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EMBO Workshop “Astrocytes: From Molecules to Systems,” April 14–18, 2025, Venice International University, Venice, Italy
by De Pitta, Maurizio Nov. 4, 2024

Nov. 4, 2024

Dear colleagues, Please share and disseminate through your network. On behalf of all the organizers, I am happy to announce that registrations are now open for the EMBO Workshop on “Astrocytes: From Molecules to Systems,” which will take place at the exclusive setting of the Venice International University on San Servolo Island in Venice (Italy) on April 14–18, 2025. https://meetings.embo.org/event/25-astrocytes The EMBO Workshop Astrocytes: From Molecules to Systems is the first international meeting dedicated to astrocytes. It showcases an exceptional line-up of renowned investigators in the field of astrocyte biology to provide a multidisciplinary, comprehensive view of astrocyte research aimed at spurring research in the field for the next decade. Participation in the conference is limited to 160 attendees. The primary selection criterion is the quality of the scientific work. A scientific committee, composed of the Organizers and workshop speakers, will evaluate submitted abstracts based on their relevance to the astrocyte field and alignment with the workshop topics. The presentation of unpublished data is encouraged and will be given priority. We strongly encourage participation from PhD students and postdocs. Selected abstracts will be chosen for short talks, flash talks, and/or poster sessions. Registration: To enroll in selections and access the meeting, please pre-register through the website at the end of this message by January 14, 2025. Confirmed Speakers (in alphabetical order): Amit Agarwal, Heidelberg University, Germany Nicola Allen, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, USA Amaia Arranz, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Spain Blanca Díaz Castro, University of Edinburgh, UK Won-Suk Chung, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea Laura Civiero, University of Padua, Italy Carmen Falcone, International School for Advanced Studies, Italy Tommaso Felin, Italian Institute of Technology, Italy Fiona Doetsch, University of Basel, Switzerland Bart de Strooper, University College London, UK Maurizio De Pittà, Krembil Research Institute, Canada Blanca Díaz Castro, University of Edinburgh, UK Carole Escartin, CNRS University of Paris-Saclay, France Cristina García Cáceres, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Germany Angela Giangrande, University of Strasbourg, France Inbal Goshen, The Hebrew University, Israel Naomi Habib, The Hebrew University, Israel Dieter Heiland, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Germany Elly Hol, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, The Netherlands Matthew Holt, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, Portugal Dolores Irala, Duke University Medical Center, USA Stephan Kaeser, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Germany Baljit Khakh, University of California Los Angeles, USA Ksenia Kastanenka, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA Martin Kampmann, University of California, USA Andràs Lakatos, University of Cambridge, UK Pierre Magistretti, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia Keith Murai, McGill University Health Center, Canada Marta Navarrete, Instituto Cajal CSIC, Spain Valentin Nägerl, University of Bordeaux, France Nathalie Rouach, College de France, France Francisco Quintana, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA Aiman Saab, University of Zurich, Switzerland Eduardo Zimmer, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil EMBO Workshop “Astrocytes: From Molecules to Systems” Apr 14–18, 2025 Venice (Italy) https://meetings.embo.org/event/25-astrocytes Thank you for your consideration of the matter. Maurizio De Pitta ----- Maurizio DE PITTA Principal Investigator Neuron-Glia Interactions Lab (NGILab) Krembil Research Institute, 4KD-509 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, CA +1.416.603.5800 ext. 3290 This e-mail may contain confidential and/or privileged information for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review or distribution by anyone other than the person for whom it was originally intended is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please contact the sender and delete all copies. Opinions, conclusions or other information contained in this e-mail may not be that of the organization. If you feel you have received an email from UHN of a commercial nature and would like to be removed from the sender's mailing list please do one of the following: (1) Follow any unsubscribe process the sender has included in their email (2) Where no unsubscribe process has been included, reply to the sender and type "unsubscribe" in the subject line. 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[seminar.wwtns] World wide VVTNS series: Wednesday, Wednesday 6, 2024, at 11:00 am EST
by David Hansel Nov. 3, 2024

Nov. 3, 2024

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture given by Hannah Choi Georgia Tech on the topic of Unraveling information processing through functional networks The lecture will be held on zoom on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at *11:00 am EST * To receive the zoom link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page *Abstract: *While anatomical connectivity changes slowly through synaptic learning, the functional connectivity of neurons changes rapidly with ongoing activity of neurons and their functional interactions. Functional networks of neurons and neural populations reflect how their interactions change with behaviors, stimulus types, and internal states. Therefore, the information propagation across a network can be analyzed through the varying topological properties of the functional networks. Our study investigates the functional networks of the visual cortex at both the single-cell and population levels. Our analyses of functional connectivity of single neurons, constructed from spiking activity in neural populations of the visual cortex, reveal local and global network structures shaped by stimulus complexity. In addition, we propose a new method for inferring functional interactions between neural populations that preserves biologically constrained anatomical connectivity and signs. Applying our method to 2-photon data from the mouse visual cortex, we uncover functional interactions between cell types and cortical layers, suggesting distinct pathways for processing expected and unexpected visual information. *About VVTNS : Launched as the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ ᐧ

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Faculty position of AI and psychology/neuroscience - University of Miami
by Mingbo Cai Nov. 2, 2024

Nov. 2, 2024

*Faculty position of Ai and psychology / neuroscience* The Department of Psychology at the University of Miami invites applications for a full-time, tenure-eligible, or tenure-track faculty member to join our department in August 2025. The opening is part of a College of Arts & Sciences cluster hire dedicated to artificial intelligence (machine learning). Prospective candidates should use artificial intelligence as a core approach in their investigations and/or as a topic of their research. Individuals who also have interests in computational approaches including advanced quantitative techniques are encouraged to apply. The specific area of research is open. Area(s) of focus could include, but are not limited to, basic research on perception, cognition, affect, neurophysiology, language, behavior, mental health, the impact of disparities, learning, development, human computer interaction, deep neural network mechanisms, brain-inspired AI, or computational cognitive neuroscience. The candidate’s research would complement and expand current work in the department using large language models to study naturalistic speech, using machine learning to model emotional communication, and using computational models to explain both neural processing and behavior. Candidates will support and advance UM’s mission to engage in innovative and interdisciplinary AI research across the college and university. The Department of Psychology <https://www.psy.miami.edu/> is a vibrant, collaborative community that includes clinical and psychological sciences faculty across Adult <https://www.psy.miami.edu/graduate/adult-division/>, Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience <https://cbn.psy.miami.edu/>, Child <https://www.psy.miami.edu/graduate/child-division/>, and Health <https://www.psy.miami.edu/graduate/health-division/> Divisions. The mission of the Department is to acquire, advance, and disseminate knowledge within the Psychological and Biobehavioral Sciences, supported through excellent graduate programs <https://www.psy.miami.edu/graduate/doctoral-programs/index.html> and state-of-the-art facilities. The department values and celebrates cultural diversity of all kinds and has an active Diversity and Equity Committee <https://www.psy.miami.edu/about-the-department/dec/index.html>. The greater Miami community is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse metropolitan areas in the country. Applications will be considered at all ranks. Appointment is expected to start on August 15, 2025. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. by the appointment start date. Applications can be submitted via the UM Careers Website <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fumiami.wd…>. Please compile the following documents in *up to five PDFs (each within 5MB) and upload them under the Resume/CV *section of the online application. If you have difficulties uploading any representative publications due to size limitations, please email them directly to our administrative assistant Maria Shah (maria.shah(a)miami.edu) · Letter of interest · Current CV · Research statement · Teaching statement · A statement that explains your contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including comment on mentoring underrepresented populations · 3 representative publications · 3-4 references – we will request letters of recommendation for a final pool of applicants Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries, requests for information, and nominations can be sent to the Search Co-Chairs, Aaron Heller ( aheller(a)miami.edu) and Daniel Messinger (dmessinger(a)miami.edu) *------------------------------* The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Females, Minorities, Protected Veterans, and/or Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here <https://www.hr.miami.edu/careers/eo-ada/index.html> for additional information. Mingbo Cai Assistant Professor Department of Psychology University of Miami

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Announcement of BrainCriticality 2024 3-day conference Nov 6 - 8, 2024, NIH, USA
by Plenz, Dietmar (NIH/NIMH) [E] Nov. 2, 2024

Nov. 2, 2024

Brain Criticality Hybrid Meeting November 6 - 8 2024 (in person/virtual) For registration and details see: https://braincriticality.org/<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbraincrit…> This hybrid meeting will take place at the National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA with ~25 speakers over the course of 3 days. Contributions will cover recent developments in the fields of systems neuroscience and collective phenomena in complex systems with focus on the role of criticality and its implications for normal and abnormal brain dynamics. Dietmar Plenz, Ph.D. Senior Investigator Section on Critical Brain Dynamics National Institute of Mental Health USA "Complexity from simple rules"

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Openings for Postdocs, RAs, and PhD Students in Computational Psychiatry and Neuro-AI (Lin Lab)
by doerlbh＠gmail.com Nov. 1, 2024

Nov. 1, 2024

Dear colleagues, The Lin Lab (Bytes of Minds Lab) at Mount Sinai is actively recruiting Postdoctoral Researchers, PhD Students, and Research Assistants passionate about Computational Psychiatry and Neuro-AI. Led by Dr. Baihan Lin and based within New York’s largest health network, our lab is at the forefront of mental health technology and brain-inspired AI research, combining insights from neuroscience, cognitive science, and machine learning to create adaptive, intelligent systems that can transform mental health care and deepen our understanding of the mind. Why Join Us? - Cutting-edge Research: Our work spans neuro-inspired AI, computational psychiatry, brain-computer interfaces, extended realities (XR), social media analysis, wearable technology, and more. - Interdisciplinary Environment: Engage with advanced neuroscience, machine learning, and cognitive science to create innovative tools for mental health and next-gen neurotechnology. - Unique Positioning: As part of Mount Sinai’s dynamic research community, we have access to extensive data resources and collaborations within a top-tier hospital network, biggest in NY, and ranked #1 in healthcare AI by Nature. We invite interested candidates with a drive to explore the frontiers of mind and machine to join us. For more details, visit linlab.org, or apply directly by emailing Dr. Baihan Lin at baihan.lin(a)mssm.edu. US (and especially NYC-based) candidates preferred, though international applicants are welcome to apply. Best, Baihan Lin, PhD Bytes of Minds Lab (Lin Lab) Departments of AI, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health, Friedman Brain Institute, Center for Computational Psychiatry Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA baihan.lin(a)mssm.edu | linlab.org

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Invitation to EiNS Seminars: Guillermo Cecchi (IBM Research, USA) - AI Challenges for Large Longitudinal Clinical Trials in Mental Health
by Jose A. Fernandez Oct. 30, 2024

Oct. 30, 2024

Dear Comp-Neuro members, You're cordially invited to join us for the upcoming session of the “Explorations in Neuroscience Seminars” (EiNS). We are excited to feature *Guillermo Cecchi* from the *T.J. Watson Institute at IBM Research, USA*, who will be presenting on “*AI Challenges for Large Longitudinal Clinical Trials in Mental Health.*” The lecture will take place on YouTube Live on *Friday, November 15, 2024, at 3 PM (GMT-3)*. We look forward to your participation! Please note that this talk will be conducted in Spanish. Feel free to share this invitation with anyone who might be interested but isn't on our list. *Link:* https://www.youtube.com/ExactasUNCPBA/live Best wishes, *Jose A. Fernandez-Leon Fellenz*Adjunct Professor UNCPBA - Researcher CONICET CIFICEN (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET) & INTIA (UNCPBA-CICPBA) Dept. of Computer Science and Systems - Exactas-UNCPBA *EMail:* jafernandez(a)intia.exa.unicen.edu.ar *Web:* https://jafphd.intia.exa.unicen.edu.ar/ *NeuroAI Lab:* https://neuro-ai-lab.intia.exa.unicen.edu.ar/ ---------------------- *Title: AI Challenges for Large Longitudinal Clinical Trials in Mental Health - * *Guillermo Cecchi (Institute T.J. Watson – IBM Research, USA)* *Abstract: *The recent experience of accelerated vaccine development under the pressure of the covid pandemic, the massive adoption of consumer electronics and the explosion of AI capabilities signal a dramatic shift in the implementation of clinical trials, which have been particularly ineffective and onerous in mental health. We will present results from ongoing and recently completed large longitudinal clinical trials for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Chronic Pain, Prodromal Psychosis and outcomes across all mental health conditions in which massive streams of clinical data are combined with at-home ultra-high frequency digital information including smart phone use, geolocation, and semi-structured and free-form language to provide a holistic and quasi-real time assessment of the participants, and will discuss the analytic and interpretation challenges that emerge in these demanding studies. *BIO:* https://research.ibm.com/people/guillermo-cecchi *Academic background:* Guillermo Cecchi received an education in Physics (MSc, University of La Plata, Argentina, 1991), Physics and Biology (PhD, The Rockefeller University, 1994-1999), and Imaging in Psychiatry (Postdoctoral Fellow, Cornell University 2000-2001). He has been interested in diverse aspects of theoretical biology, including Brownian transport, molecular computation, spike reliability in neurons, song production and representation in songbirds, statistics of natural images and visual perception, statistics of natural language, and brain imaging. In 2001 he joined IBM Research to work on computational approaches to brain function. In recent years, Dr. Cecchi has pioneered the use of a computational linguistics approach to quantify psychiatric conditions from short speech samples, applying it successfully to conditions as diverse as schizophrenia, mania, prodromal psychosis, chronic pain, neurodegeneration, drug and alcohol intake, and psychotherapy. *Areas of research: *Dr. Cecchi directs the Computational Psychiatry and the Neuroimaging groups in IBM Research, and is Associate Director of Analytics for NIH's Advancing Medicines Partnerships - Schizophrenia. From May 2024, Dr. Cecchi is the co-Director of the PREDiCT Center for outcomes forecast across all mental health outpatients in New York City Mt Sinai hospitals (NIH U01 center grant). *About EiNS Seminars*: This online seminar series aims to go beyond the human mind to unlock intelligence across nature and machines. The talks invite a cross-disciplinary exploration of cognitive and decision-making systems, and computational linguistics from biological organisms to Artificial Intelligence. By examining the intricacies of minds embedded in physical bodies or their absence, we aim to uncover novel approaches for developing neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of embodied and cognitive intelligence, exploring how memory, learning, decision-making, environmental awareness, and consciousness manifest across various life forms and AI challenges. Each talk will feature captivating case studies and open dialogue, fostering a collaborative environment for generating fresh perspectives. The talks are recorded only with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody at https://neuro-ai-lab.intia.exa.unicen.edu.ar/eins-seminars.

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Complex Networks 2024 – Program & Registration now Available!
by Hocine Cherifi Oct. 30, 2024

Oct. 30, 2024

We’re thrilled to invite you to Complex Networks 2024! The program is now live, featuring an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers, tutorials, presentations, and sessions that showcase the latest developments in complex networks. *Explore the Program:* Our diverse schedule includes thought-provoking keynotes, hands-on tutorials, oral presentations, and interactive poster and lightning sessions. You can view the full program here: [Link to All Files <https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gEuIWHM5NXkd75Q3fun5zuTyp-lbFu_o?us…> ]. *Key Highlights:* - *Tutorials <https://complexnetworks.org/tutorials/> on December 09:* Join specialized tutorials designed to deepen your knowledge and provide practical skills. - *Keynote Speakers <https://complexnetworks.org/keynotes/>:* Gain insights from renowned experts who will share cutting-edge perspectives on complex network research and applications. - *Program at a Glance <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1paPlcRaZmntRoToxc5Rbq8YampNlNLP2/view>* - *Poster Sessions <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fWZkkYijpASQwZHJfCc5RtnikUwmFCCF/view>* - *Oral Sessions <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MwPeu5RdoCPPbdp_8zmslmOfwK735ewZ/view>* - *Lightning Sessions <https://drive.google.com/file/d/12iZxpGrjcJwMCN4K6gDqkGagWFIEyjkG/view>* *Register Now:* Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with leading researchers and practitioners in the field. If you haven’t registered yet, secure your spot here: [https://complexnetworks.org/registration/] <https://complexnetworks.org/registration/> *Conference Dates and Location:* Conference will be held from December 10, 2024 to December 12, 2024 in vibrant Istanbul. In addition to the sessions, enjoy networking opportunities, including a welcome reception and a gala dinner, to foster collaboration and connection. We look forward to seeing you in Istanbul for an enriching and inspiring event! Best regards, Complex Networks 2024 Organizing Committee Join us at COMPLEX NETWORKS 2024 <https://www.complexnetworks.org/> *-------------------------* Hocine CHERIFI University of Burgundy Franche-Comté Laboratoire* I*nterdisciplinaire *C*arnot de *B*ourgogne - ICB UMR 6303 CNRS Editor in Chief Plos Complex Systems <https://plos.org/complex-systems-research-journal/#:~:text=PLOS%20Complex%2….> Founding & Adisory Editor Applied Network Science <https://appliednetsci.springeropen.com/> Editorial Board member PLOS One <https://journals.plos.org/plosone/>, IEEE ACCESS <https://ieeeaccess.ieee.org/?http%3A%2F%2Fieeeaccess_ieee_org%2F>, Scientific Reports <https://www.nature.com/srep/>, Journal of Imaging <https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jimaging>, Quality and Quantity <https://www.springer.com/journal/11135/>, Computational Social Networks <https://computationalsocialnetworks.springeropen.com/>, Complex Systems <https://www.complex-systems.com/>

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Two PhD positions
by Phil Garner Oct. 30, 2024

Oct. 30, 2024

Dear Colleagues, The Idiap Research Institute in partnership with the Department of Mathematics at Mahidol University seek two PhD students to work on Bayesian Optimisation and training techniques for spiking neural networks. Funded by the Swiss NSF, one student will be based in Martigny in the Swiss alps, the other in Bangkok in Thailand. Exchanges between the two are planned. In addition to promising better understanding of biological processes, spiking nets have persuasive low-power implications. However, they present difficulties associated with their many hyperparameters, binary nature and non-differentiability of the emitted spikes. At Idiap, the project will build on our recent work that has shown that spiking networks are plausible solutions for speech processing tasks. The Bayesian approach will be twofold: In a first thread we will attempt to show that prior information can compensate for discontinuities in the error landscape arising from the binary nature. In a second thread, we will use Bayesian Optimisation techniques to handle the increased number of hyperparameters associated with spiking neurons. At Mahidol, the team will be responsible for designing frameworks for LPNet and neural networks to address the vehicle routing problem (VRP). The project will explore the effectiveness of these approaches in solving VRP and identify their limitations. The ultimate aim is to enhance VRP solutions through our spiking neural network (SNN) framework. The ideal student should have a master's (or equivalent) degree in engineering, computer science, physics, or mathematics. They should have a good background in mathematics, statistics, and programming (C/C++, Python, scripting languages). Candidates should have a deep understanding of ANNs and, ideally, familiarity with SNNs. For more information and to apply, for Idiap: https://careers.werecruit.io/en/idiap/offers/phd---bayesian-methods-for-spi… for Mahidol: https://mathematics.sc.mahidol.ac.th/scholarship-for-phd-in-mathematics-swi… The SNSF SPIRIT program is especially concerned with gender and identity inclusivity; we will emphasize this through the hiring process. In this sense, we particularly encourage applications from female candidates. Sincerely, -- Phil Garner http://www.idiap.ch/~pgarner

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PhD opportunity: computational neuroscience of decision-making and addiction
by mailinglists.4svr4＠simplelogin.com Oct. 29, 2024

Oct. 29, 2024

I am seeking candidates for a potential PhD project at the University of Surrey, investigating how dopamine shapes memory formation and decision-making in healthy and addictive behaviours. Essential Requirements * Strong academic background * Programming skills (or strong willingness to learn) * Advanced statistical knowledge (or strong willingness to learn) * Interest in computational neuroscience and addiction research Funding Information Through the South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc), funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), successful candidates can receive: * Full funding for UK or International students * Living stipend at UKRI rates * Access to advanced research training Previous students from our School have successfully secured these competitive studentships. However, funding is not guaranteed and depends on both the candidate's academic excellence and the strength of the research proposal. If you are interested, please send your CV to c.feherdasilva(a)surrey.ac.uk . I will be happy to discuss the project idea and guide you through the application process. Best regards, Carolina Feher da Silva Lecturer in Psychology University of Surrey Note: This opportunity is open to both UK and International students. The University of Surrey is located in Guildford, 40 minutes from central London.

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Queers in STEM social London
by Niedernhuber,Maria Oct. 29, 2024

Oct. 29, 2024

Dear all Representatives of LGBT university staff networks in London, as well as the organisation Pride in STEM, are organising a social for queer academics, focusing on STEM. Anyone is welcome. Since our social originated at a cognitive and computational neuroscience conference, queer neuroscientists are very well represented, and we hope that this will be a great opportunity to network for queer people in cognitive and computational neuroscience. This is the sign-up link: <https://www.outsavvy.com/event/23202/queers-in-stem-pub-social> https://www.outsavvy.com/event/23202/queers-in-stem-pub-social. If anyone here is interested in co-organising, please shoot me an email, and feel free to forward the sign-up link to anyone you know who might be interested. We are especially still looking for a contact person at the University of Greenwich and at Royal Holloway University of London, which are not represented in the organising team at the moment, to advertise the social in their local LGBT staff network. Feel free to email me to chat about the initiative, and how to get involved! Have a lovely week! Maria (they/them) --- Maria Niedernhuber Postdoctoral researcher in Cognitive Neuroscience Consciousness and Cognition Lab, University of Cambridge Sleep and Cognition Lab, QMUL

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