- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Human Neocortical Neurosolver (HNN) Online Workshop
by Gao, Joyce March 4, 2025

March 4, 2025

Dear all, We invite you to join us for our 2025 Spring Online Human Neocortical Neurosolver (HNN) Workshop! HNN is a user-friendly software tool for interpreting the cell and circuit level origin of human MEG and EEG signals (Neymotin et al 2020, https://hnn.brown.edu) This workshop will be hosted virtually on Wednesday, April 9th from 9 AM - 3 PM (ET). You can find out more about the workshop and sign up here: tinyurl.com/hnn-workshop-registration. Seats are limited, so if you are interested, we recommend signing up today! Our best, Jones Computational Neuroscience Lab Brown University, Carney Institute for Brain Science

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InterfaceNeuro meeting May 7-8 in Atlanta
by Rozell, Christopher J March 4, 2025

March 4, 2025

I’m writing to invite you to attend a conference hosted May 7-8 at Georgia Tech called InterfaceNeuro (https://interfaceneuro.org) which targets the intersection of neuroscience, neuroengineering, clinical/translational research, neurotech industry, and individuals with lived experiences. While each of these areas obviously has their own meetings, this conference is unique in interfacing these areas all together to find points of collaboration. The theme this year is "Integrating Brain, Body, and Machine for Next-Gen Intelligent Interfaces". The program features curated invited talks, a keynote from Dr. Mike Okun, contributed poster sessions, and a featured event focused on patient's lived experiences with neurotechnology. You can see from the program that the curated talks have been chosen to span disciplines and generate discussion. We've minimized registration fees to try and make the meeting as accessible as possible (note that there is no virtual component). Poster submissions are due by March 14 (as part of registration), and there will be a slate of best poster prizes for trainees. This will be the first meeting hosted by Georgia Tech building off of previous offerings by Rice University’s Neuroengineering Initiative, and we are excited to welcome you all to Atlanta. Please reach out if you have questions. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you in May!

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Predoctoral position in the NeuroNanotech MSCA Doctoral Network
by Miguel Valencia Ustárroz March 4, 2025

March 4, 2025

We are seeking a talented predoctoral candidate for the project: "In-vivo assessment of nanotecnologies for smart neuromodulation <https://neuronanotech.eu/phd-projects/in-vivo-assessment-of-nanotecnologies…>" within the NeuroNanotech MSCA Doctoral Network <https://neuronanotech.eu/phd-projects/> HOST INSTITUTION Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA, Spain) & Cajal Insitute (CSIC, Spain) PhD PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project falls within a multidisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research line at the intersection of engineering, nanotechnology, and neuroscience, aiming to develop intelligent neuromodulation systems for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. With a primary focus on Parkinson’s disease (PD), this doctoral thesis project seeks to integrate the expertise of the “Neurophysiological Monitoring and Control Laboratory” at CIMA in Pamplona and the “Neurophysiology and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory” at the Cajal Insitute in Madrid to assess the suitability of nanotechnology-based neural interfaces in the challenge of restoring neural dynamics of motor control. During the project, we will explore the use of nanostructured electrodes and ultra-sensitive spintronic magnetic sensors together with real-time signal processing to develop a proof of concept of a smart-stimulation framework to manipulate motor behaviour in animal models of Parkinson’s disease. The system will pursue high levels of tissue integration and stable performance in recording/stimulation and avoiding electrode degradation. During the project, the candidate will work on key aspects of the development of the neuromodulatory solution such as: 1. In-vivo assessment of long-term biocompatibility of the sensing and stimulation interfaces. 2. Adaptation of the neuromodulation system for the use of in-vivo/freely moving animal models of Parkinson’s disease as a proxy for future human use. 3. Increase our knowledge of the relationship between magnetic and electrophysiological readings. 4. Development of signal processing techniques to de-noise and enhance sensitivity of detection of proposed technologies. 5. Assessment of the functional performance of the smart sensing and stimulation interfaces on the animal models of Parkinson’s disease As a result, the candidate will have the opportunity to learn: 1. Methods and technologies for in-vivo/freely moving electrophysiological recordings, surgery training (including stereotactic methods, multi-site multimodal recordings, and stimulation), animal handling, methods for motor impairment assessment, and viral injections. 2. Histological processing, confocal microscopy 3. Hardware development and control, real-time signal processing, integration of multimodal sources such as video, ephys and sound, data analysis and statistics including AI/ML RESEARCH SUPERVISORs Miguel Valencia Ustárroz (mvustarroz(a)unav.es) Physiological Monitoring and Control Lab <https://cima.cun.es/en/research/research-programs/immunology-immunotherapy-…> @ CIMA Eduardo Martín Montiel (eduardo.martin(a)cajal.csic.es) Neurophysiology and Synaptic Plasticity Lab <https://cajal.csic.es/en/neurophysiology-and-synaptic-plasticity/> @ CSIC RESEARCH GROUP DESCRIPTION The Physiological Monitoring and Control group at CIMA integrates bioengineering and physiology to solve challenges associated with the lack of translational biomarkers in the development of new therapies, limited access to new monitoring technologies in in-hospital and out-of-hospital settings, and precision medicine through the development of personalized diagnostic and treatment methods. To this end, they implement and deploy (i) miniaturized recording systems for electrophysiological recordings (ii) intelligent stimulation systems and (iii) systems for monitoring physiological variables in humans. The goal: to develop and validate new biomarkers and therapeutic approaches that are preferentially applied in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases (although they also find application in metabolic diseases, surgical monitoring, anesthesia, and cancer). The Neurophysiology and Synaptic Plasticity group at Cajal Insitute is focused on the study of the cellular processes and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of synaptic transmission, and particularly in the ability of neurons to regulate the synaptic strength over time and the properties, mechanisms and consequences of astrocyte signalling on neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in the control of motor activity, both in physiological and pathological conditions. APPLICANT’S REQUIREMENTS - A degree/master in engineering, physics, or similar with a deep interest in neurosciences, physiology, and medical engineering - Knowledge of Python/Matlab and interest in hardware integration/control - Previous experience in any of these areas will be highly valued: hardware development, medical electronics, biomedical signal processing, electrophysiology, optogenetics, histological processing, in vitro and in vivo experimentation. ADDITIONAL PHD APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT STEPS No additional requirements apart from those derived from the secondments are considered ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS: - Mobility requirements: candidates have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date. - Research experience: must be doctoral candidates, i.e., not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment. - Candidates must enroll in a doctoral programme in the relevant EU Member State/Associated Country. APPLY NOW!!! @ https://neuronanotech.eu/apply-now/ ---------------------------------------------------- Miguel Valencia Ustárroz, PhD Physiological Monitoring and Control Lab <https://cima.cun.es/en/research/research-programs/immunology-immunotherapy-…> Biomedical Engineering Program CIMA/University of Navarra e-mail: mvustarroz(a)unav.es Tel: + 34 948 194700, ext 2007 http://www.researcherid.com/rid/C-3055-2009 http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5617-5270 https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=7101646864 *CONFIDENCIALIDAD: La información contenida en esta comunicación puede ser confidencial y está destinada para el uso exclusivo del destinatario arriba designado. Si usted no es el destinatario, cualquier divulgación, reproducción, distribución o uso de esta comunicación está estrictamente prohibida. Si usted ha recibido esta transmisión por error le rogamos nos informe de este error. 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Registration is now open for BrainNet 2025 workshop!
by Pascal Helson March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025

Dear all, We are thrilled to announce the fourth BrainNet workshop. If you're interested in exploring how analysis of brain data, network science and different imaging methods can explain more about the brain and its functioning, we cordially invite you to attend the BrainNet 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden, from May 5th to 8th. Our interdisciplinary set of speakers will showcase state-of-the-art methods for analyzing and explaining brain data, offering insights from both theoretical and experimental perspectives. The event is hybrid, you can participate either in person or virtually. For on-site participants, you can submit an abstract for giving a contributed talk! Registration closes on 6th of April 2025. The confirmed speakers are: Adrián Ponce-Alvarez, Polytechnic University of Catalonia Roxana Zeraati, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics Michael Winding, Francis Crick Institute Barbara Hollunder, Charité - University Medicine Berlin Jacob Vogel, Lund University Alex Bhogal, UMC Utrecht Andrew Lehr, University Medical Center Göttingen Sacha van Albada, Research center Jülich Lida Kanari, Open Brain Institute Grégoria Kalpouzos, Karolinska Institutet Katharina Heining, Karolinska Institutet Annegret Habich, Karolinska Institutet Rodrigo Moreno, KTH Dhrubaditya Mitra, Nordita, Stockholm University Josefine Waldthaler, Karolinska Institutet This is a unique opportunity to connect with the experts and the participants, the event is structured with ample time for discussions. You can find all the details – including the preliminary schedule, speaker list, and registration link – on the BrainNet 2025 webpage at https://brainnet2025.carrd.co/. We look forward to seeing you there! Please distribute the link in your networks for anyone who might be interested in attending. Best regards, The BrainNet 2025 Organizing Committee: Pascal Helson, KTH Arvind Kumar, KTH Henri Riihimäki, Nordita, Stockholm University Jason Smith, Nottingham Trent University Gonzalo Uribarri, KTH Sarah Vandenbulcke, KTH

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Student/TA applications are open for Neuromatch summer courses
by Bonnen, Kathryn March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025

Dear colleagues, Student and TA applications are open for Summer 2025 ! This is a great opportunity to learn computational concepts and modeling with students from around the globe. Courses are available in Computational Neuroscience, NeuroAI, Deep Learning and Computational Climate Science. You can apply as a student or a TA (TA positions offer financial compensation). Please share with students/postdocs and your departments. More information below. Thanks, Kate Bonnen Kathryn Bonnen Assistant Professor, School of Optometry Indiana University kbonnen(a)iu.edu<mailto:kbonnen@iu.edu> https://bonnenlab.github.io<https://bonnenlab.github.io/> -- We're thrilled to announce our lineup of immersive courses at Neuromatch Academy! Whether you're a student eager to dive into cutting-edge topics or a seasoned researcher looking to contribute as a Teaching Assistant, we have opportunities tailored for you. 3-week Courses (July 7-25): * Computational Neuroscience<https://neuromatch.io/computational-neuroscience-course/>: Explore the intricacies of the brain's computational processes and join an engaging community of learners. * Deep Learning<https://neuromatch.io/deep-learning-course/>: Delve into the world of artificial intelligence to uncover the principles and applications of deep learning. 2-week Courses (July 14-25): * Computational Tools for Climate Science<https://neuromatch.io/computational-tools-for-climate-science-course/>: Uncover the tools and techniques driving climate science research in this dynamic two-week course. * NeuroAI<https://neuromatch.io/neuroai-course/>: Explore the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence through the lens of generalization. Application Info: * Close: Sunday, March 23rd, at midnight in your local time zone * Decisions: Mid-April * Requirements: * Students are expected to be familiar with Python and have foundational science skills in math/science. * Teaching Assistants should have strong Python skills and a background in the relevant topic. See the course pages for more information. * Link: Apply Here<https://portal.neuromatchacademy.org/> Additional Information: * All courses are synchronous but will be conducted exclusively online, providing flexibility and accessibility. * Participation fees are lower than those of other courses to make education affordable to everybody, no matter their financial background. They are also adjusted for national economic factors. Detailed information about course fees can be found here<https://neuromatchacademy.github.io/widgets/cola.html>. * Teaching Assistants will lead small groups of students, fostering collaborative learning. TA positions offer financial compensation; detailed rates can be found here<https://neuromatchacademy.github.io/widgets/ta_cola.html>. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your knowledge, connect with experts in the field, and contribute to the success of our courses. Apply today and join us on a journey of discovery! Should you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to us at nma(a)neuromatch.io<mailto:nma@neuromatch.io>. We look forward to welcoming you to the Neuromatch Academy family!

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[Call for Abstracts] 5th Inter. Conf. Phil. Mind (15-21 May 2025)
by steven gouveia March 2, 2025

March 2, 2025

Dear All, We are happy to announce the Call for Abstracts for the 5th International Conference Philosophy of Mind: Natural and Artificial Intelligence, which will happen between the 15-21 May 2025 at the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Porto. The conference will be divided into two formats: 15-16 May fully online, and 19, 20 and 21 May 2025 fully in-person in Porto. Keynotes speakers are: * Michael Spezio (Scripps College, USA) * Anna Strasser (LMU-Munich) * Gabriel Mograbi (Federal Uni. Rio Janeiro) * Sara Lumbreras (Uni. Pontificia Comillas, Madrid) * Sofia Miguens (University of Porto). The best submitted talk will receive the Philosophy of Mind Award 2025 (waived fee). More information can be found here: https://ifilosofia.up.pt/activities/5-international-conference-philosophy-m… [deadline: 15 March 2025]. Organizers

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Two fully funded PhD opportunities @University of Plymouth starting October 1, 2025
by Vassilis Cutsuridis March 2, 2025

March 2, 2025

We are excited to offer **** two **** *fully-funded PhD positions* at the University of Plymouth in the fields of Neuromorphic AI, Brain-Computer Interaction, Optimization, and Biosignal Analysis. Details of both opportunities are below. *Generative AI for image and video reconstructions from brain signals* Can we access our inner thoughts and memories from brain signals and reconstruct their visual contents? The project aims to develop an explainable and trustworthy Generative AI pipeline system capable of decoding in real-time electroencephalography (EEG) brain signals of human participants while they are passively viewing or imagining visual content (faces, animals, etc) and of reconstructing their visual content with high fidelity. *Link*: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/postgraduate-research-stu… <https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.plymo…> *Supervisors*: Vassilis Cutsuridis, Giorgio Ganis, Vivek Singh *Contact*: vassilis.cutsuridis(a)plymouth.ac.uk *Enhancing AI Performance with AMD's Neural Processing Units* The project aims to maximize the potential of AMD’s cutting-edge Neural Processing Units (NPUs) in the area of computer vision. This project is partially funded by AMD and the successful candidate will collaborate with AMD researchers. *Link:* https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/postgraduate-research-stu… <https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.plymo…> *Supervisors*: Vasilios Kelefouras, Vassilis Cutsuridis, Krithika Anil *Contact:* vasilios.kelefouras(a)plymouth.ac.uk *Submission deadline* for application materials for both PhD opportunities is *12 noon on March 28, 2025* Feel free to share with anyone who might be interested! --- *Dr Vassilis Cutsuridis* Associate Professor in Computer Science School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, UK, PL4 8AA Email: vassilis.cutsuridis(a)plymouth.ac.uk Web: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/vassilis-cutsuridis *** I work strange hours. You may receive emails from me outside of office hours, but please do not feel you need to reply outside of office hours.

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World wide VVTNS series (fifth season): Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 11:00 am EST| Yonatan Loewenstein, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
by David Hansel March 2, 2025

March 2, 2025

[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 Yonatan Loewenstein ELSC The Hebrew University of Jerusalem On Idiosyncratic Biases in Decision-Making The lecture will be held on zoom on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at *11:00 am EST * To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page *Abstract: *Why do individuals, both humans and animals, exhibit personal biases in two-alternative decision-making tasks, even when no clear reason exists to favor one alternative over another? In this talk, I will explore two competing hypotheses to explain these idiosyncratic biases. The first suggests that such tendencies arise from unique personal experiences, where past associations between actions and feedback influence future choices. The second hypothesis proposes that the bias reflects irreducible microscopic heterogeneities in the dynamics of decision-making networks. I will present experimental data and theoretical findings that support the latter hypothesis, shedding new light on the neural mechanisms behind seemingly irrational preferences. *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.*

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Available PhD Position: Multimodal AI-based Diagnosis of ADHD
by Amir Aly March 1, 2025

March 1, 2025

Dear All *Apologies for cross-posting* We are pleased to announce an opportunity for a tax-free fully funded PhD studentship - *Multimodal AI-based Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) -* at Plymouth University, UK. The closing date for applications is *12 noon on 28th March 2025** (**UK time) **(**The difference in tuition fees between national and international students will be waived for international candidates**)*. This exciting project aims to transform ADHD diagnosis by developing a multimodal Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework that addresses the significant limitations of current, subjective diagnostic practices. Although AI is emerging in ADHD research, its integration into standard clinical practices remains minimal. This project seeks to enhance diagnostic accuracy through a sophisticated integration of AI-driven insights that complement existing approaches. Some basic questions (among others) that this project will try to explore are: 1. How can machine learning and deep learning models be tailored to various data types like neuroimaging to uncover distinct ADHD diagnostic patterns? 2. What methods can be used to analyse fMRI data to delineate active brain regions and their connections, and how can these findings be linked to ADHD behaviours and cognitive functions? 3. How can we refine AI models to handle high data dimensionality and heterogeneity and enhance decision-making transparency in clinical settings using Explainable AI (XAI) methods? 4. What are the best practices to assess the robustness of AI models against the variability in ADHD diagnostic data? This ambitious project will allow the student to engage in a groundbreaking study at the intersection of AI, neuropsychiatry, and healthcare and gain experience in a highly collaborative environment supported by a strong supervisory team and international experts. The research leverages our team's extensive background in neuro-developmental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), where we recently discussed important brain regions related to ASD diagnosis (link) <https://arxiv.org/pdf/2409.15374>. This PhD opportunity offers a deep dive not only into the diagnosis of ADHD using explainable AI but also into other related *co-occurring* disorders like ASD, providing a holistic perspective on patient care and intervention strategies across the spectrum of these interrelated conditions. This project is suitable for students from a broad range of disciplines, including computer science and artificial intelligence. More details about the topic and *how to apply* are available at: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/postgraduate-research-stu… If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me Regards -------------------------------------------- *Dr. Amir Aly*, PhD, FHEA, SIEEE Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Programme Manager of Artificial Intelligence UK and Ireland IEEE RAS Chapter Vice Chair Director of the Centre for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS) School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics Room A307 Portland Square, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA University of Plymouth, UK

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🎉 Applications Now Open for Neuromatch and Climatematch Academy! 🧪
by Courtney Dean Feb. 28, 2025

Feb. 28, 2025

Hello! We're thrilled to announce our lineup of immersive courses at Neuromatch & Climatematch Academy <https://neuromatch.io/courses/>! Whether you're a student eager to dive into cutting-edge topics or a seasoned researcher looking to contribute as a Teaching Assistant, we have opportunities tailored for you. *Please forward this email to folks you think would be interested!* *3-week Courses (July 7-25):* - *Computational Neuroscience <https://neuromatch.io/computational-neuroscience-course/>:* Explore the intricacies of the brain's computational processes and join an engaging community of learners. - *Deep Learning <https://neuromatch.io/deep-learning-course/>:* Delve into the world of artificial intelligence to uncover the principles and applications of deep learning. *2-week Courses (July 14-25):* - *Computational Tools for Climate Science <https://neuromatch.io/computational-tools-for-climate-science-course/>*: Uncover the tools and techniques driving climate science research in this dynamic two-week course. - *NeuroAI <https://neuromatch.io/neuroai-course/>:* Explore the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence through the lens of generalization. *Application Info:* - *Close:* Sunday, March 23rd, at midnight in your local time zone - *Decisions:* Mid-April - *Requirements:* - *Students* are expected to be familiar with Python and have foundational science skills in math/science. See course specific prerequisites here <https://portal.neuromatchacademy.org/>. - *Teaching Assistants* should have strong Python skills and a background in the relevant topic. See the course pages for more information. - *Link:* Apply Here <https://portal.neuromatchacademy.org/> *Additional Information:* - All courses are synchronous but will be conducted exclusively online, providing flexibility and accessibility. - Tuition fees are lower than those of other courses to make education affordable to everybody, no matter their financial background. They are also adjusted for national economic factors. Detailed information about course fees can be found here <https://neuromatchacademy.github.io/widgets/cola.html>. - Teaching Assistants will lead small groups of students, fostering collaborative learning. *TA positions offer financial compensation*; detailed rates can be found here <https://neuromatchacademy.github.io/widgets/ta_cola.html>. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your knowledge, connect with experts in the field, and contribute to the success of our courses. Apply today and join us on a journey of discovery! Should you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to us at nma(a)neuromatch.io. We look forward to welcoming you to the Neuromatch Academy family! *You can find flyers and outreach materials here <https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ghq9Mgt1DjdRDKOFRsgX0Q6K2BRtMjfI?us…>. Post a flyer! Share on social media! Forward this email! Support our efforts to democratize science.* Cheers, Courtney & The Academy Teams -- *Courtney Dean (she, her) * Program Director Schedule a meeting with me! <https://calendly.com/courtney-s-dean> c. 720.371.6559

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Final call: Spring School on Control Theory and Reinforcement Learning (March 17-21, 2025) at CWI, Amsterdam, NL
by Aditya Gilra Feb. 28, 2025

Feb. 28, 2025

Dear all, Final call to register for the Spring School on Control Theory and Reinforcement Learning for starting PhD / advanced Master's students:Dates: March 17-21, 2025.Venue: CWI (Research Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science), Amsterdam, Netherlandshttps://www.cwi.nl/en/events/cwi-research-semester-programmes/spring-school-control-theory-and-reinforcement-learning/ Control theory and reinforcement learning share similar objectives, but have differed in their assumptions and approaches. This spring school emphasises connections across control theory, reinforcement learning and stochastic approximation, enabling students to access these broader themes and start to work on cross-cutting projects. The school will be at a preparatory PhD level, suitable for advanced Master's and starting PhD students in these areas. Distinguished Lecturers:Bert Kappen, Radboud Univ, Nijmegen, NetherlandsDebabrota Basu, Inria, Lille, FranceFrans Oliehoek, TU Delft, NetherlandsMaryam Kamgarpour, EPFL, Lausanne, SwitzerlandSean Meyn, Univ. of Florida, USA This school is part of a research semester programme on Control Theory and Reinforcement Learning at CWI, Amsterdam, NL, which comprises this Spring School (17-21 March), a Workshop on Themes (24-25 March), a Workshop on Modern Applications (20-21 May), and an upcoming one on Theory (19-20 June). Download and advertise the poster. Looking forward to seeing you!On behalf of the organizers.https://www.cwi.nl/en/events/cwi-research-semester-programs/control-theory-and-reinforcement/

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Workshop: "Collective Dynamics and Information Processing in Neural Systems" - Venice, Italy | June 30 - July 02
by Fabrizio Lombardi Feb. 28, 2025

Feb. 28, 2025

Dear All, We invite applications to the workshop "Collective Dynamics and Information Processing in Neural Systems <https://liphlab.github.io/NeuroStatPhys_Satellite/>". The workshop will take place* in Venice, Italy, on 30 June - 02 July 2025* at the European Center for Living Technology (ECLT). Application deadline: *April 15, 2025*. *About the workshop* A longstanding question is how populations of neurons cooperate and coordinate to perform function and maintain an “optimal” state for information processing and computation. While electrophysiological recordings in behaving animals have provided considerable information about what the firing patterns of single neurons encode in isolation, it remains largely a mystery how populations of neurons interact to perform brain functions. How do emergent collective behaviors, such as neuronal oscillations, waves, or avalanches, support function? And what is the nature of the brain’s internal state and how that affects function? With the aim of further strengthening the connection between neuroscience and statistical physics, this satellite workshop is intended to gather neuroscientists, physicists, and mathematicians who work on collective dynamics, cognition and behavior, and provide an interdisciplinary stage to discuss recent theoretical/computational and experimental advances on the role of neural ensembles for brain function. The workshop will be carefully planned to foster discussion and interaction between attendees, and to encourage the establishment of professional relationships. Particular emphasis will be given to participation of young PI’s and scholars and to the diversity in the pool of participants, with a good balance between physicists, mathematicians, theoretical and experimental neuroscientists. *Topics that will be covered in this workshop include (but are not limited to):* - Dynamics of neuronal ensembles: theory and models - Encoding and decoding of neural ensembles - Learning and memory - Control theory and behavior - Statistical inference - Modeling of brain dynamics in health and disease - Criticality in neural systems *Confirmed invited speakers:* - Stefano Fusi (Columbia University) - Gašper Tkačik (IST Austria) - Dietmar Plenz (NIH) - Gianluigi Mongillo (Institut de la Vision) - Raffaella Burioni (University of Parma) - Henrik J. Jensen (Imperial College) - Francesca Mastrogiuseppe (Champalimaud Foundation) - Gaia Tavoni (Washington University in St Louis) - Luca Mazzucato (University of Oregon) - Carlotta Martelli (University Mainz) - Athena Akrami (University College London) - Federico Stella (Donders Institute) - Johannes Felsenberg (FMI Basel) - Ana Paula Millán Vidal (University of Granada) - Michele Allegra (University of Padova) For further information please check the workshop website https://liphlab.github.io/NeuroStatPhys_Satellite/ We hope to see you in Venice! The organizing committee, Fabrizio Lombardi, Lucilla de Arcangelis, Serena Di Santo, Samir Suweis, Ulisse Ferrari, Achille Giacometti, Guido Caldarelli, Elisa Tentori

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Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Neuroscience
by Fleur Zeldenrust Feb. 27, 2025

Feb. 27, 2025

*My lab is looking for a computational neuroscience postdoctoral researcher:* http://ru.nl/en/working-at/job-opportunities/postdoctoral-researcher-in-com… For the Vidi project ‘Top-down neuromodulation and bottom-up network computation,’ we seek a postdoc to study neuromodulators in efficient spike-coding networks. Using our lab’s data on dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin from the mouse barrel cortex, you’ll derive models connecting single cells, networks, and behavior. The aim of this project is to explain the effects of neuromodulation on task performance in biologically realistic spiking recurrent neural networks (SRNNs). You will use the efficient spike coding framework <https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003…>, in which a network is not trained by a learning paradigm but deduced using mathematically rigorous rules that enforce efficient coding <https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008…>(i.e. maximally informative spikes). You will study how the network’s structural properties such as neural heterogeneity influence decoding performance and efficiency. You will incorporate realistic network properties of the (barrel) cortex based on our lab’s measurements <https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12021-022-09576-5> and incorporate the cellular effects of dopamine, acetylcholine and serotonin <https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://doi.org/10.1101…>we have measured <https://academic.oup.com/gigascience/article/7/12/giy147/5232232> over the past years into the network, to investigate their effects on representations, network activity measures such as dimensionality, and decoding performance. You will build on the single cell data, network models and analysis methods available in our group, and your results will be incorporated into our group’s further research to develop and validate efficient coding models of (somatosensory) perception. Therefore, we are looking for a team player who is willing to learn from the other group members and to share their knowledge with them. *Profile* - You hold a PhD in computational neuroscience, mathematics, physics, computer science, AI or a similar computational field. - You have experience working with coding models in computational neuroscience and can perform network simulations, analytical derivations and advanced data analysis. - You are a highly motivated, independent, critical and creative researcher who wants to bridge the gap between real data and abstract theoretical models. - You are a team player, ready to collaborate in a diverse, multidisciplinary research group. - You have an excellent command of spoken and written English. - You have coding experience (in Python and/or Matlab) You will be appointed at the Biophysics of Neural Computation group <https://www.ru.nl/en/departments/donders-centre-for-neuroscience/biophysics…> , Donders Center for Neuroscience <https://www.ru.nl/en/donders-centre-for-neuroscience>, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour <https://www.ru.nl/en/donders-institute>. This vibrant and multidisciplinary institute studies the organisation and function of neural circuits across scales and techniques, from genes and proteins to behaviour and from in vitro and in vivo experiments to computational modelling. It is an open and international environment, where young scientists from different backgrounds share a fascination for the interaction between brain structure and function. There is a lively community <https://www.ru.nl/en/donders-institute/talent-development/postdoc-support> of postdoctoral researchers who are provided with specialised support. *We offer* - We will give you a temporary employment contract of 26 months. - Your salary within salary scale 10 <https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.ru.nl/en/st…>depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week. - You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. - You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days <https://www.ru.nl/en/staff/services/employment-conditions/working-time/flex…> of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. Fleur Zeldenrust -- Fleur Zeldenrust Associate Professor Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour Donders Centre for Neuroscience Faculty of Science, Radboud University Heyendaalseweg 135, room HG 00.111 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands tel +31 24 36 53195 fleurzeldenrust.nl *Due to my own family/work balance, you may receive emails from me outside of normal working hours. I do not expect a response from you outside of your own working pattern, nor do I expect an immediate response when you are working.*

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Launching Heidelberg Open Lab
by Mateusz Kostecki Feb. 27, 2025

Feb. 27, 2025

Hello! I am very happy to announce that we are launching a German node of the Nencki Open Lab (www.nenckiopenlab.org) project. Our goal is to create a local community of neuroscientists, organize workshops on topics ranging from programming and data analysis, through electronics, 3D printing, Arduino to optics and microscopy, symposia,a and summer schools. We will be operating in Heidelberg, Mannheim and Frabkfurt. We organize a kick-off meeting on March 18th at COS, Heidelberg Uni - https://openlabhd.org/2025/02/19/heidelberg-open-lab-kick-off-meeting/. Scientists from all levels of academic career are welcome to join us! Best, Mateusz Kostecki -- --- Mateusz Kostecki PhD Student Knapska Laboratory Nencki Institute 02-093 Warsaw, Pasteura 3, Poland https://twitter.com/mtkostecki https://evolvingbehavior.blog/

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GEM 2025 - Abstract submission deadline 15.03.25
by Vinita Samarasinghe Feb. 27, 2025

Feb. 27, 2025

*REMINDER*: Abstract submission deadline for *GEM 2025* is on *15.03.25*. Please have your submissions in by the deadline. https://www.conftool.net/gem202 <https://www.conftool.net/gem2023/>5/ <https://www.conftool.net/gem2023/>. The DFG-funded research consortium “FOR 2812 – Constructing scenarios of the past” is proud to announce a *call for abstracts* for its biennial conference “/Generative Episodic Memory: Interdisciplinary persepectives from neuroscience, psychology and philosophy/” *GEM 202**5.* It will be held *in person* at the Ruhr University Bochum, Germany from 2^nd to 4^th June, 2025. For more information please visit https://for2812.rub.de/gem2025. Episodic memories are widely regarded as memories of personally experienced events. Early concepts about episodic memory were based on the storage model, according to which experiential content is preserved in memory and later retrieved. However, overwhelming empirical evidence suggests that the content of episodic memory is – at least to a certain degree – constructed in the act of remembering. Even though very few contemporary researchers would oppose this view of episodic memory as a generative process, it has not become the standard paradigm of empirical memory research. This is particularly true for studies of the neural correlates of episodic memory. Further hindering progress are large conceptual differences regarding episodic memory across different fields, such as neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology. This interdisciplinary conference therefore aims to bring together researchers from all relevant fields to advance the state of the art in the research on generative episodic memory. *Keynote speakers: * Ali Boyle (LSE); Neil Burgess (UCL); Iris Engelhard (U. Utrecht); Johannes Mahr (York U.); Jeremy Manning (Dartmouth) *Funding for early career researchers is available *(visit our ECR page <https://for2812.rub.de/gem2025/early_career_researcher_programs> for more details). *Abstract* submission deadline: 15.03.2025 Submission guidelines: Abstracts must be submitted in English and be no longer than 500 words. Submitted work must be original and unpublished and submitted electronically at https://www.conftool.net/gem202 <https://www.conftool.net/gem2023/>5/ <https://www.conftool.net/gem2023/>. Types of submissions: * Talk * Symposium: Must comprise 3 talks and be interdisciplinary in nature, i.e., talks must cover at least two of the following disciplines: computational neuroscience, philosophy, psychology, neuroscience. * Poster /*For more information please visit https://for2812.rub.de or contact Vinita Samarasinghe at for2812(a)rub.de */ Follow us on bluesky @for2812.bsky.social/* */ <https://bsky.app/for2812.bsky.social> Kind regards, Vinita Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience <https://rub.de/cns> Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/73 Postfachnummer 110 Universitätstr. 150 44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27996 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de

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Conference Invitation GRS - inhibition in the CNS!
by Vissers, Nicole Feb. 27, 2025

Feb. 27, 2025

Join Us for the 2025 GRC and GRS on Inhibition in the CNS! The 2025 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Inhibition in the Central Nervous System (CNS) this year is taking place July 5–6, 2025 (GRS) and July 6–11, 2025 (GRC). The GRC will explore inhibition's role in neural circuits related to behavior, focusing on interneuron subtypes, inhibitory synapse organization, sensory processing, memory, and computational approaches. It will also cover inhibition in the adult neurogenic niche, model organisms like mice and primates, and its role in neuropsychiatric disorders. The GRS, for early-career researchers, will focus on subcortical GABAergic neurons, glial and neuromodulatory inhibition, and computational analyses. It offers networking, mentorship, and presentation opportunities, promoting collaboration before the main GRC event. Both events aim to foster idea exchange and scientific collaboration. We look forward to seeing you in Maine for a week of science, collaboration, and community. Don't miss this chance to connect with global leaders in the field of inhibitory neuroscience! For more information, visit: GRS: https://www.grc.org/inhibition-in-the-cns-grs-conference/2025/ GRC: https://www.grc.org/inhibition-in-the-cns-conference/2025/ Or feel free to contact GRS Chair, Nicole Vissers: n.vissers(a)ucl.ac.uk

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Global Research & Entrepreneurship Summit on Open Problems for AI. Tokyo, Japan, 9-11th April 2025 at the Miraikan Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.
by Ruairidh Battleday Feb. 27, 2025

Feb. 27, 2025

Global Summit on Open Problems for AI. Miraikan Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Tokyo, Japan, 9-11th April 2025. What are the next set of challenges for AI algorithms? What are the open problems in regulation & application? We are most excited to announce the Algorithmic Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Summit on Open Problems for AI <http://www.algopreneurship.ai>. Miraikan Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Tokyo, Japan, 9-11th April 2025. Join world-leading AI researchers, policy makers, and entrepreneurs in this global Summit over three days of keynote talks, panels, and breakout sessions. Day 1 - Algorithms We ask what the fundamental challenges for developing AI algorithms are, as well as promising avenues for overcoming them. We’ll be hearing from Dr Shane Gu (Google DeepMind), Dr Taro Toyoizumi (Riken CBS), Dr Kai Arulkumaran (Araya Inc.), Dr Emityaz Khan (Riken AIP), Professor Masanori Koyama (University of Tokyo), Dr James Whittington (Stanford & Oxford University & Zyphra), Dr Lucy Lai (Harvard University), Dr Yusuke Iwasawa (University of Tokyo) Panel on “Is this the end of Scale?” Panel on “How should we fund AI research?” Day 2 - Ethics We ask what the fundamental ethical challenges and opportunities are for AI. Keynotes: Professor Yuko Harayam (Tohoku University; GPAI), Professor Arisa Ema (University of Tokyo & RIKEN CAIP), Dr Colin Rowat (Rakuten, Cambridge), Dr Joe Ledsam (Google Health), Kenny Song (Citadel AI) Panel: Micro Ethics - What Can Individual Researchers Do for Ethical AI? Chair: Nicolay Hagen (NTNU) Panel: Meso Ethics - What Can Organizations Do for Ethical AI? Chair: Professor Skyler Wang (McGill) Panel: Macro Ethics - If AI is the answer, what is the question? Chair: Dr Collin Conwell (Johns Hopkins) Day 3 - Applications and entrepreneurship We ask what the fundamental challenges and opportunities are in applications for social good and entrepreneurship. Keynotes: Professor Yukie Nagai (University of Tokyo), Professor Dan V. Nicolau Jr (Kings College London), Dr Ruairidh McLennan Battleday (Harvard & MIT), Dr Aran Komatsuzaki (Eleuther AI), Dr Conglong Li (Google Deepmind), Takahiro Matsumoto (Cisco / Robust Intelligence), Dr Jungo Kasai (Kotoba Tech) This should be an exciting and productive event, and we expect an audience of 400 of the world’s best AI researchers and entrepreneurs at student, early-stage, and full career levels. Student tickets: $20 for all three days Scientist & Entrepreneur tickets: $20 per day Corporate tickets: $100 per day Reserve your place now! <http://www.algopreneurship.ai> Ruairidh <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruairidh-battleday-648a2b65/>, <https://www.jcrwhittington.com/>Lucy <https://lucylai.com/>, James <https://www.jcrwhittington.com/>, and Dan <https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/dan-nicolau> Thinking About Thinking <https://www.thinkingaboutthinking.org/>

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Deadline extended: Transatlantic Behavioural Neuroscience School, Argentina, Aug 11-22 2025
by Mateusz Kostecki Feb. 25, 2025

Feb. 25, 2025

Hello! We are happy to announce that we have extended the deadline for application to Transatlantic Behavioral Neuroscience School till March 2nd! During our school you will learn how to deliver stimuli or modify the environment in which the animal is embedded with Arduino-based devices and Bonsai code; you will design and 3D-print cases and holders for your instruments. And then you will apply cutting-edge tools (like Deeplabcut or CEBRA) – to extract as much information as possible from your data. But that’s not everything. At TBNS you will listen to fascinating lectures and interact with speakers, who explored bold ideas and made their unique career paths. You will look at what behavior is through many lenses. Most importantly though, you will meet people with similar interests and goals. And you may become a part of our global Open Lab community, and help us to spread the knowledge further! More information and the application form can be found here - https://nenckiopenlab.org/tbns2025/. The deadline for application is Feb 25th, the fee is EUR 1500 but we have secured funding for fee waivers and travel grants if needed. With best wishes, TBNS Team -- --- Mateusz Kostecki PhD Student Knapska Laboratory Nencki Institute 02-093 Warsaw, Pasteura 3, Poland https://twitter.com/mtkostecki https://evolvingbehavior.blog/

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6th International Conference on Mathematics of Neuroscience and AI (Split, Croatia, 27-30 May 2025) - abstract submission extended to 16th March
by Ruairidh Battleday Feb. 25, 2025

Feb. 25, 2025

We are extending abstract submissions for this year’s Conference on Mathematics of Neuroscience and AI to March 16th AOE: www.neuromonster.org In this high-profile conference we hear about new computational theories of the brain and mind, as well as data that challenges old theories. We then take findings and theory back into the creation of robust, generalizable, and scalable AI. We hear from leading researchers over four days, spanning biocomputation, neural theory, cognitive science, and machine learning & artificial intelligence (AI): Keynote Speakers Professor Wolfgang Maas (Graz), Professor Eve Marder (Brandeis), Professor Jay McClelland (Stanford), Professor Christine Constantinople (NYU), Dr Kim Stachenfeld (DeepMind), Professor Kanaka Rajan (Harvard), Dr Ida Momennejad (Microsoft Research), Professor Jacob Foerster (Oxford / Meta). Session Chairs Dr Valeria Fascianelli (Columbia; Biocomputation) Dr Francesca Mignacco (CUNY & Princeton; Biocomputation) Yasmine Ayman (Harvard; Neural theory) Dr James Whittington (Oxford & Stanford; Neural theory) Professor Bill Thompson (UC Berkeley; Cognitive science) Dr Maria Eckstein (DeepMind; Cognitive science) Mikey Lepori (Brown & DeepMind; Machine learning & AI) Professor Ilia Sucholutsky (NYU; Machine learning & AI) Invited Speakers Professor Alex Cayco-Gajic (ENS) Dr Jenelle Feather (Flatiron Institute) Dr Joao Barbosa (Institute for Neuromodulation) Tejas Ramdas (Harvard) Professor Vijay Namdoodiri (UCSF) Professor Annegret Falkner (Princeton) Dr Chen Sun (Mila) Dr Chris Hillar (New Theory AI) Professor Bonan Zhao (Edinburgh) Professor Lisa-Marie Vortmann (Groningen) Dr Felix Sosa (Harvard) Dr Lio Wong (MIT) Location The conference will be held at Croatia’s National Opera Theatre in Split, 10 minutes walk from the ancient harbour. Split is served by two nearby international airports (Split and Dubrovnik) with low-price carriers as well as several ferry lines from the wider Mediterranean. Submissions The submission format is an abstract of 250 words, and we invite submissions for each session via the following Google form: https://forms.gle/a9JDH5B4Z5otS69Y7 These will be accepted for poster, with the best 6 papers in each session category given an additional spotlight talk. Submission deadline is 16th March AOE. We have a very open acceptance policy, and are happy to hear about relevant work that has been submitted to other events. Early bird tickets A limited number of early-bird registrations have been posted on our website! Normal registration will follow after the submission deadline. Come and join the fun! Dr Ruairidh McLennan Battleday (Harvard & MIT) Dr James Whittington (Oxford & Stanford) Dr Ivana Kaljc (DeepMind) Professor Dan V. Nicolau Jr (Kings College London) The Organizing Committee. -- Dr Ruairidh McLennan Battleday BMBCh (Oxon) PhD President Thinking About Thinking (www.thinkingaboutthinking.org) Postdoctoral Research Fellow Center for Brain Science, Harvard University Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines, MIT

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Qualia Structure - Integrated Information Theory Summer School 2025
by Larissa Albantakis Feb. 24, 2025

Feb. 24, 2025

*Deadline of application: Mar 14, 2025 * The QStr (Qualia Structure) - IIT (Integrated Information Theory) Summer School offers an exciting opportunity for students, post-doctoral fellows and junior faculty scholars from around the world to explore the intersection of qualitative aspects of consciousness (or qualia) and scientific objectivity. This event is scheduled to take place in Venice and Bertinoro, Italy from October 5 to 17, 2025. Here is the link to the overview homepage, from which one can apply for it. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hFmabi5KJQRfocvwhXAehIkwFxrCp_Touxp9-Sn… <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hFmabi5KJQR…> Participating faculty Larissa Albantakis Melanie Boly Matteo Grasso Yuko Ishihara Christof Koch William Marshall Lucia Melloni Hedda Hassel Mørch Masafumi Oizumi Steve Philliips Hayato Saigo Giulio Tononi Naotsugu Tsuchiya Makiko Yamada

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Apply Now: FRCCS 2025 Awards for Early-Career Researchers in Complex Systems
by Hocine Cherifi Feb. 24, 2025

Feb. 24, 2025

CSS France invites applications for the *Bertalanffy Doctoral Student Award* and the *Thom Young Researcher Award*, recognizing outstanding early-career researchers in *Complex Systems*. 🏆 *Bertalanffy Doctoral Student Award* (for Ph.D. candidates under 30) 🔗 Details & Application <https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/ccs-france/call-doctoral-student-award/> 🏆 *Thom Young Researcher Award* (for researchers ≤5 years post-Ph.D., under 35) 🔗 Details & Application <https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/ccs-france/call-young-resarcher-award/> 📅 *Deadline:* March 11, 2025 💰 *Prizes:* €500 (Doctoral) / €1,000 (Young Researcher) + FRCCS 2025 presentation opportunity 🚀 *Don’t miss this chance to showcase your research in Complex Systems at FRCCS 2025—apply now!* Best, HC Join us at COMPLEX NETWORKS 2025 <https://complexnetworks.org/> *-------------------------* Hocine CHERIFI University of Burgundy Franche-Comté Laboratoire* I*nterdisciplinaire *C*arnot de *B*ourgogne - ICB UMR 6303 CNRS Editor in Chief Applied Network Science <https://appliednetsci.springeropen.com/> Plos Complex Systems <https://plos.org/complex-systems-research-journal/#:~:text=PLOS%20Complex%2….> 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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World wide VVTNS series (fifth season): Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 11:00 am EST| Songting Li, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
by David Hansel Feb. 23, 2025

Feb. 23, 2025

[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 Songting Li Shanghai Jiao Tong University Timescale localization and signal propagation in the large-scale cortical network The lecture will be held on zoom on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at *11:00 am EST * To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page *Abstract: * In the brain, while early sensory areas encode and process external inputs rapidly, higher-association areas are endowed with slow dynamics to benefit information accumulation over time. This property raises the question of why diverse timescales are well localized rather than being mixed up across the cortex, despite high connection density and an abundance of feedback loops that support reliable signal propagation. In this talk, we will address this question by analyzing a large-scale network model of the primate cortex, and we identify a novel dynamical regime termed "interference-free propagation". In this regime, the mean components of the synaptic currents to each downstream area are imbalanced to ensure signals to propagate reliably, while the temporally fluctuating components of the synaptic inputs governed by upstream areas' timescales are largely canceled out, leading to the localization of its own timescale in each downstream area. Our result provides new insights into the operational regime of the cortex, leading to the coexistence of hierarchical timescale localization and reliable signal propagation. *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.*

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Two postdoctoral research positions in Active Inference at the University of Cape Town
by Jonathan Shock Feb. 23, 2025

Feb. 23, 2025

Postdoctoral Positions in Active InferenceUniversity of Cape Town, South Africa The Shocklab research group in conjunction with the Neuropsychology research group at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is seeking two postdoctoral researchers to join our dynamic team working on Active Inference in relation to affective consciousness. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of computational, cognitive and affective neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, in collaboration with leading researchers in the field including Dr Ryan Smith at the Laureate Institute and lr Charel Van Hoof MBA at TU Delft. About the Position - Duration: One year with possibility of one- or two-year extension - Start Date: Immediate availability - Salary: R540,000 per year, tax free (equivalent to around R740,000 per annum, taxed) - Location: University of Cape Town, South Africa Research Environment Our research group combines expertise in consciousness studies, Active Inference, and Reinforcement Learning, with leads: - Associate Professor Jonathan Shock, Director of the UCT AI Initiative, head of Shocklab and Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. - Professor Mark Solms, Professor in Neuropsychology, author of "The Hidden Spring" and collaborator with Karl Friston on consciousness and Active Inference. The group currently includes two Masters students, one PhD student and one postdoc, all working on Active Inference in foraging environments in the presence of competing needs. The Shocklab group also has a large number of graduate students working on Reinforcement Learning. Graduate student supervision would be an important part of the postdoctoral role. The work is jointly located in the UCT Neuroscience Institute and the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. Project Description The research focuses on studying single and multi-agent Active Inference agents in dynamic environments in which agents must learn to satisfy competing ‘survival’ needs. This programme has a sophisticated inference/sophisticated learning/tree-search focus. The overarching aim is to gain insights into affective consciousness, attention, and need prioritization. This work is supported by donor funding from Conscium, UK. Computing Resources - Access to UCT High Performance Computing cluster - Dedicated Shocklab cluster featuring two RTX 4090 GPUs Required Qualifications - PhD, preferably obtained within the last five years - Strong research background in Active Inference - Programming expertise, particularly in JAX (preferred) Benefits - Competitive salary (R540,000 tax free per year) - Funding for at least one international conference per year, and potential extended research visit at the Laureate Institiute - Opportunity to work in one of the world's most beautiful cities About UCT and Cape Town The University of Cape Town is Africa's leading university, situated at the foot of Table Mountain. The institution has a rich research history and is currently accelerating its research initiatives in AI. Cape Town offers an exceptional quality of life with incredible natural beauty and a flourishing scientific environment. A living costs calculator can be found here: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Cape-Town Application Process Please submit the following materials: - Cover letter and CV - Research history - Future research plans on Active Inference - Three letters of reference Application Deadline: March 15th, 2025 Interviews: late March/early April 2025 Contact: jonathan.shock(a)uct.ac.za with Subject: "ActInf postdoc"

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow: EEG Brain-computer Interface, University of Birmingham
by Howard Bowman Feb. 22, 2025

Feb. 22, 2025

Postdoctoral Research Fellow: EEG Brain-computer Interface, a Brainwave-based Visual Acuity Test Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology and School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham Closes: 6th March 2025 JOB-DESCRIPTION: The Fringe-P3 method (Bowman et al, 2013; Alsufyani et al, 2019) developed out of a line of theoretical work focussed on temporal attention and perception on the fringe of awareness (Bowman & Wyble, 2007; Craston et al, 2009; Avilés et al, 2020). The method provides a means to present a large number of visual stimuli very rapidly to a participant's brain and then determine with EEG, which of those stimuli the participant finds salient. The method has been proposed as a deception detector, specifically, a (countermeasures-resistant) concealed-knowledge test (Bowman et al, 2013, 2014; Alsufyani et al, 2019; Harris et al, 2021; see https://sms.cam.ac.uk/media/2077487/) Previous projects with the company Visionmetric (https://visionmetric.com/) used the Fringe-P3 method to develop a system for extracting the memory of a face. This is done by generating a facial morph that is a weighted average of the faces presented in rapid serial visual presentation, with weight determined by the strength of the P3 that face generated. The Research Fellow being advertised will be employed on a recently awarded MRC Impact Acceleration account at the University of Birmingham, with two companies: Visionmetric and Advanced Ophthalmic Systems (https://aos-hub.com/) This will take the Fringe-P3 method and develop it as an objective visual-acuity test, called the Acuity-P3. Many groups, such as young children, those with learning difficulties and dementia patients find it hard to follow the instructions required to complete a standard visual-acuity test (such as a Snellen chart). As a result, clinical decisions, such as whether to perform cataract surgery, often have to be made without a reliable assessment of vision. We will develop a system by which a brain response (the P3) can be used as an objective measure that a letter has been read. This will provide an objective visual-acuity test, not dependent upon a subjective response. We will also improve the efficiency with which P3s are detected with machine learning and will explore alternative detection modalities, such as pupil dilation. At the University of Birmingham, the work will be undertaken within the School of Psychology and Centre for Human Brain Health, with involvement from the School of Computer Science (where the PI, Bowman, also has an appointment). PERSON SPECIFICATION: Batchelors (and potentially also Masters) degree, as well as a PhD or equivalent qualification in Computer Science, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), Psychology, Neuroscience, or related subjects. Candidates with equivalent industrial experience would also be within scope. Strong programming skills, with experience of or the capacity to learn how to program in Python and C++. Experience of neuroimaging, including data collection, or the capacity to learn such methods. Fluency or capacity to become fluent in relevant models, techniques and methods, e.g. Fieldtrip, Statistical Parametric Mapping, EEG-lab, and ability to contribute to developing new methods. Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Howard Bowman and H.Bowman(a)bham.ac.uk. Full application details can be found here: https://edzz.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_6… Alsufyani, A., Hajilou, O., Zoumpoulaki, A., Filetti, M., Alsufyani, H., Solomon, C. J., ... & Bowman, H. (2019). Breakthrough percepts of famous faces. Psychophysiology, 56(1). Avilés, A., Bowman, H., & Wyble, B. (2020). On the limits of evidence accumulation of the preconscious percept. Cognition, 195, 104080. Bowman, H., Filetti, M., Janssen, D., Su, L., Alsufyani, A., & Wyble, B. (2013). Subliminal salience search illustrated: EEG identity and deception detection on the fringe of awareness. PLoS One, 8(1). Bowman, H., Filetti, M., Alsufyani, A., Janssen, D., & Su, L. (2014). Countering countermeasures: Detecting identity lies by detecting conscious breakthrough. PloS one, 9(3), e90595. Bowman, H., & Wyble, B. (2007). The simultaneous type, serial token model of temporal attention and working memory. Psychological review, 114(1), 38. Craston, P., Wyble, B., Chennu, S. & Bowman, H. "The attentional blink reveals serial working memory encoding: Evidence from virtual & human event-related potentials." Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 21(3):550-566, March 2009. Harris, K., Miller, C., Jose, B., Beech, A., Woodhams, J., & Bowman, H. (2021). Breakthrough percepts of online identity: Detecting recognition of email addresses on the fringe of awareness. European Journal of Neuroscience, 53(3), 895-901. -------------------------------------------- Howard Bowman (PhD) Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience in Psychology and Computer Science at the University of Birmingham Honorary Professor of Imaging Neuroscience at Functional Imaging Lab, University College London email: H.Bowman(a)bham.ac.uk<mailto:H.Bowman@bham.ac.uk> WWW: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/psychology/bowman-howard ?Howard Bowman - ?Google Scholar<https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=pcKQix4AAAAJ&hl=en> School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK Research Groups: Neuroimaging Methods and AI, Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham Perception, Language and Action, Computer Science, University of Birmingham PLORAS (Predicting Language Outcomes and Recovery After Stroke), Functional Imaging Lab, University College London

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Fwd: [seminar.wwtns] Summer School NeuroBridges2025 | In partnership with VVTNS series
by David Hansel Feb. 20, 2025

Feb. 20, 2025

* NeuroBridges 2025* *A Mediterranean, Middle Eastern Summer School in Neuroscience* *Deadline to apply: April 15, 2025* NeuroBridges 2025 is a summer school which will take place between September 7 and September 18, 2025 in Le Centre de Conferences Internationales de Cluny, France (CCIC) <https://streaklinks.com/B3KEKFd397UPDx5n8gyfD1BJ/https%3A%2F%2Fcollegecluny…> . The school will provide an overview of theoretical and experimental frameworks used to study a variety of decision making processes. It will cover different model systems from rodents to humans and a plethora of decision making mechanisms. Another objective of NeuroBridges is to bring together Mediterranean and Middle Eastern scientists, in order to promote scientific cooperation between young researchers from these countries. The organizers of NeuroBridges are convinced that such scientific collaborations can lead to personal relations, which eventually may alleviate the political distress in the Middle East. The school is intended for graduate students and postdocs, primarily, but not only, from the Middle East and the Mediterranean region, either working in their home countries or abroad. Applicants should have some background in related fields in neuroscience or cognitive psychology. All costs of registration and accommodation will be covered by the organizers. A limited number of travel grants will also be available. *Faculty:* - Alaa Ahmed (U. Colorado) <https://www.colorado.edu/mechanical/alaa-ahmed> - Rava Azeredo da Silveira (IOB) <https://www.silveira-lab.com/rava-azeredo-da-silveira> - Ahmed El Hady (Max Planck Institute) <https://www.ab.mpg.de/person/111828> - David Hansel (CNRS) <https://incc-paris.fr/people/david-hansel/> - Mehdi Khamassi (CNRS) <https://pages.isir.upmc.fr/mkhamassi/> - Carole Levenes (CNRS) <https://incc-paris.fr/people/carole-levenes/> - Yonatan Loewenstein (Hebrew U.) <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/people-directory/faculty-members/yonatan-loewenstei…> - Zach Mainen (Champalimaud), TBC <https://mainenlab.org/> - Israel Nelken (Hebrew U.) <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/people-directory/faculty-members/israel-nelken/> - Drazen Prelec (MIT) <https://mitsloan.mit.edu/faculty/directory/drazen-prelec> - Reza Shadmehr (John Hopkins U.) <https://www.shadmehrlab.org/> NeuroBridges is co-organized by Ahmed El Hady (Max Planck Institute), David Hansel (CNRS, Paris), Yonatan Loewenstein (Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel), Carole Levenes (CNRS, Paris), Shir Shapira (Hebrew University of Jerusalem). NeuroBridges 2025 is supported by the Simons Foundation, the Cyril Taylor Charitable FoundationELSC, and is in partnership with VVTNS ( https://www.wwtns.online/) For more information and application, visit our website: https://neurobridges.net/

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