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NEST Conference 2025 – registration and call for contributions are open
by Hans Ekkehard Plesser March 16, 2025

March 16, 2025

Dear colleagues, The NEST Initiative is excited to invite everyone interested in Neural Simulation Technology and the NEST Simulator to the NEST Conference 2025. The NEST Conference provides an opportunity for the NEST Community to meet, exchange success stories, swap advice, learn about current developments in and around NEST spiking network simulation and its application. Take the opportunity to advance your skills in using NEST at our hands-on workshops! We explicitly encourage young scientists to participate in the conference! This year's conference will again take place as a virtual conference on Tuesday/Wednesday 17/18 June 2025. We are delighted to welcome * Marja-Leena Linne, Tampere University, Finland * Daniela Gandolfi, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Italy * Barna Zajzon, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany * as keynote speakers at the conference. Registration and submission of contributions are now open! We are inviting contributions to the conference, including talks, "posters" and workshops on specific topics. Please register and submit your contribution(s) via the conference website https://nest-simulator.org/conference Important dates 15 April 2025 - Deadline for submission of contributions 25 April 2025 - Deadline for NEST Initiative membership applications eligible for fee reduction 09 May 2025 - Notification of acceptance 11 June 2025 - Registration deadline 17 June 2025 - NEST Conference 2025 starts We are looking forward to seeing you all in June! Hans Ekkehard Plesser and the conference organizing committee -- Prof. Dr. Hans Ekkehard Plesser Research Committee Chair, Faculty of Science and Technology Head, Department of Data Science Department of Data Science Faculty of Science and Technology Norwegian University of Life Sciences PO Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway Phone +47 6723 1560 Email hans.ekkehard.plesser(a)nmbu.no<mailto:hans.ekkehard.plesser@nmbu.no> Home http://arken.nmbu.no/~plesser

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Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour 2025. Application deadline April 15th, 2025
by Ahmed El Hady March 14, 2025

March 14, 2025

*Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour 2025* *Konstanz, Germany * *Deadline to apply: April 15th, 2025* ** The Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour (KSCB) <https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/kscb/about/> will take place between /21st July 2025 – 8th August 2025/ at the Cluster of Excellence Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour (CASCB) at the University of Konstanz <https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/>. Uni Konstanz is a University of Excellence and ranked #1 young university in Germany with “Collective Behaviour" <https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/collective-behaviour/> as one of five research foci. Konstanz <https://www.konstanz.de/start> is a vibrant, small city located on the border between Germany and Switzerland, on the shores of the Bodensee (Lake Constance). Over three weeks, students will delve deeply into the topic of collective behaviour with lectures, hands-on tutorials, and projects, making it a unique and unforgettable experience. The school faculty will cover collective behaviours across a variety of species from cells, worms, drosophila, fish to non – human primates and human. A set of tutorials delving into state-of-the-art quantitative methods used to study collective behaviour will complement the lectures. At the end of the school, students will work on independent projects guided by our resident faculty. Accommodation will be provided and paid by the organizers. A limited number of travel grants will be provided and a registration fee will be due (500 Euros) once the student is admitted to the Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour. The registration fee will be waived to those coming from underrepresented minorities and those in need of financial support. The submission of applications for the second Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour was open until April 15, 2025. We will inform you on May 15, 2025 whether your application was successful For further information and application, visit our website: _https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/kscb/application-procedure/ <https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/kscb/application-procedure/> _ *KSCB 2025 faculty : * ·Iain Couzin ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior , Konstanz) ·Peter Dayan ( Max Planck Institute of Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen) ·Ilya Nemenman ( Emory University , USA) ·Yonatan Loewenstein ( Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel) ·Aneta Koseska ( Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology of Behavior, Bonn) ·Francesco Ginelli ( Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Italy) ·Thejasvi Ravindra Beleyur ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz) ·Liang Li ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz) ·Andreagiovanni Reina ( University of Konstanz, Konstanz) ·Einat Couzin-Fuchs ( University of Konstanz, Konstanz ) ·Ofer Feinermann ( Weizmann Institute of Sciences, Israel) ·Naama Brenner ( Israel Institute of Technology, Israel) ·Ariana Strandburg-Peshkin ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior , Konstanz) ·Wataru Toyokawa (Riken Center for Brain Science in Tokyo). ·Raphaela Heesen ( University of Konstanz, Konstanz) ·Caroline Schuppli ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior , Konstanz) . Dan Gorbonos ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz) . Michael Chimento ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz). *Contact: **ahmed.el-hady(a)uni-konstanz.de <mailto:ahmed.el-hady@uni-konstanz.de> * All the best regards, Ahmed El Hady On behalf of the KSCB organizational committee Dr. Ahmed El Hady Principal Investigator Cluster for Advanced Study of Collective Behavior, University of Konstanz Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz Room ZT 907 Postbox 687 Tel.: +49 7531 88-4742

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Two PhD/Postdoc positions in computational neuroscience/machine learning/bioinformatics in Tübingen
by Philipp Berens March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

The Department of Data Science (Philipp Berens) at the Hertie Institute for AI in Brain Health (Hertie AI, https://hertie.ai/) part of the Medical Faculty of the Eberhard Karls University in Tübingen, has open positions for Two Postdoctoral Researchers or PhD students (f/m/d) in computational neuroscience / bioinformatics / machine learning for the following topics: - Machine learning models for longitudinal spatial transcriptomics data acquired in the retina during disease and aging - Deep reinforcement learning for studying efficient coding in the visual system Both positions are initially for 3 years with the possibility of extension and can either be filled with a postdoctoral research or a PhD student. To apply, please go to: https://jobs.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/Job/5996/Postdoctoral-Researcher-or-P… https://jobs.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/Job/5995/Postdoctoral-Researcher-or-P… Looking forward to your applications, Philipp -- Professor of Data Science, Director Hertie Institute for AI in Brain Health Medical Faculty of the University of Tübingen www.hertie.ai

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[Meetings] Deadline extension - IEEE Int. Conf. Development and Learning (ICDL) 2025
by Matej Hoffmann March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

* Dear colleagues, Due to multiple requests, we are happy to grant a two-week extension of the submission deadline for the regular paper submissions and the workshop and tutorial proposal submission. Full papers:March 28, 2025. Workshop and tutorial proposals—deadline:March 28, 2025. We would also like to draw your attention to the template which we have updated. Please kindly use this one: https://ras.papercept.net/conferences/support/support.php <https://ras.papercept.net/conferences/support/support.php>. If you have already submitted, you will be able to update it also during the camera-ready submission stage. We are also happy to announce that the BabyBot and BabyObserve Challenge winners will receive a prize of 150$, sponsored by the IEEE RAS TC Cognitive Robotics. Travel grants are available through IEEE CIS - see https://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/travel-grants/ <https://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/travel-grants/>. ----------------------------------- CfP IEEE ICDL 2025 ----------------------------------- https://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/ <https://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/> 16–19 September 2025 in Prague; Czechia 2025 IEEE International Conference on Development and Learning (ICDL) We invite submissions to explore, extend, and consolidate the interdisciplinary boundaries of this exciting research field. In addition to the usual paper submission-selection process, we announce two Challenges: the BabyBot Challenge that will award computational models that capture core aspects of specific psychology experiments and (new!!) BabyObserve Challenge that will foster the community’s discoveries in research related to the development of cognition and learning and go beyond what is currently in focus. Submissions that address both challenges at the same time are also welcome. There is a prize of 150$ for the winners of the challenges! ----------------------------------- Important Deadlines ----------------------------------- Contributed papers (6–8 pages)—extended deadline: March 28, 2025. Workshop and tutorial proposals—extended deadline: March 28, 2025. Journal Track—deadline: April 1, 2025. Late-breaking results (1-page abstracts)—deadline: June 13, 2025. ----------------------------------- Speakers ----------------------------------- Jeff Krichmar (University of California, Irvine, USA) Masako Myowa-Yamakoshi (Kyoto University, Japan) Giulio Sandini (IIT Genoa, Italy) Tilbe Göksun (Koç University, Turkey) Josef Šivic (CIIRC, CTU in Prague, Czechia) ----------------------------------- Topics ----------------------------------- ICDL is a unique conference gathering researchers from both computational science (including robotics, AI, cognitive architecture) and developmental studies (psychology, linguistics, anthropology, education, philosophy) for a fertile exchange sharing ideas, perspectives, knowledge, research findings on how humans and animals develop sensing, reasoning and actions, including interactive ecologies and how these capabilities can be implemented in computing (embodied) systems. This approach goes hand in hand with the goal of both understanding human and animal development and how this can be applied to improve future intelligent technology including all kinds of artificial systems that will be in close interaction with humans. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to): – general principles and theories of development and learning; – embodied learning in biological systems and robots; – development of skills in biological systems and robots; – developmental stages and sensitive periods; – architectures for cognitive development and life-long learning; – emergence of body knowledge and affordance perception; – learning control of body movement; – (models of) curiosity, intrinsic motivations, exploration, play and active learning; – (models for) prediction, planning and problem solving; – developmentally-inspired machine learning; – applications of machine learning to human and animal development; – emotional development and the role of emotion in learning; – emergence of verbal and nonverbal communication; – metacognitive skills and the role of metacognitive learning and explicit communication; – (models of) human–human and human–system interaction; – epistemological foundations and philosophical issues; – the relationship between evolution and development; – ethics in modeling learning and development. ----------------------------------- Submission ----------------------------------- We accept four types of research submissions. The submissions are available through the PaperPlaza (https://ras.papercept.net/conferences/scripts/start.pl <https://ras.papercept.net/conferences/scripts/start.pl>) system. Detailed instructions are at https://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/submission/ <https://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/submission/>. Full 6-page paper submissions (up to 2 extra pages with additional charge)—deadline:March 28, 2025. Papers of up to 6 pages in IEEE double column format will undergo peer-review, and accepted and presented submissions will be included in the conference proceedings published by IEEE Xplore. Up to two extra pages are acceptable for a publication fee of $100 per page. Accepted papers will be invited for presentation either in oral or poster format Please make use of the template provided at https://ras.papercept.net/conferences/support/support.php <https://ras.papercept.net/conferences/support/support.php> Workshop and tutorial proposals—deadline:March 28, 2025. Workshops proposals can be submitted for one-day or half-day-workshop that will take place on the first day of the conference. The proposals should motivate the topic and provide a schedule. Journal-track posters—deadline:April 1, 2025. Journal track poster submissions must be about a journal paper that has been published the March 2024 – March 2025 period (online ahead of print is fine) on a topic relevant to the conference. Late-breaking posters with 1-page abstract—deadline: June 13, 2025. To encourage discussion of late-breaking results or for work that is not sufficiently mature for a full paper, we will accept 1-page abstracts. These submissions will not be included in the conference proceedings. Accepted abstracts will be presented during the poster session. ----------------------------------- BabyBot Challenge Paper Award ----------------------------------- Babybot Challenge papers are expected to establish a strong link between developmental psychology and robotics and/or computational modeling. Submissions will be judged by the following criteria: – How well does the computational model (e.g., an artificial system, which can be a robot, artificial system, or a software agent) represent the particular features of the experimental research addressed. – How closely the performance of the model replicates the experimental findings and how parsimonious is the model. – How explicit the model is about cognitive mechanisms and the – The extent of the novel insights or explanations generated by the model, and importantly whether the model make interesting and testable predictions. We encourage the authors to tag their submission for “Babybot Challenge” award during contributed paper submission, which would indicate that there is significant content that puts the paper in the spotlight of “Babybot Challenge”. Prize for winner: 150 $. ----------------------------------- BabyObserve Challenge Paper Award ----------------------------------- This Challenge is new, and its intention is to foster the community’s discoveries in research related to the development of cognition and learning that go beyond what is currently in focus. BabyObserve Challenge papers are expected to introduce novel or “edge case” phenomena to the ICDL community from observations of child development, but also related mechanisms, interplays of skills, properties of (environmental and / or social) ecologies that promote it. Observations can result in quantitative or qualitative research that is further described in the paper. Submissions will be judged by the following criteria: – How innovative is the phenomenon and why it is important for the ICDL community – How well is the phenomenon described to inspire computational models – How well is the phenomenon theoretically grounded or linked to the existing literature We encourage the authors to tag their submission for “BabyObserve Challenge” award during contributed paper submission, which would indicate that there is significant content that puts the paper in the spotlight of “BabyObserve Challenge”. Prize for winner: 150 $. General chair: Matej Hoffmann Program chairs: Alessandra Sciutti, Emre Ugur, Katharina J. Rohlfing * -- Matej Hoffmann, PhD Associate Professor Department of Cybernetics Faculty of Electrical Engineering Czech Technical University in Prague Karlovo namesti 13 121 35 Praha 2, Czech Republic +420 224 357 387 https://sites.google.com/site/matejhof/home https://cyber.felk.cvut.cz/humanoids IEEE ICDL 2025 General Chairhttps://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/

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Postdoctoral fellowships at the Neuromathematics Center in Sao Paulo State, Brazil
by Antonio Roque March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

The Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics (NeuroMat), hosted by the University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil, and funded by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), is offering two post-doctoral fellowships for recent PhDs with outstanding research potential. The fellowship will involve collaborations with research teams and laboratories associated with NeuroMat, strictly related to ongoing research lines developed by NeuroMat. For more details about the ongoing research lines of NeuroMat, please visit our website. The project may be developed at the laboratories of USP, campuses of São Paulo or Ribeirão Preto, or at UNICAMP, Campinas, in person. We seek candidates capable of developing independent research in one of the research lines below. 1. Stochastic modeling of neurobiological data. Candidates must have a strong background in probability theory with emphasis on stochastic processes. 2. Development of new statistical methods for neurobiological data. Candidates must have a strong background in statistics and data analysis and knowledge of computer programming. 3. Acquisition, processing, and quantitative analysis of neurobiological data. Candidates must have a strong background in neuroscience with previous experience in neurophysiological data acquisition, processing and analysis, and knowledge of computer programming. 4. Instrumentation development associated with brain stimuli. Candidates must have a strong background in electronic instrumentation, robotics, programing, and safety in medical equipment. The fellowship is competitive at an international level, and fellows benefit from extra funds for travel and research expenses plus limited support for relocation expenses. Application Instructions: Applicants should complete and submit the application form <https://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/postdoc/new/>. The following documents and information are requested (please see the form for further details): - Summary of the CV, in the format required by FAPESP (see fapesp.br/en/6351for instructions); - List of publications, with links to those available online. - A summary of the research plan for the next year, up to 5 pages in length. This document must explicitly state for which of the four research lines the candidate is applying. It should also address how this research plan fits within the framework of the NeuroMat research program. It is strongly recommended that candidates visit the webpage of the project, NeuroMat research program <https://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/scientific-project/>, consult the list of publications and contact potential supervisors, who are principal or co-principal investigators participating in the NeuroMat project, to align the research proposal with the goals of the project. - Pointers to other research related output, such as software, web pages, and so forth. Candidates should be willing to send copies of publications, if requested. - Any further information deemed relevant to the application. In addition to the above, we require at least two recommendation letters. Those should be emailed by the recommenders directly to postdoc-appl(a)numec.prp.usp.br. Timetable: Candidates are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience until the deadline of March 31, 2025. Appointment is expected to start by May 2025. The initial period of the position lasts for 12 months, with possible renewals to up to the end of the project, July 31, 2026. This opportunity is open to candidates of any nationality. The selected candidates will be awarded FAPESP Postdoctoral fellowships in the amount of R$ 12,000,00 monthly plus fringe benefits and a research contingency fund, equivalent to 15% of the annual value of the fellowship, which should be spent on items directly related to the research activity. More details on FAPESP's postdoctoral fellowships are available at: https://fapesp.br/en/postdoc. -- Antonio C. Roque Professor Associado Departamento de Fisica FFCLRP, Universidade de Sao Paulo 14040-901 Ribeirao Preto-SP Brazil - Brasil antonior(a)usp.br <antonior(a)ffclrp.usp.br> aroquesilva(a)gmail.com www.sisne.org ORCID: 0000-0003-1260-4840 <https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1260-4840> ResearcherID: C-2316-2011 <http://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/C-2316-2011> Google Scholar: GqHWF74AAAAJ <http://scholar.google.com.br/citations?user=GqHWF74AAAAJ> CV Lattes: 4609096963207702 <http://lattes.cnpq.br/4609096963207702>

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18th Granada Seminar Announcement
by Prof. Dr. Joaquín J. Torres March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

Dear Colleague, You are cordially invited to participate in the 18th Granada Seminar on Computational and Statistical Physics, taking place this September 15-19, 2025, focus on: “New Tools and Methods for Complex Systems Research: From Molecules to Living and Intelligent Systems” This seminar is organized by the Institute Carlos I for Theoretical and Computational Physics at the University of Granada and will be celebrate in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Granada. Up-to-date information regarding abstract submissions, grants, accommodation, program details, and more can be found at: https://granadaseminar.com Confirmed Speakers: We are pleased to announce a distinguished lineup of speakers, including: Herbert Levine (Northeastern University) Daniele Marinazzo (Ghent University) Pedro Mediano (Imperial College London) Miguel Ángel Muñoz (University of Granada) Fernando Rosas (Sussex University) Edina Rosta (University College London) Roberta Zambrini (University of the Balearic Islands) Additional talks and poster presentations will be selected from submitted abstracts. Important Dates & Registration Fees: Abstract submission deadline: June 15, 2025 Acceptance notifications: July 10, 2025 Registration Fees: Regular registration: Early: €420 (by July 31) Late: €450 (by August 31) Student registration: Early: €300 (by July 31) Late: €330 (by August 31) In all cases the registration fee includes: Attendance to the working sessions and documentation, certificate of attendance, coffee breaks, welcome cocktail, and gala dinner. Please follow the link below for direct registration: https://granadaseminar.com/index.php/join-granada-seminar/registration/ We look forward to welcoming you to Granada this September! Best regards, Joaquin J. Torres Director of the Granada Seminar Institute Carlos I for Theoretical and Computational Physics University of Granada - 18071, Spain

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6 Available PhD Positions at the Intersection of Psychology, AI, and Computer Science
by Amir Aly March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

*Dear All, * **Apologies for cross-posting** *Applications are invited for three-year PhD studentships at the University of Plymouth, UK. * *The studentships will start on Wednesday 1 October 2025.* *The closing date for applications is Friday 9 May 2025 (midnight, UK time).* A list of projects can be found below. It is essential that candidates discuss their proposal/plans with their intended supervisor(s), prior to writing their proposal and submitting an application. The school can only consider PhD research proposals that have the support of a supervisor (see required documents). ------------------------------------------------- *1- AI-Based Analysis of Voice Biomarkers in Neurodevelopmental Disorders* This interdisciplinary PhD project will harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) methodologies to analyse vocal patterns within clinical populations, specifically targeting Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The project aims to develop innovative diagnostic models, such as deep learning models, that accurately identify and differentiate unique vocal characteristics to each disorder utilising extensive and varied datasets of autistic, ADHD and neurotypical people, enhancing our understanding and diagnostic capabilities for these conditions. Candidates should have a basic knowledge in AI and machine learning techniques, especially those applicable to audio processing and speech analysis. While knowledge of psychological or neurological principles is advantageous, it is not compulsory. The candidate will be part of a collaboration between Clinical Psychology and Computer Science, offering a unique chance to pioneer in the application of AI to clinical diagnostics. This interdisciplinary effort aims to push the boundaries of how machine learning can improve understanding and treatment strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders. *- Contact: Dr. Gray Atherton*, gray.atherton(a)plymouth.ac.uk *2- Virtual Reality Training for Spatial Familiarity with Autistic Individuals* This PhD project aims to develop a virtual reality (VR) training program to help autistic individuals navigate unfamiliar spaces with reduced anxiety as well as explore new imaginary spaces that can build confidence. Utilising VR technology, the project will recreate common environments to allow participants to engage with these spaces in a safe and controlled setting. The use of a VE2 walking treadmill will intensify the realism of the experience, enabling participants to physically walk through these virtual spaces, thereby improving spatial familiarity and comfort. Candidates are expected to have a foundational understanding of VR programming, including expertise in Unity. Skills in integrating sophisticated sensory technologies such as eye-tracking and face recognition are appreciated, as they will be used to tailor and adapt scenarios based on real-time user reactions and interactions. This role calls for a blend of technical acumen and creative problem-solving, offering a chance to pioneer VR applications that extend beyond entertainment into therapeutic settings. This interdisciplinary initiative bridges the gap between Clinical Psychology and Computer Science, offering candidates an opportunity to pioneer methods that could significantly advance therapeutic practices for neurodevelopmental disorders. *- Contact: Dr. Liam Cross*, liam.cross(a)plymouth.ac.uk *3- Enhancing Social Interaction for Autistic Individuals through Anthropomorphic Augmented Reality * This PhD project seeks to explore how autistic individuals often show a preference for interacting with non-human entities such as animals, cartoons, and robots, possibly due to the simpler social cues and lack of negative biases associated with human faces. Leveraging these insights, the project will develop an augmented reality (AR) application designed to overlay human faces with non-human characteristics, thereby enhancing comfort, social attention, and engagement among autistic participants. We are seeking a PhD candidate proficient in AR technologies, with hands-on experience in platforms like Hololens, and a good foundation in computer science. The successful candidate will be driven by a desire to apply cutting-edge AR solutions to real-world challenges in education and healthcare settings. The candidate will engage in developing complex AR interfaces and utilise user-centred design principles to create applications that significantly improve social interactions for autistic individuals. Familiarity with the psychological aspects of autism will be crucial in customizing the technology to meet user needs effectively. *- Contact: Dr. Gray Atherton*, gray.atherton(a)plymouth.ac.uk *4-* *Examining Cohesion and Authoritarianism through Synchronised VR Interactions* This project seeks to explore how moving in synchrony with others within a virtual reality (VR) environment influences social behaviour, enhancing cohesion and potentially promoting obedient tendencies. The research will employ VR to simulate scenarios where participants can engage in synchronized activities, studying the psychological effects of these interactions. These effects have historical significance in contexts such as war, riots, an other scenarios. The project will manipulate environmental factors, virtual agents, and reward systems to observe how these controlled variables influence behaviours related to conformity and personal control. We are looking for a PhD candidate with a good experience in VR programming, tools and platforms, interested in using this technology to probe the complex dynamics of human behaviour and applying their technical skills to investigate social psychological phenomena. This interdisciplinary initiative provides a unique opportunity to explore how synchronized movements in virtual environments can shape social behaviours and influence group dynamics, enhancing our understanding of technology's role in social cohesion and control. *- Contact: Dr. Liam Cross*, liam.cross(a)plymouth.ac.uk *5*- *Pure Fantasy: Harnessing VR to Explore and Enhance the Ideal Self in Autistic Individuals* This innovative project taps into the enduring popularity of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), particularly within the autism community, to explore and enhance self-concept through immersive virtual reality (VR). D&D has long served as a valuable tool for autistic individuals to experiment with their identities and improve social skills. Our project aims to create a groundbreaking VR D&D experience that allows players to design avatars embodying traits they aspire to develop or accentuate. Leveraging the Proteus effect, which suggests that the characteristics of an avatar can influence a user’s behaviour, this study will observe how players navigate complex social interactions and quests within a richly detailed virtual world. Players will physically navigate this world using VE2 treadmills, enhancing the immersion and physicality of the experience. We seek a PhD candidate with good skills in VR development, eager to push the boundaries of what VR can achieve in psychological and therapeutic contexts. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with the Computer Sciences department at the University of Plymouth to refine VR paradigms and should possess an interest in the psychological aspects of VR immersion, specifically how it relates to behaviour change and self-concept in special populations. This interdisciplinary initiative offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of technology, psychology, and role-playing games, aiming to provide meaningful insights into how virtual experiences can influence real-world behaviour and self-perception. *- Contact: Dr. Gray Atherton*, gray.atherton(a)plymouth.ac.uk *6- Board games for autistic wellbeing * Board games offer educational and social benefits, particularly for neurodiverse players who thrive in structured settings. This project will establish a board gaming hub for neurodiverse adults, partnering with clinical services to combine social engagement with mental health support. There are currently multiple sites and practices in the Devon area and wider UK keen to take part, and the candidate will have good communication and organisational skills commiserate with working across sites and disciplines. Specifically, we seek a candidate with experience in working with clinical populations and a passion for board gaming. This role suits those interested in intervention design, adult social care, and gaming development for special populations. The candidate will be interested in understanding how to adapt board games for individuals with different needs, and how to liase with research teams and clinical health providers to understand how to most effectively deliver an intervention of this nature. This role will involve working in schools and with young people. *- Contact: Dr. Liam Cross*, liam.cross(a)plymouth.ac.uk ---------------------------------------------------- *Eligibility and funding* Applicants should have a first-class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant MSc or MRes qualification. If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, an academic IELTS score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent. The studentship is supported for three years and includes full home tuition fees plus a stipend of at least £18,655 per annum (2025/26 rate still to be determined). *To apply* To apply, please complete our online application form <https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpgtapply.…> for *PhD Psychology *for entry in* October 2025 *and submit the following mandatory documents <https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.plymo…> : - *A research proposal (max 1,000 words). *Your research proposal should contain a short review of relevant literature, research questions/hypotheses, overview of methods, and a time plan (all included in the word count). Your proposal may also include up to one figure (not included in the word count). The proposal should name the suggested supervisor(s) and include a reference list (not included in the word count). Research proposals that exceed the word count will not be considered. - *Personal statement. *Please clearly state that you are applying for a PhD studentship within the School of Psychology and the name of a potential supervisor(s) on the top of your personal statement. - *Supervisor support statement. *Please submit a short statement (signed and dated) from your intended supervisor in which they confirm that they would supervise your PhD project. - *Evidence of up-to-date qualifications.*Certificates and transcripts for masters or bachelor degrees, plus any relevant professional qualifications. - *CV/résumé* - *English proficiency certificate. *Required for non-UK nationals. - *The details of two academic referees.*Please provide names and details on the application form. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me Regards -------------------------------------------- *Dr. Amir Aly*, PhD, FHEA, SIEEE Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Programme Manager of Artificial Intelligence UK and Ireland IEEE RAS Chapter Vice Chair Director of the Centre for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS) School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics Room A307 Portland Square, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA University of Plymouth, UK

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Workshop on AI / ML for the analysis of single-cell spatial transcriptomics 15-17 Oct 2025 Lyon (France)
by Hugues Berry March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

SAVE THE DATE 15th-17th OCTOBER, 2025 A 2.5 DAY WORKSHOP on the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning of the analysis of single-cell spatial transcriptomics, in Lyon, France. https://ai4singlecell.sciencesconf.org/ REGISTRATION (TO OPEN SOON) IS FREE BUT MANDATORY The analysis of data from single-cell, potentially spatial, transcriptomics, increasingly relies on artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) computer tools. Beyond the familiar clustering of single-cells, they promise to offer access to a wide spectrum of far-reaching biological information, including the inference of cell-cell interactions, lineage reconstructions or the 3d spatial organisation of the tissue. The workshop will deliver both general introductions targeting the non-expert biologist who plans to start using these algorithms, and state-of-the-art methodology-oriented talks for a more expert audience. PROGRAM DRAFT Confirmed invited speakers include: Xiang Zhou <https://xiangzhou.github.io/>, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA Per Uhlén <https://ki.se/en/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-grou…>, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden Genevieve Stein O’Brien <https://www.steinobrienlab.org/>, Johns Hopkins University, USA Yvan Saeys, <https://saeyslab.sites.vib.be/en> Ghent University, Belgium Marianna Rapsomaniki <https://www.chuv.ch/en/bdsc/research/our-groups/ai-ml-for-biomedicine>, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland Laura Cantini <https://research.pasteur.fr/en/member/laura-cantini/>, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France Quentin Blampey <https://github.com/quentinblampey>, Paris-Saclay University, France The program will feature both general introductory talks and expert-level methodology-oriented presentations. As well as live sessions demos of application packages for concrete illustration of use cases! MORE SOON... program updates a call for contributed talks a call for contributed live sessions for package demos registration openning Meanwhile, don't hesitate to contact us at: ai4singlecell(a)sciencesconf.org <https://ai4singlecell.sciencesconf.org/>

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Exciting PhD & Postdoc Positions at Maastricht University and CNRS Marseille – Join the ERC-Synergy NASCE Project!
by Jolivet, Renaud (MACSBIO) March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

My colleague Elia Formisano at Maastricht University is advertising several positions. Exciting PhD & Postdoc Positions at Maastricht University and CNRS Marseille – Join the ERC-Synergy NASCE Project! Are you passionate about neuroscience and AI? Do you want to unravel how the human brain makes sense of everyday soundscapes? Join <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAABIzWMMB26hKQDKmkAauU86UR27jk8MEaK0> Elia Formisano<https://www.linkedin.com/in/elia-formisano-05731a86/> and <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAFyNeAB_dTvI-9M7P3WdPYRnzO7c9v5JXY> Bruno L. Giordano<https://www.linkedin.com/in/brungio/> in the ERC-Synergy NASCE project (Natural Auditory SCEnes in Humans and Machines), where we explore the neural computations behind real-world auditory scene analysis (ASA). Our research combines AI, behavioral experiments (both classic and online), neuroimaging (ultra-high-field fMRI, MEG, iEEG), and advanced statistical modeling to develop groundbreaking theories and models of auditory perception. Funded by the European Union (ERC-2024-SyG, NASCE) Why Join NASCE? * Work in a leading, highly collaborative international research environment between Maastricht University, and CNRS/Aix Marseille University. * Contribute to groundbreaking research at the intersection of neuroscience, AI, and cognitive psychology. * Access to state-of-the-art multimodal neuroimaging and AI-based computational modeling. Locations: Maastricht University (The Netherlands) & CNRS/Aix Marseille University (Marseille, France). Start Dates: From April 2025. 1. PhD Position in NeuroAI & Auditory Scene Analysis (Maastricht, NL) Develop brain-inspired deep neural network (DNN) models to simulate human auditory perception. Requirements: MSc in AI, computer science, computational neuroscience, or related field. Strong programming skills (Python, PyTorch/TensorFlow). Full-time PhD contract (4 years). Start Date: April 2025 (preferred). Apply here: https://lnkd.in/esUG6iQY See also: https://lnkd.in/e3FTfhuY 2. Postdoc in NeuroAI & Multimodal Neuroimaging (Maastricht, NL) Develop brain-inspired DNN models to simulate human auditory perception. Create computational methods to integrate DNNs with neuroimaging. Requirements: PhD in computational neuroscience, AI, biomedical engineering, physics, or related field. Experience with deep learning (applications to audio and neuroimaging integration are a plus) Strong programming skills (Python, PyTorch/TensorFlow). Competitive salary (2 years contract + possibility for 2 more years). Start Date: Flexible within 2025. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eqVgn45Y See also: https://lnkd.in/e3FTfhuY

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ICANN 2025 - Second Call for Papers (Deadline Extension)
by Sebastian Otte March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

=============================================================================== ICANN 2025 - SECOND CALL FOR PAPERS (DEADLINE EXTENSION) =============================================================================== The 34th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks ICANN 2025 is one of the premier conferences in the field of artificial intelligence, neural networks, neuroscience and brain-inspired computing in Europe, organized in collaboration with the European Neural Network Society ENNS. In 2025, the ICANN will take place in Kaunas, Lithuania. Conference Dates: September 9 to September 12, 2025 Conference Venue: Campus of Vytautas Magnus University and Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania Conference Webpage: https://e-nns.org/icann2025/ Extended deadline for full paper and abstract submission: 29 March 2025 General co-Chairs: Yoshua Bengio (Université de Montréal, Canada) Viktor Jirsa (Aix-Marseille Université, France; EBRAINS) Prof. Yoshua Bengio is a Turing Award laureate and is globally recognized as a pioneer of deep learning and artificial neural networks, driving groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence. Prof. Viktor Jirsa is renowned for his work in theoretical neuroscience and Virtual Brain Twins, serving as Chief Science Officer of EBRAINS, Europe’s research infrastructure in digital neuroscience. With the exceptional leadership and expertise of the Chairs, ICANN 2025 promises to be a transformative event with the dual track of Artificial Intelligence & Deep Learning and Neuroscience. The ICANN attracts a global audience of researchers, practitioners & industry experts and provides a forum for the presentation of cutting-edge research papers and invited keynote talks by leading experts. It includes workshops and tutorials, as well as engaging demo sessions. In 2025, ICANN will continue its proud tradition of being a dynamic and interactive conference, fostering collaboration across academia and industry. =============================================================================== We invite prospective authors to submit original and innovative papers in the following areas: AI and Machine Learning: Theory and Foundations of Neural Networks, Novel Neural Network Architectures, Topics in Neural Networks, Large Language Models, Explainable AI, Machine Learning for Graphs, Graph Neural Networks, Clustering, Reinforcement Learning, New Topics in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Neurorobotics Neuroscience: Cognitive and Theoretical/Computational Neuroscience, Brain-Inspired Computing, Neuromorphic Systems, Digital Twins and Virtual Brain models Applications: Human-Computer Interaction, Biosignal Processing, Medicine and Physiology, Speech and Language Processing, Computer Vision, Robotics, Climate and Environment, General Applications of Machine Learning Call for Papers Authors willing to present original contributions in either the oral or poster category are invited to submit: - A full paper of 6-12 pages (including references) to be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series with individual DOI. - An extended abstract of maximum 2 pages to be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series, without individual indexing. Papers will undergo rigorous peer review; the Program Committee will make the final decision on which papers will be included in the conference program. Selected papers will be assigned to oral sessions (15 minutes presentation + 5 minutes questions) and poster sessions, depending on the number of submissions; this assignment does in no way incur a judgment on paper quality. Note that presentation rules for workshops and special sessions may differ. All accepted papers will be published in the Springer LNCS series. Papers must be written in English language and must conform to the format defined in the Author’s Kit, available on the conference webpage at: https://e-nns.org/icann2025/submission The ICANN 2025 will be an in-person conference. At least one co-author of each paper must physically attend the conference in Kaunas to present the work. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Emmanuel Bengio (Valence Labs/Recursion, Canada) Viktor Jirsa (Aix-Marseille Université, France; EBRAINS) Christiane Woopen (University of Bonn, Germany) Zeynep Akata (Technical University Munich & Helmholtz Munich) Alessio Micheli (University of Pisa, Italy) Oher keynote speakers to be announced. CONFIRMED TUTORIALS Dr. Emmanuael Bengio will give a Tutorial on GflowNets. Prof. Viktor Jirsa and his team will provide a Tutorial on The Virtual Brain, an open-source neuroscience platform designed to simulate and model personalised human brain models. CONFERENCE COMMITTEE Program Chairs Walter Senn (University of Bern, Switzerland) Chair Marcello Sanguineti (University of Genova, Italy) Ausra Saudargiene (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences/Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) Igor Tetko (Helmholtz Munich, Germany) Alessandro Villa (University of Lausanne, Switzerland) Communication Chairs Sebastian Otte (University of Lübeck, Germany) Honorary Chairs Vera Kurkova (Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague) Alessandro Villa (University of Lausanne, Switzerland) Stefan Wermter (University of Hamburg, Germany) Local Organizing Committee Ausra Saudargiene (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences/Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) Linas Petkevičius (Vilnius University, Artificial intelligence Association of Lithuania, Lithuania) Tomas Krilavicius (Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) Workshop, Tutorials and Special Session Chairs Povilas Daniusis (Neurotechnology/Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) Dalius Matuzevičius (VilniusTech) Sponsorship Chair Dalia Breskuvienė (Vilnius University) Diversity & Inclusion Chair Kamilė Dementavičiūtė (Vinted) Steering Committee Stefan Wermter (University of Hamburg, Germany) Alessandro Villa (University of Lausanne, Switzerland) Alessio Micheli (University of Pisa, Italy) Angelo Cangelosi (University of Manchester, UK) Igor Farkaš (Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia) Chrisina Jayne (Teesside University, UK) Matthias Kerzel (University of Hamburg, Germany) Alessandra Lintas (University of Lausanne, Switzerland) Kristína Malinovská (Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia) Jaakko Peltonen (Tampere University, Finland) Brigitte Quenet (ESPCI Paris, France) Roseli Wedemann (Rio de Janeiro State University, Brazil) Sebastian Otte (University of Lübeck, Germany) Ausra Saudargiene (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences/Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) Igor Tetko (Helmholtz Munich, Germany) IMPORTANT DATES - Deadline for full paper and abstract submission: 29 March 2025 (extended) - Final notification of Acceptance or Rejection: 22 May 2025 - Camera-ready paper upload and author registration: 1 June 2025 For questions, please contact: icann-2025-program-committee(a)googlegroups.com Link to this call: https://e-nns.org/icann2025/call-for-papers

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