- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Announcing Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course 2022

by Erik De Schutter

OKINAWA/OIST COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2022 Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors June 13 to June 29, 2022 Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Japan https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc After two consecutive cancelations due to COVID-19, OCNC 2022 will take place on June 13-29, preceding Neuro2022 (https://neuro2022.jnss.org) in Okinawa. Depending on the immigration situation in June the course will be either pure on-site or hybrid: a mixture of on-site and remote. The aim of the Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course is to provide opportunities for young researchers with theoretical backgrounds to learn the latest advances in neuroscience, and for those with experimental backgrounds to have hands-on experience in computational modeling. We invite graduate students and postgraduate researchers to participate in the course, held from June June 13 through June 29, 2022 at an oceanfront seminar house of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University. Applications are through the course web page (https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc) only: January 26 - February 28, 2022. Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance in April. The 17th OCNC will be a shorter course than in the past: a two-week course covering single neurons, networks, and behaviors with time for student projects. Teaching will focus on methods with hands-on tutorials during the afternoons, and lectures by international experts. The course has a strong hands-on component based on student proposed modeling or data analysis projects, which are further refined with the help of a dedicated tutor. Applicants are required to propose their project at the time of application. However in the case of a hybrid format course, only on-site students will receive support for student projects. There is no tuition fee. The sponsor will provide lodging and meals during the course and may provide partial travel support. We hope that this course will be a good opportunity for theoretical and experimental neuroscientists to meet each other and to explore the attractive nature and culture of Okinawa, the southernmost island prefecture of Japan. Invited faculty: • Michael Berry II (Princeton University, USA) • Anne Churchland, Cold Spring Harbor Labs, USA • Erik De Schutter (OIST) • Kenji Doya (OIST) • Gaute Einevoll, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (online) • Tomoki Fukai (OIST) • Boris Gutkin (Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris, France) • Yukiyasu Kamitani, Kyoto University, Japan • Bernd Kuhn (OIST) • Sang Wan Lee, KAIST, South Korea • Devika Narain, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands • Viola Priesemann, MPG Göttingen, Germany (online) • Ivan Soltesz, Stanford University, USA • Greg Stuart, Australian National University, Australia • Greg Stephens (OIST) • Saori Tanaka, (ATR, Japan) • Marylka Yoe Uusisaari (OIST)

Jan. 25, 2022

Special Issue on Computational Neuroscience in the Journal of Physiology

by Michael Okun

Dear Colleagues, We would like to announce a special issue of the Journal of Physiology focused on computational neuroscience, to be published in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the publication of the Hodgkin-Huxley model and to celebrate the 600th volume of the journal. The special issue will include a number of invited reviews covering synaptic and network models, with further information available in the issue's advert flyer: https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/pb-assets/assets/14697793/Affiche_Co… To complement the above reviews, the journal seeks submissions of original research articles in all areas of theoretical and computational neuroscience. The submission deadline is 15th of April 2022. Additional details on the special issue can be found in the official announcement on the journal's webpage: https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/14697793/resources/call-… Thank you, Katalin Toth and Michael Okun

Jan. 24, 2022

[3rd BCI-UC] Final program online

by Philipp Raggam

Dear colleagues, We are very excited to announce that the final program of the 3rd Brain-Computer Interface Un-Conference (BCI-UC) is now online: https://bciunconference.univie.ac.at/3rd-bci-uc/ All presentations are streamed live and free-of-charge on January 27th (Thursday), 2022, from 03:00 pm to 09:00 pm (CET) via: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/3rd-brain-computer-interface-unconference/1 The 3rd BCI-UC features keynotes by *Cynthia A. Chestek* on "Neural Interfaces for Controlling Finger Movements" and by *Thorsten O. Zander* on "The Age of Neuroadaptivity". In addition, we have seven contributed presentations and one panel discussion on a broad range of topics for BCI technologies. We are looking forward to seeing you all at the 3rd BCI-UC! Best regards, The BCI-UC committee: Moritz Grosse-Wentrup Anja Meunier Philipp Raggam Jiachen Xu -- DI Philipp Raggam, BSc Research Group Neuroinformatics Faculty of Computer Science University of Vienna Hörlgasse 6, A-1090 Wien, Austria

Jan. 24, 2022

Update IMRF 2022 in Ulm

by Marc Ernst

Dear colleagues and friends of IMRF, This is just a quick update on the International Multisensory Research Forum (IMRF), scheduled for July 4-7 2022 in Ulm, Germany. ( https://cops.ifp.uni-ulm.de/imrf2022/ <https://cops.ifp.uni-ulm.de/imrf2022/> ) We are monitoring the current pandemic situation very closely and as you are aware, predictions into the longer future have been proven to be very difficult. This uncertainty is why we did not update you earlier. Anyway, here is the current status of our planning and thinking: We are still very determined to host IMRF in the summer of 2022 as an in presence meeting. Whether or not there will be a hybrid addition to IMRF which would allow for also online participation, is not yet determined, as any hybrid format is a huge organisational challenge. To make it easier for you to decide whether or not you can travel to Germany in summer 2022, we have tried to post the deadlines for abstract submission and registration as late as possible. Currently, the abstract submission deadline is set to April 01, the date by which you can also change and adapt your already submitted abstract (and symposium contributions). The review process will start after this date. We strife to keep the already accepted symposia and ask the symposium organisers / attendees to update their information accordingly if individual talks need to be adapted. Please get in contact with us by the submission deadline in case of necessary substitutions, The early registration deadline is set to May 20 giving us a bit more than a month to plan with the number of participants. Given the current pandemic regulations in Germany to not pack rooms as densely as we used to, we may have to limit the number of participants to something around 180 to 200 people. However, as you are aware, the situation and thus rules keep changing. In any case it cannot hurt to register early to secure your space, as limits, if they apply, will be done on a first come first serve basis. Here is a link to the current regulations in the state of Baden Württemberg, which is permanently adapted as the situation changes: https://www.baden-wuerttemberg.de/en/service/aktuelle-infos-zu-corona/coron… <https://www.baden-wuerttemberg.de/en/service/aktuelle-infos-zu-corona/coron…> We will keep you posted as soon as we have more information. Stay safe and healthy - best, Marc --------------------------------------------------------- Prof. Dr. Marc Ernst Applied Cognitive Psychology Faculty for Computer Science, Engineering & Psychology Ulm University Albert-Einstein-Allee 43 89081 Ulm room nr.: 43.3.103 mail: marc.ernst(a)uni-ulm.de <mailto:marc.ernst@uni-ulm.de> phone int.: +49-(0)731-50 320 50 phone ext.: +49-(0)731-50 356 27 sekr: +49-(0)731-50 320 51 mobile: +49-(0)152-22 543 156

Jan. 24, 2022

CRNS Talk Series - Live Talk by Dr. Alessandra Sciutti - Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)

by Amir Aly

**Apologies for cross-posting ** Dear All, The Center for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS <https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/robotics-neural-systems>) at Plymouth University is pleased to announce the talk of *Dr. Alessandra Sciutti* from the *Italian Institute of Technology* (IIT) on Wednesday February 2nd at *11:00 am - 12:30 pm (GMT) *over *Zoom*. Registration is* required* and free: Registration Form <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPms0aWvXSD3xOg3eBEUMt-6vKq-yETd9…> . *Title of the talk*: Cognitive robots for more humane interactions *Abstract*: A cognitive robot is a robot capable to adapt, predict, and pro-actively interact with the environment and communicate with the human partners. Our research leverages on the use of the humanoid robot iCub to test how to build such a cognitive interactive agent. We model the minimal skills necessary for cognitive development, such as the visual features that enable to recognize the presence of other agents in the scene, their internal state and their responses to robot behavior. In a dual approach, we are trying to understand how to modulate robot movement to make it more transparent and understandable to non-expert users. As a next step, we are focusing on the development of simple cognitive architectures that could integrate the sensory and motor capabilities developed in isolation together with memory, internal motivation and learning mechanisms, to achieve personalization and adaptation skills. We believe that only a structured effort toward cognition will in the future allow for more humane machines, able to see the world and people as we do and engage with them in a meaningful manner. --- If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me, Regards ---------------- *Dr. Amir Aly* Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Center for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS) School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics Room B332, Portland Square, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA University of Plymouth, UK

Jan. 23, 2022

DENDRITES 2022: second call for abstracts due on Feb. 1st, 2022

by Yiota Poirazi

DENDRITES 2022 EMBO Workshop on Dendritic Anatomy, Molecules and Function Heraklion, Crete, Greece 23-26 May 2022 http://meetings.embo.org/event/20-dendrites Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the solicitation of abstracts for short oral or poster presentations at the EMBO Workshop on DENDRITES 2022, which will take place in Heraklion, Crete on 23-26 May 2022. This is the 4th of a very successful series of meetings on the island of Crete that is dedicated to dendrites. The meeting will bring together scientific leaders from around the globe to present their theoretical and experimental work on dendrites. The meeting program is designed to facilitate discussions of new ideas and discoveries, in a relaxed atmosphere that emphasizes interaction. We have secured an exciting list of speakers, including: Anthony Holtmaat, University of Geneva, CH Attila Losonczy, Columbia University, US Christine Grienberger, Brandeis University, US David DiGregorio, Institut Pasteur, FR Dan Johnston, University of Texas at Austin, US Hermann Cuntz, Ernst Strüngmann Institute for Neuroscience, DE Holly Cline, The Scripps Research Institute, US Idan Segev, Hebrew University, IL Jackie Schiller, Technion, IL Judit Makara, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, HU Julijana Gjorgjieva, MPI for Brain Research, DE Karen Zito, University of California Davis, US Linnaea Ostroff, University of Connecticut, US Lisa Topolnik, Université Laval, Canada, CA Mark Harnett, MIT, US Peter Jonas, Institute of Science and Technology Austria, AT Terry Sejnowski, Salk Institute, US Wenbiao Gan, New York University, US Please register (no payment required) and submit your abstract online at: http://meetings.embo.org/event/20-dendrites Submissions of abstracts are due by *February 1st, **2022* Notifications will be provided by February 28th, 2022 Registration payment due by April 15th, 2022 Potential attendees are strongly encouraged to submit an abstract as presenters will have registration priority. For more information about the conference, please refer to our web site or send email to info(a)mitos.com.gr We look forward to seeing you in person at DENDRITES 2022! The organizers, Yiota Poirazi, Kristen Harris, Matthew Larkum, Michael Häusser -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Research Director Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385, GR 70013, Heraklion, Crete GREECE Tel: +30 2810-391139 / -391238 Fax: +30 2810-391101 Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr Lab site: www.dendrites.gr

Jan. 23, 2022

CRNS Talk Series - Live Talk by Dr. Alessandra Sciutti - Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)

by Amir Aly

**Apologies for cross-posting ** Dear All, The Center for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS <https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/robotics-neural-systems>) at Plymouth University is pleased to announce the talk of *Dr. Alessandra Sciutti* from the *Italian Institute of Technology* (IIT) on Wednesday February 2nd at *11:00 am - 12:30 pm (BST) *over *Zoom*. Registration is* required* and free: Registration Form <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPms0aWvXSD3xOg3eBEUMt-6vKq-yETd9…> . *Title of the talk*: Cognitive robots for more humane interactions *Abstract*: A cognitive robot is a robot capable to adapt, predict, and pro-actively interact with the environment and communicate with the human partners. Our research leverages on the use of the humanoid robot iCub to test how to build such a cognitive interactive agent. We model the minimal skills necessary for cognitive development, such as the visual features that enable to recognize the presence of other agents in the scene, their internal state and their responses to robot behavior. In a dual approach, we are trying to understand how to modulate robot movement to make it more transparent and understandable to non-expert users. As a next step, we are focusing on the development of simple cognitive architectures that could integrate the sensory and motor capabilities developed in isolation together with memory, internal motivation and learning mechanisms, to achieve personalization and adaptation skills. We believe that only a structured effort toward cognition will in the future allow for more humane machines, able to see the world and people as we do and engage with them in a meaningful manner. --- If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me, Regards ---------------- *Dr. Amir Aly* Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Center for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS) School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics Room B332, Portland Square, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA University of Plymouth, UK

Jan. 23, 2022

We are recruiting a post-doc to work on a project using real-time fMRI neurofeedback

by Steve Weisberg

Hi all, Natalie Ebner and I are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to work on real-time fMRI neurofeedback in the domain of spatial navigation in aging! If you (or someone you know) is interested, please get in touch! The Spatial Cognition and Navigational Neuroscience (SCANN <https://scannlab.psych.ufl.edu/>) and Social-Cognitive and Affective Development <https://ebnerlab.psych.ufl.edu/> Laboratories at the University of Florida are hiring a postdoctoral researcher who will lead real-time fMRI neurofeedback experiments related to the cognitive neuroscience of spatial navigation in aging and age-related pathology. The position will be co-supervised by Dr. Steven Weisberg and Dr. Natalie Ebner, in collaboration with Dr. Dawn Bowers. The initial position is a 2-year appointment, with subsequent renewals depending on funding availability. Preferred start date is *March 1, 2022,* but is negotiable. Salary will be paid at the NIH postdoctoral levels. *If interested, please contact Steven Weisberg *(stevenweisberg(a)ufl.edu) *and Natalie Ebner *(natalie.ebner(a)ufl.edu) *by email and include a CV and two letters of recommendation*. We will accept applications until the position is filled. Please note, if you do not meet the preferred qualifications or are not sure about position fit, *email us anyway*! *Required Qualification: *PhD in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, biomedical engineering, or a related field. *Preferred Qualifications: *(1) Experience with real-time fMRI neurofeedback; (2) Experience with fMRI design and analysis (including FSL, Matlab, or Python tools); (3) Experience with cognitive aging and/or Alzheimer’s disease is a plus. -- --------------------------------------------- *Steven M. Weisberg, PhD * Pronouns: he/him/his Assistant Professor of Psychology University of Florida Director: SCANN Lab <http://scannlab.psych.ufl.edu>

Jan. 21, 2022

Neuroscience data analyst at the European Neuroscience Insitute in Göttingen

by googlemail

The European Neuroscience Institute is looking to fill the position of a data analyst (full time). We are looking for a data analyst with interest and experience in systems neuroscience. Research at the European Neuroscience Institute ranges from molecular biology to human psychophysics and involves a range of model organisms (from drosophila to non-human primates), as well as techniques and approaches (electrophysiology, two-photon imaging, fMRI, EEG, behavior). The data analyst is expected to work closely with all of the research groups at the European Neuroscience Institute, supporting research efforts, e.g. through modelling and statistical analyses of high-dimensional data, image processing, and programming/development of experiments including the opportunity to develop and publish, e.g. analytical tools that arise from this work. • The applicant should possess a university degree (minimum M. Sc. or equivalent) in a relevant field, e.g., statistics, biostatistics, informatics, or similar. Prior experience in the field of systems neuroscience is highly desired. • The applicant should have experience in a research setting utilizing quantitative methods and statistics. The applicant should also demonstrate strong analytical skills. Knowledge of novel and emerging analysis techniques is highly desirable. Future/forward thinking in the area of big data analytics/informatics and applying them to contribute to the research groups’ scientific process is expected. • The applicant should be skilled in the analysis of multivariate datasets to reveal patterns and build models; conduct exploratory data analysis, and communicate with team lead/team members; identify improvements for existing data management and recommend requirements for new systems. • In addition, contribute to replicability by making suggestions for existing data management and recommend requirements for new systems and identify potential data integrity issues. We are committed to open data/open science and appreciate interest and expertise in this area. • Utilize programming languages such as Python, Matlab and/or C++. • A good command of English is mandatory. The University Medical Center Göttingen takes flexible account of the individual design of working hours at the workplace. It is interested in implementing the wishes of its employees as far as possible. If you are interested in this job and have specific questions about working hours, please contact us. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities and equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment. The position is financed until December 31st, 2024 with extension options. The envisioned start date is May 2022 but this is flexible. The deadline for applications is February 28th, 2022. Please send your application (CV, letter of motivation) via e-mail as a single PDF-file to j.clemens(a)eni-g.de. Jan Clemens European Neuroscience Institute Neural Computation and Behavior group Grisebachstr. 5 37077 Göttingen, Germany janclemenslab.org

Jan. 21, 2022

Two postdoc positions in computational and systems neuroscience

by googlemail

Two postdoc positions are available in the lab of Jan Clemens at the European Neuroscience Institute Göttingen, Germany. A major focus of the lab is discovering how sensory information is processed and integrated to drive behavior. We combine high-throughput behavioral assays, machine learning (pose tracking), computational modelling, and modern systems neuroscience tools (calcium imaging and optogenetics). The postdocs to be hired will focus on how different sensory modalities are integrated to organize social interactions in fruit flies, with the goal of identifying the neural substrates and computations driving social behavior. We are going to combine a variety of state-of-the-art techniques, including automated behavioral analyses, optogenetics, in-vivo two photon imaging, and computational modelling. The postdocs will have the opportunity to learn experimental and computational skills in the lab. Your profile: • PhD in neuroscience or biology, physics, engineering, computer science or equivalent. • Experience with at least one of these techniques: calcium imaging, electrophysiology, Drosophila genetics and behavior, computational modelling. • A track record of scientific publications or conference presentations. • Good command of the English language. The position is financed until January 31st, 2025. The envisioned start date is May 2022 but this is flexible. The deadline for applications is February 28th, 2022. Please send your application as a single pdf to Jan Clemens (j.clemens(a)eni-g.de) including a CV as well as names and contact details of two references. Please make sure to include a short statement of why this project interests you and how you think you could contribute, based on your scientific background. Jan Clemens European Neuroscience Institute Neural Computation and Behavior group Grisebachstr. 5 37077 Göttingen, Germany janclemenslab.org

Jan. 21, 2022

Allen Institute Modeling Software Workshop

by Anton Arkhipov

Join us for the inaugural Allen Institute Modeling Software Workshop in beautiful Seattle, on July 25-26, 2022! https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/events-training/2022-mo… Sponsored by the NIH BRAIN program, this workshop is organized by the Allen Institute and our collaborators at the Theoretical and Computational Biophysics Group at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This 2-day in-person* workshop will consist of interactive seminars and hands-on computational work. It will focus on teaching the skills for building and simulating complex and heterogeneous network models grounded in real biological data. The tools covered by the workshop include: * The SONATA file format<https://github.com/AllenInstitute/sonata> for multiscale neuronal network models and simulation output, supporting standardized and computationally efficient storage and exchange of models. * The Brain Modeling ToolKit (BMTK)<https://alleninstitute.github.io/bmtk/> – a Python-based software package for building and simulating large-scale neural network models at multiple levels of resolution. * The Visual Neuronal Dynamics (VND)<http://www.ks.uiuc.edu/Research/vnd/> – a program for displaying, animating, and analyzing neural network models using 3D graphics and built-in scripting. Workshop Topics: * Building heterogenous neural networks at different levels of resolution * Simulating networks of biophysically detailed, compartmental neuronal models * Simulating networks of point-neuron models * Providing realistic spiking inputs to the neural networks * Simulating perturbations * Simulating extracellular electric field * Using and sharing models in the SONATA format * Visualizing network models’ structure and dynamics in 3D We are eager to host a diverse audience, and we encourage trainees, scientists, and PIs to apply. Prior experience in modeling is not required or expected. The Allen Institute strives to make training opportunities available on a fair and equitable basis. Some travel funding is available for participants with financial need. Please indicate on your application whether such support is needed. Applications will be evaluated on a need-blind basis. There is no fee to participate in the workshop. Applications are due on March 15. All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by May 20. *If conducting the workshop in person becomes impossible due to covid-related safety concerns, it will be replaced by an online workshop on the same dates. See more information and apply here: https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/events-training/2022-mo… Anton Arkhipov Associate Investigator T: 206.548.8414 E: antona(a)alleninstitute.org<mailto:antona@alleninstitute.org> [Text Description automatically generated] alleninstitute.org<https://alleninstitute.org> brain-map.org

Jan. 19, 2022

Braincom online international workshop on Current advances on speech neural decoding and prostheses: Jan 26, 2022 (free)

by Blaise Yvert

Dear Colleagues, It is a pleasure to announce the following online workshop organized within the EU Braincom project on Current advances on speech neural decoding and prostheses. This event will feature the current work of EU/UK and US groups in the field. It will be held on January 26, 2022 The program and connection details can be found at the following page : https://sites.google.com/view/braincomspeechprosthesesws/accueil It is free to attend, so don't hesitate to connect and spread the information With my best regards and wishes for 2022, Blaise Yvert. -- Blaise Yvert, PhD. Inserm Research Director Team Neurotechnology and Network Dynamics Grenoble Institute of Neuroscience U1216 Inserm and Univ Grenoble Alpes UFR Chimie Biologie Bâtiment Biologie B 3e étage 2280 rue de la piscine 38400 Saint Martin d'Hères France Tel (admin). +33 4 56 52 03 73 Tel (direct). +33 4 56 52 03 74 Tel (lab). +33 4 56 52 03 81 Tel (mobile). +33 6 32 88 75 90 https://www.neurotech-lab.fr/ https://sites.google.com/view/blaise-yvert/accueil https://neurosciences.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/ http://www.braincom-project.eu/

Jan. 18, 2022

Josh Tenenbaum speaking in Developing Minds global online lecture series, January 27, 16:00 UTC

by Jochen Triesch

Dear colleagues, you are cordially invited to the following talk in the Developing Minds global online lecture series (https://sites.google.com/view/developing-minds-series/home) Josh Tenenbaum, MIT "Reverse Engineering Human Cognitive Development: What do we start with, and how do we learn the rest?“ This live event will take place on: January 27, 2022 16:00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) 17:00 CET (Central European Time) 11:00 EST (Eastern Standard Time) 01:00 JST, January 28 (Japan Standard Time) Abstract: What would it take to build a machine that grows into intelligence the way a person does — that starts like a baby, and learns like a child!? AI researchers have long debated the relative value of building systems with strongly pre-specified knowledge representations versus learning representations from scratch, driven by data. However, in cognitive science, it is now widely accepted that the analogous “nature versus nurture?” question is a false choice: explaining the origins of human intelligence will most likely require both powerful learning mechanisms and a powerful foundation of built-in representational structure and inductive biases. I will talk about our efforts to build models of the starting state of the infant mind, as well as the learning algorithms that grow knowledge through early childhood and beyond. These models are expressed as probabilistic programs, defined on top of simulation engines that capture the basic dynamics of objects and agents interacting in space and time. Learning algorithms draw on techniques from program synthesis and probabilistic program induction. I will show how these models are beginning to capture core aspects of human cognition and cognitive development, in terms that can be useful for building more human-like AI. I will also talk about some of the major outstanding challenges facing these and other models of human learning. Bio: Josh Tenenbaum is Professor of Computational Cognitive Science at MIT in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and the Center for Brains, Minds and Machines (CBMM). He received his PhD from MIT in 1999, and taught at Stanford from 1999 to 2002. His long-term goal is to reverse-engineer intelligence in the human mind and brain, and use these insights to engineer more human-like machine intelligence. His current research focuses on the development of common sense in children and machines, the neural basis of common sense, and models of learning as Bayesian program synthesis. His research group's papers have been recognized with awards at multiple conferences in Cognitive Science, Computer Vision, AI, Reinforcement Learning and Decision Making, and Robotics. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contributions in Psychology from the American Psychological Association (2008), the Troland Research Award from the National Academy of Sciences (2011), the Howard Crosby Warren Medal from the Society of Experimental Psychologists (2016), the R&D Magazine Innovator of the Year award (2018), and a MacArthur Fellowship (2019). He is a fellow of the Cognitive Science Society, the Society for Experimental Psychologists, and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Web: https://web.mit.edu/cocosci/josh.html To attend the talk, please register at: https://sites.google.com/view/developing-minds-series/home Kind regards, Jochen Triesch -- Prof. Dr. Jochen Triesch Johanna Quandt Chair for Theoretical Life Sciences Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies and Goethe University Frankfurt http://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/~triesch/ Tel: +49 (0)69 798-47531 Fax: +49 (0)69 798-47611

Jan. 17, 2022

fully funded PhD position, Univ. of Groningen, NL

by Michael Biehl

A *fully funded PhD position* (4 years) in the *Statistical* *Physics of Neural Networks* is available at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands, see https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/work-with-us/job-opportunities/?details=00347-0… for details. Applications (before March 1) are only possible through this webpage. The title of the project is "The role of the activation function for feedforward learning systems (RAFFLES)". For further information contact M. Biehl. ---------------------------------------------------------- Prof. Dr. Michael Biehl Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence P.O. Box 407, 9700 AK Groningen, The Netherlands Tel. +31 50 363 3997 https://www.cs.rug.nl/~biehl m.biehl(a)rug.nl

Jan. 17, 2022

AREADNE 2022 2nd Call for Abstracts

by John Pezaris

AREADNE 2022 Research in Encoding and Decoding of Neural Ensembles Nomikos Conference Centre, Santorini, Greece 28 June - 2 July 2022 http://areadne.org info(a)areadne.org * * * * SECOND CALL FOR ABSTRACTS * * * * Dear Colleague, We would like to remind you that abstracts for poster presentation at AREADNE 2022 are coming due shortly. AREADNE 2022 will once again bring scientific leaders from around the world to present their theoretical and experimental work on the functioning of neuronal ensembles in an informal yet spectacular setting, and with a relaxed pace that emphasizes interaction. Please see the Call for Abstracts for additional details, including links for templates, at https://areadne.org/call-for-abstracts Submissions of abstracts for poster presentations are due by 21 January 2022; notifications will be provided by 22 February 2022. We strongly encourage potential attendees to submit an abstract as presenters have registration priority. For information about the conference, please refer to the main web page https://areadne.org or send email to us at info(a)areadne.org. We hope to see you at AREADNE 2022, Nicholas Hatsopoulos and John Pezaris, Co-Chairs AREADNE 2022 --- John S. Pezaris, Ph.D. AREADNE 2022 Co-Chair Harvard Medical School Massachusetts General Hospital 55 Fruit Street Boston, MA 02114, USA john(a)areadne.org

Jan. 14, 2022

INCF IC preprint: Recommendations for repositories and scientific gateways from a neuroscience perspective

by Heather Topple

The INCF Infrastructure Committee (IC) - which provides recommendations for the strategic direction of INCF's infrastructure strategy and development - has a preprint available in arXiv. The preprint, titled *Recommendations for repositories and scientific gateways from a neuroscience perspective*, is a set of recommendations that can apply to a wide and diverse range of digital services, both repositories and science gateways, for data as well as software. These recommendations have neurosciences as their primary use case but are often general. Congratulations to authors and members Malin Sandström, Mathew Abrams, Jan Bjaalie, Mona Hicks, David Kennedy, Arvind Kumar, JB Poline, Prasun Roy, Paul Tiesinga, Thomas Wachtler, and Wojtek Goscinski! Learn more about it here: http://bit.ly/INCFICpreprintblog Read the paper here: bit.ly/INCFICpreprintarXiv Please feel free to forward this email to anyone in your network you feel would be interested. All the best, /Heather ---------------------------- Heather Topple, BSc *Project Assistant* *Development and Communications* International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility Secretariat Karolinska Institutet. Nobels väg 15A, SE-171 77 Stockholm. Sweden <https://www.google.com/maps/search/Nobels+v%C3%A4g+15A,+SE-171+77+Stockholm…> Email: heather(a)incf.org Phone: +46 085 248 70 65 incf.org neuroinformatics.incf.org

Jan. 14, 2022

Working group publication: Active Segmentation for ImageJ

by Heather Topple

INCF's Active Segmentation for ImageJ working group - including GSOC students - has just published a paper in Brain Sciences as part of a special issue on neuroinformatics and signal processing. Congratulations to mentors Dimiter Prodanov & Sumit Vohra, and GSOC students Mukesh Gupta, Sanjeev Dubay, Joanna Stachera, Raghavendra Singh Chauhan, & Piyumal Demotte! Learn more about it here: bit.ly/INCFwgActiveSegblog Read the paper here: bit.ly/ActiveSegmentationpaper Please feel free to forward this email to anyone in your network you feel would be interested. All the best, ---------------------------- The INCF Secretariat International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility Secretariat Karolinska Institutet. Nobels väg 15A, SE-171 77 Stockholm. Sweden <https://www.google.com/maps/search/Nobels+v%C3%A4g+15A,+SE-171+77+Stockholm…> Phone: +46 085 248 70 65 incf.org neuroinformatics.incf.org

Jan. 13, 2022

Shanahan Foundation Fellowship at the Interface of Data and Neuroscience - apply now!

by Eric Shea-Brown

Overview The Shanahan Foundation Fellowship at the Interface of Data and Neuroscience is a three-year fellowship program that aims to: · Integrate data scientists in neuroscience research · Challenge traditional approaches to neuroscience · Provide multidisciplinary, multi-organizational co-mentorship · Provide a network and community · Support career development in data science The fellowship is co-hosted by the Allen Institute and the University of Washington (through the eScience Institute and the Computational Neuroscience Center) and is directed by Dr. Christof Koch at the Allen Institute. Neuroscience needs data scientists. The brain represents one of the most complex challenges facing science today. And now with advances in our methods to study the brain—Neuropixel probes that can record from 1000 neurons at once, growing consensus on data standards across laboratories—the field is flooded with data that needs interpretation. The skills of data scientists are essential to springboard the field to the next stage of discoveries. Towards that end, the Shanahan Foundation Fellowship was created to bring fresh perspectives into the field, encouraging data scientists from outside neuroscience to come and work with leading investigators at the Allen Institute and UW. The Allen Institute is unique in its infrastructure and pipeline that enables the production of standardized, reproducible data on the brain (as evidenced by our vast data banks <http://www.brain-map.org/>). Together with our collaborators at the UW computational Neuroscience Center and eScience Institute, we provide data scientists with the ideal opportunity and resources to mine for novel insights and discoveries. Details You do not need experience in neuroscience to apply. The goal of the fellowship is to provide opportunities to non-traditional applicants who would not typically be funded by the typical postdoctoral fellowships in neuroscience. The fellowship has been purposefully designed to give fellows the time and mentorship to get up to speed in a new field and new data collection techniques and methods. Fellows will be employed by the Allen Institute as either a Scientist I or a Scientist II (with a matching salary) and will receive an affiliate postdoctoral appointment at UW. During the three-year fellowship, fellows will identify a mentor at the Allen Institute, where the fellows will be based. Fellows will select a co-mentor at the University of Washington who will provide additional guidance on a project designed by the fellow, focused on quantitative analysis of neuroscience data available through the Allen Institute’s vast data banks <http://www.brain-map.org/> – ranging from molecular, genomic, transcriptional, physiological, morphological, anatomical and functional whole-brain level in the brains of mice, non-human primates and humans – or through ongoing laboratory work. Each fellow will have the opportunity to mentor a fully-funded UW undergraduate or postbaccalaureate research assistant who helps with their research for 3-12 months. Fellows will participate in the postdoctoral career development program at the University’s e-Science Institute and the UW Computational Neuroscience Center. The eSciences Institute offers regular workshops on key topics including cloud computing, python and reproducibility. New fellows will attend the annual Summer Workshop on the Dynamic Brain <https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/events-training/summer-…> where they will learn how to apply data science skills to neuroscience data and questions. Throughout the three years, fellows will be supported in developing a network in the neuroscience field and sharing their progress with peers at conferences. Up to three fellows will be selected to begin in Fall 2022. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must be data scientists in a broad sense, with a Ph.D. in a quantitative field such as computer science, statistics, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics or biology with a background in statistical, computational and machine learning methods. Ph.D.’s should have been awarded in the last 3 years. One goal of the fellowship is to build a network of collaborators, as such, priority will be given to applicants who are not currently postdoctoral fellows or scientists at the University of Washington or the Allen Institute. We believe high-quality science can only be produced when it includes different perspectives. We are building an environment of diversity and inclusion and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this fellowship. Application Instructions For full consideration, please submit your application by February 1, 2022. Applications may continue to be considered after this deadline on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Learn more and apply on the Shanahan Fellowship Website <https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/careers/shanahan-founda…>. https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/careers/shanahan-founda… <https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/careers/shanahan-founda…> Applications must include: · A curriculum vitae from the applicant · Two letters of support from advisors and other mentors · A one-page personal statement from the applicant describing their history, activities, and interests as an individual (especially those outside of science) which may give the committee a greater sense of you as a person and your ability to simultaneously interact with and challenge traditional scientific fields. · A two- to three-page research statement from the applicant describing their prior research, interests in applying data science to the field of neuroscience, potential research interests (including tools they are familiar with) and how this fellowship aligns with their career goals. · The choice of the final advisor/co-advisor will be accomplished during the first year of this fellowship. Questions? Email: shanahan.fellow(a)alleninstitute.org <mailto:shanahan.fellow@alleninstitute.org>

Jan. 12, 2022

Summer workshop on the dynamic brain -- apply now!

by Eric Shea-Brown

Applications are now open for the 2022 Summer Workshop on the Dynamic Brain. Founded by Adrienne Fairhall and Christof Koch, this annual two-week course is co-hosted by the Allen Institute MindScope Program and the Computational Neuroscience Center at the University of Washington. The Summer Workshop on the Dynamic Brain is an intensive, project-based residential course with a focus on the neurobiology of sensory processing, coding, and neural population dynamics. This program is intended for researchers at the graduate and postdoctoral level with an interest in developing the intersection of their scientific knowledge and their computational skills. Learn more and apply at https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/events-training/summer-… Applications are due Feburary 1, 2022. Please contact dynamicbrain(a)alleninstitute.org with any questions.

Jan. 12, 2022

DENDRITES 2022 call for abstracts - Feb. 1st, 2022

by Yiota Poirazi

DENDRITES 2022 EMBO Workshop on Dendritic Anatomy, Molecules and Function Heraklion, Crete, Greece 23-26 May 2022 http://meetings.embo.org/event/20-dendrites Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the solicitation of abstracts for short oral or poster presentations at the EMBO Workshop on DENDRITES 2022, which will take place in Heraklion, Crete on 23-26 May 2022. This is the 4th of a very successful series of meetings on the island of Crete that is dedicated to dendrites. The meeting will bring together scientific leaders from around the globe to present their theoretical and experimental work on dendrites. The meeting program is designed to facilitate discussions of new ideas and discoveries, in a relaxed atmosphere that emphasizes interaction. Please register (no payment required) and submit your abstract online at: http://meetings.embo.org/event/20-dendrites Submissions of abstracts are due by *February 1st, **2022* Notifications will be provided by February 28th, 2022 Registration payment due by April 15th, 2022 Potential attendees are strongly encouraged to submit an abstract as presenters will have registration priority. For more information about the conference, please refer to our web site or send email to info(a)mitos.com.gr We look forward to seeing you in person at DENDRITES 2022! The organizers, Yiota Poirazi, Kristen Harris, Matthew Larkum, Michael Häusser -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Research Director Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385, GR 70013, Heraklion, Crete GREECE Tel: +30 2810-391139 /-391238 Fax: +30 2810-391101 Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr Lab site: www.dendrites.gr -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Research Director Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385, GR 70013, Heraklion, Crete GREECE Tel: +30 2810-391139 / -391238 Fax: +30 2810-391101 Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr Lab site: www.dendrites.gr

Jan. 11, 2022

POSTPONED - Women in Memory Research - Workshop - March 7-9, 2022

by Vinita Samarasinghe

Dear all, due to the increasing incidence numbers here in Germany we have decided to postpone the WiMR workshop. It will instead be held in summer 2023 in conjunction with the conference GEM 2023. Call for papers and conference and workshop details will be posted here, and on our website https://for2812.rub.de, once they have been finalized. We look forward to greeting you here in Bochum, Germany in 2023 and apologize for any inconvenience caused. Kind regards, Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/73 Postfachnummer 110 Universitätstr. 150 D-44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0)234 32 27996 Email: samarasinghe(a)ini.rub.de On 23.12.21 14:17, Vinita Samarasinghe wrote: > > In conjunction with International Women's Day the FOR 2812 is > organising its first “*Women in Memory Research*” event from *March > 7-9, 2022.* > > The percentage of senior female university researchers in our field > (in Germany) lies between 21% and 29%. Our goal is to increase these > numbers! So come and learn what an academic career looks like at the > Ruhr University Bochum and discover its advantages. You'll be > introduced to the university and it's support structures, be able to > participate in university wide programs, meet with female faculty, > listen to some amazing scientific talks, present your research, and > see what collaborative research looks like in the RUB memory research > community. > > Sounds exciting? > > *Who can apply:*Female master’s students in their final year of study > and recently graduated master’s students who are looking into an > academic career in the area of memory research/neuroscience. > Applicants must have excellent grades and be able to communicate in > English. Selection of participants is competitive. We only have space > for 12 participants! > > *How to apply:*Send your application including a one page letter of > motivation, a current CV, master’s transcripts and a letter of > recommendation from one of your professors. Your application should be > sent, as a single PDF document, to Vinita Samarasinghe > @for2812@rub.deby January 23, 2022. If you need child care or any > other support please note this in your application. > > *What to expect:*We will provide accommodation and cover travel costs > of up to 500 Euro (some meals are included). The program will be > offered in English; however, certain programs offered by the Ruhr > University in conjunction with International Women's Day may be only > available in German. You will be asked to present your current > research in the form of a poster. > > *Contact:*Vinita Samarasinghe,for2812(a)rub.de, Tel: +49 234 32 27996, > https://for2812.rub.de > > -- > Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. > > Science Manager > Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience > Institut für Neuroinformatik > Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/73 > Postfachnummer 110 > Universitätstr. 150 > 44801 Bochum > > Tel: +49 (0) 234 32 27996 > Email:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de

Jan. 11, 2022

postdoctoral position in the Canavier lab

by Canavier, Carmen C.

A postdoctoral position will become available in the very near future in the Canavier computational neuroscience lab at LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Our lab focuses on modeling single neurons and networks in a synergistic loop with experimental collaborators Jochen Roeper, John White and Sonia Gasparini. We are interested in how oscillations are generated and how networks synchronize, and in how the intrinsic properties of neurons contribute to how they integrate their inputs. A quantitative background in electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science or a related field coupled with a passion for applying quantitative techniques and theory to neuroscience is required. We are primarily interested in 1) theta and gamma oscillations in the hippocampus and 2) in the dopamine neurons of the basal ganglia. Please contact Dr. Canavier at ccanav(a)lsuhsc.edu<mailto:ccanav@lsuhsc.edu> for more information.

Jan. 10, 2022

EARLY CAREER SCIENTIST GRANT OPPORTUNITIES- Open January 2022

by Laura Long

The Simons Foundation is invested in supporting the next generation of researchers. Our Independence Awards programs promote talented early-career scientists by facilitating their transition to research independence and providing grant funding at the start of their professorships. We are offering such awards through three of our programs: the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI), the Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain (SCGB) and the Simons Collaboration on Plasticity and the Aging Brain (SCPAB). These requests for applications (RFAs) are aimed at Ph.D. and M.D. – holding scientists who are currently in training positions and intend to seek tenure-track faculty positions over the next two years (i.e., 2022-2024). Successful applicants will receive a commitment of $495,000 over three years, activated upon assumption of a tenure-track professorship. Visit bit.ly/3yqWILX for more information on all three programs.

Jan. 10, 2022

Summer Undergraduate Computational Neuroscience Apprenticeship

by Neymotin, Samuel (NKI)

Several Army Research Office (ARO) undergraduate research apprenticeship program (URAP) positions are available for the summer of 2022 at the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research (https://www.nki.rfmh.org/) Research will be conducted to help achieve the goals of an ARO grant that aims to train neocortical circuit models to play video games using biologically-plausible learning rules, and to compare model performance against commonly used deep reinforcement learning algorithms. Students will have the opportunity to learn cutting edge methods in computational neuroscience, machine learning, and Python software development, and publish their results. Several manuscripts under review, that included previous URAP students are available on Biorxiv here: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.29.454361v1 https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.20.469405v1 Candidates will be considered based on their experience in computational neuroscience, machine learning, and Python programming. Candidates in the NYC metropolitan area will be preferred. Apply at https://www.usaeop.com/program/undergraduate-apprenticeships/ Make sure to use code U803 (Nathan Kline Institute) and apply by the deadline (February 28, 2022). Letters of recommendation are optional. For questions, email Samuel.Neymotin(a)nki.rfmh.org ________________________________ IMPORTANT NOTICE: This e-mail is meant only for the use of the intended recipient. It may contain confidential information which is legally privileged or otherwise protected by law. If you received this e-mail in error or from someone who was not authorized to send it to you, you are strictly prohibited from reviewing, using, disseminating, distributing or copying the e-mail. PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY OF THE ERROR BY RETURN E-MAIL AND DELETE THIS MESSAGE FROM YOUR SYSTEM. Thank you for your cooperation.

Jan. 5, 2022

postdoc position involving psychophysics and fMRI to study visual consciousness

by Brascamp, Jan

The Brascamp Lab for Visual Neuroscience at Michigan State University is seeking a Research Associate (postdoc). The Research Associate will be researching the neural basis of conscious vision, as part of a multi-site project funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation and performed at Michigan State University in collaboration with researchers at NYU, UC Irvine, and Boston University (shorturl.at/ackpE<http://shorturl.at/ackpE>). The work involves visual psychophysics and functional neuroimaging. The Brascamp Lab is located within the Department of Psychology and is a part of the Department's Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience group, which provides an excellent research and training environment with faculty expertise covering a broad range of topics in perception and cognitive psychology. The Research Associate will be stationed at MSU, and the project may require a limited time spent in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, for data acquisition. This is initially a one-year position with the possibility of extension. Minimum Requirements include a Ph.D. in vision science, cognitive psychology, neuroscience, or a related field. Applicants should have a strong publication record, experience with psychophysics and/or human neuroimaging, strong programming skills (Python or related language(s)), and strong statistical training. Desired Qualifications: the ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work independently. Please send inquiries or application materials (a letter of interest, CV, and contact information of three references) to brascamp(a)msu.edu<mailto:brascamp@msu.edu>. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Jan. 4, 2022