underlying visual perception and of equipping computers with visual perceptual abilities to make them see. The goal of this specific project is to develop new approaches for computing image features in terms of receptive fields for analyzing spatio-temporal image data (video or real-time image streams) in a theoretically well-founded manner for purposes in computer vision and computational modelling of biological vision. The main focus is specifically on developing computational vision methods for video analysis that are based on image operations in terms of time-causal and time-recursive spatio-temporal receptive fields, which only make use of information from the present moment and a compact buffer of what has occurred in the past, for which we have recently developed a novel theoretical scale-space framework at KTH. The main work to be done concerns: (i) extending this framework to different types of spatio-temporal feature detection tasks, (ii) integrating the framework into higher-order visual tasks and (iii) evaluating the performance on benchmark problems as a guide to further developments. There are possibilities of working theoretically (mathematically), algorithmically and experimentally in close collaboration with the supervisor. An overview of the research environment can be found at https://www.kth.se/profile/76171/page/computational-vision-at-csc-kth. Qualifications The candidate should have a strong computationally oriented background. The preference is for a candidate with a Master's degree in Engineering Physics or Computer Science with focus towards applied mathematics, computer science and numerical computations or a MSc/MEng education leading to similar skills. Good knowledge about computer vision and machine learning is a strong merit. The candidate should have good analytical abilities to work individually on problem solving and in good collaboration with the supervisor, specifically of working systematically and with good communication skills being able to present the results in writing and at scientific meetings. Good programming skills are necessary with the ability of working both with algorithm development in Matlab and if necessary complementing by more efficient implementations in C or C++. Applicants must be strongly motivated for doctoral studies, possess the ability to work independently and perform critical analysis and also possess good levels of cooperative and communicative abilities. Department information The position belongs to the Computational Brain Science group in the recently merged departments of Computational Biology and High Performance Computing and Visualization at the School of Computer Science and Communication. For more information visit https://www.kth.se/en/csc/forskning/cb. Additional information For further information and details about how to apply, please see https://www.kth.se/en/om/work-at-kth/lediga-jobb/what:job/jobID:82576/ The deadline for applications is on January 17, 2016. [cid:FD2B374F-C472-4895-ADA7-B3CD5419FD22@csc.kth.se] Tony Lindeberg Professor of Computer Science — Computational Vision KTH Royal Institute of Technology School of Computer Science and Communication Department of Computational Biology SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden Phone: +46 8 790 6205 http://www.csc.kth.se/~tony

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ACAN 2016 - Call for Applications
by Geoff Goodhill Dec. 10, 2015

Dec. 10, 2015

Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows interested in using electrophysiological and optical techniques in their research are encouraged to apply for the Australian Course in Advanced Neuroscience (ACAN) 2016, which will be held from 10th to 30th of April 2016 at the Moreton Bay Research Station, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia. ACAN is an intensive three-week course that guides participants through the theory and practice of electrophysiological recording and optical imaging techniques using a unique balance of small group lectures and hands-on laboratory work. Lectures from leading faculty will outline in an informal atmosphere the theoretical basis of cellular and systems neuroscience, and the principles of electrophysiological and optical recording techniques. During the course each participant will become proficient in patch-clamp recording, both in vitro and in vivo, calcium imaging, optogenetics, and many other techniques through unbridled access to state-of-the-art equipment, guided by the faculty. The course is also a lot of fun, with many ACAN students developing close friendships and collaborations during and after the course. In 2016 ACAN faculty will include: Cliff Abraham Ehsan Arabzadeh George Augustine Brad Baker John Bekkers Yossi Buskila Vincent Daria Alan Finkel Andreas Frick Yukiko Goda Geoff Goodhill Brett Graham Maarten Kole Matthew Larkum Joe Lynch Peregrine Osborne Lucy Palmer Steve Petrou Chris Reid Mala Shah Stephen Williams Twelve students will be selected to attend ACAN 2016. The application deadline is Monday 11th Jan 2016. For full details about the course, including the program, please visit: http://acan.qbi.uq.edu.au <http://acan.qbi.uq.edu.au/> In order to apply for ACAN 2016, you must: be a currently-enrolled PhD student, a postdoctoral fellow, or junior faculty (preferably with no more than 5 years after completing your PhD). Preference will be given, but is not exclusive, to those who are full-time residents of Australia or NZ (but you do not need to be a citizen or permanent resident of those countries). In your application you should include: - a completed application form (obtained from http://acan.qbi.uq.edu.au <http://acan.qbi.uq.edu.au/>) - your CV. - a covering letter that clearly states how you will apply the skills taught at ACAN to your research. - a reference from your supervisor, including a confirmation that funds are available to allow you to attend the course. - The fee for ACAN 2016 is A$4500, which covers all meals, accommodation, laboratory supplies and teaching materials. Scholarships from the Neurological Foundation of New Zealand are available for NZ citizens/permanent residents. Please send applications to: Prof Stephen Williams Queensland Brain Institute Email: srw(a)uq.edu.au <mailto:srw@uq.edu.au> http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/group-leader-williams <http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/group-leader-williams>

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IWSP7/ME@MBC talks now online
by Levin Kuhlmann Dec. 10, 2015

Dec. 10, 2015

A selection of the talks from "IWSP7: Epilepsy Mechanisms, Models, Prediction & Control" and the overlapping "Melbourne Epilepsy" (ME@MBC) meeting held at the University of Melbourne, Australia, during 3-7 August 2015 are now online on the IWSP7 YouTube Channel at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy_d33ZB6xL7Cx8-eN7Fwxg/playlists Re-live the action, or share it with your friends or colleagues. On behalf of the local organizing committee Levin Kuhlmann, PhD David B. Grayden, PhD Mark J. Cook, MD Anthony N. Burkitt, PhD Dean R. Freestone, PhD Tatiana Kameneva, PhD Alan Lai, PhD Elma O'Sullivan-Greene, PhD Andre Peterson, PhD Email: organizingcommittee(a)iwsp7.org<mailto:organizingcommittee@iwsp7.org>

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post-doc position at the center for sleep and consciousness in the integrated information theory (IIT) group (Prof. Giulio Tononi)
by Larissa Albantakis Dec. 9, 2015

Dec. 9, 2015

*Post-doc position(s) at the Center for Sleep and Consciousness * Prof. Giulio Tononi, University of Wisconsin, Madison Several postdoctoral positions are available at the center for sleep and consciousness science in the laboratory of Prof. Giulio Tononi (University of Wisconsin, Madison, http://integratedinformationtheory.org/) to study information and causation within the framework of the integrated information theory. Immediate funding is available for a range of projects on foundational questions regarding information, causation, emergence, adaptation, evolution and complexity, especially in the context of neural networks. Candidates are expected to have strong training in an analytically rigorous discipline such as theoretical biology/neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering. We explicitly encourage mathematicians to apply. Experience in information theory, complex systems, and an interest in the philosophy of causation are a plus. Programming experience is required (knowledge of MATLAB, Python, and/or C++ is of advantage). Appointments are renewable from year to year for up to 3 years, starting as soon as possible or until the positions are filled. Post-doc salaries correspond to the National Institutes of Health National Research Service Award (NRSA) stipend schedule for postdoc trainees, based on number of years of postdoctoral experience. Candidates should send a CV, brief statement of previous research and future research interests, and email addresses and phone numbers of three references to: Giulio Tononi, gtononi(a)wisc.edu. For more information contact Larissa Albantakis (albantakis(a)wisc.edu) or William Marshall (wmarshall3(a)wisc.edu) Albantakis L, Hintze A, Koch C, Adami C, Tononi G (2014) Evoluation of Integrated Causal Structures in Animats Exposed to Environments of Increasing Complexity. PLoS Comput Biol 10(12):e1003966 Oizumi M, Albantakis L, Tononi G (2014) From the Phenomenology to the Mechanisms of Consciousness: Integrated Information Theory 3.0. PLoS Comput Biol 10(5):e1003588 Hoel EP, Albantakis L, Tononi G (2013) Quantifying causal emergence shows that macro can beat micro. PNAS, 110(49), 19790–19795. Albantakis L, Tononi G (2015) The Intrinsic Cause-Effect Power of Discrete Dynamical Systems—From Elementary Cellular Automata to Adapting Animats. Entropy 17.8 (2015): 5472-5502. -- Larissa Albantakis, PhD Department of Psychiatry University of Wisconsin 6001 Research Park Blvd Madison, WI 53719

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Announcement: Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling
by Jelmer Borst Dec. 9, 2015

Dec. 9, 2015

Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling – ACT-R, Nengo, PRIMs, & Accumulator Models – Date: April 4-8, 2016 Location: Groningen, the Netherlands Fee: € 200 (late fee €50 after January 31) Registration: www.ai.rug.nl/springschool <http://www.ai.rug.nl/springschool> The Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling will cover four different modeling paradigms: ACT-R, Nengo, PRIMs, and Accumulator models. It thereby offers a unique opportunity to learn the relative strengths and weaknesses of these approaches. Each day will consist of four theory lectures, one on each paradigm. Each modeling paradigm also includes hands-on assignments. Although students are free to chose the number of lectures they attend, we recommend students to sign up for lectures on two of the modeling paradigms, and complete the tutorial units for one of the paradigms. At the end of each day there will be a plenary research talk, to show how these different approaches to modeling are applied. Admission is limited, so register soon! ACT-R Teachers: Jelmer Borst, Hedderik van Rijn, Niels Taatgen (University of Groningen) Website: http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu <http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu/>. ACT-R is a high-level cognitive theory and simulation system for developing cognitive models for tasks that vary from simple reaction time experiments to driving a car, learning algebra, and air traffic control. ACT-R can be used to develop process models of a task at a symbolic level. Participants will follow a compressed five-day version of the traditional summer school curriculum. We will also cover the connection between ACT-R and fMRI, and the timing extension to ACT-R. Nengo Teacher: Terry Stewart (University of Waterloo) Website: http://www.nengo.ca <http://www.nengo.ca/> Nengo is a toolkit for converting high-level cognitive theories into low-level spiking neuron implementations. In this way, aspects of model performance such as response accuracy and reaction times emerge as a consequence of neural parameters such as the neurotransmitter time constants. It has been used to model adaptive motor control, visual attention, serial list memory, reinforcement learning, Tower of Hanoi, and fluid intelligence. Participants will learn to construct these kinds of models, starting with generic tasks like representing values and positions, and ending with full production-like systems. There will also be special emphasis on extracting various forms of data out of a model, such that it can be compared to experimental data. PRIMs Teacher: Niels Taatgen (University of Groningen) Website: http://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/actransfer.html <http://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/actransfer.html> How do people handle and prioritize multiple tasks? How can we learn something in the context of one task, and partially benefit from it in another task? The goal of PRIMs is to cross the artificial boundary that most cognitive architectures have imposed on themselves by studying single tasks. It has mechanisms to model transfer of cognitive skills, and the competition between multiple goals. In the tutorial we will look at how PRIMs can model phenomena of cognitive transfer and cognitive training, and how multiple goals compete for priority in models of distraction. Accumulator Models Teacher: Marieke van Vugt (University of Groningen) Decisions can be described in terms of a process of evidence accumulation, modeled with a drift diffusion mechanism. The advantage of redescribing the behavioral data with an accumulator model is that those can be decomposed into more easily-interpretable cognitive mechanisms such as speed-accuracy trade-off or quality of attention. In this course, you will learn about the basic mechanisms of drift diffusion models and apply it to your own dataset (if you bring one). You will also see some applications of accumulator models in the context of neuroscience and individual differences.

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PhD studentship in visual decision making
by Ronald van den Berg Dec. 9, 2015

Dec. 9, 2015

Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD student position on visual decision making at the department of Psychology at Uppsala University. The project investigates how humans make decisions under multiple simultaneous sources of uncertainty, by means of computational and psychophysical methods. Applicants should have a master’s degree in psychology or a related field. Experience with statistical models and computer programming is highly desirable but not necessary. More information about the position and the application procedure can be found at http://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/details/?positionId=82654. The deadline for application is 4 January 2016. Informal inquiries are welcome at ronald.vandenberg(a)psyk.uu.se.

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Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience at the Italian Institute of Technology to study origin and function of slow cortical oscillations
by Stefano Panzeri Dec. 9, 2015

Dec. 9, 2015

*Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience at the Italian Institute of Technology to study origin and function of slow cortical oscillations* We are soliciting applications a new postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience in the newly established and highly interdisciplinary Neural Coding Laboratory at the IIT. This laboratory, jointly supervised by Stefano Panzeri and Tommaso Fellin, aims at combining experiments and mathematics to crack the neural code. The successful candidate will develop and use tools for the analysis of joint recordings of field potentials and single-neuron activity from genetically identified cell types in the cortex to understand the causal contribution of specific cellular subpopulations to the generation of slow oscillations. The project will also require the development of computational models that may explain the contribution of specific cell types to slow oscillations. The laboratory offers a range of strongly interdisciplinary and highly complementary expertise including computational neuroscience, electrophysiology and optogenetics. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to analyze experimental data and to suggest causal manipulations based on the predictions that arise from the theoretical work. The applicants should have a strong background in numerate sciences, be highly independent and have a strong propensity for interdisciplinary research. Experience in or understanding of experimental neuroscience is desirable, but not necessary. Candidates must hold a PhD in computational neuroscience, (bio)-physics, (bio)-engineering or a related discipline and be highly motivated and creative individuals who want to work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research environment and who are willing to interact with both experimental and theoretical neuroscientists. For reference to recent work of the PIs please see Zuo et al. Cur. Biol. 2015; Panzeri et al. Trends Cogn. Neurosci. 2015; Bovetti and Fellin, J. Neurosci. Methods 2015; Einevoll et al. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 2013; Beltramo et al., Nat. Neurosci. 2013. Applications (full CV, two recommendation letters and statement of research interest) should be sent by email to Dr. Stefano Panzeri ( stefano.panzeri(a)iit.it <https://mail.iit.it/owa/redir.aspx?C=oajclq8rPE6FcMCJ-lI1Hsu55NFH69II9YBluB…>) and Dr. Tommaso Fellin (tommaso.fellin(a)iit.it <https://mail.iit.it/owa/redir.aspx?C=oajclq8rPE6FcMCJ-lI1Hsu55NFH69II9YBluB…> ).

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fully funded 4-year phd studentship - functional network analysis of EEG (application deadline next monday - 14th December!
by Allan, Dr Kevin Dec. 8, 2015

Dec. 8, 2015

A fully-funded 4-year phd studentship (start date: October 2016) is available at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, to work in the School of Psychology EEG Laboratory with Dr Kevin Allan and Professor Bjoern Schelter. Please note the tight deadline for applications: Monday, 14th December! The position is open to UK/EU nationals only. More details below (or see http://www.abdn.ac.uk/clsm/graduate/research/psychological-states-1135.php) If you are interested, and want to find out more, please get in touch with me (Kevin Allan, k.allan(a)abdn.ac.uk) Title: Investigating functional brain networks and psychological states in real-time We are looking for a highly numerate individual, ideally one experienced with EEGlab, matlab, mathematica or R, to help us implement a novel EEG network analysis tool, and then test it in a series of studies examining encoding and retrieval networks involved in episodic memory. The project is a cross-disciplinary collaboration between Dr Allan, a cognitive neuroscientist based in the Aberdeen School of Psychology, and Prof. Schelter, a physicist based in the Aberdeen Institute for Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology. The project also has the backing of an industrial partner, Tau-Rx, a University of Aberdeen spinout company working on pharmacological treatments for dementia, and the student will be offered a substantial placement with Tau-Rx during their PhD where the opportunity will be given to apply skills learned to estimate functional network structure in patients and healthy controls from clinical EEG data. A key element of the project is to optimise and implement a new, highly efficient network analysis tool to perform Granger causality analysis upon data as it is being collected, and to display the outputs of the model within a bespoke visualisation tool. This will require training in the matlab and mathematica software packages, EEG data collection hardware and software, as well as the mathematical basis of the analysis, all of which will be provided by Dr Allan, Prof. Schelter and their post-docs. The EEG Lab in the School of Psychology contains all the necessary EEG recording hardware, software and expertise to support the project. In years 2 - 4 the student will receive further scientific and business-related training during a placement with the industrial partner, Tau-Rx. During their placement the student will be given the opportunity to work with a team of researchers involved in the analysis of EEG data from clinical trials of drug therapies for Alzheimer's and fronto-temporal dementia. The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683. Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain na charthannas clàraichte ann an Alba, Àir. SC013683.

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PhD position in computational neuroscience available for project "Learning to hear with plasticity across multiple timescales" at Imperial College London
by Dan Goodman Dec. 8, 2015

Dec. 8, 2015

A PhD position is available as part of the Neurotechnology centre for doctoral training at Imperial College London, jointly supervised by Dan Goodman, Paul Chadderton, Claudia Clopath and in collaboration with Agnes Leger: - http://neural-reckoning.org/ - http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/p.chadderton/ChaddertonLab/Home.html - http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/c.clopath/ - http://www.psych-sci.manchester.ac.uk/staff/Agnes.Leger The title of the project is "Learning to hear with plasticity across multiple timescales", and it aims at understanding how the brain adapts and learns to cope with difficult listening situations (e.g. a crowded pub or restaurant), and applying this to developing new technology (e.g. for speech recognition). It will involve (1) developing mathematical and computational models of hearing and neural adaptation and plasticity, (2) experimental testing (including animal electrophysiology and human psychoacoustics), and (3) technology development for speech recognition, hearing aids and cochlear implants. The candidate should be willing to learn experimental techniques (animal electrophysiology and/or human psychophysics), but is not required to have any previous experience. The PhD programme is fully funded for four years, of which the first year is a taught MRes course. In addition to working within the centre, studying at Imperial College provides excellent opportunities for interacting with other theoretical and experimental researchers, both at Imperial (recently ranked 8th in the world in the QS world university rankings) and in the many neuroscience groups in London. Note that unfortunately funding for non-UK/EU residents is quite limited and there will therefore be stronger competition for these places. For more details on this project, the centre, and how to apply: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology/cdt/projects/hear_with_plasticity/ Dan Goodman

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IBM Journal of R&D, Special Issue on "Computational Neuroscience"
by James R Kozloski Dec. 8, 2015

Dec. 8, 2015

Call for Papers IBM Journal of Research and Development Special Issue on "Computational Neuroscience" Overview Understanding the brain's dynamics is of central importance to neuroscience. Our ability to observe, model, and infer from neuroscientific data the principles and mechanisms of brain dynamics will determine our ability to understand the brain's unusual cognitive and behavioral capabilities. In the nearer term, analysis and prediction of changes to these dynamics, observed in vast new datasets and rendered in large scale simulations, are beginning to facilitate applications in important societal areas such as education, aging, assistive technology, and the treatment of disease. The explosion in new data about brain and neural tissue dynamics and development leads us to propose this special issue of the IBM Journal of Research and Development, which will emphasize new solutions, models, capabilities, and other technologies that advance the analysis of neuroscientific data and the application of predictive models to anticipate changes in brain function, cognition, and behavior. We solicit Abstracts (paper proposals) in the following areas: Potential Focus Areas for Papers Applications of machine learning algorithms to prediction in neuroscience Analysis of behavioral dynamics Analysis of brain and neural circuit image and time-series data Analysis of physiological data Models and computational simulations of brain and neural circuit dynamics Applications of models for better understanding of mental health, real-world behaviors, and perceptual and cognitive states The development of assistive technologies based on cognitive or brain-inspired models IBM Journal Manuscript Preparation Guidelines The Journal is peer reviewed -- all papers will be sent to several experts to be reviewed before a final publication decision is made. All papers must place the described research and results in perspective by carefully citing relevant related scientific work. Contact Cliff Pickover (cliffp(a)us.ibm.com ), or visit the journal web site, for the manuscript preparation template: http://www.research.ibm.com/journal/rdauth.html Contact Information Guest editors for the issue are James Kozloski and Guillermo Cecchi. Authors should indicate their interest in submitting a paper by sending a preliminary abstract to journal Editor-in-Chief Cliff Pickover ( cliffp(a)us.ibm.com) copying co-guest editor James Kozloski ( kozloski(a)us.ibm.com) -- by January 15, 2016. You must submit an abstract to be considered for this issue, and we will notify you when your abstract is accepted. Important Deadlines and Schedule - January 15, 2016: Preliminary Abstracts Due (tentative article title, author names/affiliations, 1 paragraph description) - May 15, 2016: Final Paper Draft Due (if your abstract is accepted) - March, 2017: Special Issue Published (every paper will be on-line by this date) ____________________________________________ James Kozloski Research Staff Member Master Inventor T.J. Watson Research Center 1101 Kitchawan Rd., 13-132E Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Tel +1 914 945 3982 Mobile +1 203 231 6187 ibm.co/kozloski

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IBM Research, Postdoctoral Entry Research Position
by James R Kozloski Dec. 7, 2015

Dec. 7, 2015

IBM Research is undertaking a project to characterize and implement models of the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical system. This work will develop and implement models of systems in the normal and diseased brain, including portions of cerebral cortex, thalamus, basal ganglia, and dopaminergic nuclei, as point neuron network and then neural tissue simulations. The models will serve as a test bed for simulation studies in subsequent projects. Using these models, candidate system-level failure modes consistent with disease states will be identified and analyzed. Simulations will provide a tool for quantifying brain system homeostasis, evaluating risk, and developing potential strategies to mitigate the effects of disease. Categorization of simulated brain states and of key measurements from these states will be directed towards helping test several core hypotheses along with experimental collaborators. IBM is seeking a Post Doctoral Researcher with a degree in bioengineering, neuroscience, computer science, mathematics, physics or similar field. Candidates should have a proven neuroscience background, experience analyzing neural systems data, and the modeling and simulation of neural circuits, including neuroplasticity and conductance-based models. Preferred Candidates will have: Experience in computational neuroscience or data analytics Experience in neuroscience Basic knowledge in models of Neural Plasticity and Calcium Dynamics Experience in programming (C++, Matlab, Python) Please apply at the following IBM Careers - Job details link: https://krb-sjobs.brassring.com/tgwebhost/jobdetails.aspx?jobId=23341&Partn…

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Computational Neuroscience Graduate Positions available at the University of Minnesota
by David Redish Dec. 7, 2015

Dec. 7, 2015

*The Neuroengineering IGERT Training Program at the University of Minnesota, funded by the National Science Foundation, is inviting outstanding students to apply through the Graduate Program in Neuroscience or the Biomedical Engineering Program. The IGERT program is aimed at training the next generation of scientific and technical leaders in the interface of engineering and systems neurosciences, as broadly defined. The training themes include: * 1) Neural decoding - Computational and theoretical neuroscience and neuroengineering studies on decoding theory, methods, as pursued via animal models or human studies. Neuroimaging is also pursued as means of brain decoding. 2) Neural modulation - Mechanisms of neuromodulation in brains for both deep brain stimulation and transcranial stimulations. 3) Neural interfacing - Mechanisms of motor control and learning as applied to brain-machine interface, as pursued in animal models and humans. Outstanding training opportunities include mentoring by co-advisors from over 40 faculty across engineering and brain sciences, a new neuroengineering minor curriculum, industrial and international internships, and general stipend and tuition coverage. Visit the IGERT program website to find out more: http://www.igert-ne.umn.edu/ *==========================================================More information:Become the future of systems neuroengineering.* The University of Minnesota is home to an Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship *(IGERT) program in Systems Neuroengineering*, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Bright, high-achieving students who are admitted to a University of Minnesota’s Ph.D. program in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Neuroscience are eligible for this prestigious training program. The program provides a generous stipend and tuition coverage as well as access to cutting-edge research in neuroengineering. Minnesota is also home to the largest collection of medical device manufacturers in the world and our program provides opportunities for IGERT trainees to gain practical experience working with these companies. Through our education and research-training model, students in our program learn to develop the skills to revolutionize neurotechnologies and advance our understanding of neuroscience processes underlying these technologies. *Program Faculty* The Systems Neuroengineering IGERT Program has over 40 outstanding faculty members who have made significant contributions to neural decoding, neuromodulation, neural interfacing, and neuroimaging research, and who are committed to graduate training. Many of them are world class leaders who have shaped where the field is in cutting-edge research, including noninvasive brain-computer interface controlling quadcopter, deep-brain stimulation, high field MRI imaging, and dynamic brain mapping. *Key Program Features* - Choice of research advisors from over 40 participating training faculty across engineering and brain sciences - Joint faculty mentoring and team advising of research - Tailored neuroengineering graduate curriculum - Lab rotations in engineering and basic/clinical brain sciences - Industrial internship rotations - Generous stipend ($30,000/year for up to two years on IGERT program) and tuition coverage *Eligibility Requirements* Trainees must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have been admitted to one of the four participating University of Minnesota doctoral programs: *Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering,* and *Neuroscience.* For more information on this highly selective training program and how to apply, please visit our website at http://www.igert-ne.umn.edu/, or contact us at igert-ne(a)umn.edu.

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PhD in computational neuroscience at Oxford
by Rafal Bogacz Dec. 7, 2015

Dec. 7, 2015

Dear Colleagues, We are looking for a highly motivated and creative candidate for doctoral studies in computational neuroscience, to start in October 2016. The research project will employ computational methods to investigate how to best control neural circuits affected by Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor with different forms of electrical stimulation, such as "deep brain stimulation" or transcranial electric current stimulation. The work will involve building statistical or dynamical models that can predict responses to stimulation and inform on optimal stimulation protocols. This Ph.D. (D.Phil.) studentship is funded by the Medical Research Council and will cover Oxford University and College fees at the home/EU rate as well as providing a stipend at the current RCUK rates (£14,057 p.a.) for 3 years. The project will be supervised by Rafal Bogacz and will be carried out within the interdisciplinary team of the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 8th January 2016. More details can be found at: http://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/vacancies/phd-studentship-computational-neurosc… Best wishes, Rafal

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PhD Studentships in Computational Neuroscience at the University of Hertfordshire
by Torben-Nielsen, Benjamin Dec. 5, 2015

Dec. 5, 2015

PhD Studentships in Computational Neuroscience We welcome applications for a funded PhD position in the Biocomputation Research Group at the University of Hertfordshire. The successful applicant will work on a project related to modeling the structure and physiological function of the inferior olive. The inferior olive is an important part of the olivo-cerebellar circuitry as its axons, the climbing fibers, play a central role in all theories of cerebellar learning. Further, the inferior olive has been postulated to act as a clock for the brain. In this project, we aim to use an accurate structural model of the inferior olive to investigate, in silico, recent hypotheses related to the generation and maintenance of timing signals. An integral part of this project involves the further development of the NeuroMac software to generate structural models of the inferior olive. Please refer to the publication list of the Biocomputation Group website (http://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk/) for recent publications. Who are we looking for? - Candidates should have excellent programming skills (preferably also in Python) and familiarity with parallel and high-performance computing and visualization toolkits (such as VTK) is appreciated. - Candidates should possess great curiosity. - Candidates should be able to formulate their own questions about the circuitry and dynamics in the olivo-cerebellar system to direct their research efforts. Knowledge of neuroscience is a plus but the eagerness to learn about the brain and how to use scientific approaches (such as computational neuroscience and neuroinformatics) is considered pivotal. Successful candidates are eligible for a research studentship award from the University (approximately GBP 13,800 per annum bursary plus the payment of the standard UK student fees). Applicants from outside the UK or EU are eligible, but will have to pay half of the overseas fees out of their bursary. Research in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has been recognized as excellent by the latest Research Excellent Framework Assessment, with 50% of the research submitted being rated as world leading or internationally excellent.The Science and Technology Research Institute provides a very stimulating environment, offering a large number of specialized and interdisciplinary seminars as well as general training and researcher development opportunities. The University of Hertfordshire is situated in Hatfield, in the green belt just north of London. The student will be supervised by Drs. Ben Torben-Nielsen (b.torben-nielsen(a)herts.ac.uk) and Volker Steuber (v.steuber(a)herts.ac.uk) to whom informal enquiries can be sent. Application forms can be obtained from Mrs Lorraine Nicholls, Research Student Administrator, STRI, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9AB, Tel: 01707 286083, l.nicholls @ herts.ac.uk. The short-listing process will begin on 28 December 2015. Dr. Ben Torben-Nielsen Senior Lecturer (Assistant professor) Biocompution Group University of Hertfordshire, UK

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CFP: 18th AAMAS International Workshop on Trust in Agent Societies (TRUST 2016)
by AAMAS TRUST 2016 Dec. 4, 2015

Dec. 4, 2015

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18th International Workshop on Trust in Agent Societies http://ntu.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=07e4000aa14279005e8843364&id=… Co-located with AAMAS 2016 (http://ntu.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=07e4000aa14279005e8843364&id=…) May 9-13, 2016, Singapore (Workshop will be held either May 9 or May 10) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Trust is important in many kinds of interactions, including direct or computer- mediated human interaction, human-computer interaction and among social agents; it characterizes those elements that are essential in social reliability. It also informs the selection of partners for successful multiagent coordination (for example, in robotics applications). Trust is more than communication that is robust against repudiation or interference. The reliability of information about the status of a trade partner, for example, is only partly dependent on secure communication. With the growing prevalance of social interaction through electronic means, trust, reputation, privacy and identity become more and more important. Trust is not just a simple, monolithic concept; it is multi-faceted, operating at many levels of interaction, and playing many roles. Another growing trend is the use of reputation mechanisms, and in particular the interesting link between trust and reputation. Many computational and theoretical models and approaches to reputation have been developed in recent years (for ecommerce, social networks, blogs, etc.). Further, identity and associated trustworthiness must be ascertained for reliable interactions and transactions. Trust is foundational for the notion of agency and for its defining relation of acting "on behalf of". It is also critical for modeling and supporting groups and teams, for both organization and coordination, with the related trade-off between individual utility and collective interest. The electronic medium seems to weaken the usual bonds of social control and the disposition to cheat grows stronger: this is yet another context where trust modeling is critical. The aim of the workshop is to bring together researchers (ideally from different disciplines) who can contribute to a better understanding of trust and reputation in agent societies. We welcome submissions of high-quality research addressing issues that are clearly relevant to trust, deception, privacy, reputation, security and control in agent-based systems, from theoretical, applied and interdisciplinary perspectives. Submitted contributions should be original and not submitted elsewhere. Papers accepted for presentation must be relevant to the workshop, and to demonstrate clear exposition, offering new ideas in suitable depth and detail. The scope of the workshop includes (but is not limited to): o Trust and risk-aware decision making o Game-theoretic models of trust o Deception and fraud, and its detection and prevention o Intrusion resilience in trusted computing o Reputation mechanisms o Trust in the socio-technical system o Trust in partners and in authorities o Trust during coordination and negotiation of agents o Privacy and access control in multi-agent systems o Detecting and preventing collusion o Trust in human-agent interaction o Trust and information provenance o Trust and identity o Trust within organizations o Trust, security and privacy in social networks o Trustworthy infrastructure and services o Trust modeling for real-world applications -------------------------------------------------------------- Important Dates (Firm Deadlines) o Submission deadline: February 15, 2016 o Notification: March 5, 2016 o Camera-ready deadline: March 10, 2016 ------------------------------------------------------------- Organising Committee o Jie Zhang, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore o Robin Cohen, University of Waterloo, Canada o Murat Sensoy, Ozyegin University, Turkey ------------------------------------------------------------- Steering Committee o Rino Falcone, ISTC-CNR, Roma, Italy (Chair) o Robin Cohen, University of Waterloo, Canada o Timothy Norman, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK o Munindar Singh, North Carolina State University, USA (Emeriti) o Suzanne Barber, University of Texas, USA (Emeriti) ------------------------------------------------------------- Programme Committee o Suzanne Barber, University of Texas, USA o Cristiano Castelfranchi, ISTC-CNR, Roma, Italy o Robert Demolombe, IRIT, Toulouse, France o Rino Falcone, ISTC-CNR, Roma, Italy o Hui Fang, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, China o Siwei Jiang, Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, Singapore o Catholijn Jonker, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands o Audun Jøsang, University of Oslo, Norway o Yung-Ming Li, National Chiao Tung University, Taiwan o Churn-Jung Liau, Academia Sinica, Taiwan o Xin Liu, Institute for Infocomm Research, Singapore o Emiliano Lorini, IRIT, Toulouse, France o Tony T. Luo, Institute for Infocomm Research, Singapore o Stephen Marsh, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Canada o Tim Muller, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore o Yuko Murayama, Iwate Prefectural University, Japan o Nir Oren, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK o Jordi Sabater-Mir, IIIA-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain o Chris Snijders, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands o Thomas Tran, University of Ottawa, Canada --------------------------------------------------------------- Invited Talk Title: Computational Trust with Subjective Logic Speaker: Professor Audun Jøsang, University of Oslo, Norway He is co-author of one of the first trust modeling systems, BRS. --------------------------------------------------------------- Submission and Publication Authors should submit original papers (maximum length 12 single-columned pages) in PDF through the Easychair system: http://ntu.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=07e4000aa14279005e8843364&id=… Formal proceedings of the workshop will be published through CEUR-WS.org. CEUR.org is a green open-access publisher. Authors of papers published in the proceedings retain copyright of their material. To enable us to produce this publication, authors are expected to use the LaTeX template provided on the workshop website. http://ntu.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=07e4000aa14279005e8843364&id=… The most "visionary paper" will be published by Springer in a book under the Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence (LNAI) - Hot Topics series. The book will be a compilation of the most visionary papers of the AAMAS-2016 Workshops, where one paper will be selected from each AAMAS-2016 workshop. Additionally, the "best paper" will be published by Springer in a book under the Communications in Computer and Information Science (CCIS) series. The book will be a compilation of the best papers of the AAMAS-2016 Workshops, where one paper will be selected from each AAMAS-2016 workshop. Authors of the selected most visionary paper and the best paper are expected to provide their latex files promptly upon request. We also plan to invite some of the best papers from our workshop to be extended for a special issue in Journal of Trust Management (www.journaloftrustmanagement.com) ============================================== You are kindly recommended as researchers in the area of incentive and trust in e-communities. Unsubscribe comp-neuro(a)neuroinf.org from this list: http://ntu.us11.list-manage1.com/unsubscribe?u=07e4000aa14279005e8843364&id… Our mailing address is: NTU Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798 Shenyang, 21 110000 China Our telephone: Forward this email to a friend: http://us11.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=07e4000aa14279005e8843364&id=92… Update your profile: http://ntu.us11.list-manage.com/profile?u=07e4000aa14279005e8843364&id=73d1…

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PhD in Mathematical modelling of neuronal activity in the nucleus reuniens: a thalamic region contributing to mammalian cognitive processing.
by Tsaneva-Atanasova, Krasimira Dec. 4, 2015

Dec. 4, 2015

EPSRC funded PhD in Mathmatics: Mathematical modelling of neuronal activity in the nucleus reuniens: a thalamic region contributing to mammalian cognitive processing. Ref: 2047 About the award This project is one of a number which are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Training Partnership to commence in September, 2016. The studentships will provide funding for a stipend (currently £14,057 per annum for 2015/16), research costs of £3,000 and UK/EU tuition fees at Research Council rates for 3.5 years. Location: Streatham Campus, University of Exeter, EX4 4QJ Primary supervisor: Dr Ozgur Akman<http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/oea201> Secondary supervisors: Professor Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova (University of Exeter), Professor Andrew Randall (University of Exeter) The production of action potentials is a defining feature of the functional physiology of all excitable cells. Typically, only after firing a spike will a cell perform its task and, furthermore, the rate, timing and patterns of spike generation have important effects on the nature of the downstream events they trigger, for example neurotransmitter release. Hence, quantifying the characteristic features of action potential production in neurons is crucial in helping us to understand the normal functional physiology of nervous systems, as well as how these are altered during pathological conditions associated with disease. Based within the EPSRC Centre for Predictive Modelling in Healthcare, a £2M initiative bringing together mathematicians, statisticians and clinicians, you will work on a project aiming to develop in silico biophysical models of neural excitability in the mammalian nucleus reuniens (NRe). This area within the thalamus is receiving increased attention from neuroscientists, (including both the 2013 and 2014 Nobel Laureates in Physiology and Medicine; see Xu and Sudhoff (2013), Science 339, 1290-5 and Ito et al. (2015) Nature 522, 50-5). Through its robust connectivity to structures such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, this midline thalamic nucleus is involved in both spatial and cognitive processing. It is also a key site of pathology in Korsakoff’s syndrome (aka amnesic-confabulatory syndrome), a form of dementia. Recent ongoing work in the Randall lab at Exeter has generated a large body of novel electrophysiological data that details the core electrical excitability of neurons in the nucleus reuniens, in both normal adult animals and rodent disease models. These datasets are supported by additional biophysical characterisations of the gating of some of the key underpinning ion channels in NRe neurons. These experimental data will form the basis for the computational models that this project will generate, models that will probe the mechanisms that govern the physiological spiking and bursting dynamics of NRe cells. The ultimate goal is to both better understand normal physiological NRe function, and to identify possible interventional routes through which abnormal NRe activity observed in disease models can be normalised toward the neurophysiological signatures presented by healthy tissue. Mathematical analysis and numerical/computational techniques will be applied to study the behaviour of the system in normal and pathological conditions. The computational component of the project will include the use of multi-objective evolutionary algorithms to optimise the parameters of the model to data, and the use of bifurcation analysis software. Application Criteria Applicants should have or expect to achieve a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in Mathematics, Physics, Natural Sciences, Medicine or other numerate discipline. The closing date for applications if midnight on 4 January, 2016. Interviews will be held at the University of Exeter mid-late January, 2016. For further information, or an informal discussion about the position, please contact Dr Ozbur Akman, e-mail: O.E.Akman(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:O.E.Akman@exeter.ac.uk>. Summary Application deadline: 4th January 2016 Value: £14,057 per annum plus UK/EU fees for eligible students (2015-16 rates) Duration of award: per year Contact: Postgraduate Research Office emps-pgr-ad(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:emps-pgr-ad@exeter.ac.uk> How to apply Please visit www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/money/studentships/application/<http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/money/studentships/application/> and complete the online web form. You will be asked to submit some personal details and upload a full CV, covering letter and details of two academic referees. Your covering letter should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project. Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova Professor of Mathematics for Healthcare College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences University of Exeter Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QF, UK tel: +44 (0) 1392 723615 email: k.tsaneva-atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:k.tsaneva-atanasova@exeter.ac.uk> web: http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298 ALTEREGO - Enhancing Social Interaction with an AlterEgo artificial agent http://www.euromov.eu/alterego/homepage

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