- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Workshop announcement at the EITN March 2-4 2015
by EITN Jan. 30, 2015

Jan. 30, 2015

More information and registration on the following website http://eitnconf-020315.sciencesconf.org/ *Due to a limited number of seats, the registration is free however mandatoty **March 2nd-4th 2015, EITN Paris 1^st community workshop HBP network simulator* *“Are we building the right thing? – Requirements from theory for simulation environments and neuromorphic computing”* http://www.eitn.org Organized by Andrew Davison, Jeff Muller, Jochen Eppler, David Lester, Abigail Morrison and Markus Diesmann in collaboration with the EITN.** ***Abstract* The HBP creates novel ICT infrastructure for the neuroscience community. Simulation engines in software and hardware for different levels of description are accessible through a unified collaboration portal (UP) providing version control and provenance tracking. The simulation engine for networks of abstract spiking neuron models called the network simulator provided by the software NEST particularly targets theoretical neuroscience and neurorobotics. This workshop presents the capabilities of the network simulator and the corresponding PyNN expressions as available at the end of the ramp-up phase of the HBP in March 2016. Neuromorphic hardware provided by the NM-PM1 (Heidelberg) and SpiNNaker (Manchester) systems enable the translation of a restricted set of software models to a platform with accelerated speed and reduced power consumption for high-throughput studies and interaction with the real world. With this background, the main part of the workshop is reserved for a discussion of the scientific challenges and plans of theoretical neuroscience to derive future requirements on the simulation engine. This will help developers to optimize the roadmap of the second phase of the HBP with the aim to maximize usefulness, uptake, and impact.

1 0

CFP: Special Session on Quantifying Embodiment, ECAL 2015
by Keyan Ghazi-Zahedi Jan. 30, 2015

Jan. 30, 2015

*** CALL FOR PAPERS *** 13th European Conference on Artificial Life (ECAL 2015) Special Session on Quantifying Embodiment Session paper submission deadline: 2 March 2015 Notification of acceptance of papers: 17 April 2015 Paper Camera-Ready-Copy deadline: 18 May 2015 Conference convenes: 20-24 July 2015, York, United Kingdom Conference website: http://ecal2015.alife.org <http://ecal2015.alife.org/> Special Session website: http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/nature/ecal2015/embodiment.html <http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/nature/ecal2015/embodiment.html> There is a growing acknowledgement in the artificial life and artificial intelligence community that embodiment is a key for the understanding of cognitive systems. Despite the consensus about the importance of embodiment, there is no clear definition of what the agent’s embodiment actually is. We believe that a quantitative approach can help to answer this open question. This is inspired by Einstein’s answer to the question ”What is time?”, to which he replied ”Time is what clocks measure”. Although this seems to be a trivial answer, it reveals that what we mean by time depends on the way we measure it. We are interested in quantifications of embodiment from various view points and different fields. A non-exclusive list of examples is: • Quantifications of the embodiment’s effect on sensing • Quantifications of the embodiment’s effect on cognitive processes • Quantifications of the embodiment’s effect on acting • Quantifications of brain-body-environment separation We are open to quantifications from any formal approach. Examples are information theory and dynamical systems, but others are highly welcome too. The ideal outcome of the special session would be a good overview of different concepts and quantifications of embodiment and an understanding how they overlap and differ, thereby leading to a better understanding and a clearer picture of what embodiment actually is. Papers are submitted via the ECAL paper submission form and published in the conference proceedings. Special Session Chairs: Keyan Ghazi-Zahedi, Christoph Salge, Georg Martius, Daniel Polani

1 0

New book: Analysis and modeling of multi-neuronal activity
by Tatsuno, Masami Jan. 29, 2015

Jan. 29, 2015

* Apologies if you receive multiple copies of this email * Dear Colleagues, Some of you might be interested in our recent book, Analysis and Modeling of Coordinated Multi-neuronal Activity (Springer Series in Computational Neuroscience, Vol. 12). The book covers - State-of-the-art introduction of multi-electrode recordings and how they contribute to the understanding of hippocampal memory - Overview of the modeling approach to hippocampal memory - Presentation of hippocampal local circuits and hippocampal-cortical interactions http://www.springer.com/biomed/neuroscience/book/978-1-4939-1968-0 http://www.amazon.com/Analysis-Coordinated-Multi-neuronal-Computational-Neu… Best regards, Masami Tatsuno (Editor) University of Lethbridge, AB, Canada ----- Table of Contents 1. Techniques for Large-Scale Multiunit Recording; H. Steenland and B. McNaughton 2. Silicon Probe Techniques for Large-Scale Multiunit Recording; H. Steenland and B. McNaughton 3. Overview of Neural Activity in the Awake and Sleeping Hippocampus; M. Eckert and M. Tatsuno 4. Associative Reactivation of Place-Reward Information in the Hippocampal-Ventral Striatal Circuitry; C. Lansink and C. Pennartz 5. Hippocampal Sequences and the Cognitive Map; A. Wikenheiser and D. Redish 6. Reorganization of Hippocampal Place- Selective Patterns During Goal-Directed Learning and Their Reactivation During Sleep; D. Dupret and J. Csicsvari 7. Causal Relationship Between SPWRs and Spatial Learning and Memory; G. Girardeau and M. Zugaro 8. Packets of Sequential Neural Activity in Sensory Cortex; A. Luczak 9. Coordinated Sequence Replays Between the Visual Cortex and Hippocampus; D. Haggerty and D. Ji 10. Memory Consolidation, Replay, and Cortico- Hippocampal Interactions; E. Holleman and F. Battaglia 11. Memory Reactivation in Humans; J. Farthouat and P. Peigneux 12. Models and Theoretical Frameworks for Hippocampal and Entorhinal Cortex Function in Memory and Navigation; N. Schultheiss, J. Hinman, and M. Hasselmo 13. Information Encoding and Reconstruction by Phase Coding of Spikes; Z. Nadasdy 14. Reinforcement Learning and Hippocampal Dynamics; A. Johnson and S. Venditto 15. Off-Line Replay and Hippocampal- Neocortical Interaction; S. Káli

1 0

postdoc in decision-making at Princeton
by Carlos Brody Jan. 29, 2015

Jan. 29, 2015

Postdoc in computational neuroscience of decision-making. My group <http://brodylab.org/> at Princeton University is looking for a talented computational postdoc to work on theory-driven modeling and data analysis of the neurophysiology of decision-making. We carry out both computational modeling (e.g., Brunton et al., Science 2013 <http://www.sciencemag.org/content/340/6128/95.full>) and experiments (e.g., Hanks, Kopec et al., Nature 2015 <http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature14066.html>), and this computational position will provide a powerful opportunity to influence and help direct experiments as they are conceived and develop. The data to be worked with will focus on simultaneous multi-neuron recordings, both electrophysiological and using two-photon cellular-resolution imaging (e.g., Scott et al., Neuron 2013 <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627313007125>), in decisions driven by accumulation of evidence. We are working towards single-trial, population-level understanding of the neural circuit mechanisms underlying decision-making. A background in quantitative sciences (e.g., machine learning, physics, math, computer science) is preferred and a strong interest in neuroscience is required. Please contact me directly at brody(a)princeton.edu <mailto:brody@princeton.edu> with a brief email describing your interests, your CV, and the names and contact info for two references. I look forward to hearing from you! Carlos Brody http://brodylab.princeton.edu <http://brodylab.princeton.edu/> ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Carlos Brody (609) 258-7645 brody(a)princeton.edu <mailto:brody@princeton.edu>Howard Hughes Medical Institute & Princeton University Princeton Neurosci. Inst. & Dept. of Molecular Biology 155 Princeton Neuro Inst, Washington Rd, Princeton NJ 08544 http://brodylab.princeton.edu <http://brodylab.princeton.edu/> -----------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

Tangermann lab (Freiburg) -- PhD position in BCI
by Michael Tangermann Jan. 29, 2015

Jan. 29, 2015

Dear colleagues, I have an interesting open PhD position in my lab in Freiburg. Would you please circulate it in your labs and on email lists? Thanks a lot and snowy greetings from the Black Forrest, Michael --- snip --- PhD Position: Brain-Computer Interfaces in Cognitive Rehabilitation after Stroke BrainStateDecoding Lab of Dr. Michael Tangermann (Computer Science Dept.); payment level: TV-L E13 (65%); duration: 3/2015-2/2017 Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems make use of machine learning methods to cope with the challenges which appear during the decoding of individual brain signals in real-time. Within the BrainLinks-BrainTools cluster of excellence at the University of Freiburg (Germany), we evaluate whether BCI methods can be applied clinically outside of classical control paradigms. The PhD student will explore the use of BCI methods to support neurological rehabilitation training of speech and attention-related deficits after stroke. Scientific challenges comprise the development and investigation of brain signal analysis methods capable to describe rapid fluctuations of brain states and to assess the dynamics of network structures connecting brain areas. Working Areas (among others): * Theories (statistics, mathematics) and algorithms in the field of machine learning, with special emphasis on adaptive methods for the real-time decoding of mental states; software implementations thereof. * Conducting EEG studies with healthy controls and stroke patients. * Analysis of EEG experiments. * Supervision of Bachelor students. * Scientific dissemination of results (conferences, publications). Requirements: * Excellent Master studies on Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Cognitive Science or closely related fields. * Knowledge in theory and methods of machine learning / artificial intelligence; very good math knowledge (specifically in probability theory, statistics, linear algebra). * Good knowledge about the design, the analysis and implementation of algorithms; experience with mathematical software (e.g. Matlab). * Hands-on experience in the design, execution and analysis of electrophysiological experiments, and in signal processing of EEG-, EMG-, EOG- or ECoG data. * Excellent communication skills in English The BrainStateDecoding Lab: The international lab is embedded into the Cluster of Excellence BrainLinks-BrainTools at the University of Freiburg. The cluster provides supporting career actions for PhD students. Tight collaborations with other BLBT groups are the basis for investigating novel machine learning approaches for the real-time analysis of brain signals. The activities range from theory development to BCI applications in a clinical context and for healthy users. Implementing an equal-chances policy and family-friendly working conditions, we explicitly encourage applications of female researchers. Handicapped applicants will be given priority to non-handicapped applicants, if they have comparable qualifications. Further information: www.bsdlab.uni-freiburg.de, www.brainlinks-braintools.uni-freiburg.de and via Dr. Tangermann. How to apply: Please state the position code BCI-4 when sending your application documents (including a CV, statement of your research interests, list of publications, references, Master and Bachelor degrees and course lists) as a single PDF document via email to Dr. Michael Tangermann (michael.tangermann(a)blbt.uni-freiburg.de) -- Dr. Michael Tangermann Phone: +49.(0)761.2038423 Fax : +49.(0)761.2038417 University of Freiburg BrainLinks-BrainTools Excellence Cluster Brain State Decoding Lab Albertstr. 23, Room 0.003 79104 Freiburg, Germany http://www.bsdlab.uni-freiburg.de

1 0

Postdoctoral fellowships in computational neuroscience and neuroengineering at U. Washington
by Adrienne Fairhall Jan. 28, 2015

Jan. 28, 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 through 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. Applications are due by March 13, 2015. Please see http://uwin.washington.edu/post-docs/ for more details.

1 0

PhD position in decoding algorithms for PNS - closing soon
by Simon Schultz Jan. 28, 2015

Jan. 28, 2015

The following PhD studentship (part of the new Centre for Doctoral Training in Neurotechnology at Imperial College) is closing very soon (30th January). I would like to encourage applicants with good theoretical skills (e.g. math/physics/electrical-engineering) to apply. Peripheral nerve decoding algorithms for bioelectronic medicines Simon Schultz (Bioengineering), Nick Jones (Maths), Hannah Tipney (GSK) Bioelectronic medicine, in which devices connected to groups of individual nerve fibres are used to control the patterns of electrical signals to restore health to organs and biological functions, has been suggested to have the potential to make major advances in the treatment of conditions resistant to drugs, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension and pulmonary diseases (Famm et al, Nature 496:159-61, 2013). The development of bioelectronic medicines, however, is contingent upon the existence of suitable technology for monitoring and perturbing activity in peripheral nerve fibres; in particular, being able to “read out” and interpret signals carried by a peripheral nerve fibre is an essential milestone. In this project, we will develop decoding algorithms capable of reading out both continuous physiological signals, and discrete “events”, from peripheral nervous system (PNS) electrical signals. These algorithms will be applied to a variety of datasets collected by members of a research network in Bioelectronic Medicines that has been established by GlaxoSmithKline, plc. The project will involve two phases. The first year will comprise an MRes Project, in which the student will gain a deep understanding of the different approaches that can be taken to decoding physiological signals, testing algorithms on simulated data, which will be generated in the course of the project; we expect this computational model of a peripheral nerve to be a major output of the MRes year. In the following years, and exploiting and advancing a new signal processing architecture, the student will develop refined decoding algorithms optimised for use with peripheral nerve signals at several spatial scales, and will work with research groups across the GSK network to apply these algorithms to real PNS datasets. To apply, see the Centre for Neurotechnology website: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology/cdt/application

1 0

Conference and workshops (call for submissions) - Transdisciplinary Approaches to Cognitive Innovation – CogNovo: ‘Off the Lip’ – September 7-11 2015.
by Info Cognition (General Enquiries) Jan. 28, 2015

Jan. 28, 2015

APOLOGIES IN ADVANCE FOR ANY CROSS-POSTING! Short papers, posters and workshop proposals are invited for a conference to be held at Plymouth University, UK (7th-11th September 2015). Full details of the CogNovo Conference ‘Off the Lip’ (Transdisciplinary Approaches to Cognitive Innovation) can be found below. Please forward to anyone else you think may be interested. Best wishes, Zoë. Zoë Foster-Smith Cognition Institute with Plymouth University http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/cognition [cid:image001.jpg@01D03AEE.A35CF4B0] OFF THE LIP: Transdisciplinary Approaches to Cognitive Innovation Workshop and Conference: Preliminary notice and call for participation 7-11 September 2015 Workshops: 7-8 September, Conference: 9-11September University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK Short papers, posters and workshop proposals are invited for a conference to be held at the University of Plymouth, UK between 7-11 September 2015. Confirmed Plenary Speakers: Amy Ione, Director of the Diatrope Institute, Berkeley, California, USA Roger Malina, Distinguished Professor of Arts and Technology, Professor of Physics, University of Texas at Dallas, USA Sundar Sarukkai, Professor and Director of the Manipal Centre for Philosophy and Humanities, Manipal, India The promise of cognitive innovation as a collaborative project in the sciences, arts and humanities is that we can approach creativity as a bootstrapping cognitive process in which the energies that shape the poem are necessarily indistinguishable from those that shape the poet. For the purposes of this conference the exploration of the idea of cognitive innovation concerns an understanding of creativity that is not exclusively concerned with conscious human thought and action but also as intrinsic to our cognitive development. As a consequence, we see the possibility for cognitive innovation to provide a theoretical and practical platform from which to address disciplinary differences in ways that offer new topics and concerns for research in the sciences and the humanities. Papers should consider cognitive aspects of creativity, including but are not confined to: - Poetics, language and cognition - The dynamics and performativity of imagination - Affect and named emotions - Affective artefacts (artefacts as scaffolding device for mind) - Creativity as a ‘self corrective process’ - Cognition as creativity - Memory, metaphor, and media literacy - Archives, identity and emotionality - Art, mental health and consciousness - Networking and Network Studies - Creativity and mental imagery - Creativity and innovation in development - Social creativity - Neuroscience of creativity - Creativity as an iterative process - Simulating and modelling creativity Workshops The workshops will engage participants in the contributions made by past and current research in the Humanities in the understanding of cognition as a creative interaction with daily life. We are especially interested in case-studies and examples that will suggest how to build bridges between current trends in the cognitive sciences and established bodies of knowledge. We are inviting proposals for workshops of 90-120 minutes comprising small panels, structured discussions and practical explorations. Small grants are available to support workshop logistics. Conference papers Proposals are invited for papers dealing with responses to the research challenge of cognitive innovation from the sciences and humanities. We are particularly interested in offering opportunities for reporting on recent and emerging work in all disciplines and will give special attention to speculative approaches that involve more than one discipline. Papers (20 minutes) will be delivered in 30 minute slots to allow good time for discussion. Papers may also be presented as posters in the interactive poster+ session. Poster+ We encourage non-traditional forms of research presentations in the context of the familiar conference poster event. CogSlam Propose 6-minute cognition-related artworks including screenings, mini-lectures and performances to be interleaved with spontaneous contributions from delegates reflecting on the day’s discussions and exchanges. To submit a paper,poster or CogSlam please send a title and abstract of no more than 300 words together with a brief bio to Dr. Martha Blassnigg: m<mailto:rebecca.pearce@plymouth.ac.uk>artha.blassnigg(a)plymouth.ac.uk (Deadline 15th May 2015) If you would like to propose a workshop, please send a workshop title and brief abstract of 300-500 words and an outline of expected costs to Prof. Michael Punt: michael.punt(a)plymouth.ac.uk<mailto:michael.punt@plymouth.ac.uk> (Deadline 28th February 2015) There are no conference registration fees for students and a nominal fee of € 50 for all other participants to cover lunches and coffee, with an additional € 30 for those delegates wishing to attend the conference dinner. The conference administrator can assist with bookings for accommodation. _____________ Off the Lip is a collaboration between CogNovo (cognovo.eu) and Transtechnology Research (trans-techresearch.net) at the Cognition Institute, University of Plymouth. CogNovo is funded by the Marie Curie Initial Training Network FP7-PEOPLE-2013-ITN, grant number 604764. ________________________________ [http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/images/email_footer.gif]<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass> This email and any files with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient then copying, distribution or other use of the information contained is strictly prohibited and you should not rely on it. If you have received this email in error please let the sender know immediately and delete it from your system(s). Internet emails are not necessarily secure. While we take every care, Plymouth University accepts no responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan emails and their attachments. Plymouth University does not accept responsibility for any changes made after it was sent. Nothing in this email or its attachments constitutes an order for goods or services unless accompanied by an official order form.

1 0

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP IN NEUROECONOMICS
by Jean-Claude DREHER Jan. 28, 2015

Jan. 28, 2015

Center for Cognitive Neurocience, Lyon, France. Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position to study social decision making using model-based fMRI in healthy subjects and intracranial recordings in patients with epilepsy. Our research group combines multimodal neuroimaging with computational modelling to characterize the neural mechanisms underlying human social decision making. The focus of the project will be to unravel the neural correlates of social decision making using probabilistic representations of other’s intentions. We will use such approach to model ways in which we predict hypothetical action outcomes, the intentions of others and whether the other is cooperative or competitive. This will be implemented by parallel models and experiments using multimodal intracranial recordings and fMRI in humans to exploit maximally the experimental advantages of each technic. Candidates must have (or nearing completion of) a PhD degree in neuroscience, social psychology, behavioral economics, computational neuroscience or a related discipline. Candidates must have previous practical experience and working knowledge of human neuroimaging (EEG and/or model-based fMRI). The candidate must also have working knowledge of experimental statistics, signal processing and excellent programming skills in Matlab. Previous experience in simultaneous EEG/fMRI experiments, advanced multivariate data analysis and computational modelling is desirable but not required. The institute of Cognitive Science is located in Lyon, France, a thriving universitary city. The institute hosts an interdisciplinary neuroscience community with access to several brain imaging facilities, such as one research-dedicated 3T scanner, MEG, TEP, intracranial EEG in patients with epilepsy and other useful resources (http://dreherteam.cnc.isc.cnrs.fr/en/) This post is available immediatly, for up to three years. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications according to CNRS scales. Candidates should send their CV, statement of research interests, representative publications, and contact information of two referencesto Jean-Claude Dreher, email: dreher(a)isc.cnrs.fr <mailto:dreher@isc.cnrs.fr> -- Dr Jean-Claude Dreher, Research director, CNRS UMR 5229 Neuroeconomics group, Reward and decision making Centre de Neurosciences Cognitives 67 Bd Pinel, 69675 Bron, France tel: 00 33 (0)4 37 91 12 38 fax: 00 33 (0)4 37 91 12 10 http://dreherteam.cnc.isc.cnrs.fr/en/

1 0

postdoctoral position in statistical analysis of population activity
by Gergo Orban Jan. 27, 2015

Jan. 27, 2015

The MTA Wigner Research Centre for Physics (Budapest, Hungary) in partnership with the the MTA Institute for Experimental Medicine (Budapest, Hungary) invites applications for a postdoctoral or for a PhD position in characterising neural population activity. The applicant will join the newly formed Population Activity Research Unit, which is sponsored by a prestigious National Brain Research Program grant and will be co-supervised by Gergő Orbán and András Telcs. The primary focus of the research group is the characterization of activity patterns of large-scale neural populations in the hippocampus and the understanding of the computational principles underlying its dynamically changing states. The unparalleled performance of the nervous system is due to the fast and parallel processing of information that is achieved by the coherent activity of networks of neurons. Recent advancements in recording techniques provides access to high temporal resolution data from hundreds of identified neurons during task performance of animals. Understanding the organizational principles underlying the high-dimensional activity patterns has become a fundamental challenge of neurobiology. We are seeking highly motivated candidates with strong analytical background to take part of this challenge and to work on a project that is based on a strong collaboration between neurophysiology and theoretical neuroscience. The ideal candidate has a strong mathematical background, preferably with a PhD in physics, computer science, or mathematics or other quantitative disciplines. Besides mathematical skills, the position requires competence in programming (e.g. matlab, R, python, or C++). Candidates with training or research experience in statistics, machine learning, computational modelling, dynamical systems are especially encouraged to apply. Training in neuroscience is not required but the applicant has to demonstrate his/her willingness to acquire the necessary background for the project. High dimensional neuronal data is recorded by the experimental part of the group (Attila Gulyas, Institute for Experimental Medicine) but the candidate will have the opportunity get experience with cutting-edge neuronal recording techniques to design of novel experiments based on the analysis of the recorded data. The official starting date of the project is 1 February 2015 but the start date of the position is negotiable. Initial appointment is made for one year but can be extended to three years upon successful evaluation. The work is based in the PATTERN lab at the MTA Wigner Institute (Budapest, Hungary) but requires regular interactions with the experimental partners at the Institute for Experimental Medicine (Budapest). For further information please visit the project website, http://pattern.wigner.mta.hu. For informal inquiries please contact Gergo Orban (orban.gergo(a)wigner.mta.hu) or Andras Telcs (telcs.szit.bme(a)gmail.com) Please send applications, including CV, a research statement and contact information of two references by email to András Telcs before 20 February.

1 0