- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

4 Year Lecturer Position at QUT Across Robotics, Neuroscience and Computer Vision - final call for applications
by Michael Milford Jan. 20, 2016

Jan. 20, 2016

We have a 4 year Lecturer Position available at QUT to work closely with my research group at the boundary between robotics, neuroscience and computer vision, developing Frankenstein models of visual and spatial intelligence that combine the best performing and best understood parts of human, animal and insect brains. Here's the ad: http://tinyurl.com/nzdujv3 Some of the highlights: * You'll get to push the boundaries of our understanding of the brain and how we can model it to create new technologies and capabilities for robotics and AI * Minimize that start-up lag: you'll land in the middle of a large research group and have the opportunity to immediately get involved in the supervision of several PhD students working in the area - in fact, your ability to effectively lead and supervise PhD students is critical to this role * Tap into collaborations with some of the world's top roboticists, neuroscientists and computer vision researchers at leading international institutions including David Cox at Harvard University, Michael Hasselmo at Boston University, Andrew Davison at Imperial College London, Barbara Webb at Edinburgh University and many more. * Get access to top local researchers and major projects including the $19,000,000 Australian Centre for Robotic Vision, the $676,000 project this position is associated with, as well as multiple other projects including a $3,000,000 Strategic Investment in Farm Robotics. * You'll have the opportunity to teach into some of the most fun, engaging and fulfilling robotics-related units at our university. Videos of some of the units we teach can be found at https://youtu.be/FBEINbpovBE and https://youtu.be/_2mp98Sk6fQ. * Work in the heart of Brisbane, a modern bustling city of 2 million people, located near to amazing beaches and vast swathes of untouched wilderness. If you love hiking / running / cycling / swimming / surfing / parasailing, you can find it here. Catch a short flight and you're on the Great Barrier Reef or in the Barossa Valley. * Be immersed in a large, very successful and sociable robotics group of more than a hundred academics, postdocs and students, in a brand new building space. Here's the ad again: http://tinyurl.com/nzdujv3 Best regards, Michael Michael Milford Associate Professor | ARC Future Fellow | Microsoft Faculty Fellow | Chief Investigator, Australian Centre for Robotic Vision Australian Centre for Robotic Vision | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science School Science and Engineering Faculty | Queensland University of Technology

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PhD position at University of Birmingham, UK
by Joseph Galea (School of Psychology) Jan. 18, 2016

Jan. 18, 2016

My name Is Joe Galea and I am a lecturer in Psychology at the University of Birmingham, UK. As part of an ERC starting grant I am looking for a PhD student for Sept/Oct 2016. Details can be found here: http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=46778&LID=148 I am really looking for someone with programming experience (computational modelling and/or programming robotics) who may want to apply this knowledge to the human/motor control domain. Anyone interested can email me: j.galea(a)bham.ac.uk<mailto:j.galea@bham.ac.uk> Many thanks, Joseph Galea School of Psychology University of Birmingham, UK.

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The International Conference on NeuroRehabilitation (ICNR2016)
by Jaime Ibánez Pereda Jan. 18, 2016

Jan. 18, 2016

------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- We apologize if you receive multiple copies of this announcement ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- The International Conference on NeuroRehabilitation (ICNR2016) Segovia, Spain October 18-21 http://www.icnr2016.org info(a)icnr2016.org ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- Dear colleagues, On behalf of all the organizers, it is our pleasure to invite you to the 3rd International Conference on NeuroRehabilitation (ICNR2016) that will take place in 'La Granja de San Ildefonso', Segovia (Spain) from October 18-21, 2016. Restoring human motor and cognitive function has been a fascinating research area during the last century. Interfacing the human nervous system with mechatronic systems to restore neuromotor abilities is facing its crucial passage between research and actual clinical reality, enhancing the potentialities of therapists, clinicians, and researchers to rehabilitate, diagnose and generate knowledge. The 2016 International Conference on Neurorehabilitation will bring together researchers and students from the fields of Clinical Rehabilitation, Applied Neurophysiology, and Biomedical Engineering to promote, feed and encourage this therapeutic global shift. We are looking forward to welcoming you in Segovia on October 2016! ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- *- Registration -* Prospective authors will submit extended abstract contributions (2 pages). All contributions will be peer-reviewed. Accepted contributions will appear in the Conference Proceedings, which will be published as a book by Springer. Also, the authors of the best papers of ICNR2016 will be invited to submit a substantially extended version of their papers for their publication in a special issue of the International Journal of Neural Systems (Impact Factor: 6.507). Participants can send their contributions by April 1, 2016, through the following Easychair link: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=icnr2016 After a selection process, accepted articles will be announced to authors on May 15, 2016. *- Important Deadlines and Registration Fees -* Conference Registration deadlines and fees (including welcome reception and gala dinner): Early student (until August 1): 300€ Early regular (until August 1): 550€ Student (after August 1): 450€ Regular (after August 1): 750€ Regular single day attendance: 300€ Preconference Workshop deadlines and fees: Early Workshop students (until August 1): 100€ Early Workshop regular (until August 1): 150€ Workshop students (after August 1): 150€ Workshop regular (after August 1): 250€ * If you also participate in the Conference, you will receive a 75€ discount in the Conf. Registration Fee. *- Confirmed Plenary speakers -* Prof. Alvaro Pascual-Leone, M.D., Ph.D., Harvard (USA) Marco Molinari, M.D., Ph.D., IRCCS Fondazione S. Lucia (Italy) Dario Farina, Ph.D., University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University (Germany) John B. Troy, Ph.D., Northwestern University, (USA) Hitoshi Hirata, M.D., Nagoya Universtiy, (Japan) Jonathan Wolpaw, M.D., Ph.D., Wadsworth Center (USA) ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- For further and up-to-date information, please visit the conference website: http://www.icnr2016.org Prof. José L. Pons & Prof. Jose M. Azorín Co-Chairs ICNR2016 http://www.ICNR2016.org <http://www.icnr2016.org/>

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Interdisciplinary post-doctoral position in cognitive neuroscience
by Schurger Lab Jan. 18, 2016

Jan. 18, 2016

Brain-behavior forecasting: Neural antecedents of spontaneous self-initiated movement and the forecasting of behavior from brain activity Interdisciplinary post-doctoral position in cognitive neuroscience Starting date: Fall 2016 Duration: 2 years (renewable for one additional year) The French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) invites applications for a post-doctoral position in the Cognitive Neuroimaging Group, at the NeuroSpin Research Center near Paris, France, as part of the research team of Dr. Aaron Schurger. The Schurger lab focuses on understanding how decisions are made and actions initiated spontaneously, without an external sensory cue, and how time series of neural activity (now) can be used to forecast behavior (seconds or minutes from now). We pursue this research using a combination of behavioral experiments, neuroimaging, computational modeling, time-series analyses, and machine learning techniques. We are particularly interested in attracting applicants from meteorology, macroeconomics, machine learning, statistics and other disciplines that involve a mastery of time series analysis, statistical learning, forecasting, and/or forecast verification. Applicants should have a obtained a PhD in a relevant discipline prior to the starting date, and should have strong skills in at least some of the following areas: computer programming (MatLab, Python, C, C++), statistics, signal processing, computational, mathematical, and/or neural network modeling, statistical learning / machine learning / mutivariate pattern classification, time series analysis, forecasting. Resources available at NeuroSpin include Siemens 3T and 7T MRI scanners; high-density EEG (EGI Inc.); Elekta NeuroMag 306-channel MEG (allowing for the simultaneous recording of EEG); eye tracking (available for MRI, MEG, and behavioral experiments); an in-house team of experts in signal processing and statistical learning; a dedicated staff handling subject recruitment, scheduling, and payment; various Nespresso devices; and proximity to Paris. Applicants should send a CV, letter of motivation (max 2 pages), and a list of three references via e-mail to aaron.schurger(a)gmail.com. Review of applicants will begin immediately, and will continue until the positions are filled. The NeuroSpin Research Center is located on the campus of the CEA-Saclay, near Orsay, about 18 km southwest of Paris. For more information on the NeuroSpin Research Center and the Cognitive Neuroimaging Group: http://www-centre-saclay.cea.fr/fr/Visite-guidee-de-NeuroSpin http://meg-france.in2p3.fr/_lesCentres/Neurospin_en.php http://www-dsv.cea.fr/en/institutes/institute-of-biomedical-imaging-i2bm/de… http://www.unicog.org/pm/pmwiki.php -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Jan. 18, 2016

Dear Colleagues, You are kindly invited to attend the EMBO Workshop on Dendritic Anatomy, Molecules and Function (DENDRITES 2016) in Crete. Dendrites provide the substrate for inter-neuronal communication, and their nonlinear properties play a key role in information processing. Following a very successful meeting in 2014, Dendrites 2016 aims to bring together scientists from around the world to present their research on dendrites, ranging from the molecular to the anatomical and biophysical levels. With the backdrop of an informal yet spectacular setting on Crete, the meeting has been carefully planned not only to satisfy our scientific curiosity but also to foster discussion and encourage interaction between attendees well beyond traditional presentations. In this spirit, the workshop will also provide a soft skills day for the training of young researchers in subjects such as scientific writing/publication issues, fundraising and gender balance. Abstract submission for poster and oral presentation is open until *February 15, 2016*** On behalf of the organizing committee, Yiota Poirazi ------------------------------------------------------- EMBO Workshop on Dendritic Anatomy, Molecules and Function (DENDRITES 2016) Heraklion, Crete, Greece June 18-21, 2016 http://dendrites2016.gr/ <http://www.dendrites2016.gr/> _Invited speakers (scientific talks): _ Claudia Clopath Daniel Dombeck Casper Hoogenraad Arthur Konnerth Attila Losonczy Judit Makara Rishikesh Narayanan Elly Nedivi Jackie Schiller Erin Schuman Idan Segev Nelson Spruston Greg Stuart _Invited speakers (Career Issues in academia):_ Monica Di Luca, FENS President: "Publication issues: right time for a reality check" Camilla Belone, FENS-Kavli Scholar: "Retention of women in high levels of neuroscience - Perspectives" Emre Yaksi, FENS-Kavli Scholar: "Funding opportunities in Neuroscience: how to write a successful grant proposal" Matthew Larkum: "How to write an influential scientific publication" *CALL FOR ABSTRACTS* We are soliciting abstracts for oral and poster presentations. We welcome both experimental and theoretical contributions addressing novel findings, methods or databases related to dendrites that fall into one or more of the following domains: * morphological and functional characterizations, * dendritic integration and compartmentalization, * dendritic channel distribution and their functional implications, * molecular pathways and signaling networks, * RNA trafficking and local protein synthesis, * functional or structural plasticity and homeostasis, * the role of dendrites in complex processes, including learning/memory, neural computations etc. Please note that places are limited and subject to availability. Attendees are highly encouraged to submit abstracts for presentations, since presenters will be given priority for registration. Instructions for on-line submission can be found at http://www.dendrites2016.gr/call-for-papers *Important dates * * Abstract submission opens: December 15th, 2016 * Abstract submission closes: February 15th, 2016 * Notification of abstract acceptance: February 29th, 2016 * Notification of oral/poster presentation: early March 2016 _Organizing committee:_ Yiota Poirazi, IMBB-FORTH Michael Hausser, UCL * * Matthew Larkum, Humboldt University IMPORTANT NOTE: The Workshop takes place on the island of Crete and is followed by the AREADNE 2016 meeting <http://areadne.org/> (June 22-26th, 2016), focusing on Research in Encoding And Decoding of Neural Ensembles, on the neighboring island of Sandorini. DENDRITES 2016 participants are encouraged to consider attending both meetings. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Please see the conference web site http://dendrites2016.gr/ or send an email to info(a)dendrites2016.gr <mailto:info@dendrites.gr> -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Director of Research Computational Biology Laboratory Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385 GR 711 10 Heraklion, Crete, GREECE Tel: +30 2810 391139 <tel:+30%202810%20391139> Fax: +30 2810 391101 <tel:+30%202810%20391101> Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr <mailto:poirazi@imbb.forth.gr> http://www.dendrites.gr Chair http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/

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[INNS-BigData 2016] Call for Papers
by Teng Teck Hou Jan. 17, 2016

Jan. 17, 2016

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

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Postdoctoral position in analyzing and modeling dendritic morphology and growth
by Erik De Schutter Jan. 15, 2016

Jan. 15, 2016

Postdoctoral researcher and staff scientist positions are available in the Computational Neuroscience Unit <https://groups.oist.jp/cnu> of Prof. Erik De Schutter at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University <http://www.oist.jp/>, Japan. We are looking for a postdoc with a (computational) neuroscience background to study the morphology and growth of neuronal dendrites in the olivocerebellar system. We investigate this from the perspective of neuron populations and consider the relations between neighboring dendrites explicitly (Context-aware modeling of neuronal morphologies <http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnana.2014.00092/abstract>). Experience required in either (semi-automated) reconstruction of neural structures or in analysis and modeling of neural morphology. Depending on experience and interest the focus of the research can be analysis of in vivo and EM data and/or modeling the growth of forests of dendrites. You will collaborate with scientists at OIST and abroad in addition to the daily interaction with other researchers and students in the lab who are working on cerebellar modeling projects, analyzing cerebellar recordings or developing software. We offer attractive financial and working conditions in an English language graduate university that emphasizes interdisciplinary research, located on the beautiful subtropical island of Okinawa. Send curriculum vitae, a summary of research interests and experience, and the names of three referees to Prof. Erik De Schutter at erik(a)oist.jp <mailto:erik@oist.jp> Prof. Erik De Schutter Computational Neuroscience Unit Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-Son Okinawa 904-0495 JAPAN phone: +81-98-966-8727 fax: +81-98-966-8718 erik(a)oist.jp <mailto:erik@oist.jp> http://groups.oist.jp/cnu <http://groups.oist.jp/cnu>

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Postdoctoral postion in development of model description languages
by Erik De Schutter Jan. 15, 2016

Jan. 15, 2016

Postdoctoral researcher or staff scientist positions are available in the Computational Neuroscience Unit <https://groups.oist.jp/cnu> of Prof. Erik De Schutter at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University <http://www.oist.jp/>, Japan. We are looking for a postdoc with a computer science or engineering background who is interested in the development of XML-based methods for model description and simulation. You will collaborate with international colleagues on further development of NIneML (http://nineml.net) and deploy it within the research group, possibly also use it for your own network modeling research. Previous experience related to collaborative projects in computational neuroscience or systems biology preferred. You will interact with other researchers and students in the lab who are working on cerebellar modeling projects or analyzing cerebellar recordings. We offer attractive financial and working conditions in an English language graduate university that emphasizes interdisciplinary research, located on the beautiful subtropical island Okinawa. Send curriculum vitae, a summary of research interests and experience, and the names of three referees to Prof. Erik De Schutter at erik(a)oist.jp <mailto:erik@oist.jp> Prof. Erik De Schutter Computational Neuroscience Unit Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-Son Okinawa 904-0495 JAPAN phone: +81-98-966-8727 fax: +81-98-966-8718 erik(a)oist.jp <mailto:erik@oist.jp> http://groups.oist.jp/cnu <http://groups.oist.jp/cnu>

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Funding for M.Sc and Ph.D Research Visits in Berkeley for Germans - Integrating Deep Learning and Knowledge Representation
by Manfred Eppe Jan. 14, 2016

Jan. 14, 2016

Dear Community, The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers the very attractive 'FITweltweit' program to support German Computer Science and Informatics students who want to carry out M.Sc or Ph.D research abroad, for a period of 1 to 6 months. The AI group of the International Computer Science Institute (ICSI) at Berkeley is currently investigating the integration of deep neuronal Machine Learning and Knowledge Representation and Reasoning. Towards this, we are looking for motivated and skilled students who plan to write their thesis in this area, and who are interested in collecting experience in the wonderful city of Berkeley, California, near Silicon Valley in the San Francisco bay area. For details about eligibility and the program in general please consider the following DAAD website (note that, unfortunately, only students who are currently involved in the German academic systems can be funded): https://www.daad.de/ausland/studieren/stipendium/de/19047-internationale-fo… The local supervisor at Berkeley is Manfred Eppe, who primarily has a background in AI, Knowledge Representation and Reasoning, and Cognitive Robotics. While there are also Machine Learning Experts at ICSI, it would be useful if the interested student had another supervisor with a background in Machine Learning at the home university in Germany, or if the student already had an exceptionally strong record and research experience in Machine Learning. Possible research topics include, but are not limited to: * Symbol Grounding and Conceptualization in Deep Feature Networks * Representation and Exploitation of Relations between Features in Deep Networks * Semantic and Symbolic Visualization of Deep Networks * Supporting Reinforcement Learning with Classical Action Planning or Formal Reasoning * Semantic Classification and Object Recognition * Evolutionary Linguistics and Emergent Semantics with Neuronal Nets Application domains include, but are not limited to: * Robotics * Multi Agent Systems * Planning and Scheduling * Qualitative Spatial and Temporal Reasoning * Computer Vision * AI in Computer Games * Natural Language Understanding The FITweltweit fellowship is offered by the DAAD, and the prospective student is ultimately responsible himself for preparing the DAAD application. We have no influence on the success of an application, but we offer support in preparing the research plan and other paperwork, such as visa-related issues. It has been reported that the acceptance rate for the FITweltweit program is relatively high. According to the details provided on the DAAD website, research visits can last between 1 and 6 months, with financial support of monthly 925 EUR for Master students and 1350 EUR for doctoral students, plus travel allowance for the flight in both cases. We recommend to stay for at least 3 months (better 6). We offer a comfortable infrastructure within an internationally renowned research institute with office space, help to finding housing and accommodation in the bay area, as well as a very friendly and supportive working atmosphere (with free coffee, too!). We ask the interested student to send us a CV and an extended preliminary abstract about the planned research (max. 1 page). The CV should include relevant courses that you have taken at university. In your email, please also indicate the period in which you plan to come. Herein, please allow for a buffer and be conservative with your planning. Consider that it takes around three months for the DAAD to send you a decision about the application, and around 1-2 months to obtain the visa. Please note that the research visit should happen in 2016. Please send your documents by 1st February 2016 to eppe(a)icsi.berkeley.edu, and please get in touch earlier if you have any questions. Best Regards, Manfred Eppe -- - Dr. Manfred Eppe International Computer Science Institute University of California at Berkeley 1947 Center Street, 6th floor Berkeley, CA 94704 California, USA phone (USA): +1 510 646 3318 phone (Germany): +49 176 2153 2311 web: www.manfred.eppe.eu mail: eppe(a)icsi.berkeley.edu skype: manfred.eppe ************************** ****** Sapere Aude! ****** **************************

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Lectureship in "data science"
by Thomas Nowotny Jan. 14, 2016

Jan. 14, 2016

The School of Engineering and Informatics at the University of Sussex is appointing lecturers in computer science, including one lecturership in ³data science² <http://www.sussex.ac.uk/aboutus/jobs/566>. Even though the advert doesn¹t give it justice, this includes the relevant areas of Computational Neuroscience and the new lecturer would be free to join the Evolutionary and Adaptive Systems (EASy) group (http://www.sussex.ac.uk/easy/) at Sussex. The University of Sussex (http://www.sussex.ac.uk) is located on the South Coast of England in the beautiful sea-side town of Brighton. Interested people working in relevant areas of Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics are strongly encouraged to apply. Feel free to contact me for informal enquiries and please circulate in your professional networks. With kind regards, Thomas Nowotny -- Prof. Thomas Nowotny CCNR, Sussex Neuroscience Phone: +44-1273-678593 Engineering and Informatics Fax: +44-1273-877873 University of Sussex Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QJ http://sussex.ac.uk/informatics/tnowotny

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FACULTY POSITION IN QUANTITATIVE LIFE SCIENCES AT ICTP, TRIESTE ITALY
by Matteo Marsili Jan. 14, 2016

Jan. 14, 2016

FACULTY POSITION IN QUANTITATIVE LIFE SCIENCES AT THE ABDUS SALAM INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR THEORETICAL PHYSICS (ICTP). ICTP is seeking applicants for a new faculty position in its recently established Quantitative Life Sciences (QLS) research section. QLS responds to the theoretical challenges arising from recent advances in large-scale experiments in biology and neurosciences. The successful applicant will play a leading role in establishing the new section, promoting cutting-edge research in quantitative biology and supervising graduate students. Areas of interest include systems biology, biological networks, systems and computational neuroscience. Applicants should have an outstanding international reputation with at least 4 years of scientific research experience. The position, which will start in October 2015, will be at the P3 UNESCO level, with a starting salary of $78100. Other benefits include family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance. Full details of the position, along with a link to the UNESCO online application, are available on ICTP's employment webpage and at http://www.ictp.it/about-ictp/personnel-office/employment.aspx <http://www.ictp.it/about-ictp/personnel-office/employment.aspx> The deadline is 3 June 2015. For further information please contact ICTP's Personnel Office at personnel_office(a)ictp.it <mailto:personnel_office@ictp.it>. ICTP, based in Trieste, Italy, provides a top class multi-disciplinary research environment in theoretical sciences, with cutting edge research, education and training, and it has been a driving force behind global efforts for the advancement of science in the developing world.

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Job Posting: Research Engineer/Scientist, Brain-Computer Interface, Machine Learning, Computational Neuroscience
by Behnood Gholami Jan. 14, 2016

Jan. 14, 2016

*AreteX Systems, Inc. – New York, NY* AreteX Systems, a medical technology startup company accelerating the use of information technology in healthcare, has an immediate opening for a Research Engineer/Scientist in its office located in New York City. The position involves developing signal processing algorithms for innovative biomedical technologies involving physiological signals. We are looking for a self-motivated, highly talented individual with an excellent background in signal processing, machine learning, and brain-computer interface. The successful candidate will work closely with a team of physicians, nurses, engineers, and scientists in designing new clinical decision support systems. Candidates with experience in the analysis of experimental data derived from---but not limited to---auditory/visual/cross-sensory psychophysical, EEG, ECG, and galvanic-skin conductance, data would be given a higher priority. *Minimum Requirements:* - MS or PhD in electrical engineering, computer science, biomedical engineering, applied mathematics, or a similar discipline. - Knowledge of advanced concepts in signal processing. - Research experience in biosignal analysis or brain-computer interface applications. - Knowledge of methods, theory, and application of machine learning techniques. - Proficient at writing technical papers/reports/presentations. - Experience with Python. *Preferred Qualifications:* - Prior expertise and exposure using non-invasive human physiological measures such as EEG, ECG, galvanic-skin conductance (electrodermal activity), or other categorically similar methodologies. - Prior experience with mechanical ventilation and fluid management technologies in the intensive care units. - Knowledge of control systems design and dynamical systems modeling. - Prior experience in feature extraction from physiological signals. - Experience working with quantitative methods of neural data analysis. Send your cover letter and CV to info(a)aretexeng.com.

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postdoc and PhD positions Max Planck Research Group Neural Circuits
by Johannes Seelig Jan. 14, 2016

Jan. 14, 2016

The Max Planck Research Group "Neural Circuits" at the center of advanced european studies and research (caesar) in Bonn, Germany, is looking for postdocs (Reference: Postdoc Neural Circuits 2016) and Ph.D. students (Reference: Ph.D. Neural Circuits 2016). The main focus of Johannes Seelig’s lab is to understand adaptive neural circuits underlying sensorimotor integration and the impact of neuromodulators on these circuits. We apply the latest tools and methods in two photon imaging, optogenetics, and electrophysiology to relate the activity of populations of neurons in behaving animals to computational models of neural circuits. We are looking for candidates with a strong quantitative background in neuroscience, biophysics or related fields (physics, chemistry, engineering, molecular biology). A strong expertise in optical imaging, data analysis, programming, instrumentation, and previous work in a genetic model organism (such as fruit fly or mouse) would be ideal. Caesar is part of a cluster for neuroscience in the Bonn-Cologne region, comprising the universities of Bonn and Cologne, the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and two Max Planck Institutes. The Institute hosts the International Max Planck Research School for Brain & Behavior and is involved in the Bonn International Graduate School of Neuroscience. More information on the group can be found at http://www.caesar.de/seelig.html. Please send an email to johannes.seelig(a)caesar.de<mailto:johannes.seelig@caesar.de> for informal enquiries and/or submit your application at our job portal: www.caesar.de<http://www.caesar.de> Johannes Seelig research center caesar - center of advanced european studies and research, an associate of the Max Planck Society Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2 53175 Bonn Germany email: johannes.seelig(at)caesar.de <file://localhost/javascript/linkTo_UnCryptMailto('nbjmup+kpibooft:tffmjhAdbftbs:ef')%3B>phone: +49 (0)228 9656-190 fax: +49 (0)228 9656-9190

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Meeting on Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity
by Mark van Rossum Jan. 14, 2016

Jan. 14, 2016

Discussion meeting at the Royal Society, London, April 19 & 20, 2016 Integrating Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity You are kindly invited to this meeting organized by Kevin Fox and Michael Stryker which will bring together computational and experimental neuroscientists to discuss how interactions between Hebbian plasticity and homeostatic plasticity occur and how they can be detected and interrogated at the systems level. Talks by: John Lisman, Taro Toyozumi, Brent Doiron, Mark van Rossum, Wulfram Gerstner, Gina Turrigano, Philip Haydon, Lu Chen, Hey-Kyoung Lee, Michael Stryker, Kevin Fox, Daniel Feldman, Tara Keck, Frank Sengpiel and Mark Hübener. Register at https://royalsociety.org/events/2016/04/integrating-plasticity/ Poster deadline March 11th. -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

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study abroad programs in Budapest
by Érdi Péter Jan. 14, 2016

Jan. 14, 2016

Dear All: BSCS-US announces its two programs in Budapest for 2016. 1. Our regular program: BSCS - BUDAPEST SEMESTER IN COGNITIVE SCIENCE PHILOSOPHY TO NEUROSCIENCE will be held in the Fall of 2016, see http://www.bscs-us.org/ . 2. We opened also a new program now in its second year: ***************************************** Systems Neuroscience: a study abroad summer program Program start/end dates June 12th- Aug 5th, 2016 The BSCS Systems Neuroscience Program takes place at and academically supervised by the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University Medical School, Budapest **************************************** For details, see: http://sysneuro-semester.org/ Inquiry: Péter Érdi (SysNeuro Director; BSCS Co-Director) perdi(a)kzoo.edu bscs(a)bscs-us.org, jhegedus(a)kzoo.edu

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Call for Workshops and Tutorials at Alife
by Izquierdo, Eduardo J. Jan. 13, 2016

Jan. 13, 2016

CALL FOR WORKSHOPS AND TUTORIALS The ALife XV Organizing Committee invites proposals for Tutorials and Workshops to be held in conjunction with the Fifteenth International Conference on the Synthesis and Simulation of Living Systems (ALife XV), which will be held in Cancun, Mexico on July 4th-8th, 2016. http://xva.life<http://xva.life/> If accepted, ALife will provide the onsite logistics (seminar rooms, projectors, coffee breaks, and lunches) and links from the main conference website. All other organizational issues – including separate review process and proceedings publication, if any – are taken care of by the workshop chairs. Therefore, any workshop-specific requests from participants should be exclusively addressed to them, not to the ALife committee. The internal organization of the satellite workshops and tutorials (website, paper submission, invited talks, proceedings, all deadlines except registration) is entirely left up to their respective organizers. Participation in workshops and tutorials requires conference registration. IMPORTANT DATES Submission of Workshop/Tutorial Proposals is open now. We will receive applications until January 15th, 2016. The notification of acceptance will be given within two weeks of receiving the proposal. Workshop/Tutorial Information and/or submission proposal: workshops(a)xva.life<mailto:workshops@xva.life> WORKSHOP PROPOSALS The ALife XV workshops are intended to be forums to present and discuss new approaches, visions, or critical reflections within a research area. They provide an excellent opportunity to meet people with similar interests, to be exposed to cutting-edge research and to exchange ideas in an informal setting. The organizers of an accepted workshop are responsible for its coordination and its publicity (e.g., for sending out call for papers/abstracts), for collecting and reviewing the papers/abstracts, and for maintaining a webpage providing a list of accepted talks. The workshops are typically half day long. The format can be decided by the organizers who are encouraged to plan interactive sessions. TUTORIAL PROCESS ALife XV tutorials will be presented by domain experts to cover current topics relevant to artificial life researchers and practitioners. Each tutorial will be 3 hours long, then we encourage to include into the tutorial also demos and interactive activities. Accepted tutorial’s slide sets will be published on ALife XV website. SUBMISSION PROCESS Each tutorial/workshop proposal should include: 1) title of the workshop/tutorial 2) name(s) and affiliation(s) of the organizer(s)/inspector(s), with relative contact details 3) a short CV of the organizer(s)/instructor(s) 4) a brief description (half-page) of the workshop/tutorial topics Only for workshops: 5) potential target participants and audience 6) roughly approximated number of participants 7) rough estimate of the number of talks All proposals must be sent to: workshops(a)xva.life<mailto:workshops@xva.life> Looking forward to your submissions. Best wishes, Eduardo J. Izquierdo, ALife XV Workshop Chair Assistant Professor, Cognitive Science Program, Indiana University

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Postdoc positions in Systems Neuroscience at McGill University (Adrien Peyrache)
by Adrien Peyrache Jan. 13, 2016

Jan. 13, 2016

Dear colleagues, We are looking for talented and enthusiastic postdoc candidates to join our team at McGill University (Montreal Neurological Institute). The lab focuses on the neuronal dynamics underlying spatial navigation, sleep and learning and uses cutting-edge techniques combining high density electrophysiological recordings and optogenetics in behaving animals. Starting date: summer 2016. The successful candidate should have either a strong background in neurophysiology or computational neuroscience. Candidates should send a resume, a brief statement of research interests and the names of two references to Dr. Adrien Peyrache ( adrien.peyrache(a)gmail.com) The candidates must hold a PhD for less than 3 years. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. McGill University is committed to equity in employment and diversity. It welcomes applications from Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, visible minorities, women, and others who may contribute to diversification.

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2016 QBio, abstract submission Jan 22
by Jesus Cortes Jan. 13, 2016

Jan. 13, 2016

Dear all We are organizing the 2016 Quantitative Biomedicine Workshop One-page abstract (free-format) submission finalizes on Jan 22. Confirmed speakers are: Rafael MOLINA SORIANO (University of Granada) Cesar CABALLERO (BCBL) Iñigo GABILONDO (BioCruces) Banafshe LARIJANI (CSIC-UPV/EHU) Markus DAHLEM (Institut für Theoretische Physik-Technische Universität Berlin) Paolo BONIFAZI (BioCruces) Eugenio IGLESIAS (BCBL) Mauro D’AMATO (BioCruces) Dante CHIALVO (CONICET) Denis DOORLY (Imperial College London) Alessandro VENEZIANI (Emory) Daniela CALVETTI (Case Western University) For further information visit http://www.bcamath.org/en/workshops/qbio2016 Best Greetings Luca Gerardo-Giorda (BCAM), Sebastiano Stramaglia (University of Bari) and Jesus M Cortes (Biocruces Health Research Institute)

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CFP: Special Issue "Wireless Sensor Networks for Measuring the Impact of Human Activities over Different Environments" in (IJDSN)
by Sandra Sendra Jan. 13, 2016

Jan. 13, 2016

=================================================== International Journal of Distributed Sensor Networks (IJDSN) Special Issue "Wireless Sensor Networks for Measuring the Impact of Human Activities over Different Environments" http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijdsn/si/567042/cfp/ Deadline for manuscript submissions: January 29, 2016 ---------------------------------------------------- === SPECIAL ISSUE - CALL FOR PAPERS === Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are nowadays used in a wide variety of applications, such as military surveillance, scientific exploration, structural monitoring, and environmental monitoring applications, among others. These sorts of networks are complex systems whose correct operation mainly depends on the integration of physical sensors, computation processes, and communication between devices. Advances in smart device and sensor networks will drive innovation in important sectors such as energy efficiency, city/building design, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing. Moreover, human actions motivated by achieving various purposes cause side effects on our environment. While the intended effects are usually positive, at least for those who promote action, side effects can be positive but very often are negative. Some most basic actions of how we do our day-to-day routines are the following: the way people move around the city, how people get rid of your waste, excessive cultivation or exploitation of natural resources, misuse of electrical appliances, or celebrating holidays with music and pyrotechnics, among others, which can have a significant impact on our environment, whether natural, social environments, or on our heritage. For these reasons and taking into account the advantages that WSNs offer, this special issue aims to focus on new proposals and developments of WSNs for monitoring and evaluating the impact of human activity on the environments that surround us. Authors are invited to submit their original and unpublished research contributions to this special issue in relevant areas of WSNs, proposing new design concepts, architectures, and applications versus resource constraints and energy conservation. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: - WSN issues and technologies for monitoring the effects of human behaviors on the environment - Design of energy-efficient WSNs, hardware, software, and systems for monitoring sensitive environments - Real-world case studies of WSNs where the effects of human behaviors are analyzed - WSNs data management - Prototyping of experimental WSNs and its test bench - Evaluation of WSNs in sensitive scenarios - WSNs for emergency response in natural/man-made disasters - New proposals of WSNs architectures - Efficient communication for WSNs architectures - WSN for sustainable human behaviors - Sustainable WSN for environmental sustainability Authors can submit their manuscripts via the Manuscript Tracking System at: http://mts.hindawi.com/submit/journals/ijdsn/miha/ === IMPORTANT DATES === Manuscript Due: Friday, 29 January 2016 First Round of Reviews: Friday, 22 April 2016 Publication Date: Friday, 17 June 2016 === SPECIAL ISSUE EDITORS === Lead Guest Editor Prof. Dr. Jaime Lloret Mauri (jlloret(a)dcom.upv.es) Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Spain Guest Editors Dr. Sandra Sendra (sansenco(a)posgrado.upv.es) Integrated Management Coastal Research Institute, Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Spain Dr. Danda B. Rawat (db.rawat(a)ieee.org) Georgia Southern University, Georgia, USA Dr. Kayhan Z. Ghafoor (kayhan(a)ieee.org) Salahaddin University, College of Engineering, Kirkuk Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region-Iraq ===================================================

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call for participation Frontiers Research Topic "Burst coding: from cell to cognition”
by Zeldenrust, Fleur Jan. 12, 2016

Jan. 12, 2016

Dear colleagues, This is a call for participation in a Frontiers Research Topic titled "Burst coding: from cell to cognition” (for a description, see below). We, the editors, would highly value your participation. If you would like to contribute, please follow the following link: http://journal.frontiersin.org/researchtopic/4374/burst-coding-from-cell-to… Abstract deadline: 1 February 2016 Manuscript deadline: 30 June 2016 Please note that reviews at Frontiers allow and encourage a discussion between the authors and the reviewers. As editors we would like to further encourage you to use this opportunity, while guaranteeing from our side that a constructive discussion with the reviewers will have a positive influence on the evaluation of your work. Let us know if you have any questions about the Research Topic. We look forward to hearing from you soon. With kind regards, Fleur Zeldenrust Bernhard Englitz Wytse J. Wadman Guest Associate Editors, Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience BURST CODING: FROM CELL TO COGNITION Bursting is a firing mode of neurons in which they respond to and input with a group of high frequency action potentials, followed by a period of relative silence. These bursts can be generated intrinsically in neurons themselves, or they can be the result of network activity. Many different systems show a burst-firing mode next to a tonic-firing mode. Despite the ubiquity of bursting, the question of the functional properties of bursts remains unknown: why do some systems rely on bursts for their information transmission and what do bursts code for? We encourage authors to contribute their expertise, both from experimental and from computational backgrounds, on this question on the fundamental properties of burst coding. Papers should address one or more of the following issues: 1. Burst generation. How can different systems generate bursts? This includes both the single neuron level (active dendritic calcium, sodium dynamics, ‘ping-pong’ mechanisms) and the network level (synchronization, inhibition). 2. Differences between systems. In what brain areas of what animals do bursts occur (region CA3 of the rodent hippocampus, mammalian thalamus, weakly electric fish, insect auditory receptors), and what are the similarities/differences in the properties of these systems? 3. Detection and analysis of bursts. The detection of bursts is mostly done using inter-spike interval distributions or return maps; these give a typical inter-spike interval. Often, inter-spike intervals and spike amplitudes change over the course of a burst, making the last spikes in a burst hard to detect. This makes the analysis of burst challenging. Moreover, many traditional tools for the analysis of spike trains cannot be used to analyse spike trains that include bursts without some form of correction for it (reverse correlation techniques, Spike Coincidence Factor). 4. Information processing (burst coding). What are the functional information processing effects of bursts? These include decoding (resonance coding or inter-spike interval coding, burst duration coding), encoding (what stimulus features trigger bursts?), and other coding properties (reliability at unreliable synapses, feature detection for bursts versus stimulus estimation for single spikes, ‘wake-up call’ function of bursts). 5. Relation between bursts and pathology. The burst-firing mode of the thalamus has been associated with sleep and anaesthesia, and therefore with pathological conditions, before evidence showed that bursts also occur in awake states. Bursting in the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus is associated with Parkinson’s disease; high-frequency cortical oscillations are thought to be a hallmark of epilepsy, but their origins have been disputed. Are there more relations between the burst-firing mode and pathological conditions? 6. Relation between bursts and behaviour. Bursts of complex spike cells play an important functional role in hippocampal place cells. In the oculomotor system bursts play an important role in generating saccades. In weakly electric fish, bursts are a response to ‘communication-like’ stimuli, but not to ‘prey-like’ stimuli. Thalamic bursts have a much stronger effect on their cortical targets than single spikes. These results suggest that bursts can have a different signalling function then single spikes, often associated with different behaviour. ABOUT FRONTIERS RESEARCH TOPICS Founded by scientists in 2007, Frontiers is a community-rooted open-access publisher, driving innovations in peer review, article-level metrics and research networking. The "Frontiers in" journal series hosts 54 journals covering more than 350 academic specialties, with a network of over 200,000 leading researchers worldwide. Frontiers is a registered member of the Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (http://www.oaspa.org/member/Frontiers) and was recognized by the ALPSP Award for Innovation in Publishing in 2014. The idea behind a Frontiers Research Topic is to create a comprehensive collection of peer-reviewed articles that address a specific theme of research, as well as a forum for discussion and debate. Contributions can be articles describing original research, methods, hypothesis & theory, opinions, and more. Please see the relevant journal for a full list of accepted article types. Frontiers will also compile an e-book, as soon as all contributing articles are published, that can be used as educational material, be sent to foundations that fund your research, to journalists and press agencies, or to your professional network. E-books are free to read and download. Once published, your articles will be free to access for all readers, indexed in relevant repositories, and as an author in Frontiers, you retain the copyright to your own papers and figures. FRONTIERS PUBLISHING FEES Manuscripts accepted for publication are subject to publishing fees, which vary depending on the article type. All Research Topic manuscripts receive a discount on publishing fees; please see here for a full fee table, and further relevant FAQs: http://www.frontiersin.org/about/PublishingFees. http://www.frontiersin.org/Mail/IbarMail.aspx?op=4&msgid=10350094&msg=In

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Application Deadline Approaching: School on Neurotechniques 2016, Padova, Italy
by Mufti Mahmud Jan. 12, 2016

Jan. 12, 2016

Dear All, Sorry for the cross posting. I am glad to communicate that the NeuroChip Laboratory of University of Padova, Italy is organizing a School on Neurotechniques with special emphasis on "Tools for Investigating the Function of Neural Circuits". The school will be held from February 15 – 19, 2016 and the deadline for application is January 20, 2016. The following topics will be covered in the school: 1. Multi-electrode and multi-transistor arrays 2. Implantable brain probes for acute and chronic recording 3. Transcranic magnetic stimulation 4. Mixed electrophysiology, genetics and behavior approaches 5. Closed-loop electrophysiology and neuromorphic systems 6. Genetically encoded fluorecent probes 7. Signal Analysis 8. Calcium imaging 9. Neuron cultures techniques 10. In vivo electrophysiology Thank you for your attention. Best regards, Mufti Mahmud, PhD Call for participation School on Neurotechniques 2016: The toolbox for investigating the function of neural circuits 15-19 February 2016 NeuroChip Lab, University of Padova, Italy Website: http://www.vassanellilab.eu/school-neurotechniques/ OBJECTIVE Investigating information processing and identifying operational rules of brain neural circuits relies on the capability to selectively record and stimulate multiple neurons within a network. The toolbox of available techniques conceived to meet this need is rapidly expanding. The CSN School on Neurotechniques 2015 will offer an overview on advanced electrical- and light-based recording methods of neuronal excitability, focusing on those that are most relevant for the investigation of neural networks ‘in vitro’ and ‘in vivo’ and for application in neuroprosthetics. Techniques derived from information theory for the analysis of neuronal population signals will be presented and practical demonstrations of experimental recording sessions provided. The school targets doctoral students, post-doctoral researchers, scientists working in the related fields. Since the school's topics are interdisciplinary covering neurobiology, neuronal biophysics, microscopy, and electronics, preliminary knowledge in these fields is highly recommended. SPEAKERS Luca Berdondini Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, IT Stefano Ferraina University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’, IT Michele Giugliano University of Antwerp, BE Giacomo Indiveri INI, Zurich , CH Jonathan Mapelli University of Modena, IT Marcello Massimini University of Milan , IT Nurmikko Arto Brown University, Providence, USA Tullio Pozzan CNR Rome, IT Themis Prodromakis University of Southampton, UK Roland Thewes University of Berlin, DE Paul Verschure ICREA at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, ES Guenther Zeck NMI at the University of Tuebingen, Reutlingen, DE Ralf Zeitler Venneos, Stuttgart, DE Davide Zoccolan SISSA, Trieste, IT REGISTRATION To apply, please register at ( http://www.vassanellilab.eu/school-neurotechniques/school-neurotechniques-2…) on or before January 20, 2016. If you have any further questions, please contact silviamaria.lattanzio(a)unipd.it or stefano.vassanelli(a)unipd.it The registration is FREE, however, the number of places are limited. The registration is sponsored by the European Commission, Project CSNII csnetwork.eu (GA No 601167, FP7, FET Proactive, Neuro-Bio-Inspired Systems). Travel and accommodation costs are not funded. LOCATION The school will be hosted by the NeuroChip Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via f. Marzolo 3, 35131 - Padova, Italy. The location is very close the city centre and is easily reachable from the railway or bus station of Padova. WHEN February 15-19, 2016. Target audience (N = ~25 active full-time): PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, scientists, members of associated EC CSNII consortia. -- Mufti Mahmud, PhD Postdoctoral Research Fellow NeuroChip Lab <http://www.vassanellilab.eu/> - Dept. of Biomedical Sciences <http://www.biomed.unipd.it/?L=1> University of Padova Via f. Marzolo 3 35131 - Padova, Italy Lab: +39 049 827 5308 Fax: +39 049 827 5301 https://sites.google.com/site/muftimahmud/

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Workshop on Hearing and Speech Processing at the KITP in Santa Barbara, summer 2017
by Reichenbach, Johann D T Jan. 12, 2016

Jan. 12, 2016

Dear colleagues, I am writing to announce the multi-disciplinary workshop entitled "Physics of Hearing: From Neurobiology to Information Theory and Back”. Organized by Hervé Boulard, Maria Neimark Geffen, Jim Hudspeth as well as myself, and sponsored by the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP, http://www.kitp.ucsb.edu) this event will take place in Santa Barbara, California, for the eight weeks from Tuesday 30 May through Friday 21 July 2017 (note that this means 2017, not 2016!). The program's emphasis is on the development of a deeper theoretical understanding both of the biophysical constraints of the nervous system and of the mathematical structure of natural sounds, their modeling, and their processing. We plan to cover the following topics: Biophysics and active sensing in the inner ear, Neuronal mechanisms of dynamic auditory coding, Oral communication in nonhuman species, Learning in the auditory pathway and language development, Psychoacoustics and human auditory modeling, Mathematical structure of natural sounds, Mathematical structure of speech and speech-recognition technology, Compressed sensing and sparse recovery modeling, and Deep neural networks for speech recognition. The main goal of the program is to stimulate new research directions and collaborations between program participants. We expect this to yield significant progress both in the neurobiology of hearing as well as in speech-recognition technology. Our Scientific Advisors are Dolores Bozović (UCLA), Judit Gervain (Univ. Paris Decartes), Hynek Hermansky (John Hopkins Univ.), Josh McDermott (MIT), Cynthia F. Moss (John Hopkins Univ.), Mari Ostendorf (Univ. Washington), Shihab Shamma (Univ. Maryland), Malcolm Slaney (Google), and Ruedi Stoop (ETH Zurich). Other long-term participants include Richard Aslin (Univ. Rochester), Alain de Cheveigne (Univ. Paris Decartes), Stephen David (Oregon H&S Univ.), Philip Garner (IDIAP), Andrea Hasenstaub (UCSF), Dick Lyon (Google), Fanny Meunier (UCL), Paris Smaragdis (Univ. Illinois), Lynne Werner (Univ. Washington), and Sarah Woolley (Columbia Univ.). The program will run for eight weeks, with around 30 simultaneous participants, speakers, and students present at any time, and around 100 participants in total over the eight weeks of the workshop. The KITP provides shared offices and computing infrastructure for all program attendants such that participants can work efficiently during their stay. The KITP will also provide free accommodation in its newly constructed Residence on the edge of the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara. The Institute will further provide support for living expenses. Funding for travel to and from Santa Barbara is available if these costs cannot be covered otherwise; and financial assistance for bringing family members can be provided. More information on available funding as well as on the program can be found online at http://www.kitp.ucsb.edu/activities/dbdetails?acro=hearing17. My colleagues and I would be delighted if you would join us in this remarkable opportunity for a broad synthesis of multi-disciplinary research on hearing and speech processing. If you wish to participate, please set up an account and apply online on the above website. It will help us with our planning if you apply early, including your proposed length of stay and any financial requirements. Please note that participants need to stay for at least three weeks to qualify for support from the KITP. With best wishes, Tobias Reichenbach ------------------------------------------- Tobias Reichenbach Lecturer, Biophysics of Hearing Editor, Heliyon Department of Bioengineering Imperial College London South Kensington Campus SW7 2AZ London, UK http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/reichenbach/

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research assistant position available
by Dominik Endres Jan. 12, 2016

Jan. 12, 2016

A research assistant position (salary commensurate with 65% TV-H E13) for a highly motivated individual is available in the group of theoretical Neuroscience headed by Prof. Dr. Dominik Endres. The Group is located in the Department of Psychology at the Philipps-University of Marburg, Germany. The position is initially for one year, extensible given satisfactory performance. The position is intended to facilitate a scientific qualification, specifically a German doctorate (PhD equivalent). The position is embedded in the Collaborative Research Center SFB 135, http://www.forschungsallianz-gi-mr.de/projekte/sfb/wahrnehmung. Duties include active, self-motivated participation in the research and teaching activities of the group, in particular a) the development of quantifiable theoretical models about movement perception based on movement primitives, and b) the experimental testing of such models using the new virtual-reality facility of the department. Prerequisites are a Master's degree or German Diplom in one of the following areas: theoretical Neuroscience, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Cognitive Science or Psychology with a minor in one of the aforementioned fields. Programming experience in Python, C++ or similar are advantageous. Applications with experience in machine learning, computer graphics or behavioral experimentation will be preferred. Applicants' skills in these areas will be tested as a part of the recruitment procedure. The academic environment is a vibrant scientific community at the Research Alliance Giessen/Marburg comprising the IRTG 1901 International Research Training Group investigating The Brain in Action (http://www.irtg-brainact.de/) and a Collaborative Research Center (SFB 135, http://www.forschungsallianz-gi-mr.de/projekte/sfb/wahrnehmung) on the Cardinal Mechanisms of Perception, thus offering an excellent environment for cutting edge research on the intersections between different disciplines ranging from experimental psychology and human movement science to computational modeling, machine learning, psycholinguistics and the neurobiology of action. Applications should include a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and Master's transcripts or similar records, and the addresses of 2 referees. The initial application should be sent by email to Prof. Dr. D. Endres (dominik.endres(a)uni-marburg.de) no later than Jan. 26th, 2016 (earlier applications preferred). Please do not sent originals by mail, because we will not be able to return them to you. We will not cover travel costs to/from Marburg for job interviews. The Philipps-University of Marburg is an equal opportunity employer. Relevant paper: Endres, D., Chiovetto, E. & Giese, M. A. (2013). Model selection for the extraction of movement primitives. Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience, 7(185) -- Prof. Dr. Dominik Endres AE Theoretische Neurowissenschaft Allgemeine und Biologische Psychologie FB Psychologie, Gutenbergstr 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany Tel. +49-(0)6421-28-23818

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[meetings] Living Machines V: Second Call for Papers, Satellite Events and Sponsors
by Nathan F Lepora Jan. 11, 2016

Jan. 11, 2016

Second Call for Papers, Satellite Events and Sponsors Living Machines V: The 5th International Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems 18th to 22nd July 2016 http://csnetwork.eu/livingmachines/conf2016 To be hosted at the Dynamic Earth Edinburgh, Scotland In association with the Heriot Watt University and University of Edinburgh Accepted papers will be published in Springer Lecturer Notes in Artificial Intelligence Submission deadline March 11th, 2016 ___________________________________________________________ ABOUT LIVING MACHINES 2016 The development of future real-world technologies will depend strongly on our understanding and harnessing of the principles underlying living systems and the flow of communication signals between living and artificial systems. Biomimetics is the development of novel technologies through the distillation of principles from the study of biological systems. The investigation of biomimetic systems can serve two complementary goals. First, a suitably designed and configured biomimetic artefact can be used to test theories about the natural system of interest. Second, biomimetic technologies can provide useful, elegant and efficient solutions to unsolved challenges in science and engineering. Biohybrid systems are formed by combining at least one biological component—an existing living system—and at least one artificial, newly-engineered component. By passing information in one or both directions, such a system forms a new hybrid bio-artificial entity. The theme of the conference also encompasses biomimetic methods for manufacture, repair and recycling inspired by natural processes such as reproduction, digestion, morphogenesis and metamorphosis. The following are some examples of “Living Machines” as featured at past conferences: • Biomimetic robots and their component technologies (sensors, actuators, processors) that can intelligently interact with their environments. • Active biomimetic materials and structures that self-organize and self-repair. • Nature-inspired designs and manufacturing processes. • Biomimetic computers—neuromimetic emulations of the physiological basis for intelligent behaviour. • Biohybrid brain-machine interfaces and neural implants. • Artificial organs and body-parts including sensory organ-chip hybrids and intelligent prostheses. • Organism-level biohybrids such as robot-animal or robot-human systems. ACTIVITIES The main conference will take the form of a three-day single-track oral and poster presentation programme, 20th to 22nd July 2016, hosted at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, Scotland. The conference programme will include five plenary lectures from leading international researchers in biomimetic and biohybrid systems, and the demonstrations of state-of-the-art living machine technologies. Agreed speakers are: *Antonio Bicchi*, University of Pisa (robotics, haptics and control systems) *Frank Hirth*, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry (evolutionary neuroscience) *Yoshihiko Nakamura*, University of Tokyo (biomimetics in humanoids) *Thomas Speck*, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (plants and animals as concept generators for biomimetic materials and technologies) *Barbara Webb*, University of Edinburgh (perceptual systems; control of behaviour in insects and robots) The full conference will be preceded by up to two days of Satellite Events hosted by the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh. SUBMITTING TO LIVING MACHINES 2016 We invite both full papers and extended abstracts in areas related to the conference themes. All contributions will be refereed and accepted papers will appear in the Living Machines 2016 proceedings which we expect to be published in the Springer-Verlag LNAI Series. Full papers (minimum 8 pages, up to 12 pages) are invited from researchers at any stage in their career and should present significant findings and advances in biomimetic or biohybid research. More preliminary work would be better suited for short papers submission (minimum 4 pages, with a maximum of ten references and no more than three self-citations). Full papers will be accepted for either oral presentation (single track) or poster presentation. Extended abstracts will be accepted for poster presentation only. Authors of the best full papers will be invited to submitted extended versions of their paper for publication in a special issue of the Taylor & Francis journal Connection Science. Satellite events Active researchers in biomimetic and biohybrid systems are invited to propose topics for 1-day or 2-day tutorials, symposia or workshops on related themes to be held 18-19th July at the School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh. Events can be scheduled on either the 18th or the 19th or across both days. Attendance at satellite events will attract a small fee intended to cover the costs of the meeting. There is a lot of flexibility about the content, organisation, and budgeting for these events. Please contact us if you are interested in organising a satellite event! EXPECTED DEADLINES March 11th, 2016 Paper submission deadline April 29th, 2016 Notification of acceptance May 16th, 2016 Camera ready copy July 18-22 2016 Conference SPONSORSHIP Living Machines 2016 is part-sponsored by the Convergent Science Network (CSN) for Biomimetics and Neurotechnology. CSN is an EU FP7 Future Emerging Technologies Co-ordination Activity that also organises two highly successful workshop series: the Barcelona Summer School on Brain, Technology and Cognition (https://bcbt.upf.edu/bcbt15) and the Capocaccia Neuromorphic Cognitive Engineering Workshop ( https://capocaccia.ethz.ch/capo/wiki/2015) The 2016 Living Machines conference will also be hosted and co-sponsored by Heriot Watt University. Call for Sponsors. Other organisations wishing to sponsor the conference in any way and gain the corresponding benefits by promoting themselves and their products to through conference publications, the conference web-site, and conference publicity are encouraged to contact the conference organisers to discuss the terms of sponsorship and necessary arrangements. We offer a number of attractive and good-value packages to potential sponsors. ABOUT THE VENUE Living Machines 2016 will be hosted at Dynamic Earth ( http://www.dynamicearth.co.uk) a 5 star visitor attraction in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic old town, next door the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace. Dynamic Earth is a visitor experience that invites you to take a journey through time to witness the story of planet Earth. Through a series of interactive exhibits, state of the art technology and even a 4D encounter you will feel the heat of a bubbling volcano, face the chill of polar ice, fly across the globe before crash landing in a tropical rainforest. Attendees at the conference will receive a discount voucher to visit the Dynamic Earth exhibit. Workshops will be held at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics in George Square, a short walk from Edinburgh city centre. Organising Committee: Mark Desmulliez, Heriot Watt University (Co-chair) Tony Prescott, University of Sheffield (Co-chair) Nathan Lepora, University of Bristol (Programme Chair) Michael Mangar, University of Edinburgh (Satellite Events Chair) Anna Mura, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Communications) Paul Verschure, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (International Steering Committee)

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PhD Studentship available on Computational Intelligence for Artificial Agents Cognition and Interaction
by Di Nuovo, Alessandro Jan. 11, 2016

Jan. 11, 2016

Dear all, This is to announce a PhD Studentship available on Computational Intelligence for Artificial Agents Cognition and Interaction The project explores the use of Computational Intelligence techniques to simulate the human-like cognition abilities and use them to address complex real-world problems in which artificial agents should autonomously learn and interact with human beings. In particular, it investigates the novel deep learning paradigm offers a highly biologically plausible way to train neural network architectures with many layers, inspired by the hierarchical organization of the human brain. Impressive results have been obtained in several areas, where deep learning architectures have outperformed state-of-the-art algorithms on various tasks, such as computer vision, automatic speech recognition, natural language processing, and human action recognition. the position advertised within the SHU VC & ACES Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) PhD Scholarship Schemes 2016 (Project n. 6 in Computing and Informatics). Deadline for the application is 29th of January 2016. Please follow the link below for more information. http://www.shu.ac.uk/ad/studentships/ which has general information on the types of scholarships available, eligibility criteria and profiles of 2015 VC scholars (the landing page can also be found by clicking on the featured link on the SHU website home page). From the landing page, applicants can then click through to more detailed application information, according to discipline. Note that students are chosen in competition with students who choose projects in other fields, which means that we would particularly encourage strong applicants with very good academic marks and previous research experience to apply. All applicants are encouraged to contact a prospective supervisor before submitting an application. If you are interested on the project, please contact the project lead: Dr Alessandro Di Nuovo (a.dinuovo(a)shu.ac.uk)

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CNS*2016 Call for Workshop Proposals
by Thomas Nowotny Jan. 11, 2016

Jan. 11, 2016

CNS 2016 Jeju, South Korea: Call for Workshops We are requesting proposals for workshops from the international community of computational neuroscientists. Proposals from all levels of faculty as well as advanced postdoctoral fellows are welcome. This is a great opportunity to organize a small meeting with just a few of the headaches of actually organizing it. Workshop proposal submission instructions for CNS 2016 The last two days (July 6-7) of the 25th annual CNS meeting will be devoted to workshops, in which computationally related neuroscience topics can be presented and discussed. Workshops can be anywhere between one half to two days in duration. Usually several speakers are invited to introduce a unifying theme, but ample time for discussion should also be planned. Submit workshop proposals to: workshops(a)cnsorg.org<mailto:workshops@cnsorg.org>. The Past Meetings page<http://www.cnsorg.org/past-meetings> gives access to archives of workshops held at previous CNS meetings. The proposal should be submitted as a Word or pdf file and MUST include the following sections: 1. Workshop Title 2. Organizers (list primary organizer first; include affiliations and emails) 3. Duration (half day, one or two days, there are 2 sessions per day) 4. Number of expected speakers 5. Brief Description (~150 words; if possible, say why this is significant or timely) 6. Speakers (mark expected or confirmed) Also please note the following rules which were approved by the OCNS Board on July 15, 2013: * Each individual can be the organizer or co-organizer of only one workshop. * The number of confirmed speakers is one of the criteria for accepting the proposal. * Overlapping proposals may be asked to be combined. If the organizers do not wish to combine the proposals, only one of the proposals may be accepted. Workshops submitted before January 31, 2016 will be given priority in acceptance. Workshop proposals arriving after January 31, 2016 will be evaluated based on remaining space for additional workshops. No further workshop acceptances are anticipated after May 15, 2016. We are looking forward to your submissions. Thomas Nowotny, Workshop Organizer CNS*2016 -- Prof. Thomas Nowotny CCNR, Sussex Neuroscience Phone: +44-1273-678593 Engineering and Informatics Fax: +44-1273-877873 University of Sussex Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QJ http://sussex.ac.uk/informatics/tnowotny

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CfP - MLUB 2016 - International Workshop on Machine Learning for Understanding the Brain
by Emre Akbas Jan. 11, 2016

Jan. 11, 2016

Please accept our apologies if you receive multiple copies of this call. 1st International Workshop on Machine Learning for Understanding the Brain, MLUB 2016 June 28-29 2016, Ankara, Turkey http://mlani.ceng.metu.edu.tr/ * Call for papers: International Workshop on Machine Learning for Understanding the Brain (MLUB) welcomes original and unpublished work on theory, systems, algorithms and applications related to Machine Learning and understanding techniques for modeling and analysis of brain in various modalities, such as, fMRI, sMRI, EEG, MEG, fNIRS. The workshop focuses on but is not limited to the following topics: - Learning and inference on neuroimaging data - Cognitive state classification - Functional Connectivity - Sparse Techniques - Multimodal Learning - Multi-Subject Learning - Efficient Algorithms for Large-Scale Data - Brain Network Embedding - Cognitive Computing - Software Simulation of the Brain - Pattern and Object Recognition - Cognitive Machine Learning - Modeling - Vision Models of the Brain - Memory Model of the Brain - Neural Models of the Brain - Visualization - High-Dimensional Neuroimaging Data Visualization - Brain Network Visualization - Network Summarization - Applications - Resting-State Data Analysis - Task-Based Data Analysis - Diagnosis of Diseases - Brain Computer Interface We call for paper contributions with a maximum length of 4 pages (double-column, IEEE style, PDF) for review. Accepted submissions will be assigned to one of the oral sessions. Every accepted submission has to be presented at the workshop by one of the paper's authors. All accepted and presented submissions will be included in the workshop proceedings and will be published by IEEE Xplore. * Important dates: Paper submission deadline: February 26, 2016 Notification of acceptance: March 22, 2016 Camera ready Submission: March 29, 2016 Workshop: June 28-29, 2016 * Executive Committee Fatos T. Yarman Vural (Middle East Technical University) Tulay Adali (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) Enis Cetin (Bilkent University) Haluk Bingol (Bogazici University) Huseyin Boyaci (Bilkent University) * Technical Program Chairs Sinan Kalkan (Middle East Technical University) Emre Akbas (Middle East Technical University) Mete Ozay (Tohoku University) * For more information: http://mlani.ceng.metu.edu.tr/

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Data Science Engineer
by paulo rodrigues Jan. 8, 2016

Jan. 8, 2016

Dear colleagues, Mint Labs <http://www.mint-labs.com> is looking to fill a R&D position on data science. Mint Labs is a multi-disciplinary science and engineering start-up. The company's mission is to develop technologies to better understand the human brain and the diseases that affect it. Our primary focus is on neuroimaging methods, including MRI, that yield insights into the living brain. *Context* You thrive on the idea of using tools that aid the communication of results such as Ipython notebooks? You are not satisfied with how computational science is currently being done and have ideas on how to make it more effective at curing diseases? You enjoy interacting with new groups of people and are comfortable communicating with dozens to hundreds of scientists? The challenge is to develop analysis systems for multidimensional medical datasets that include imaging. Mint Labs is a SaaS platform that focus on integrating diverse clinical, imaging, genomic, and other data to better evaluate disease progression and response to interventions. *Objectives of the position* - Support the interaction with several external research partners and clients to develop both bioinformatics analysis and visualizations on data in collaboration with neurologists, statisticians and other bioinformaticians. - Work with the newest technologies in data analysis and -omics data. - Create web-accessible records that are reproducible and re-usable of all your analysis. - Work with our software team that develops the web platform to communicate requirements and features for product development. - Automate the execution of new analysis methods using scripting and statistical programming. - Assist in the evaluation and implementation of data and imaging curation tools. - Develop practical methods for non-programmers to communicate reproducible results by integrating new and existing tools into our platform - Detect, model and normalize batch and experimental artifacts in experimental data. *Desired profile, Skills* - You have experience working within a team of scientists, statisticians and software engineers to compile and format large, high-dimensional data sets for downstream analysis. - You have software development experience, including strong programming skills in a high-level language especially Python, R and/or matlab. Experience with Linux shell scripting recommended. - Ideally, you would be experienced with developing advanced ipython notebooks or other interactive frameworks. - Ideally, you are familiar with neuroimaging data types such as anatomical data, diffusion or functional imaging. - You have a graduate degree in a quantitative field such as engineering, applied math, computer science, bioinformatics etc or are an exceptional undergraduate with bioinformatics experience. *A great R&D environment* We're a growing, product-centric team located in Barcelona Spain. We strive on solving hard problems with creative solutions, and have fun during the process - after all we are in Barcelona. As an engineer on our team, you'll tackle the challenges that arise as we build a large-scale system for data processing and distribution. The scale at which our systems must operate requires highly-performing algorithms and data structures. Solving complex distributed systems and ensuring data security are essential. We're looking for independent thinkers with a deep understanding of the problems we are solving who are not afraid to significantly influence how this system is improved. We hire for people, not roles -- if you don't see an interesting job description but believe that you can add value to Mint Labs, we would love to hear from you. In addition, the researcher/engineer will interact closely with top researchers worldwide, using our platform. ***Contact**: * team(a)mint-labs.com, paulo(a)mint-labs.com ***Application**: * Interested candidate should send CV and motivation letter ᐧ

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Neuroimaging Engineer opportunity
by paulo rodrigues Jan. 8, 2016

Jan. 8, 2016

Dear colleagues, Mint Labs <http://www.mint-labs.com> is looking to fill a R&D position on neuroimaging processing. Mint Labs is a multi-disciplinary science and engineering start-up. The company's mission is to develop technologies to better understand the human brain and the diseases that affect it. Our primary focus is on neuroimaging methods, including MRI, that yield insights into the living brain. *Context* The challenge is to develop analysis systems for multidimensional medical datasets that include imaging. Mint Labs is a SaaS platform that focus on integrating diverse clinical, imaging, genomic, and other data to better evaluate disease progression and response to interventions. You thrive in analyzing data, developing pipelines to process imaging data, and integrate multiple data points into meaningful group conclusions? You are experienced in volumetric, diffusion, rs-fMRI studies, and are not shy about Python, bash, R or whatever tool fits the work? *Objectives of the position* The position hinges on processing of very large databases. Important novelties of the project are: - Building predictive models to discriminate multiple pathologies in large inhomogeneous datasets. - Using and improving advanced connectomics and brain-parcellation techniques in dMRI / fMRI. - Support the interaction with several external research partners and clients to develop neuroimaging analysis *Desired profile* We are looking for a doctoral or post-doctoral fellow to hire in beginning of 2016. The ideal candidate would have some, but not all, of the following expertise and interests: - Experience in advanced processing of MRI, dMRI and fMRI - General knowledge of brain structure and function - Good communication skills to write high-impact neuroscience publications - Good computing skills, in particular with Python. Cloud computing experience is desired. *A great R&D environment* We're a growing, product-centric team located in Barcelona Spain. We strive on solving hard problems with creative solutions, and have fun during the process - after all we are in Barcelona. As an engineer in our team, you will tackle the challenges that arise as we build a large-scale system for data processing and distribution. The scale at which our systems must operate requires highly-performing algorithms and data structures. Solving complex distributed systems and ensuring data security are essential. We are looking for independent thinkers with a deep understanding of the problems we are solving who are not afraid to significantly influence how the system can be improved. We hire for people, not roles -- if you don't see an interesting job description but believe that you can add value to Mint Labs, we would love to hear from you. In addition, the post-doc will interact closely with top researchers worldwide, using our platform. ***Contact**: * team(a)mint-labs.com, paulo(a)mint-labs.com ***Application**:* Interested candidate should send CV and a motivation letter

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PhD position in computational neuroscience: Identification of Metastable Cortical Dynamics Underlying Cognitive Decisions (Bournemouth University-IDIBAPS)
by Emili Balaguer-Ballester Jan. 8, 2016

Jan. 8, 2016

PhD position in Computational Neuroscience 'Identification of Metastable Cortical Dynamics Underlying Cognitive Decisions' (Bournemouth University-IDIBAPS Barcelona) A PhD position is available in 3-years fully-funded project 'Identification of Metastable Cortical Dynamics Underlying Cognitive Decisions'; based at Bournemouth University (UK) https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/centre/interdisciplinary-neuroscience-re… and at the Biomedical Research Institute August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS, http://www.idibaps.org/en_index.htm, University of Barcelona, Spain). Do we have analysis tools for a reliable identification of the dynamical processes underlying decision-making? This is a fundamental question, touching the very basics of our understanding of neural computation and hence one of the most exciting topics in neuroscience. However, to reconstruct in detail neural dynamics generating cognitive decisions is a major challenge for current methodologies. This would be a highly significant advance; for instance the identification of stable dynamical patterns of activity in hippocampus deserved to win the last Nobel Prize. The aim of the project is to develop innovative approaches designed for the identification of metastable dynamics underlying cognitive decisions. We aim for the fusion of statistical learning approaches to pattern discovery with methods for identifying neural attractor dynamics and neurocomputational modelling. The novel approach will reconstruct neural dynamics during tasks specifically designed at Sanchez-Vives Lab in rodents and in human subjects at the Bournemouth EEG lab. The training possibilities that this interdisciplinary project offers are multiple and relevant in building-up a high-profile as a neuroscientist. The student will benefit from the vibrant scientific environment of neural computation and neurosciences at BU https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/centre/interdisciplinary-neuroscience-re… and at the cortical networks lab; embedded in the renowned systems neuroscience network in Barcelona http://www.sanchez-vives.org/. Applicants holding a degree in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science or similar disciplines are welcome. Interest or previous training in neuroscience or laboratory experience and a strong mathematical (dynamical systems, partial differential equations) or machine learning background would be very welcome. The researcher would be based at the Faculty of Science, Bournemouth University, and work with Dr Balaguer-Ballester at the Computational Neuroscience laboratory in the context of the interdisciplinary group for neurosciences; and would spend prolonged periods of time in the Cortical Networks Lab (IDIBAPS, Barcelona) led by Prof Maria Victoria Sanchez-Vives; providing an outstanding opportunity to gain a diverse experience of both neuro-computational and experimental approaches. For formally applying and more information please visit https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/pgr/funded-phd-studentships-in-the-facul… The deadline is on the 29th of February, 2016 BU is a Disability Two Ticks Employer and has signed up to the Mindful Employer charter. Information about the accessibility of University buildings can be found on the BU DisabledGo webpages This email is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender and delete this email, which must not be copied, distributed or disclosed to any other person. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Bournemouth University or its subsidiary companies. Nor can any contract be formed on behalf of the University or its subsidiary companies via email.

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ECCV 2016 Workshops: Call for Proposals
by Hamdi Dibeklioglu Jan. 8, 2016

Jan. 8, 2016

ECCV 2016 Workshops: Call for Proposals Important dates Proposal Deadline: Tuesday, March 1st, 2016 Notification: Friday, April 1st, 2016 Workshop dates: Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th, Sunday 16th, October 2016 Call for proposal We solicit proposals for workshops that will be held together with the 14th European Conference on Computer Vision (ECCV’2016). Workshops will take place on October 10th, 11th and 16th at the same venue as the main conference. We welcome proposals on emerging topics that are anticipated not able to be fully explored in the main conference. The purpose of workshops is to provide a comprehensive forum and encourage in-depth discussion of various technical and application issues in our research field. Workshop registration, venue, as well as proceedings will be handled as part of the main conference by the ECCV organizers. Since both space and time are limited, we expect the selection process to be competitive. The topic coverage, the proposers’ credential, the interested audience, and relevance of the topic will all be considered in the selection process. Proposers may be asked to provide additional information, modify part of the proposals, or combine with another one. Since the camera-ready deadline is set to be July 25, 2016, the proposers must come with a submission/review schedule that meets this deadline. Note this year, the ECCV workshops will be coordinated together with the ACM International Conference on Multimedia. So please specifically address in your proposal if your workshop would of interest to the Multimedia research community. Submission guidelines Proposals should be submitted by email to workshops(a)eccv2016.org by March 1st 2016. The candidate workshop organizers will be notified of the decision on April 1st. Proposals should be in PDF format and include the following information: · Workshop title. · Proposers' names, titles, affiliations, and primary contact email. · Topics that will be covered. · Relevance to the computer vision community · Relevance to the multimedia community · Experience that make the proposers well suited for organizing the workshop. · Rough program outline (including preference for half- or full-day event, estimated numbers of orals, posters, and invited talks). · Names and bios of any tentative/confirmed invited speakers · Anticipated target audience as well as expected number of attendees. · Description of how this proposal relates to previous workshops at CVPR/ICCV/ECCV (be as specific as possible). · Any special space or equipment requests. Contact For any questions, please contact the workshop chairs via workshops(a)eccv2016.org Gang Hua Hervé Jegou http://www.eccv2016.org/

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PhD training opportunity in Systems Neuroscience - London
by Adam Kampff Jan. 8, 2016

Jan. 8, 2016

Dear colleagues, The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre <http://www.ucl.ac.uk/swc/about> for Neural Circuits and Behaviour (SWC) is a new institute funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and the Wellcome Trust. Located within University College London, the SWC combines advanced molecular, optical, physiology and behaviour approaches to investigate how brain circuits create neural representations and guide behaviour. We are excited to announce a new programme for exceptional PhD candidates. SWC studentships are open to UK and international applicants and cover research expenses, full payment of tuition fees and provide a competitive tax-free stipend in line with the Wellcome Trust stipend scale. SWC PhD students will receive intensive training in experimental techniques, and in conjunction with the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit (co-located with SWC), the programme will provide a comprehensive introduction to theoretical and systems neuroscience. Applicants should have a strong scientific and analytical background, a keen interest in neuroscience, and a relevant first degree. *Application deadline is January 31st, 2016* Enquires should be sent to swc-admissions(a)ucl.ac.uk Full details of our programme, and how to apply, are available here: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/swc/phd The research interests of the SWC group leaders are described here: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/swc/research Sincerely, Adam Kampff Yoh Isogai Troy Margrie Andrew Murray John O'Keefe

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2nd Call for Applications - 2016 Nengo Summer School
by Peter Blouw Jan. 7, 2016

Jan. 7, 2016

Hello! [All details about this school can be found online at http://www.nengo.ca/summerschool] The Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Waterloo is inviting applications for our 3rd annual summer school on large-scale brain modeling. This two-week school will teach participants how to use the Nengo software package to build state-of-the-art cognitive and neural models to run in simulation and on neuromorphic hardware. Nengo has been used to build what is currently the world's largest functional brain model, Spaun [1], and provides users with a versatile and powerful environment for designing cognitive and neural systems to run in simulated and real environments. We welcome applications from all interested graduate students, research associates, postdocs, professors, and industry professionals. No specific training in the use of modeling software is required, but we encourage applications from active researchers with a relevant background in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, robotics, neuromorphic engineering, computer science, or a related field. For a look at last year's summer school, check out this short video: https://goo.gl/wy4dNC [1] Eliasmith, C., Stewart T. C., Choo X., Bekolay T., DeWolf T., Tang Y., Rasmussen, D. (2012). A large-scale model of the functioning brain. Science. Vol. 338 no. 6111 pp. 1202-1205. DOI: 10.1126/science.1225266. [ http://nengo.ca/publications/spaunsciencepaper] ****Application Deadline: February 15, 2016**** *Format*: A combination of tutorials and project-based work. Participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas for projects, which may focus on testing hypotheses, modeling neural or cognitive data, implementing specific behavioural functions with neurons, expanding past models, or providing a proof-of-concept of various neural mechanisms. Hands-on tutorials, work on individual or group projects, and talks from invited faculty members will make up the bulk of day-to-day activities. A project demonstration event will be held on the last day of the school, with prizes for strong projects! *Topics Covered*: Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to: - build perceptual, motor, and sophisticated cognitive models using spiking neurons - model anatomical, electrophysiological, cognitive, and behavioural data - use a variety of single cell models within a large-scale model - integrate machine learning methods into biologically oriented models - interface Nengo with various kinds of neuromorphic hardware (e.g. SpiNNaker) - interface Nengo with cameras and robotic systems - implement modern nonlinear control methods in neural models - and much more… *Date and Location*: June 5th to June 17th, 2016 at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. *Applications*: Please visit http://www.nengo.ca/summerschool, where you can find more information regarding costs, travel, lodging, along with an application form listing required materials. If you have any questions about the school or the application process, please contact Peter Blouw (pblouw(a)uwaterloo.ca) We look forward to hearing from you!

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Marie Curie PhD position in Vienna
by Frank Rattay Jan. 7, 2016

Jan. 7, 2016

Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher (PhD) position is available in Vienna at TU Wien. Title: Simulation of the synaptic exocytosis of bipolar cells in the electrically stimulated retina. The position is funded by the European Commission in the framework of the H2020 Marie Sk?odowska Curie Initial Training Network 'switchBoard'. The switchBoard project aims at training 15 young scientists at the interface of neurobiology, information processing and neurotechnology, with focus on synaptic physiology, transgenic technology, models of retinal degeneration, method development and the application of retinal circuit principles for signal processing in artificial vision chips. The proposed project aims to develop a model that predicts glutamate release from ON and OFF bipolar cells evoked by electrical stimulation by an electrode array, as used in current retinal implants. Details: http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/index.cfm/jobs/jobDetails/34049001

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ICMNS 2016: Abstract Deadline Extended to Jan. 15, 2016
by Zachary Kilpatrick Jan. 6, 2016

Jan. 6, 2016

*Abstract deadline extended to January 15, 2016* https://icmns2016.inria.fr/call-for-contributions/ <https://icmns2016.inria.fr/call-for-contributions/> International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS 2016) at the Congress Center in Juan-les-Pins on the French Riviera May 29 to June 1, 2016 Tutorials: May 29 Main Conference: May 30 - June 1 https://icmns2016.inria.fr/ <https://icmns2016.inria.fr/> CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Wulfram Gerstner (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) John Rinzel (New York University) Antoine Triller (École Normale Supérieure de Paris) Rachel Kuske (U British Columbia) Jonathan Rubin (U Pittsburgh) Hinke Osinga (U Aukland) Carina Curto (Penn State University) Ruben Moreno-Bote (Foundation Sant Joan de Deu) Hiroya Nakao (Tokyo Institute of Technology) Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Si Wu (Beijing Normal University) Alex Roxin (Centre de Recerca Matematica) PROGRAM COMMITTEE Toni Guillamon (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) Roland Potthast (U Reading) Gregory Faye (Université Paul Sabatier ) Wilhelm Stannat (TU Berlin) Jonathan Touboul (College de France) Gilles Wainrib (Ecole Normale Supérieure) Suzanne Ditlevsen (University of Copenhagen) Boris Gutkin (Ecole Normale Supérieure) Martin Wechselberger (U Sydney) Jonathan Rubin (U Pittsburgh) Martin Krupa (INRIA Sophia Antipoilis) Carlo Laing (Massey University) Andre Longtin (U Ottawa) Daniele Avitabile (U Nottingham) Jose Carrillo (Imperial College) Pascal Chossat (Université Nice Sophia Antipolis) Carson Chow (National Institutes of Health) Steve Zucker (Yale University) Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Rachel Kuske (U British Columbia) Laura Sacerdote (Universita di Torino) Reinhard Hopfner (Johannes-Gutenberg Universitat) Olivier Faugeras (INRIA - Sophia Antipolis) Paul Bressloff (U Utah) Steve Coombes (U Nottingham) CONFERENCE CHAIRS Romain Veltz (INRIA - Sophia Anitpolis) Zachary Kilpatrick (U Houston) Evelyn Buckwar (Johannes Kepler Universitat Linz)

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Assistant/Associate Professor of Mathematics (Biomathematics) at North Carolina A&T State University
by Choongseok Park Jan. 6, 2016

Jan. 6, 2016

*Assistant/Associate Professor of Mathematics (Biomathematics) * The Department of Mathematics at North Carolina A&T State University invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track assistant or associate professorship in Biomathematics available in August 2016. The Department encourages persons from all areas of biomathematics to apply but is particularly interested in areas at the interface of mathematics and biosciences such as mathematical epidemiology, mathematical neurosciences, mathematical modeling of drug delivery and disease intervention/ prevention, mathematical and statistical methods for human genetics and population growth, biomedical imaging processing, stochastic modeling of biological and biomedical processes. The Department of Mathematics seeks candidates to join a growing Department with interactive faculty. The detailed posting of the position can be found at https://jobs.ncat.edu/postings/8967. Applications will be reviewed beginning February 15, 2016, and the review will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants must submit the following items via the job posting at https://jobs.ncat.edu/postings/8967: 1) letter of interest (cover letter); 2) current curriculum vitae; 3) legible copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts (upload a copy of each transcript under the degree name; original transcripts will be required if hired); 4) statement of teaching philosophy; and 5) statement of research interests and accomplishments.

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Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience - Jan 2016 articles
by Stephen Coombes Jan. 6, 2016

Jan. 6, 2016

Dear all, A Happy New Year from the Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience! To kick of 2016 we have one review article on Oscillator Networks and another research article on the Wilson–Cowan equations: Mathematical Frameworks for Oscillatory Network Dynamics in Neuroscience Ashwin P, Coombes S and Nicks R http://www.mathematical-neuroscience.com/content/6/1/2 Wilson–Cowan Equations for Neocortical Dynamics Cowan JD, Neuman J and van Drongelen W http://www.mathematical-neuroscience.com/content/6/1/1 All articles are Open Access. The current list of journal articles is available at http://www.mathematical-neuroscience.com/ Best regards, Steve ------------------------------------------------------- Stephen Coombes Professor of Applied Mathematics School of Mathematical Sciences Nottingham, UK Tel: 0115 846 7836 http://www.maths.nott.ac.uk/~sc/ ------------------------------------------------------- This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please send it back to me, and immediately delete it. Please do not use, copy or disclose the information contained in this message or in any attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. This message has been checked for viruses but the contents of an attachment may still contain software viruses which could damage your computer system, you are advised to perform your own checks. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored as permitted by UK legislation.

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[publication and call for dialog] IEEE CIS Newsletter on Autonomous Mental Development, Fall 2015
by Pierre-Yves Oudeyer Jan. 5, 2016

Jan. 5, 2016

Dear colleagues, I am happy to announce the release of the latest issue of the IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems (open access, previously names newsletter on Autonomous Mental Development). This is a biannual newsletter addressing computational modeling of developmental and cognitive processes in natural and artificial organisms, from humans to robots, at the crossroads of cognitive science, developmental psychology, machine intelligence and neuroscience. It is available at: https://goo.gl/HQAMsd Featuring dialog: === "Representational redescription: the next challenge?" == Dialog Initiated by Stéphane Doncieux, with responses from Jessica Kosie and Dare Baldwin, Georges Konidaris, Freek Stulp and Timothy Hospedales, Paul Verschure and Giovanni Pezzulo, Frank Guerin, Paul Abelha and Bipin Indurkhya. == This issue’s dialog explores various challenges of how and why capabilities to change representations could be happening in robots. In particular, contributors discuss how new representations can be formed out of the dynamic interaction between learning algorithms, cognitive architecture and their physical and social embodiment. Call for new dialog: === "Moving Beyond Nature-Nurture: a Problem of Science or Communication? » == Dialog initiated by John Spencer, Mark Blumberg and David Shenk == John Spencer, Mark Blumberg and David Shenk observe that in spite of numerous scientific discoveries supporting the view of development as a complex multi-factored process, the discussions of development in several scientific fields and in the general public are still strongly organized around the nature/nurture distinction. Thus, they ask a crucial question: is this because there is not yet sufficient scientific evidence, or is this because the simplicity of the nature/nurture framework is much easier to communicate (or just better communicated by its supporters)? Those of you interested in reacting to this dialog initiation are welcome to submit a response by April 15th, 2015. The length of each response must be between 600 and 800 words including references (contact pierre-yves.oudeyer(a)inria.fr) You will also find news about the IEEE CIS CDS Technical Committee and the ICDL-Epirob 2016 conference. Let me remind you that previous issues of the newsletter are all open-access and available at: http://icdl-epirob.org/cdsnl I wish you a stimulating reading! Best regards, Pierre-Yves Oudeyer, Editor of the IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems Chair of the IEEE CIS AMD Technical Committee on Cognitive and Developmental Systems Research director, Inria Head of Flower project-team Inria and Ensta ParisTech, France http://www.pyoudeyer.com https://flowers.inria.fr http://www.poppy-project.org

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NEST 2.10 supports gap junctions and structural plasticity
by Hans Ekkehard Plesser Jan. 5, 2016

Jan. 5, 2016

Dear Colleagues! The NEST Initiative is pleased to announce the release of NEST version 2.10.0. The most notable changes over v2.8.0 are: * Support for simulations of gap junctions (see Jan Hahne et al., 2015) * Framework for structural plasticity (see Markus Butz et al., 2013 and Markus Butz et al., 2014) * Full support for the K computer (just in case you found one under your Christmas tree ;-)) All users are encouraged to upgrade and adapt their simulation scripts to the changes in the user interface at this point in time to benefit from the improvements in the new version. For a full list of changes and download links, see https://github.com/nest/nest-simulator/releases/tag/v2.10.0 Best regards, Hans Ekkehard Plesser President, The NEST Initiative -- Dr. Hans Ekkehard Plesser, Associate Professor Section Head Dept. of Mathematical Sciences and Technology Norwegian University of Life Sciences PO Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway Phone +47 6723 1560 Email hans.ekkehard.plesser(a)nmbu.no Home http://arken.umb.no/~plesser

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Carnegie Mellon - University of Pittsburgh Joint Summer Undergraduate Program in Computational Neuroscience
by Tai Sing Lee Jan. 4, 2016

Jan. 4, 2016

Carnegie Mellon - University of Pittsburgh Joint Summer Undergraduate Program in Computational Neuroscience Undergraduates interested in receiving research training in computational neuroscience are encouraged to apply to an NIH-sponsored summer program at the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition in Pittsburgh. The Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition is a joint interdisciplinary program of Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. Starting in May of 2016, a select group of talented undergraduates will embark on a 10-week residential program that provides intensive, mentored research experiences in computational and theoretical neuroscience. This program is intended for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation. Any undergraduate may apply, but we are especially interested in attracting students with strong quantitative backgrounds especially juniors and seniors from colleges and universities that do not have extensive research programs, and students from groups underrepresented in the sciences. Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Selected students will receive a stipend and university dormitory housing. The core of the program is the opportunity to carry out an individual mentored research project working closely with a faculty mentor. Other aspects of the scientific program include: faculty research talks, student presentations and discussion of articles from the scientific literature, presentations on career options and scientific ethics, and a concluding symposium in which students present their research. The 2016 program will run from late May through early August, 2016 (precise dates will be announced in March). The final deadline for application is February 16. All participants must be United States citizens or permanent residents, must be enrolled at a 4-year accredited institution, and must be in their sophomore or junior year at the time of application. Students from groups underrepresented in the sciences are encouraged to apply. 2016 uPNC Summer Fellowship Application available here: http://www.cnbc.cmu.edu/images/CNBC_general/upncsummerapplication2016.doc Application can be returned via email or regular mail (see addresses below). In addition to the application, the following items are required for evaluation: A brief (one page) essay about your interest and experience in neural computation. Official transcript from the institution you are attending Two letters from professional references. You should contact your recommenders and ask them to mail or email a letter directly to us. SAT/ACT scores (do NOT have to be official; photocopies are acceptable) Documents should be mailed to: Computational Neuroscience Summer Program Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition Carnegie Mellon University 4400 Fifth Avenue Suite 115 Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2617 CNBC-summer-UG(a)andrew.cmu.edu For more information go to this sites: http://www.cnbc.cmu.edu/summercompneuro

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Request for Information on Neurally-Inspired Computing Principles
by R. Jacob Vogelstein Jan. 4, 2016

Jan. 4, 2016

Hi all, IARPA has just released a new Request for Information (RFI) on "neurally-inspired computing principles," and I'm hopeful that members of this community will submit some interesting whitepapers in response. Note that the RFI is issued solely for information gathering purposes, and does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals. IARPA anticipates that responses to this RFI will be used to help organize a workshop on this topic at the 2016 Neuro Inspired Computational Elements conference ( http://niceworkshop.org/) and to inform future programs in this technical area. The full text of the announcement is published at https://www.fbo.gov/notices/7ea2ad0e075b31c05a011f2d835392a9; a brief synopsis is presented below. -------- Seventy years ago, John von Neumann found inspiration for the design of the EDVAC in what was then known about the design of the brain. However, despite the early influence of neuroscience on what has become known as the von Neumann architecture, the principles of computing underlying today’s state of the art digital systems deviate substantially from the principles that govern computing in the brain. In particular, whereas mainstream computers rely on synchronous operations, high precision, and clear physical and conceptual separations between storage, data, and logic; the brain relies on asynchronous messaging, low precision storage that is co-localized with processing, and dynamic memory structures that change on both short and long time scales. To understand the potential opportunities and challenges in developing next-generation computers that exploit these and other principles of neural computing, IARPA is seeking information from two groups of experts: (1) computer scientists with experience in designing or building computing systems that rely on the same or similar principles as those employed by the brain; and (2) neuroscientists who have credible ideas for how neural computing principles can offer practical benefits for next-generation computers. Responses to this RFI should clearly and concisely answer the questions posed below (to neuroscientists, computer scientists, or both) in one or more of the four topics described in detail in the full text of this announcement (https://www.fbo.gov/notices/7ea2ad0e075b31c05a011f2d835392a9) Topic 1: Spike-based representations Topic 2: Asynchronous computation Topic 3: Learning Topic 4: Co-local memory storage and computation Responses to this RFI are due no later than 5:00pm Eastern Time on January 29, 2016. IARPA appreciates responses from all capable and qualified sources from within and outside of the US. Inquiries to this RFI must be submitted to dni-iarpa-rfi-16-02(a)iarpa.gov. -- R. Jacob Vogelstein, Ph.D. Program Manager ODNI/IARPA 301-851-7497 (office) http://go.usa.gov/FPPJ

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Postdoc position open in Rutishauser Lab (human single-neurons)
by Ueli Rutishauser Jan. 4, 2016

Jan. 4, 2016

*Postdoctoral fellowship in human intracranial electrophysiology: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and California Institute of Technology (Los Angeles)* Applications are invited to join a McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience and NSF funded research program investigating the neural mechanisms of learning and memory in humans. The applicant will work on intracranial single-unit recordings from human subjects, investigating questions related to the encoding and retrieval of memory. This will include experimental work with patients (electrophysiology and behavior), data analysis and processing, spike-train analysis, and experimental design. The focus of this position will be on single-neuron recordings from the medial temporal lobe in epilepsy patients to investigate the role of theta-oscillations in coordinating activity and how such coordination relates to memory. The applicant will have access to state-of-the art equipment, facilities and analytical methods and will be part of an established team of investigators at both Cedars-Sinai and the California Institute of Technology (Ueli Rutishauser, Ralph Adolphs, Adam Mamelak), with ample opportunity to learn new techniques and methods. This position is based on the Cedars-Sinai campus. Candidates should have a recent PhD in systems, cognitive, or computational neuroscience with a track-record of first-author publications. Strong programming (Matlab or similar), data analysis, statistics and electrophysiology skills are essential. Excellent written and oral English communication skills are required, including the ability to communicate with patients and their families. Individuals with previous human intracranial EEG experience and/or macaque single neuron recordings that wish to expand into human single-unit recordings are encouraged to apply. The position is available as early as March 1st 2016, with a competitive salary commensurate with prior experience (NIH scale). The position is available with an initial appointment for one year and renewal based upon satisfactory performance. Applicants must pass background screening and health checks to be able to work with patients. Caltech and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are equal opportunity employers and women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should send a CV, statement of research accomplishments and interests, copies of 2-3 representative publications and contact information for 2-3 reference letters to Ueli Rutishauser at rutishauseru(a)csmc.edu. Informal inquiries are welcome. All information should be sent in pdf format. Further information about the lab can be found at www.rutishauserlab.org .

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Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course 2016: applications open
by Erik De Schutter Jan. 4, 2016

Jan. 4, 2016

OKINAWA/OIST COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2016 Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors June 13 - June 30, 2016 Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Japan https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc The aim of the Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course is to provide opportunities for young researchers with theoretical backgrounds to learn the latest advances in neuroscience, and for those with experimental backgrounds to have hands-on experience in computational modeling. We invite graduate students and postgraduate researchers to participate in the course, held from June 13th through June 30th, 2016 at an oceanfront seminar house of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University. Applications are through the course web page (https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc) only; January 4 - February 5, 2016. Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance in March. Like in preceding years, OCNC will be a comprehensive three-week course covering single neurons, networks, and behaviors with ample time for student projects. The first week will focus exclusively on methods with hands-on tutorials during the afternoons, while the second and third weeks will have lectures by international experts. The course has a strong hands-on component based on student proposed modeling or data analysis projects, which are further refined with the help of a dedicated tutor. Applicants are required to propose their project at the time of application. There is no tuition fee. The sponsor will provide lodging and meals during the course and may support travel for those without funding. We hope that this course will be a good opportunity for theoretical and experimental neuroscientists to meet each other and to explore the attractive nature and culture of Okinawa, the southernmost island prefecture of Japan. Invited faculty: • Erik De Schutter (OIST) • Sophie Deneve (École Normale Supérieure, France) • Kenji Doya (OIST) • Chris Eliasmith (University of Waterloo, Canada) • Tomoki Fukai (RIKEN BSI, Japan) • Michael Häusser (University College London, UK) • Yukiyasu Kamitani (ATR & Kyoto University, Japan) • Etienne Koechlin (École Normale Supérieure, France) • Bernd Kuhn (OIST) • Stefan Mihalas (Allen Institute for Brain Science, USA) • Partha Mitra (Cold Spring Harbor, USA) • Astrid Prinz (Emory University, USA) • John Rinzel (New York University, USA) • Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama (OIST)

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Fully funded PhD position at the University of Ghent, Belgium
by Daniele Marinazzo Jan. 4, 2016

Jan. 4, 2016

The lab of Daniele Marinazzo (www.ugent.be/~dmarinaz) at the department of Data Analysis, Faculty of Psychology and Pedagogical Sciences of the University of Ghent, Belgium, is looking for a PhD student. The position is fully funded for 4 years by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). The research subject involves advanced statistical data analysis of fMRI data. The student will be part of a research group focusing on the development and validation of new methods for the analysis of neuroimaging data, in the framework of a multidisciplinary collaboration with psychologists and clinicians. Both candidates with a technical degree and candidates with a psychology degree but an interest in programming and quantitative analyses are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of at least one programming language (python, matlab, R …) and an interest for multidisciplinary research are required. The University of Gent (www.ugent.be) hosts a vibrant research community and offers excellent facilities to students and employees. The most likely starting date is October 2016 but earlier appointments can be considered. Candidates are invited to send a motivation letter and the names of two referees to Daniele Marinazzo (daniele.marinazzo(a)ugent.be) Informal inquiries and requests for further information are most welcome. -- Daniele Marinazzo -- Department of Data Analysis Faculty of Psychology and Pedagogical Sciences, Ghent University Henri Dunantlaan 1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium +32 (0) 9 264 6375 <http://www.da.ugent.be/>http://users.ugent.be/~dmarinaz/ http://helpdesk.ugent.be/e-maildisclaimer.php -- Daniele Marinazzo -- Department of Data Analysis Faculty of Psychology and Pedagogical Sciences, Ghent University Henri Dunantlaan 1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium +32 (0) 9 264 6375 <http://www.da.ugent.be/>http://users.ugent.be/~dmarinaz/ http://helpdesk.ugent.be/e-maildisclaimer.php

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XPPAUT 8.0
by Ermentrout, G Bard Jan. 4, 2016

Jan. 4, 2016

I am happy to announce that the new version of XPPAUT is now available for download at: http://www.math.pitt.edu/~bard/xpp/xpp.html The new version uses the most recent version of AUTO and allows for much better two-parameter continuation of periodic and homoclinic orbits. In addition there are dozens of new command line options and support for CUDA code. -Bard Ermentrout

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Brain, Minds and Machines Summer Course 2016
by Kreiman, Gabriel Jan. 4, 2016

Jan. 4, 2016

What: Brains, Minds and Machines Summer Course When: 08/15/2016 through 09/05/2016 Application Deadline: March 14, 2016 Link to application forms: https://ws2.mbl.edu/studentapp/studentapp.asp?courseid=BMM Link to course: http://cbmm.mit.edu/summer-school/2016 The Brains, Minds and Machines Summer Course will be held at MBL, Woods Hole, MA, from August 15, 2016 through September 5, 2016. This course is organized by the MIT-Harvard Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines (CBMM). The goal of this course is to introduce students with a broad range of backgrounds to cross-disciplinary research in Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, and Computer Science. The first half of the course will focus on the intersection between biological and computational aspects of learning and vision. The second half will focus on high-level social cognition and artificial intelligence, as well as audition, speech, and language processing. Lectures will be complemented by student research projects completed under the supervision of CBMM postdocs and faculty. We will also be hosting an Evening Lecture Series, including speakers from both industry and academia, in the fields of neuroscience, computer science, and cognitive science. Past speakers include: Larry Abbott, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Dorin Comaniciu, Siemens Corporate Technology Amnon Shashua, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mobileye, OrCam Eero Simoncelli, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University 2015 Invited Course Faculty: DiCarlo, Jim, MIT Freiwald, Winrich, Rockefeller University Kanwisher, Nancy, MIT Katz, Boris, MIT Koch, Christof, Allen Institute for Brain Research Kreiman, Gabriel, Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School Poggio, Tomaso, MIT Rosasco, Lorenzo, Italian Institute of Technology Saxe, Rebecca, MIT Schulz, Laura, MIT Spelke, Liz, Harvard University Tenenbaum, Joshua, MIT Wilson, Matthew, MIT Winston, Patrick, MIT Please visit our website for more details: http://cbmm.mit.edu/summer-school/2016 This course is recommended for PhD students and Postdocs. The application deadline is March 14, 2016. The online application form can be found at: https://ws2.mbl.edu/studentapp/studentapp.asp?courseid=BMM Tuition, MBL room & board are provided by an NSF Science and Technology Center award to the Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines, Grant No. CCF-1231216. Gabriel Kreiman klab.tch.harvard.edu Use "9265358979" anywhere in the message body to ensure that your message navigates through anti spam filters

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Two funded PhD and one postdoc position in theoretical neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research
by Gjorgjieva, Julijana Jan. 3, 2016

Jan. 3, 2016

We invite applications for two funded PhD and one postdoctoral research position in our group “Computation in Neural Circuits” at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt, Germany. We use mathematical and computational approaches to study how neurons and the connections between them tune their properties during brain development to ensure appropriate network dynamics, and how adult function and behavior emerge from a diversity of mechanisms. We collaborate with experimental research groups internationally, including the US, UK and the Netherlands, and we will benefit from interactions with the strong neuroscience community in Frankfurt. Successful applicants can work on a range of projects including data analysis, theoretical model development and analytical calculations, numerical simulations, and applications to novel datasets from collaborating labs. Applicants should have a strong quantitative background (in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, quantitative biology or related fields) and interest in interdisciplinary research. Background in neuroscience and good programming skills are desirable, but not essential. Postdoc candidates must have (or will soon be awarded) a PhD in the relevant quantitative disciplines. The positions can start as early as June 1, 2016. For more information or an informal discussion, contact Dr Julijana Gjorgjieva at gjorgjieva(a)brandeis.edu To apply for these positions, please submit the following to gjorgjieva(a)brandeis.edu: 1. A curriculum vitae 2. PhD candidates: a short motivation letter Postdoc candidates: a description of research interests 3. Contact details for 2-3 referees 4. If available, a written sample of scientific research, e.g. a manuscript, thesis, or other work product Our institute also hosts the IMPRS graduate school in “Neural Circuits” which currently has an open call for PhD applicants: http://brain.mpg.de/graduate-studies/call.html Julijana Gjorgjieva Max Planck Institute for Brain Research Max-von-Laue-Str 4 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany http://www.people.fas.harvard.edu/~gjorgjieva/

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Deadline Approaching: Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop 2016 Call for Topics
by Ralph Etienne-Cummings Jan. 2, 2016

Jan. 2, 2016

Call for Topic Area Proposals2016 Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop *Telluride, Colorado, June 26 –July 16, 2016* *DEADLINE: January 8th, 2016* We are now accepting proposals for Topic Areas in the 2016 Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop. We support topics and projects in neuromorphic cognition, particularly those that involve solving challenging ‘everyday’ tasks that incorporate domain-specific knowledge, exploration, prediction, and problem solving. In particular, we are interested in projects that hold promise for addressing Grand Challenge types of problems that do not have strong solutions of any form, neuromorphic or not. These Challenge problems should feature long-duration sensorimotor problems that involve autonomous cognitive decision making. Examples might include tasks such as learning a new language, navigating through an unknown environment to locate an object or reach a desired location, visual and auditory understanding of human actions, adaptively manipulating unknown or complex objects in the service of a task, playing a game requiring inference of hidden information or long-term planning and learning, etc. Proposals related to hardware technologies that aim to bring these capabilities to reality are also encouraged. Topic proposals that aim to solve a particular problem using the multidisciplinary experience of participants will be favored over topics that simply gather a large number of people working within a discipline, or using a single technology, or approach. Topic areas for this summer's Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop <http://ine-web.org/> will be chosen from proposals submitted to the organizers. *Topic areas can span a large field; we are looking for leadership in planning activities and inviting good people in a field.* Although past topic areas have tended to be very broad and discipline-oriented (e.g., cognition, audition, vision, robotics, neural interfacing, neuromorphic VLSI, etc.), application-oriented topic areas (e.g., sensor fusion, game-playing robot, object recognition, sound localization, human robot interaction, etc.) are especially desirable. *Topic area leaders will receive housing for themselves and their invitees, and limited travel funds.* Topic area leaders will help to define the field of neuromorphic cognition engineering through the projects they pursue and the people they invite. They shape their topic by inviting speakers and project leaders (the *invitees*) and by initiating topic area project discussions prior to the workshop. Teams of two organizers are required. One of the organizers should be an attendee of a previous Telluride Workshop (in any capacity) and has stayed at the Workshop for at least one week. *Pre-workshop topic area choices and study assignments.* Before the workshop begins, each topic area will be required to prepare and distribute study materials that constitute: 1) an introductory presentation (e.g., pptx, video, review paper) of the fundamental knowledge associated with the topic area that *everyone at the workshop* should be exposed to, and 2) a few critical papers that the participants in the topic area should read before the workshop. The topic area should 3) begin a serious group discussion of the projects (e.g., via Facebook, Skype, email, etc). *The maximum 2-page proposals should include:* 1. Title of topic area. 2. Names of the two topic leaders, their affiliations, and contact information (email addresses). 3. A paragraph explaining the focus and goals of the topic area. 4. A list of possible specific topic area projects. 5. A list of example invitees (up to six names and institutions). No commitments necessary. 6. Any other material that fits within the two-page limit that will help us make a smart choice. *Send your topic area proposal* in pdf or text format to organizers13(a)neuromorphs.net <organizers12(a)neuromorphs.net> with subject line containing "topic area proposal". *Proposals must be received by January 8, 2016*; proposals received after the deadline may still be considered if space is available. *We expect to accept 4-5 topic areas*, each with 5 invitees*.* If your proposal for the topic area is not accepted, we will work with you to see if there is a natural way to include your ideas (and you) into the accepted topic areas. We hope to have significant turn-over each year in the topic areas and leaders to ensure fresh new ideas and participants. See the Institute of Neuromorphic Engineering (www.ine-web.org) for background information on the workshop and neuromorphs.net <https://neuromorphs.net/ws2009/wiki/PastWorkshops> for past workshop wikis. We look forward to your topic proposals! *Deadline: January 8, 2016* *The Workshop Directors:* Cornelia Fermüller <http://www.cfar.umd.edu/~fer/> (University of Maryland), Ralph Etienne-Cummings <http://etienne.ece.jhu.edu/people/ralph/index.html> (Johns Hopkins Univ.) Shih-Chii Liu <https://www.ini.uzh.ch/~shih/> (University of Zurich and ETH Zurich), Timmer Horiuchi <https://www.isr.umd.edu/faculty/horiuchi> (University of Maryland), Katalin Gotthard <http://physiological-sciences.arizona.edu/katalin-gothard> (University of Arizona), Michael Pfeiffer <https://www.ini.uzh.ch/~pfeiffer/index.html> (University of Zurich and ETH Zurich), Francisco Barranco <fbarranco(a)ugr.es> (University of Granada) *Former 2007-2013 Workshop Director:* Tobi Delbruck <https://www.ini.uzh.ch/~tobi/> (University of Zurich and ETH Zurich) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Etienne-Cummings, PhD, FIEEE Professor and Chairman Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Computational Sensor Motor Systems Lab Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics The Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD [image: cid:image001.png@01CFC064.B58B46A0]

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International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS) 2016
by Zachary Kilpatrick Jan. 1, 2016

Jan. 1, 2016

*Abstracts are due by January 7, 2016* https://icmns2016.inria.fr/call-for-contributions/ <https://icmns2016.inria.fr/call-for-contributions/> International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS 2016) at the Congress Center in Juan-les-Pins on the French Riviera May 29 to June 1, 2016 Tutorials: May 29 Main Conference: May 30 - June 1 https://icmns2016.inria.fr/ <https://icmns2016.inria.fr/> CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Wulfram Gerstner (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) John Rinzel (New York University) Antoine Triller (École Normale Supérieure de Paris) Rachel Kuske (U British Columbia) Jonathan Rubin (U Pittsburgh) Hinke Osinga (U Aukland) Carina Curto (Penn State University) Ruben Moreno-Bote (Foundation Sant Joan de Deu) Hiroya Nakao (Tokyo Institute of Technology) Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Si Wu (Beijing Normal University) Alex Roxin (Centre de Recerca Matematica) PROGRAM COMMITTEE Toni Guillamon (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) Roland Potthast (U Reading) Gregory Faye (Université Paul Sabatier ) Wilhelm Stannat (TU Berlin) Jonathan Touboul (College de France) Gilles Wainrib (Ecole Normale Supérieure) Suzanne Ditlevsen (University of Copenhagen) Boris Gutkin (Ecole Normale Supérieure) Martin Wechselberger (U Sydney) Jonathan Rubin (U Pittsburgh) Martin Krupa (INRIA Sophia Antipoilis) Carlo Laing (Massey University) Andre Longtin (U Ottawa) Daniele Avitabile (U Nottingham) Jose Carrillo (Imperial College) Pascal Chossat (Université Nice Sophia Antipolis) Carson Chow (National Institutes of Health) Steve Zucker (Yale University) Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Rachel Kuske (U British Columbia) Laura Sacerdote (Universita di Torino) Reinhard Hopfner (Johannes-Gutenberg Universitat) Olivier Faugeras (INRIA - Sophia Antipolis) Paul Bressloff (U Utah) Steve Coombes (U Nottingham) CONFERENCE CHAIRS Romain Veltz (INRIA - Sophia Anitpolis) Zachary Kilpatrick (U Houston) Evelyn Buckwar (Johannes Kepler Universitat Linz)

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[COSYNE2016] Travel grants, registration, and hotels
by Tomas Hromadka Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2015

==================================================== Computational and Systems Neuroscience 2016 (Cosyne) MAIN MEETING Feb 25 - Feb 28, 2016 Salt Lake City, Utah WORKSHOPS Feb 29 - Mar 01, 2016 Snowbird Ski Resort, Utah www.cosyne.org ==================================================== REGISTRATION AND HOTELS: Travel grants submission is currently open. Online registration is currently open. Hotel booking is currently open. Travel grant application deadlines Dec 31, 2015, 11.59PM PST (Undergraduate Travel Grant) Jan 14, 2016, 11.59PM PST (Other travel grants) Early registration deadline Jan 31, 2016, 11.45PM EST Hotel booking deadlines Jan 19, 2016, Last day for reduced hotel rates at workshops Feb 03, 2016, Last day for reduced hotel rates at main meeting For more detailed information on Cosyne, please visit www.cosyne.org. TRAVEL GRANTS Applications are now open for travel grants to attend the conference. Each awardee will receive at least $500 to help offset the costs of travel, registration, and accommodations. Larger grants may be available to those traveling from outside North America. Special consideration is given to scientists who have not previously attended the meeting, under-represented minorities, students who are attending the meeting together with a mentor, undergraduate students, and authors of submitted Cosyne abstracts. We currently offer four travel grant programs for New Attendees, Presenters, Mentors, and Undergraduates. For details on applying, see cosyne.org, section Travel grants. THE MEETING The annual Cosyne meeting provides an inclusive forum for the exchange of empirical and theoretical approaches to problems in systems neuroscience, in order to understand how neural systems function. The MAIN MEETING is single-track. A set of invited talks are selected by the Executive Committee, and additional talks and posters are selected by the Program Committee, based on submitted abstracts. The WORKSHOPS feature in-depth discussion of current topics of interest, in a small group setting. Cosyne topics include but are not limited to: neural coding, natural scene statistics, dendritic computation, neural basis of persistent activity, nonlinear receptive field mapping, representations of time and sequence, reward systems, decision-making, synaptic plasticity, map formation and plasticity, population coding, attention, and computation with spiking networks. We would like to foster increased participation from experimental groups as well as computational ones. Please circulate widely and encourage your students and postdocs to apply. CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Blaise Aguera y Arcas (Google) Marisa Carrasco (NYU) Edward Chang (UCSF) Greg DeAngelis (Rochester) Mark Goldman (UC Davis) Sonja Hofer (Basel) Richard Mooney (Duke) Mala Murthy (Princeton) Peggy Series (Edinburgh) Reza Shadmehr (Johns Hopkins) Paul Smolensky (Johns Hopkins) Leslie Vosshall (Rockefeller) Xiao-Jing Wang (NYU) ORGANIZING COMMITTEE General Chairs: Maria Geffen (U Penn) and Konrad Körding (Northwestern) Program Chairs: Megan Carey (Champalimaud) and Emilio Salinas (Wake Forest) Workshop Chairs: Claudia Clopath (Imperial College) and Alfonso Renart (Champalimaud) Publicity Chair: Xaq Pitkow (Rice) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Anne Churchland (CSHL) Zachary Mainen (Champalimaud) Alexandre Pouget (U Geneva) Anthony Zador (CSHL) CONTACT cosyne.meeting [at] gmail.com

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Release of NEST 2.10.0
by Jochen Martin Eppler Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2015

Dear NEST users, we're happy to bring you NEST 2.10.0, which contains 303 repository commits by 25 developers since v2.8.0. The most notable changes over v2.8.0 are: * Support for simulations of gap junctions (see Jan Hahne et al., 2015) * Framework for structural plasticity (see Markus Butz et al., 2013 and Markus Butz et al., 2014) * Full support for the K computer (just in case you found one under your Christmas tree ;-)) All users are encouraged to upgrade and adapt their simulation scripts to the changes in the user interface at this point in time to benefit from the improvements in the new version. For a full list of changes and download links, see https://github.com/nest/nest-simulator/releases/tag/v2.10.0 Best regards and a happy new year, Jochen! -- Dr. Jochen Martin Eppler Phone: +49 2461 61-9471 ---------------------------------- Simulation Laboratory Neuroscience Jülich Supercomputing Centre Institute for Advanced Simulation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 Papers: Extracellular Potentials and Electric Field Interactions
by Reinoud Maex Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2015

JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE NEUROSCIENCE http://www.worldscinet.com/jin Call for Papers! Special Issue on Extracellular Potentials and Electric Field Interactions In experimental neuroscience, most electric signals are picked up from the electrolytic (or colloidal) solution that constitutes extracellular (interneuronal) space, yet the origin of these potentials is incompletely understood. Even more, theoreticians have recently argued about the physical principles underlying these phenomena. The present special issue invites experimental and theoretical work that can shed light on electric phenomena in extracellular space, with an emphasis on extracellular potentials and endogenous electric field interactions. The contributions solicited are original research papers and comprehensive reviews on methodological aspects. Submission deadline: 30 September 2016 Contact: Dr. Reinoud Maex reinoud.maex(a)ens.fr Questions that may be addressed are (but are not limited to): 1. The nature of extracellular potentials - What is nature of the electric currents, and what is the velocity (distribution) of the ions involved? Since membrane currents underlie the extracellular currents, what are the relative contributions of synaptic versus voltage-gated channels, excitatory versus inhibitory synapses, capacitive currents? How important are Lorenz forces between currents (due to the generated magnetic fields) and is there a contribution of polarization currents? - Is extracellular space purely resistive, or is a capacitive component involved, and what factors (such as ionic concentration, Debye shielding, etc.) contribute to its resistivity? 2. Modeling of extracellular potentials and electric field interactions - What level of detail is needed to model extracellular electrical phenomena, and which formalism can be employed? How valid is the cable equation, or need slow concentration changes of the major ionic components involved be modeled explicitly? How can LFP calculations be incorporated in simulation software? - Can volume transmission be simulated adequately as volume conductors? Are ephaptic coupling effects adequately simulated in one dimension? 3. Neuronal inference from measured extracellular potentials - What is the importance of the electrode characteristics for the proper interpretation of the measured signals? - What are the underlying assumptions, and limitations, of current-source-density analysis? How valid is the dipole approximation? Why are recent experiments being interpreted in terms of monopoles, and can single-compartmental model neurons generate local field potentials at all? - What can be learned from the power density distribution of signal frequencies? 4. Neurostimulation - What is the effect on neurons of an externally applied current or potential, and what mechanism (or rationale) underlies deep brain stimulation? 5. Physiological roles of extracellular potentials and endogenous electrical fields - Do extracellular potentials contribute to neuron-neuron and neuron-glia communication? Can there be a role for extracellular potentials in the homeostasis, clearance, and volume regulation of extracellular space, and in the control of blood flow and of the blood-brain-barrier. - What is the integrative role of endogenous electrical fields in brain function?

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Fruit Fly Brain Hackathon
by Yiyin Zhou Dec. 29, 2015

Dec. 29, 2015

Fruit Fly Brain Hackathon 2016 FFBH 2016 <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/hackathons/ffbh/2016>March 17, 2016Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 The goal of the hackathon is to bring together researchers interested in developing executable models of the fruit fly brain. Towards that end we will engage systems and computational neuroscientists in modeling, design, implementation and biological validation of an open-source emulation platform of the whole fruit fly brain. All hackathon participants will be provided with an Amazon Machine Image of the recently developed open-source Neurokernel <http://neurokernel.github.io/> platform for executable fruit fly brain circuits. The hackathon is aimed at three main groups of participants: biologists, modelers and software engineers. For biologists, the hackathon focuses on the intuitive modeling and representation of biological data, such as anatomical and recordings data of the fruit fly brain, in the NeuroArch <http://neurokernel.github.io/docs.html> database. For modelers, the hackathon aims at creating/modifying models of neuropils that are compliant with the Neurokernel API <http://neurokernel.github.io/docs.html>. For software engineers, the hackathon focuses on improving the Neurokernel <http://neurokernel.github.io/> platform and its API, and developing new, proof-of-concept features that are needed by biologists and modelers alike. All hackathon participants will be strongly encouraged to collaborate towards the realization of executable fruit fly brain models. The Fruit Fly Brain Hackathon is organized in conjunction with the Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuit, Memory and Computation <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/workshops/bcmc/2016> on March 18-19, 2016. Participants of the hackathon are welcome to attend the workshop. Registration is free but all participants have to register <https://fruit-fly-brain-hackathon16.eventbrite.com/> ( https://fruit-fly-brain-hackathon16.eventbrite.com/) Organizers: Paul Richmond, Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield Adam Tomkins, Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield Nikul Ukani, Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University Yiyin Zhou, Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University More information can be found on the hackathon website: http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/hackathons/ffbh/2016 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Best Regards, Yiyin Zhou, on behalf of the organizers

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ICANN 2016 Barcelona - Second Call
by antonio Dec. 29, 2015

Dec. 29, 2015

2nd Call for Papers 2nd Call for special sessions, workshops, demonstrations ============================================================ *www.icann2016.org* *ICANN 2016 * 25th Annual Conference on Artificial Neural Networks BarcelonaTech (UPC), Barcelona, Spain 6 - 9 September 2016* Special event*: ENNS 25th Anniversary ============================================================ /The International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks (ICANN) is the annual flagship conference of the European Neural Network Society (ENNS). In 2016 the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (BarcelonaTech) will organize the 25th ICANN Conference from //the //6th to //the //9th //of //September 2016 in Barcelona, Spain, in collaboration with the Universit//at//Pompeu Fabra (UPF)./ *INVITED KEYNOTE SPEAKERS* 1. *Wlodek Duch *(Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland) 2. *Erkki Oja *(Aalto University, Helsinki, Finland) 3. *Joaquin Fuster *(University of California at Los Angeles, USA) 4. *Murray Shanahan* (Imperial College London, UK) 5. *Günther Palm*(University of Ulm, Germany) 6. *Stephen Coombes *(University of Nottingham, UK) 7. *Etienne Koechlin*( Pierre and Marie Curie University, France) *IMPORTANT DATES* /Special session / workshop proposals: /15 January 2016 /Proposals for competitions and tutorials:/31 January 2016 /Submission of abstracts and papers: /1 March 2016 /Submission of //d//emonstration proposals: /1 March 2016 /Notification of acceptance:/8 May 2016 /Camera-ready paper and registration: /15 May 2016 /Conference dates:/6-9 September 2016 *CONFERENCE TOPICS* ICANN 2016 will feature the main tracks /Brain Inspired computing/ and /Machine Learning research/, with strong cross-disciplinary interactions and applications. All research fields dealing with Neural Networks will be present at the conference. A non-exhaustive list of topics includes: * Brain Inspired Computing: Cognitive models, Computational Neuroscience, Self-organization, Reinforcement Learning, Neural Control and Planning, Hybrid Neural-Symbolic Architectures, Neural Dynamics, Recurrent Networks, Deep Learning. * Machine Learning: Neural Network Theory, Neural Network Models, Graphical Models, Bayesian Networks, Kernel Methods, Generative Models, Information Theoretic Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Relational Learning, Dynamical Models. * Neural Applications for: Intelligent Robotics, Neurorobotics, Language Processing, Image Processing, Sensor Fusion, Pattern Recognition, Data Mining, Neural Agents, Brain-Computer Interaction, Neural Hardware, Evolutionary Neural Networks. *CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES* Early registration fees have been kept particularly low for this kind of event because ENNS and ICANN aim at full implementation of the academic not-for-profit policy. Undergraduate students (Bachelor and Master level): 90 EUR PhD Students: 200 EUR Regular delegates: 250 EUR *ENNS members have a reduction of 40 EUR* Students can apply for ENNS funded travel grants to attend (see the conference website). *CALL FOR CONTRIBUTED SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS* All scientific communications presented at ICANN 2016 will be reviewed and scientifically evaluated by a panel of experts. The conference will feature three categories of communications: - oral communications (15'+5') - poster communications (on permanent display and 2 hours presentation) - demonstrations Authors willing to present original contributions for any category must submit a manuscript of maximum 8 pages length that will be refereed to international standards by at least three referees. Accepted papers of contributing authors will be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series. Selected papers will be invited after the conference for a full journal paper submission. Authors willing to present a contribution for oral communications and posters without submitting an full manuscript must submit a 1-page abstract that will also be refereed by at least three referees. The abstracts will be published all together in a proceedings section without an author index. In case of program constraints the priority will be given to original contributions accompanied by a full paper submission. Submission of communications will be online. More details are available on the conference website. *WORKSHOPS, SPECIAL SESSIONS, DEMONSTRATIONS,* *COMPETITION PROPOSALS and TUTORIALS* ICANN 2016 invites proposals for workshops, special sessions, demonstrations, competitions and tutorials to be held during the conference. For more information, please refer to the website. *BEST PAPER AWARDS* ENNS will sponsor a maximum of four best paper awards, two in the Brain Inspired Computing track (one poster and one oral communication) and two in the Machine Learning research track. All awardees will be presented during the final ceremony. *ORGANISATION** General Chair:*/ Antonio J. Pons Rivero/(UPC Barcelona, Spain)* Local**co-Chairs:* /Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo/(UPF Barcelona, Spain), /Paul Verschure/(UPF Barcelona, Spain) *Organising Committee Chairs:*/ Daniel Malagarriga/(UPC Barcelona, Spain), /Lara Escuain/(UPC Barcelona, Spain), /Caroline Kleinheny/(ENNS Lausanne, Switzerland) *Honorary Chair: *Alessandro E. P. Villa * Communication* *Chair:*/ Paolo Masulli/(ENNS Lausanne, Switzerland) *********************************************** Antonio J. Pons Rivero General Chair of ICANN 2016 Terrassa School of Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering (ETSEIAT) Nonlinear dynamics, nonlinear optics and lasers Group BarcelonaTech (UPC) Edifici GAIA Rbla. Sant Nebridi, 22 08222 Terrassa, Spain Caroline Kleinheny Secretary of the European Neural Network Society University of Lausanne Internef 137k, Quartier UNIL Dorigny 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland ***********************************************

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Postdoc position
by Dawn Taylor Dec. 28, 2015

Dec. 28, 2015

We currently have openings for postdocs and/or engineers for our NIH-funded study in Parkinson's disease and Deep Brain Stimulation (PIs Dr. Dawn Taylor & Dr. Cameron McIntyre). The goal of this project is to understand how Parkinson's disease alters cortical network processing and how Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) helps to re-normalize motor function. The project involves chronically recording cortical network activity with high-density electrode arrays in our macaque animal models. Extensive neuromotor data will be collected in the normal and Parkinsonian state as well as on and off different types of DBS. This experimental data will be complimented with computational modeling to try to understand the underlying mechanisms as well as identify ways to improve DBS. We are looking for multiple post docs/engineers that can focus on either the animal work, the computational modeling, or both depending on their skills and interests. If interested, please send a CV to Dr. Dawn Taylor at dxt42(a)case.edu. -- Dawn M. Taylor, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Neuroscience, Cleveland Clinic Researcher Scientist, Cleveland VA Medical Center, Functional Electrical Stimulation Center Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering & of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University The Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute 9500 Euclid Ave. / NC30 Cleveland, OH 44195 email: dxt42(a)case.edu or taylord8(a)ccf.org Phone: (216) 636-0140 Fax: (216) 778-4259

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call for illusion submissions: the 12th Best Illusion of the Year Contest
by Susana Martinez-Conde Dec. 24, 2015

Dec. 24, 2015

****CALL FOR ILLUSION SUBMISSIONS: THE WORLD'S 12TH ANNUAL BEST ILLUSION OF THE YEARSM CONTEST**** <http://illusionoftheyear.com> http://illusionoftheyear.com We are happy to announce the 12th edition of world's Best Illusion of the YearSM Contest!! Submissions are now welcome! In 2015, the Best Illusion of the YearSM Contest became an annual online event, with the goal of bringing the creativity of the illusion creator community all around the world. Anybody with an internet connection can now participate! No matter where you live, you can be a contestant, and/or vote for the Top 3 winners! Contestants are invited to submit 1-minute YouTube videos featuring novel illusions (unpublished, or published no earlier than 2015) of all sensory modalities (visual, auditory, etc.) and/or cognitive nature. The content of the 1-minute video presenting your illusion is solely up to you, and the only requirement is that it wows all viewers! Some examples include, but are not limited to: * -A slide presentation, or succession of images, with a voice over (and/or written text, if you prefer) * -A video of yourself describing your illusion * -A video animation/enactment of your illusion An international panel of impartial judges will rate all the videos and narrow them down to the Top 10. Then, online voters around the world will choose their favorite illusions from the Top 10 finalists. All Top 10 finalists will receive a commemorative plaque. In addition, the Top 3 winners will receive cash prizes: $3,000 USD for first place; $2,000 USD for second place, and $1,000 USD for third place. The Judge Panel will rate illusions according to: * -Significance to our understanding of the human mind and brain * -Simplicity of the description * -Sheer beauty * -Counterintuitive quality * -Spectacularity Submissions will be held in strict confidence by the Judge Panel. Only the Top 10 illusions will be posted online, to allow worldwide voting. Participation in the Best Illusion of the YearSM Contest does not preclude you from also submitting your work for publication elsewhere. By participating in the Best Illusion of the YearSM Contest you agree to have your illusion posted on the Contest website, if selected among the Top 10, and included in press releases and other promotional materials/fundraising initiatives for the Contest. You (and your co-authors, if appropriate) will retain the full copyright of your illusion, and receive full credit as illusion creator(s). Illusions submitted to previous editions of the contest can be re-submitted to the 2016 Contest, as long as they meet the above requirements and were not among the Top 3 winners in previous years. You can send your 1-minute video to Susana Martinez-Conde via email ( <mailto:smart@neuralcorrelate.com> smart(a)neuralcorrelate.com) until April 15, 2016. On behalf of the Executive Board of the Neural Correlate Society: Jose-Manuel Alonso, Stephen Macknik, Susana Martinez-Conde, Luis Martinez, Xoana Troncoso, Peter Tse ----------------------------------- Susana Martinez-Conde, PhD Professor of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Physiology & Pharmacology Empire Innovator Scholar Director, Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn NY 11203, USA Email: smart(a)neuralcorrelate.com <mailto:smart@neuralcorrelate.com> Phone: +1 718-270-4520 http://smc.neuralcorrelate.com <http://smc.neuralcorrelate.com/>

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PhD position in Neurotechnology @ Imperial College
by Chadderton, Paul T Dec. 23, 2015

Dec. 23, 2015

Open PhD position in Neurotechnology at Imperial College London in the Chadderton and Clopath labs. The candidate will be doing in vivo electrophysiology in mouse cerebellum and computational modelling of learning-related changes in this circuit. Candidate must be EU national. Project: Biologically inspired computation for real-time motor control Supervisors: Paul Chadderton (http://neuralcircuitsinbehaviour.squarespace.com/) Claudia Clopath (http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/c.clopath/) An important area of robotics research is focused on developing machines that can learn and adapt to changing environments as efficiently as animals. Biological principles underlying the acquisition of motor skills are likely to inspire these new technologies. The aim of our project is to characterise computational principles of motor learning in real time using novel neurophysiological data from a uniquely tractable and well-controlled system, the whisker circuitry of the cerebellar cortex. Neural recordings will reveal how the brain adapts during learning, and will then be used to develop and apply a biologically constrained computational model in an actively sensing robot. For full application instructions, see: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology/cdt/projects/computation_for_moto…

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AREADNE 2016 Call for Abstracts
by John Pezaris Dec. 22, 2015

Dec. 22, 2015

****** CALL FOR ABSTRACTS ****** AREADNE 2016 Research in Encoding and Decoding of Neural Ensembles 22-26 June 2016 Nomikos Conference Centre Santorini, Greece Celebrating 10 Years of AREADNE Conferences http://www.areadne.org info(a)areadne.org INTRODUCTION A fundamental problem in neuroscience is to understand how the activation of neuronal populations gives rise to higher order functions including learning, memory, cognition, perception, action and ultimately conscious awareness. Electrophysiological recordings have revealed considerable information about the firing patterns of single neurons, but it remains largely a mystery how collections of individual neurons interact to perform these functions. Understanding ensemble activity is critical to understanding the brain. CONFERENCE MISSION The AREADNE Conferences have been created to gather global scientific leaders who work on neural ensembles and establish a touch-point for the widely disparate and hybrid field. With a spectacular setting on Santorini, the conferences have been carefully planned to foster discussion and interaction between attendees to encourage the establishment of lasting professional relationships. The meetings continue our efforts to promote systems neuroscience in Greece through creating a world-class forum for cutting-edge research. For 2016, we will be Celebrating Ten Years of AREADNE Conferences! FORMAT AND SPEAKERS The conference will span four days, in morning and early evening sessions. Confirmed speakers include experts in the field of multi-neuron experiment, theory, and analysis (in alphabetic order): Michele Basso Matthias Bethge Rick Born Rosa Cossart James DiCarlo Alexander Ecker Lisa Giocomo Konrad Kording Matthew Larkum Albert Lee John Maunsell May-Britt Moser Stephanie Palmer Xaq Pitkow Michael Roukes Irini Skaliora Stelios Smirnakis Nelson Spruston Gina Turrigiano CALL FOR ABSTRACTS We are currently soliciting abstracts for poster presentation. Submissions will be accepted electronically, and must be received by 12 Feb 2016. Automated email acknowledgment of submission will be provided, and manual verification will be made a few days after submission. Notification of acceptance will be provided by 15 March 2016. Please see our Call for Abstracts page for additional details and submission templates: http://areadne.org/call-for-abstracts ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Dora Angelaki Nicholas Hatsopoulos, co-chair John Pezaris, co-chair Panayiota Poirazi Thanos Siapas Andreas Tolias FURTHER INFORMATION AND SPECIAL NOTE For further information on AREADNE 2016 please see the conference web site http://www.areadne.org or send email to info(a)areadne.org. Please note that the timing of the DENDRITES 2016 meeting (http://dendrites2016.gr) in Crete dovetails quite nicely with the AREADNE 2016 meeting in Santorini. -- Dr. J. S. Pezaris AREADNE 2016 Co-Chair Massachusetts General Hospital 55 Fruit Street Boston, MA 02114, USA john(a)areadne.org

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Announcing Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course 2016
by Erik De Schutter Dec. 22, 2015

Dec. 22, 2015

OKINAWA/OIST COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2016 Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors June 13 - June 30, 2016 Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Japan https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc The aim of the Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course is to provide opportunities for young researchers with theoretical backgrounds to learn the latest advances in neuroscience, and for those with experimental backgrounds to have hands-on experience in computational modeling. We invite graduate students and postgraduate researchers to participate in the course, held from June 13th through June 30th, 2015 at an oceanfront seminar house of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University. Applications are through the course web page (https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc) only; January 4 - February 5, 2016. Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance in March. Like in preceding years, OCNC will be a comprehensive three-week course covering single neurons, networks, and behaviors with ample time for student projects. The first week will focus exclusively on methods with hands-on tutorials during the afternoons, while the second and third weeks will have lectures by international experts. The course has a strong hands-on component based on student proposed modeling or data analysis projects, which are further refined with the help of a dedicated tutor. Applicants are required to propose their project at the time of application. There is no tuition fee. The sponsor will provide lodging and meals during the course and may support travel for those without funding. We hope that this course will be a good opportunity for theoretical and experimental neuroscientists to meet each other and to explore the attractive nature and culture of Okinawa, the southernmost island prefecture of Japan. Invited faculty: • Erik De Schutter (OIST) • Sophie Deneve (École Normale Supérieure, France) • Kenji Doya (OIST) • Chris Eliasmith (University of Waterloo, Canada) • Tomoki Fukai (RIKEN BSI, Japan) • Michael Häusser (University College London, UK) • Yukiyasu Kamitani (ATR & Kyoto University, Japan) • Etienne Koechlin (École Normale Supérieure, France) • Bernd Kuhn (OIST) • Partha Mitra (Cold Spring Harbor, USA) • Astrid Prinz (Emory University, USA) • John Rinzel (New York University, USA) • Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama (OIST) • more tba

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Fully funded postdoctoral position in Machine Learning and Computational Biology at Royal Holloway University of London
by Alberto Paccanaro Dec. 22, 2015

Dec. 22, 2015

[Apologies for cross-posting] Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at the Department of Computer Science of Royal Holloway, University of London. The successful candidates will work with Prof Alberto Paccanaro on different projects in the area of Systems Biology and Network Medicine -- please see http://www.paccanarolab.org/ for a description of the research carried out in the lab. Candidates should have a PhD degree in a relevant quantitative field (e.g. Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering), a strong background in machine learning and a keen interest in computational biology. Previous experience in the area of graphical models would be an asset for this position. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary Centre for Systems and Synthetic Biology (Computer Science and Biological Sciences) at Royal Holloway and collaborators at Imperial College, University of Tennessee and Yale University. The post is therefore ideal for someone with a computer science or maths background who is looking to move into computational biology. The Department of Computer Science is located on Royal Holloway's pleasant campus (see http://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/) in Egham, just outside London. The position is for 30 months, full-time, beginning in the Spring 2016. The starting salary will be up to 37,743 GBP p.a. (about 57,000 USD), with annual increments. The position is funded by a joint BBSRC/NSF grant. Applicants should send a CV including a list of publications, a statement of research interests, and contact information of 3 referees electronically to alberto(a)cs.rhul.ac.uk If you wish to discuss details of the position, please contact Alberto Paccanaro at the same address. Alberto -- ===================================== Prof Alberto Paccanaro Department of Computer Science Royal Holloway, University of London Homepage: www.cs.rhul.ac.uk/~alberto Labpage: www.paccanarolab.org

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

Dec. 21, 2015

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

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

Dec. 21, 2015

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

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Postdoctoral position
by Eran Mukamel Dec. 21, 2015

Dec. 21, 2015

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

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

Dec. 21, 2015

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

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

Dec. 21, 2015

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

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

Dec. 21, 2015

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

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

Dec. 20, 2015

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

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

Dec. 20, 2015

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

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

Dec. 20, 2015

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

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

Dec. 20, 2015

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

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

Dec. 20, 2015

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

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

Dec. 18, 2015

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

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

Dec. 18, 2015

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

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

Dec. 17, 2015

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

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

Dec. 17, 2015

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

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

Dec. 17, 2015

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

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

Dec. 17, 2015

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

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

Dec. 17, 2015

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

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

Dec. 17, 2015

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

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

Dec. 16, 2015

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

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

Dec. 16, 2015

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

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

Dec. 16, 2015

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

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

Dec. 16, 2015

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

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

Dec. 15, 2015

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

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

Dec. 15, 2015

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

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

Dec. 14, 2015

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

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

Dec. 14, 2015

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

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

Dec. 14, 2015

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

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

Dec. 12, 2015

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

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

Dec. 12, 2015

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

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

Dec. 12, 2015

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

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

Dec. 11, 2015

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

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

Dec. 11, 2015

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

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

Dec. 10, 2015

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

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

Dec. 10, 2015

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

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

Dec. 10, 2015

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

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

Dec. 10, 2015

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

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

Dec. 9, 2015

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

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

Dec. 9, 2015

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

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

Dec. 9, 2015

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

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