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positions available in consciousness research: 2x postdoc and 3x PhD
by Anil Seth April 3, 2024

April 3, 2024

Apologies for cross posting: 2x Postdoc and 3x PhD new positions now available at Sussex! Do you have a strong background in cognitive and computational neuroscience and a desire to contribute to the cutting edge of consciousness research? Two postdoctoral research positions and three PhD positions are now available at the Sussex Centre for Consciousness Science (SCCS; https://www.sussex.ac.uk/research/ccs/) The SCCS is a University of Sussex Centre of Excellence and an internationally prominent group in consciousness science, situated in the beautiful Falmer campus of Sussex University, and boasting enviable research facilities as well as strong collaborative links with a range of national and international partners. The positions are supported by an ERC Advanced Investigator Grant (project CONSCIOUS; 2 postdocs and 2 PhDs) to Anil Seth, and by the SCCS, via the School of Informatics and Engineering (1 PhD). The postdoc positions funded for 2 years with possible extension for another 2, starting as soon as suitable candidates are identified. The PhD positions are fully funded (for both UK and overseas candidates) for 3.5 years, starting in September 2024 (earlier start may be negotiable). The ERC positions are all within the broad remit of computational (neuro)phenomenology, exploring different applications of a predictive processing view of conscious perception. One of the ERC PhD positions will focus on perceptual diversity, analysing and extending our unique Perception Census project (https://perceptioncensus.dreamachine.world/) The SCCS PhD is flexible in terms of project focus and supervisor; here, we invite PhD proposals that have a computational/informatics element. *Updated Deadline*. Apply by April 26 for all positions. Further details, including how to apply, are here: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/research/centres/sussex-centre-for-consciousness-s… ------------------------------------------- Anil K. Seth, D.Phil. Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, University of Sussex Director, Sussex Centre for Consciousness Science, University of Sussex Co-Director, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Program on Brain, Mind, and Consciousness Advanced Investigator, European Research Council Editor-in-Chief, Neuroscience of Consciousness www.anilseth.com @anilkseth [Being You Pb Digital Assets v1 Email copy.png]

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Dana Ballard memorial symposium at ICDL (May 20, 2024), UT Austin
by Reinoud Maex April 3, 2024

April 3, 2024

From: Brian Sullivan <brian.sullivan(a)bristol.ac.uk<mailto:brian.sullivan@bristol.ac.uk>> Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 14:27 To: comp-neuro-owner(a)lists.cnsorg.org<mailto:comp-neuro-owner@lists.cnsorg.org> <comp-neuro-owner(a)lists.cnsorg.org<mailto:comp-neuro-owner@lists.cnsorg.org>> Subject: Dana Ballard memorial symposium at ICDL (May 20, 2024), UT Austin On May 20, 2024, a memorial symposium will be held as a remembrance and celebration of the life and scientific work of Dr. Dana Ballard (1946–2022), who was a pioneer in the study of computer vision, neural computation, human vision and motor coordination, and robotics. Dr. Ballard was a professor of computer science at the University of Texas at Austin and a member of the Center for Perceptual Systems. As part of the IEEE International Conference on Development and Learning (ICDL) 2024,https://la.utexas.edu/users/dil/ICDL_Austin_2024/<https://la.utexas.edu/users/dil/ICDL_Austin_2024>, we will host a morning seminar session celebrating Dana Ballard’s research with presentations by: Rajesh Rao, Jochen Triesch, Chen Yu, Virginia De Sa, Constantin Rothkopf, Janneke Jehee, and Ruohan Zhang. Memorial Session Website: https://la.utexas.edu/users/dil/symposium%20_icdl/index.html<https://la.utexas.edu/users/dil/symposium%20_icdl/index.html> Date: Monday May 20, 2024 Time: 8:30 am to 12:00 pm Location: The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA The session is free but we ask that you kindly register your plans to attend via the Google form listed on the session website, or via the direct link here: Registration for the Dana Ballard Memorial Symposium at ICDL 2024 (google.com)<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScI5RRtrBBlKpEi3wcXw30MBM3nfe7mwCj…> Note that registration for the main conference is not required, but if you are interested in attending the main conference, you can register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/298b4f7f-1772-4c46-b774-f438a164f72f/summary<https://web.cvent.com/event/298b4f7f-1772-4c46-b774-f438a164f72f/summary> Information about accommodation is available on the main conference web page. Brian Sullivan & Chen Yu -- Brian Sullivan brian.sullivan(a)bristol.ac.uk<mailto:brian.sullivan@bristol.ac.uk> Honorary Research Fellow Population Health Sciences Bristol Medical School BF7 Barley House University of Bristol Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK

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Applications are now open for CAMP2024
by Jeevan Kumar Gochhayat April 3, 2024

April 3, 2024

Dear All, Applications for CAMP 2024 are now open <https://campiiser.com/>! . CAMP (Computational Approaches to Memory and Plasticity) summer school is a two-week program that provides Ph.D. students and postdocs with training in the areas of learning, memory, and plasticity in the brain. The program will take place between 1st and 17th July 2024 at IISER Pune <https://www.iiserpune.ac.in/>, India. Deadline for application submission is 23rd April ,2024. Apply now at https://campiiser.com/ Please circulate the course information among labs/departments/students that might be interested. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter) : https://x.com/camp_course?t=p_3pXlqRl3yNmRgb83_AMQ&s=09 CAMP invites Ph.D. students, master’s students, final-year undergraduates, and postdocs worldwide from all backgrounds to CAMP@Pune. At this intensive 17-day course, students will be trained in theoretical and computational modeling of memory and plasticity in the brain, spanning different scales of space, time, and complexity. This year’s flavor of CAMP will be Data-Driven Neuroscience. The course will have lectures, hands-on tutorials, and projects to launch students into the exciting field of computational neuroscience. Accommodation and meals will be covered for the participants. More details on the poster <https://campiiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CAMP2024.pdf>. For more information please visit https://campiiser.com/ or email us at: camp(a)acads.iiserpune.ac.in On behalf of the organisers, Aravind Kumar Collins Assisi Rishikesh Narayanan Suhita Nadkarni Upi Bhalla ReplyForward

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Modellers Workshop for the Brain Dynamics Toolbox
by Stewart Heitmann April 2, 2024

April 2, 2024

Enrolments are now open for the Modellers Workshop for the Brain Dynamics Toolbox. This is an online course for researchers who wish to build custom dynamical models in matlab using the Brain Dynamics Toolbox. The course focuses on practical programming techniques for the major classes of differential equations (ordinary, partial, delay, stochastic) in computational neuroscience. Study time is 8 hours. Example code is provided in all cases. Upon completion, students will be able to turn custom differential equations into working simulations. Course Website https://bdtoolbox.teachable.com/p/modellers-workshop Toolbox Website https://bdtoolbox.org Important Dates Enrolments close 28th April 2024. Disclaimer The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Mimecast Ltd, an innovator in Software as a Service (SaaS) for business. Providing a safer and more useful place for your human generated data. Specializing in; Security, archiving and compliance. To find out more visit the Mimecast website.

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Optics and Microscopy Workshop, Goniądz, Poland - Deadline April 10th
by Mateusz Kostecki April 2, 2024

April 2, 2024

Dear Colleagues We would like to remind you that the deadline for registration to our Optics and Microscopy Workshop is April 10th! The workshop will be a *thorough, hands–on introduction to optics and microscopy*. With our instructor, Fred Marbach from Crick Institute, we will start from absolute basics – *photons, ray diagrams and lenses*; then move to building a simple optical system, just to *end up building DIY bright-field and fluorescent microscopes.* We will image neurons (hopefully!), and understand every last bit of how that image came to be (this is a certainty!). During the workshop you will build an intuition for optics, allowing you to reason about optical systems found in the lab (and in publications): you will understand the equipment you are using on a much deeper level. The workshop will take place *May 10-12th in Goniądz*, in Dwór Bartla, overlooking the beautiful Biebrza river, which at this time of the year provides great opportunities for birdwatching. The deadline for registration is April 5th,* the cost of the workshop is EUR 250 (but we provide fee waivers if needed)*. The cost includes the r*egistration fee, accommodation, breakfast and lunch.* Please find the registration form and more info here - https://nenckiopenlab.org/optics-and-microscopy-workshop-2024/ Best! NOL Team -- --- Mateusz Kostecki PhD Student Knapska Laboratory Nencki Institute 02-093 Warsaw, Pasteura 3, Poland https://twitter.com/mtkostecki https://evolvingbehavior.blog/

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biocomputation at the University of Hertfordshire, UK
by Volker Steuber April 2, 2024

April 2, 2024

Post Title: Research Fellow in Biocomputation SBU/Department: School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science ________________________________ FTE: 1 FTE (working 37 hours per week) Duration of Contract: Fixed term Contract (3 years) Salary: UH7 £36,333 pa with potential to progress to £43,155 pa on achieving designated skills and experience Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year Location: College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK Closing Date: 14th June 2023 Interview Date: To be confirmed Reference Number: 048016 Date advert placed: 17th May 2023 Main duties and responsibilities We are seeking a full-time Research Fellow to join the Biocomputation Research Group in the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire to conduct high-quality research in Computational Neuroscience. The successful candidate’s research will involve synergistic collaborations with a multidisciplinary team to investigate brain processes using methodologies such as computational modelling, machine learning and AI. Research to be conducted could, e.g., comprise modelling brain circuits like the olfactory bulb or the cerebellum and simulating and analysing their function. Additional impact could arise in machine learning, AI, data science, neurorobotics and neuromorphic computing. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a programme of research in collaboration with colleagues at UH and partner organisations in the UK and abroad. Leading the preparation and publication of research manuscripts is a key aspect of the role. Contributions to the preparation of research proposals and applications for funding to external bodies, such as the European Commission and the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) are expected. The postholder will create opportunities to maximise research activities, capturing relevant evidence to support impact and engaging with external partners and stakeholders. Skill and experience required * Strong theoretical, computational and programming background in computational modelling and/or machine learning and/or data science and/or AI. * Background and expertise in computational neuroscience (e.g. spiking neural networks, brain function and anatomy, analysis of brain data). * Demonstrated experience to conduct independent research in computational neuroscience or a related field, e.g., through published research papers or monographs. * Applicants must be proficient in both written and oral English * The applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborative skills. Qualifications required • An undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Neuroscience, or a related discipline and a PhD (or expectation that one will soon be awarded) in a relevant discipline. An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Professor Volker Steuber, v.steuber(a)herts.ac.uk Professor Michael Schmuker, m.schmuker(a)herts.ac.uk Apply through: https://www.jobs.herts.ac.uk/go/048016 Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. Volker Steuber Professor of Computational Neuroscience Biocomputation Research Group School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science University of Hertfordshire College Lane, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK biocomputation.herts.ac.uk<http://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk>

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Paper Submission Deadline May 1st: From Animals to Animats: 17th International Conference on the Simulation of Adaptive Behavior (SAB 2024)
by Jeffrey L Krichmar April 1, 2024

April 1, 2024

Dear Colleagues, The submission deadline for SAB 2024 is one month away! More information about the conference can be found at: https://sites.uci.edu/sab2024/ CFP DEADLINE: From Animals to Animats: 17th International Conference on the Simulation of Adaptive Behavior (SAB 2024) CALL FOR PAPERS - SAB 2024 ------------------------------------------- The Simulation of Adaptive Behavior (SAB) interdisciplinary conference brings together researchers in artificial intelligence, artificial life, computer science, cybernetics, ethology, evolutionary biology, neuroscience, robotics, and many other fields, to further our understanding of the behaviors and underlying mechanisms that allow natural animals and artificial agents to adapt and survive in complex, dynamic and uncertain environments. Animats denote the connection between animals and synthetic agents. The conference focuses on models and experiments designed to help characterize and compare various organizational principles and architectures underlying adaptive behavior in real animals and in animats. SAB 2024 solicits contributions dealing with any aspect of adaptive behavior. We especially invite submissions from researchers who connect biology and natural behavior to synthetic agents. Conference papers are peer-reviewed and accepted papers will be published in “From Animals to Animats 17. SAB 2024.” Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence, Springer Nature. Venue -------- CalIT2 Auditorium University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA 92697 USA Important Dates ——————————— May 1, 2024: Deadline for paper submission May 1, 2024: Deadline for Workshop and tutorial proposals June15, 2024: Notice of acceptance June 30, 2024: Camera-ready papers September 9-12: Conference dates Jeff Krichmar Department of Cognitive Sciences 2328 Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA 92697-5100 jkrichma(a)uci.edu http://www.socsci.uci.edu/~jkrichma https://sites.uci.edu/sab2024/

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World wide VVTNS series: Wednesday, April 3 at 11am (EDT),Manuel Beiran Columbia University | Prediction of neural activity in connectome-constrained recurrent networks
by David Hansel March 31, 2024

March 31, 2024

Important: North America moved to daylight savings time on March 10 Please check the time in your country ------------------- [image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture given by Manuel Beiran Columbia University on the topic of "Prediction of neural activity in connectome-constrained recurrent networks *"* The lecture will be held on zoom on *April 3, 2024*, at *11:00 am EDT * To receive the zoom link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page *Abstract: *In this talk, I will explain a theory of connectome-constrained neural networks in which a “student” network is trained to reproduce the activity of a ground-truth “teacher”, representing a neural system for which a connectome is available. Unlike standard paradigms with unconstrained connectivity, here both networks have the same connectivity but they have different biophysical parameters, reflecting uncertainty in neuronal and synaptic properties. We find that the connectome is often insufficient to constrain the dynamics of networks that perform a specific task, illustrating the difficulty of inferring function from connectivity alone. However, recordings from a small subset of neurons can remove this degeneracy, producing dynamics in the student that agree with the teacher. Our theory can prioritize which neurons to record from to most efficiently unmeasured network activity. The analysis shows that the solution spaces of connectome-constrained and unconstrained models are qualitatively different, and provides a framework to determine when such models yield consistent dynamics. *About VVTNS : Created as the World Wide Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), its aim is to be a platform to exchange ideas among theoreticians. Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* -- 'Life is good ..' (Carl van Vreeswijk, 1962-2022) --------------------------------------- David Hansel Directeur de Recherche au CNRS Co-Group leader Cerebral Dynamics Plasticity and Learning lab., CNRS 45 rue des Saints Pères 75270 Paris Cedex 06 Tel (Cell): +33 607508403 - Fax (33).1.49.27.90.62 ᐧ

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Research Summit on Fundamental Challenges for AI. Mountain View, April 15th.
by Battleday, Ruairidh March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

We are most excited to announce the AE Spring Summit on Fundamental Challenges for AI (Computer History Museum, Mountain View; April 15th). www.algopreneurship.org This is a day of keynote talks and panels by leading AI researchers on what the open problems for the development of AI algorithms are, and promising scientific and engineering strategies for solving them. We have invited speakers and representatives from the following five technical stakeholder groups to this Summit: - Academia - Tech - FROs / nonprofits - Start-up - VCs / Funders By soliciting answers and discussions from scientists and leaders at these different groups we hope to also examine what their different roles will be in the next period of AI research, and to foster the sharing of research between them. This should be an exciting and productive day, and we have made lower-priced tickets available for students and early-stage researchers. Lunch and a reception will be provided. We look forward to seeing some of you there, and please feel free to share news about the event on social media. The Thinking About Thinking <http://www.thinkingaboutthinking.org> Team Twitter / X: https://bit.ly/springsummitaix LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/springsummitaiLI -- Dr Ruairidh McLennan Battleday BMBCh (Oxon) PhD Postdoctoral Research Fellow Center for Brain Science, Harvard University Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines, MIT

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Doctoral studies in the computational neuroscience of decision-making
by Paul Cisek March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

Doctoral studies in the computational neuroscience of decision-making Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal Applications are invited for doctoral studies in computational neuroscience, in the laboratory of Paul Cisek at the University of Montreal. Our research investigates the neural mechanisms of embodied decision-making and action planning in humans and non-human primates using computational models of the nervous system integrated with behavioral experiments, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and multi-electrode recording in multiple regions of the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. New projects will use virtual reality to study naturalistic behavior in humans and non-human primates and develop theoretical models of how distributed cortical and subcortical circuits govern continuous interaction with a dynamic environment. We are currently seeking a PhD student whose primary project will involve mathematical models that capture and explain data from previous and current experiments and make testable predictions for future work. Students with a strong background in mathematics, engineering, computer science, or physics, coupled with a keen interest in theoretical neuroscience are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in neurophysiology, behavioral neuroscience and/or computational modeling of neural systems is desirable. Interested candidates are asked to send a curriculum vita, copies of academic transcripts, a statement of research interests and the names and contact information for two references, to Paul Cisek (paul.cisek(a)umontreal.ca<mailto:paul.cisek@umontreal.ca>). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but preference will be given to applications received before April 30, 2024. Paul Cisek, PhD Département de neurosciences Université de Montréal Physical: 2960 chemin de la tour, local 4117 Montréal, QC H3T 1J4 CANADA Mailing: CP 6128 Succursale centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7 CANADA e-mail: paul.cisek(a)umontreal.ca<mailto:paul.cisek@umontreal.ca> Web: www.cisek.org/pavel<http://www.cisek.org/pavel>

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