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Extended Deadline: Coupling & Causality in Complex Systems, Sep 25-27, Cologne, Germany
by Michael von Papen May 30, 2017

May 30, 2017

============================================================== CALL FOR PAPERS (*Extended Deadline June 15*, 2017) http://c3s.uni-koeln.de ============================================================== INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE: *Coupling and Causality in Complex Systems* September 25-27, 2017, Cologne, Germany -------------------------------------------------------------- The interdisciplinary conference Coupling and Causality in Complex Systems (C3S) is hosted by the Competence Area 3: Quantitative Modeling of Complex Systems of the University of Cologne (UoC), Germany. It is organized by the Institute of Geophysics & Meteorology, UoC, the Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf and the Department of Cognitive Neuroscience at the Research Center Juelich. -------------------------------------------------- *Invited Speakers* Jörg Breitung - Macroeconomic Policy Institute, University of Cologne, Germany David Gross - Institute of Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne, Germany Philip Holmes - Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering / Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, USA Ankit Khambhati - Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, USA Laura Marzetti - Department of Neuroscience, Università degli Studi "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti - Pescara Arkady Pikovsky - Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University Potsdam, Germany Michael Rosenblum - Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University Potsdam, Germany Jakob Runge - The Grantham Institute for Climate Change, Imperial College London -------------------------------------------------- *Preliminary Session Program* We will have different sessions with differing topics and each session will be opened by one of the invited speakers. Here is a preliminary version of our program: Session 1 Synchronization I Arkady Pikovsky Session 2 Synchronization II Silvia Daun Session 3 Coupled oscillators I Phil Holmes Session 4 Coupled oscillators II Michael Rosenblum Session 5 Phase coupling Laura Marzetti Session 6 Network structures Ankit Khambati Session 7 Bayesian networks David Gross Session 8 Granger causality I Jörg Breitung Session 9 Granger causality II Esther Florin Session 10 Causal network measures Jakob Runge Further topics of interest for the conference include, amongst others, research and methods development on: functional connectivity, (partial directed) coherence, network topology, graph-theoretic measures, directed graphs, nonlinear dynamics of complex systems, complex spatio-temporal systems, mutual information and transfer entropy. -------------------------------------------------------------- *Scientific Organizing Committee* Silvia Daun - Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, Germany; Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Research Center Jülich, Germany Esther Florin - Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Psychology, Düsseldorf, Germany Joachim Gross - Center for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Glasgow, UK Michael von Papen - Institute of Geophysics & Meteorology, Cologne, Germany; Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Research Center Jülich, Germany -------------------------------------------------------------- *Abstract* Complex systems such as the human brain, Earth’s climate and economy are characterized by a multitude of coupled processes on different spatial and temporal scales. In order to better understand the dynamics of the system at hand each scientific area has developed specific tools to identify, model and quantify these processes. The conference Coupling and Causality in Complex Systems (C3S) will present a collection of these approaches with the aim to provide scientists with new analysis strategies for their field. The conference focuses on how to characterize a complex system and on the methods for estimating and modeling of statistical coupling (e.g. network coherence, creation and modulation of small networks and local or long-range synchronization by cross frequency phase-phase and phase-amplitude coupling) and causality (e.g. Granger causality, transfer entropy). Therefore, data analysts from different study fields including neuroscience, mathematics, physics, biology, and economy will present their approaches with a particular focus on the methods they use. The aim of this conference is to foster discussions and the transdisciplinary exchange of advanced techniques, methods, and algorithms, thereby stimulating potential future collaborations. -------------------------------------------------------------- *PAPER SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION* Authors are invited to submit conference abstracts with up to 400 words. Authors of exceptional abstracts will be given the opportunity to present their research in a talk. However, poster sessions will be provided with ample time for discussions. For your submission, please use the conference website c3s.uni-koeln.de. To register, please send an email with the subject "registration" to c3s-conference(a)uni-koeln.de. Please be sure to include your full name, your affiliation and whether you qualify as student (also PhD candidates) or not. The registration fee will cover snacks and refreshments during coffee breaks, lunch and a dinner with all participants. Early-bird registration is available until July 10 with a reduced fee of 100 EUR (50 EUR for students), after July 10 the registration fee will be 200 EUR (100 EUR for students). -------------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT DATES Paper Submission deadline: June 15, 2017 Author Notification: end June, 2017 Early-bird registration: July 10, 2017 Conference: September 25-27, 2017 ============================================================== Please find the call for papers and more information at the conference website: http://c3s.uni-koeln.de. For questions regarding the conference feel free to contact us via c3s-conference(a)uni-koeln.de. -- ------------------------------------------ UNIVERSITY OF COLOGNE Institute of Geophysics & Meteorology Coordinator of Competence Area III: Quantitative Modeling of Complex Systems Dr. Michael von Papen Email: m.papen(a)uni-koeln.de http://www.uni-koeln.de/~vpapenm http://complexsystems.uni-koeln.de ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Call for Abstracts: Workshop on Social Learning and Cultural Evolution (SlaCE 2017)
by Julien Hubert May 28, 2017

May 28, 2017

Dear Colleagues, This is a call for abstracts for the Second International Workshop on “Social Learning and Cultural Evolution (SlaCE)”, which will be held at ECAL 2017 in Lyon, France. Organizers: Julien Hubert, j.g.hubert(a)vu.nl <mailto:j.g.hubert@vu.nl> Jacqueline Heinerman, j.v.heinerman(a)vu.nl <mailto:j.v.heinerman@vu.nl> Evert Haasdijk, e.haasdijk(a)vu.nl <mailto:e.haasdijk@vu.nl> Chris Marriott, dr.chris.marriott(a)gmail.com <mailto:dr.chris.marriott@gmail.com> James Borg, j.borg(a)keele.ac.uk <mailto:j.borg@keele.ac.uk> Peter Andras, p.andras(a)keele.ac.uk <mailto:p.andras@keele.ac.uk> Submission deadline: June 27, 2017 Notification of acceptance: July 27, 2017 Submission website: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=slace2017 <https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=slace2017> Workshop website: http://www.climbinggiants.com/slace/2/index.html <http://www.climbinggiants.com/slace/2/index.html> Contact e-mail: j.g.hubert(a)vu.nl <mailto:j.g.hubert@vu.nl> ********* DESCRIPTION ******** In social species, learning from others, i.e. social learning, is one of the cornerstones of cognitive development. Social learning has been shown to increase the learning speed of individuals, but also enables them to reach a higher performance in comparison with learning individually. Social learning also enables local populations to develop a culture that can evolve over time. Realising social learning in artificial systems faces many challenges requiring inputs from machine learning, robotics and evolutionary biology. The aim of this workshop is to promote discussions on social learning and cultural evolution with a special emphasis on the future of of the field. Social learning has been actively studied in psychology but is still in its infancy in artificial systems. Many open questions remain, such as when is social learning advantageous, or what kind of information should be transferred. These questions have been studied but a consensus has yet to be reached, mainly because of the difficulty to compare results in social learning due to the absence of a common research framework. This workshop is devoted to discuss and establish such a framework that will push the research forward. The core of the workshop will consist of short presentations from contributors on their work in the field (current or historical), collective research goals and milestones in social learning and cultural evolution or new concepts, modelling techniques or research questions. Presenters are encouraged to address any of the following topics (though this list is not exhaustive): - Social Learning Mechanisms - Social Information Transfer - Transfer learning - The interaction between social and non social learning - The interaction between learning and evolution - Environmental Variability, Environmental Complexity, and Social Learning - Social Learning Strategies - Social Learning and Life History Evolution - Models of Learning in Nature - The Evolution of Culture - Communication - Social Networks and Social Contagion on networks - Group structure and learning bias - Social Robotics - Grounded (Animat) models of Social Learning - Do our definitions match those used in other related fields (i.e Imitation, Culture, ...) - Human Cultural Evolution (Cumulative Culture) - Co-operation - Gene-Culture Co-Evolution/ Dual Inheritance Theory - Philosophy of Culture - Memetics The workshop will conclude with a fishbowl discussion on the future of Social Learning and Cultural Evolution research in ALife. We ask potential contributors to submit an extended abstract (1 page). We are open to presenters who are contributing during the main ECAL conference to also talk about their work during the workshop in order to have additional discussions. PhD students and young career academics who are new to the field are encouraged to submit to this workshop. SLACE-2017 will be held on September 4th 2017, at ECAL 2017 Kind Regards, Julien, James, Jacqueline, Evert, Chris and Peter — Julien Hubert, PhD Computational Intelligence Group Computer Science Department Faculty of Sciences - VU University Amsterdam

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Open position: PhD in signal processing / computational & clinical neuroscience
by Alan May 26, 2017

May 26, 2017

Dear all, Please find an open position for a PhD in signal processing / computational & clinical neuroscience *Project title: ** *NeuroCog – Parkinson action (https://neurocog.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr) Funding body: UGA Contract duration: 3 years Starting date: From September 2017 on. *Job description:* The successful candidate will develop new TMS/EEG methods (acquisition and processing) for early Parkinson’s disease diagnosis that will quantify the impairment of cortical excitability. *Requested expertise: ** *Computer science / Signal processing / Parkinson’s disease / Neuroimaging / Brain stimulation *Project scientific summary:* Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disorder. Unfortunately, there is no cure for PD and no neuroprotective treatment and about 95% of patients will become demented within 25 years after the diagnosis. The presentation and evolution of PD is highly heterogeneous between patients and some PD phenotypes are more at risk of having a more severe and progressive course of the disease. In particular, although cognitive deficits are very frequent in old patients, in younger patients it is difficult to predict whether they will develop early cognitive disturbances. For this PhD project, we assume that in PD patients with a subtype characterized by prevalent cognitive issues, the impairment of cortical excitability in the fronto-parietal networks would be a new biomarker detectable at an early disease stage. We will thus study the cortical excitability using innovative methodologies that will be first developed in healthy subjects (Harquel et al, 2016; in press) and then longitudinally tested in a cohort of de novo PD patients. Overall, this project investigates PD phenotypes under a neurophysiological perspective that is highly innovative. *Host research groups:* The main goal of the primary host research group (Brain Stimulation & Systems Neuroscience, PI: Olivier David) is to study large-scale brain networks in order to develop new applications of brain stimulation in the field of psychiatry, movement disorders and epilepsy using a translational approach based on clinical and preclinical research. The secondary host lab (Laboratory of Psychology and Neurocognition, PhD co-director: Dr A. Chauvin) is a Cognitive Science Research Unit affiliated to the CNRS (National Institute of Biological Sciences, section 26) and to two universities (University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble and University of Savoie Mont Blanc, Chambery). Members of the LPNC who compose the TMS group have an interdisciplinary approach which encompasses engineering, experimental psychology; computational and mathematical modelling; neuropsychology; cognitive psychiatry; and neuroimaging. In addition, the PhD fellow will be in constant interaction with the Movement Disorder Unit of CHUGA (PI: Pr E Moro) and other research groups within the NeuroCog project working on the same cohort of PD patients. Very close interactions between experimentalists, methodologists and clinicians, will offer an optimal environment to develop skills of young scientists. Contacts: Dr Olivier David, Research Director, Inserm, Olivier.David(a)inserm.fr. Dr Alan Chauvin, Assistant Professor, UGA, Alan.Chauvin(a)univ-grenoble-alpes.fr. *Please send application including CV, statement of research interests, and the names and full contact details of at least two referees.** * References: Harquel, S., Bacle, T., Beynel, L., Marendaz, C., Chauvin, A., & David, O. (2016). Mapping dynamical properties of cortical microcircuits using robotized TMS and EEG: Towards functional cytoarchitectonics. NeuroImage, 135, 115–124. Harquel, S., Diard, J., Raffin, E., Passera, B., DallIgna, G., Marendaz, C., et al. (In press). Automatized set-up procedure for transcranial magnetic stimulation protocols. NeuroImage -- New E-mail : Alan.Chauvin(a)univ-grenoble-alpes.fr -- Laboratoire de Psychologie et NeuroCognition LPNC CNRS UMR 5105 Université Grenoble Alpes(UGA) Batiment Science de l'Homme et Math (BSHM) 38041 Grenoble Cedex 09 Alan.Chauvin(a)univ-grenoble-alpes.fr 33 (0) 476 825 926

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Two Research Associate/Assistant Positions in Interpersonal Neural Connectivity at Cambridge University
by Dr V Leong May 25, 2017

May 25, 2017

--- TWO RESEARCH ASSOCIATE/ASSISTANT POSITIONS IN INTERPERSONAL NEURAL CONNECTIVITY AVAILABLE --- The Baby-LINC Lab at Cambridge University is seeking two highly-skilled and motivated post-doctoral researchers to join our multidisciplinary data analysis team! We have recently completed an ESRC-funded large-scale EEG hyperscanning study on mother-infant neural coupling in relation to early learning. We are interested in understanding the interpersonal neural oscillatory dynamics that underpin different mother-infant social interactional states (such as joint attention versus inattention). We are also interested in characterizing the topology of coupled neural networks during successful learning and information transfer within mother-infant dyads. Candidates should be able to demonstrate strong technical expertise in one or more of the following areas : 1) Neural connectivity analysis 2) Signal processing (artifact identification and denoising) 3) Information theoretic analysis 4) Machine learning (including Bayesian learning) Applicants should have already obtained (or be about to complete) a PhD in a relevant subject, which may include (but is not limited to) the fields of computational neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, biomedical physics, and engineering. Excellent programming skills are essential as the post-holder(s) will be expected to contribute to the lab’s in-house library of custom-built analysis scripts. Experience with EEG/MEG analysis is desirable. Excellent organisational and communication skills are essential, as the candidate must work well as part of a larger research team which includes international collaborators. This is an exciting opportunity to join pioneering research in the field of interpersonal neuroscience, at a time when there is growing interest and momentum. Two posts are available. One post, appointed through the University of Cambridge, is available at the level of Research Associate (post-doctoral) or Research Assistant (PhD to be awarded), on a 50% part-time basis. A second full-time (100%) post is available at the level of Research Associate only. This second post will be appointed through Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), but the post-holder will be entirely based in Cambridge. All suitable applicants will automatically be considered for both posts, unless the candidate indicates otherwise. We would like both successful candidates to begin as soon as possible, and no later than 1st August 2017, but flexible working arrangements can be considered. Informal enquiries are welcome, and can be made to Dr Victoria Leong by email (vvec2(a)cam.ac.uk) or telephone (+ 44 1223 333567). For further information, and to apply : http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/13871/ -- Victoria Leong, PhD Assistant Professor of Psychology Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) Affiliated Lecturer Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge (UK)

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Postdoc in Connectomics at UPenn
by Ragini Verma May 24, 2017

May 24, 2017

Postdoctoral positions in diffusion imaging are available immediately at the Section of Biomedical Image Analysis (SBIA), Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Candidates must have a background in Electrical or Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Math or MR Physics, with experience in diffusion imaging. Knowledge of maine learning techniques is a plus. Current projects involve work on connectomics, multi-compartment models, edema-invariant tractography and joint structural-functional connectivity analysis and their application to brain tumors, traumatic brain injury and autism. Good programming skills is a must. All projects have a strong emphasis on method development (for technical publications) but require subsequent clinical application of the same. The positions call for interaction with clinical collaborators. Please contact the head of the diffusion group, Ragini Verma (Associate Professor of Radiology) at Ragini.Verma(a)gmail.com and Ragini.Verma(a)uphs.upenn.edu <https://mail.uphs.upenn.edu/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=y44JoDKtWxPkUtTXoC_Nf05OEJx…> .

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2017 Cell Modeling Workshop
by Greg Hood May 24, 2017

May 24, 2017

Dear Colleague, We would like to make you aware of the following workshop to be held at the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center: CELL MODELING WORKSHOP Workshop Dates: June 26 - 28, 2017 Application Deadline: June 2, 2017 For more details, or to apply visit: http://mmbios.org/cmw2017 This workshop will cover theory and practice for the design and simulation of cell models focused on diffusion-reaction systems such as neurotransmission, signaling cascades, and other forms of biochemical networks. During the workshop, participants will learn how to use the tools developed by MMBioS to create, run, and analyze models of cellular microphysiology and apply them to their own research questions. This workshop lasts three full days, and attendees are strongly encouraged to bring ideas/data for their own simulation projects. The daily schedule includes theoretical and practical lectures, instructor-guided hands-on tutorials, and opportunities for one-on-one interaction with the instructors on individual project development.

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PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience of perceptual decision-making at UPF (Barcelona)
by Alexandre Hyafil May 24, 2017

May 24, 2017

One fully funded PhD position is available under the supervision of Alexandre Hyafil in the group of Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience of Rubén Moreno Bote. The group is part of the *Center for Brain and Cognition* at the University Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain ( https://www.upf.edu/web/ruben-moreno-bote) The candidate will study theoretical models of perception in complex environments and design and analysis human experiments to directly test these models. He/she could also be involved in the design and analysis of animal behavioral and multielectrode neural data. Candidates should have *Physics*, *Mathematics* or *Machine Learning* background, ideally with knowledge of *Neuroscience* or *Computational Neuroscience*, and interested in theory and applications. We will also consider candidates with *Psychology* background interested in computational modeling. The candidate will benefit from the stimulating environment of Barcelona area in Theoretical and Systems Neuroscience. Our lab forms part of a larger network of neuroscience labs in Barcelona (http://www. barcelonaneuroscience.com) Candidates, please send a full CV and an extract of grades for degree and master studies should be sent to alexandre.hyafil(a)upf.edu. Deadline: until the position is filled. Starting date: any time between October 2017 and January 2018.

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Post-doctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience
by sujith vijayan May 22, 2017

May 22, 2017

The Neural Dynamics and Neural Engineering Lab at Virginia Tech has an opening for a post-doctoral position in computational neuroscience. This position is for three years and is being funded by the Army Research Office (ARO). The research project will involve employing biophysically based computational models to examine the role of rhythmic activity in the expression of emotional memories during behavior and their consolidation during sleep. An additional aim is to employ the models developed to gain insights into the pathophysiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Candidates should have a Ph.D. in applied mathematics, computer science, engineering, computational neuroscience, or a related field. Strong programming skills and/or prior experience in modeling would be an asset. Interested candidates should send a CV, a statement of research interests, and the contact information for three references to svijayan9(a)gmail.com. Arrangements can be made to meet with candidates at the Sleep conference in Boston (June 3-7) or at the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) conference in Pittsburgh (July 10-14). Best, Sujith

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Postdoctoral Position in Primate Circuits/Systems Neuroscience, Hoffman Lab
by Hoffman, Kari May 19, 2017

May 19, 2017

Postdoctoral Research Position in Neural Circuits of Learning and Memory in Non-human Primates Vanderbilt University, Dr. Kari Hoffman The Perception and Plasticity lab (PI: Kari Hoffman) at Vanderbilt University is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the neural circuit dynamics underlying memory formation and flexible learning in macaques. Approaches include 1) multi-site electrode array recordings and closed-loop stimulation during visual exploration and 2) high-density wireless recordings during freely-moving tasks and in sleep to identify neural correlates of learning. See http://wp.me/P5TndN-m. Successful candidates will have a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Neuroscience, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology) and be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Applicants should have experience with macaque behavior or neural ensemble analysis, proficiency in programming/scripting and statistical modeling, and a record of published work related to the areas of interest. The candidate will join a vibrant research community of systems and integrative neuroscience and vision science at Vanderbilt University, including the Vanderbilt Brain Institute and the Vanderbilt Vision Research Center. Vanderbilt University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The start date is flexible. Funding is available for at least three years. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the opportunity for renewal. Applicants should email kari.hoffman(a)vanderbilt.edu<mailto:kari.hoffman@vanderbilt.edu> with a research statement summarizing area of interest, previous accomplishments, and long-term research goals; a CV; and contact information for three references.

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BBP- Postdoctoral Position in Neuro-Glia-Vasculature Modeling
by Daniel Keller May 19, 2017

May 19, 2017

BBP- Postdoctoral Position in Neuro-Glia-Vasculature Modeling A postdoctoral position in modeling of neuro-glia-vasculature is available at the Blue Brain Project at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland (www.epfl.ch) The Blue Brain Project, based in Geneva, Switzerland, performs large-scale simulations of the brain. The neuro-glia-vasculature project will extend the model of astrocytes and vasculature to include better prediction of blood flow and energy usage.The position entails development of methods and systems to perform multi-scale modeling and integrate knowledge of the signaling pathways involved in glial messaging. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in computational neuroscience or related field. Experience in modeling of metabolism, blood flow, and/or biochemical signaling cascades is desired. Strong biology and mathematical background, as well as coding competence in Python, C++, and NEURON would also be useful for the position. We are looking for highly motivated individuals to be part of a highly multidisciplinary group working at the interface of neuroscience, physics and computer science. Candidates should possess good writing, collaboration, and communication skills. Selected candidates will join a prestigious project that is pioneering simulation neuroscience research, composed of a young, dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international team. We offer a state-of-the-art working environment based at the Biotech Campus in Geneva ( http://www.campusbiotech.ch/en/ ) with access to cutting edge simulation, informatics and computing facilities. Post-doctoral contracts are generally for one year, renewable for up to two years.Salaries are quite competitive as well, even after taking into account differences in the cost of living. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and a detailed CV in PDF format only, with file name “Surname_position _Cover Letter” and “Surname_positon _CV” electronically to jobs.bbp(a)epfl.ch Please use the reference of the position title in the “object” field.

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