- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Accepting applications: The Brain Prize Course - Computational and Theoretical Neuroscience 2026

by Maria Neimark Geffen

Dear Colleagues, I’m writing as a co-director of the upcoming *CAJAL Advanced Neuroscience Training Course: The Brain Prize Course - Computational and Theoretical Neuroscience 2026*, now open for applications. This intensive course is a unique opportunity for early-career researchers interested in this field. Hosted at the *Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown*, this three-week course focuses on *bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and experimental neuroscience*. It provides intensive training in neural coding, network dynamics, and advanced data analysis, combining high-level lectures with hands-on Python-based projects to model complex brain functions and interpret large-scale neuronal datasets. 📍 *Location:* Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal 📅 *Dates:* 13 - 31 July 2026 ⏳ *Application Deadline:* 27 February 2026 🔗 *Apply now:* https://form.jotform.com/Cajal_training/computational-neuro2026 *Course Directors* - *Alfonso Renart* - Champalimaud Foundation, Portugal - *Julijana Gjorgjieva* - Technical University of Munich, Germany - *Maria Geffen* - University of Pennsylvania, USA - *Omri Barak* - Technion, Israel Institute of Technology *Course Themes & Topics:* - *Neural Modeling & Dynamics*: Mastering the mathematical foundations of brain function, from single-cell biophysical models like Hodgkin−Huxley to the complex behavior of excitatory-inhibitory networks. - *Neural Coding & Data Analysis*: Learning how populations of neurons represent information using advanced computational tools like dimensionality reduction to decode large-scale neural datasets. - *Cognitive & Normative Theory*: Exploring high-level functions through Bayesian inference and reinforcement learning to understand how the brain optimizes decision-making and motor control. *Speakers include:* - Larry Abbott (Columbia University, USA) - Haim Sompolinsky (Harvard University, USA & Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel) - Susanne Schreiber (Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany) - Francesca Mastrogiuseppe (SISSA – International School for Advanced Studies, Italy ) - Il Memming Park (Champalimaud Foundation, Portugal) - Jakob Macke (University of Tübingen, Germany ) - Wiktor Młynarski (LMU Munich – Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany ) - Laura Busse (LMU Munich – Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany ) - Yiota Poirazi (IMBB–FORTH, Heraklion, Greece ) - Adrienne Fairhall (University of Washington, USA) - Agostina Palmigiano (Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, UCL, UK) - Joe Paton (Champalimaud Foundation, Portugal) - Dmitri Chklovskii (Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, USA) - Brent Doiron (University of Chicago, USA) - Gilles Laurent (Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Germany) - Alex Cayco Gajic (École Normale Supérieure – PSL, France ) - Rafal Bogacz (MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit, University of Oxford, UK) ________________________________ Maria Neimark Geffen, Ph.D. (she/her) Professor Co-director, Penn Computational Neuroscience Initiative Department of Otorhinolaryngology: HNS (primary) Department of Neuroscience Department of Neurology Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania 5 Ravdin 3400 Spruce St. Philadelphia PA 19104 Tel.: 215.898.0782 My zoom <https://pennmedicine.zoom.us/my/mgeffen?pwd=eWVFbUJFUGRJZ3g1eU9YZEZic2VwZz09> mgeffen(a)pennmedicine.upenn.edu http://hosting.med.upenn.edu/hearing https://bsky.app/profile/geffenlab.bsky.social

Jan. 30, 2026

Postdoctoral Position in Human Brain–Computer Interfaces

by João Barbosa

Dear all, The Neuromodulation Institute (Paris) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position (full-time, 2-year contract with the possibility of extension) to join a human brain–computer interface project led by Philippe Domenech <http://computationalbrainteam.com/en/people> (Neuromodulation Institute, Paris) in direct collaboration with João Barbosa <http://jbarbosa.org/> (Neuromodulation Institute, Paris) and Guillaume Bellec <http://guillaume.bellec.eu/> (Technical University of Vienna). The work will be carried out in the center of Paris and the newly created Neuromodulation Institute. The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled. About the Project This position is part of an interdisciplinary collaboration involving computational neuroscientists, clinicians, and engineers. The goal is to establish model-driven, multi-site stimulation experiments in human patients and move towards novel therapies for psychiatric disorders through the control of human brain dynamics via closed-loop stimulation. As an initial step toward these broader goals, the postdoctoral researcher will work with electrophysiological data collected from epilepsy patients implanted with ~124 intracranial LFP electrodes, enabling simultaneous recording and multi-site stimulation. We already collected several datasets (open-loop) and up to 4 subjects are collected per month through a national network of clinicians. The work carried out by the successful applicant will sit at the intersection of machine learning, computational neuroscience and data analyses of human intracranial electrophysiology. The medium-term ambition is to expand this work to additional patient populations, including individuals with treatment-resistant major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and to incorporate recording techniques such as large-scale multi-unit activity and sub-second neuromodulation (e.g. dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, etc) detection using ML-augmented voltammetry. Key responsibilities include developing data-driven state-space models of neural dynamics for optimal control policies for stimulation as well as inference pipelines for predicting network responses of intracranial recordings. The position emphasizes computational modeling, theory, and algorithmic development, rather than hands-on experimental data collection. Candidate Profile We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with strong quantitative and computational skills, and demonstrated research experience in at least one of the following areas: machine learning, simulation-based inference, reinforcement learning, generative/diffusion models and dynamical systems. Required Skills and Experience - Strong scientific programming skills in Python, in particular proficiency in PyTorch, Jax or related - Demonstrated experience in machine learning - Excellent written and spoken English. - Direct experimental experience is not required. However, the successful candidate should be enthusiastic about interacting with clinicians, neurosurgeons, and patients during experimental planning and execution. Preferred but not required - Experience working with time series data, in particular intracranial recordings (LFP, ECoG, depth electrodes) in humans or other animals. We strongly encourage applications from individuals that are underrepresented in academia. What We Offer - Opportunity to contribute to multiple ongoing projects at the forefront of human intracranial research - A highly interdisciplinary research environment spanning computational neuroscience, machine learning and cognitive neuroscience - A collaborative lab culture with close mentorship from senior investigators. - Support for career development, including opportunities to co-supervise students, present at conferences and workshops - Paris has an increasingly tight network of systems and computational neuroscience and offers many possibilities for collaborations How to apply Please send a statement of your past work and future research interests (one page each), CV and at least one manuscript demonstrating required experience to palerma(a)gmail.com with the subject “Postdoctoral Position in Human Brain–Computer Interfaces”. Joao Barbosa

Jan. 30, 2026

Special Year on Modeling Fly Vision (forwarded from Sebastian Seung)

by Reinoud Maex

Begin forwarded message: From: Sebastian Seung <sseung(a)princeton.edu<mailto:sseung@princeton.edu>> Could you post the attached announcement to the comp-neuro mailing list? Thanks in advance! You could also include a link to the announcement: https://www.ias.edu/sns/csb#special-year<https://www.ias.edu/sns/csb#special-year> Sebastian -------------- Subject: 2026-27 special year IAS program on Modeling Fly Vision During the 2026-27 academic year, the Simons Center for Systems Biology in the School of Natural Sciences at the Institute for Advanced Study will have a special program on Modeling Fly Vision co-organized by Misha Tsodyks (IAS) and Sebastian Seung (Princeton University). New kinds of brain maps are driving a renaissance of visual neuroscience, starting with the fruit fly Drosophila. The fly connectome yielded as a corollary the first wiring diagram for an entire visual system. Transcriptomics is identifying the ion channels and synaptic receptors in fly visual neurons. Using such detailed information, it is now possible to model the fly visual system with unprecedented realism. Our program will address the perception of motion, color, polarization, form, and objects, as well as complex visually guided behaviors such as navigation and courtship. The program promises to have historic impact by helping to refound theoretical and computational neuroscience on the bedrock of twenty-first century brain maps. Senior participants include Axel Borst (MPG), Dimitri Chklovskii (Flatiron), Damon Clark (Yale), Carina Curto (Brown), Tobi Delbruck (INI-UZH), Dezhe Jin (Penn State), and Shih-chii Liu (INI-UZH). The program will benefit from interactions with experimental research on fly neural circuits and connectomics at Princeton and other universities in the New York metropolitan area. We invite applications for membership in the special year program from researchers at all career levels. Post-doctoral membership is for one year with the possibility of extension. Postdocs receive full stipend support and are free to select their own research topics. Sabbatical membership can be from one term to the entire academic year, and is for researchers with faculty or equivalent independent positions. Partial stipend support may be available, depending on the amount of support being provided by the member’s home institution, or by an outside fellowship. The deadline for applications is rolling. We will begin reviewing applications on January 15 and continue until the positions are filled. Applicants should submit: * a CV that includes a list of publications, * and a research statement explaining interest in the topic of the special year. * Post-doctoral applicants should also request three letters of recommendation. All materials should be emailed to Audrey Smerkanich at audrey(a)ias.edu<mailto:audrey@ias.edu>. The subject line of the email should say “Special Year on Modeling Fly Vision.”

Jan. 30, 2026

Studies in the neuroscience of natural interactive behavior (*** TIME SENSITIVE ***)

by Paul Cisek

Studies in the neuroscience of natural interactive behavior Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal *** NOTE: Due to the recent announcement of the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards, which have an extremely short time window, candidates are encouraged to contact me immediately. Inquiries received before Tuesday, February 3rd, 2006, will be given special consideration. *** Applications are invited for doctoral or postdoctoral training in systems neuroscience in the laboratory of Paul Cisek at the University of Montreal. Our lab studies the neural mechanisms of decision-making and interactive behavior using a combination of computational modeling and experimental techniques in humans and non-human primates. The successful applicant will lead innovative new experiments that examine how decisions are made during naturalistic foraging behavior. This will involve wireless multi-electrode recordings in the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia in two behavioral scenarios: 1) in a controlled virtual reality setting; and 2) during unconstrained behavior in a large enclosure equipped with cameras for automated motion capture. Depending on the trainee's qualifications and interests, they will help to design and conduct behavioral and neurophysiological experiments, analyze data, develop computational models of neural systems, prepare manuscripts for publication and participate in international conferences. Prior experience in experimental and/or computational neuroscience is highly desirable, but we encourage applications from all students with a strong background in biology, psychology and/or mathematics and a passion for systems-level study of the brain. For more information, see: https://cisek.org/pavel/. Interested candidates are asked to send a curriculum vita, copies of academic transcripts, a statement of research interests and the names and contact information for two references. Please send materials by email to Paul Cisek (paul.cisek(a)umontreal.ca<mailto:paul.cisek@umontreal.ca>). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but preference will be given to applications received before March 6th, 2026. Paul Cisek, PhD Département de neurosciences Université de Montréal Physical: 2960 chemin de la tour, local 4117 Montréal, QC H3T 1J4 CANADA Mailing: CP 6128 Succursale centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7 CANADA e-mail: paul.cisek(a)umontreal.ca<mailto:paul.cisek@umontreal.ca> Web: www.cisek.org/pavel<http://www.cisek.org/pavel>

Jan. 30, 2026

Fwd: Call for applications: PCN 2026 - Primate Cognitive Neuroscience Summer School 2026

by Igor Kagan

-------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: Call for applications: PCN 2026 - Primate Cognitive Neuroscience Summer School 2026 Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:20:56 +0100 From: GTPN <GTPN(a)dpz.eu> To: GTPN <GTPN(a)dpz.eu> Dear colleagues,* * I would like to draw your attention to our Summer School for Primate Cognitive Neuroscience 2026, organized by Hans Scherberger, Alexander Gail, Igor Kagan, Raymundo Báez-Mendoza, and Stefan Treue from the German Primate Center in Göttingen, taking place July 26 - August 07, 2026, in Bad Bevensen, Germany (see: http://www.dpz.eu/pcn2026) In light of the approaching deadline for application (February 28, 2026), I would be grateful if you could distribute this information to suitable PhD students and postdocs in your reach. This Summer School is for PhD students and early postdocs from the field of primate cognitive and systems neuroscience working with non-human primates and will provide an outstanding training and networking opportunity for young researchers. Teaching will focus on cognitive processes in primate sensory and motor systems as well as on social settings and decision making, and will include important and novel results and methodologies. Topics of animal welfare, ethics, and media outreach will also be covered. A poster presentation about current research of the participant is expected. Student selection is competitive! Since this School is partially funded, only a reduced participation fee is required (1000 EUR) for this 10-day course. Also, a limited number of travel grants might be available for international participants. I would be very grateful if you could forward this information to suitable PhD students and postdocs in your lab and to other labs. With best regards, Hans Scherberger (on behalf of all organizers; sorry in case of multiple postings!) -- Dr. Igor Kagan Head of Decision and Awareness Group, German Primate Center (DPZ) Kellnerweg 4, Goettingen 37077, Germany

Jan. 29, 2026

PhD/Postdoc opportunities | Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards

by Lyle Muller

The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards<https://sshrc-crsh.canada.ca/en/funding/opportunities/canada-impact-plus-re…> have been announced to recruit international or returning Canadian graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to Canada. Applications are invited for this program to work at the Fields Lab for Network Computation<http://www.fields.utoronto.ca/activities/fields-lab-network-computation> (Toronto, ON). Applicants can work with Lyle Muller (Department of Mathematics, Western University) or Roberto Budzinski (Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge). Research will involve collaborations analyzing neural recordings and developing theoretical approaches to computation in neural networks. In collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams, researchers will bring together tools and techniques from data science, machine learning, and applied mathematics. The project may include intermittent travel between labs to present results and facilitate collaborative work. Recent publications from the lab include: Davis Z*, Muller L*, Martinez-Trujillo J, Sejnowski TJ, Reynolds J (2020) Spontaneous traveling cortical waves gate perception. Nature 587: 432 – 436.<https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2802-y> Benigno G, Budzinski RB, Davis Z, Reynolds J, Muller L (2023) Waves traveling over a map of visual space can ignite short-term predictions of sensory input. Nature Communications 14: 3409.<https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-39076-2> Busch A*, Roussy M*, … Mináč J, Sachs AJ, Palaniyappan L, Muller L*, Martinez-Trujillo JC* (2024) Neuronal activation sequences in lateral prefrontal cortex encode visuospatial working memory during virtual navigation. Nature Communications 15: 4471.<https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-48664-9> Budzinski RC*, Busch AN*, Mestern S, Martin E, Liboni LHB, Pasini FW, Mináč J, Coleman T, Inoue W, Muller L (2024) An exact mathematical description of computation with transient spatiotemporal dynamics in a complex-valued neural network. Communications Physics 7: 239.<https://www.nature.com/articles/s42005-024-01728-0> Liboni LHB*, Budzinski RC*, Busch AN*, Löwe S, Keller TA, Welling M, Muller L (2025) Image segmentation with traveling waves in an exactly solvable recurrent neural network. PNAS 122: e2321319121.<https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2321319121> Prior experience with scientific computing, signal analysis, or applied mathematics is preferred. The Universities offer an excellent research environment and support. Candidates can write to lmuller2(a)uwo.ca or roberto.budzinski(a)uleth.ca with a CV and short statement of interest. The deadline for applications to potential supervisors is 4 February 2026. -- Lyle Muller http://mullerlab.ca

Jan. 29, 2026

Transatlantic Behavioural Neuroscience School, Aug 11-22nd, Mikolajki, Poland

by Mateusz Kostecki

Hello! We are happy to announce the fifth edition of our Transatlantic Behavioural Neuroscience School! This year we are coming back to Nencki Research Station in Mikołajki. We have one: to teach young researchers everything they need to design and build their own behavioural setups, conduct complex experiments and analyze their data using open software and hardware. Our school is divided in five blocks: - *3D printing*, where you will have an opportunity to learn the theory necessary to take full advantage of this technique and how to use Autodesk Fusion software to design elements of your behavioural setup - *Electronics and Arduino*, that is intended to provide the skills necessary to understand the design of devices used in behavioural research; it will also teach how to build and program such devices - among others, optogenetics laser controllers, automated doors, stimulus delivery systems and devices used for synchronizing data streams - *Bonsai* module that aims at teaching you how to use Bonsai to track your animals, conduct closed-loop experiments with Arduino and analyze your data - *Deeplabcut* *and machine learning*, where you will gain an in-depth understanding of the DL tools used in behavioural science and learn how to apply them to extract interesting information from your data - *Project* is the module where you will apply all the knowledge gained during the course to build a 3D-printed setup for studying phototactic behaviour in Drosophila, conduct experiments and analyze the data School will be also composed of a series of lectures by researchers studying animal behaviour on different model systems and with different approaches. PhD students and early-stage researchers are especially encouraged to apply. *We provide partial or full travel grants and fee waivers for participants who cannot cover the costs. *This year,*thanks to collaboration with FENS*, European students will be also able to obtain travel grants and fee waivers. Please find more info here - https://nenckiopenlab.org/tbnss2026/. Best, Mateusz Kostecki -- --- Mateusz Kostecki PhD Student Knapska Laboratory Nencki Institute 02-093 Warsaw, Pasteura 3, Poland https://twitter.com/mtkostecki https://evolvingbehavior.blog/

Jan. 26, 2026

World wide VVTNS series (6th season): Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 11:00 am ET - Farzan Nadim, New Jersey Institute of Technology

by David Hansel

[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 Farzan Nadim New Jersey Institute of Technology on the topic of *Convergent comodulation: Rules and influence on circuit output* The lecture will be held on zoom on January 28, 2026, at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > *Abstract: *Neural circuits are continuously under the influence of multiple chemical neuromodulators. The prevalent view is that neuromodulation increases the flexibility of circuit output. However, different modulators can have overlapping cellular and subcellular targets, and thus convergence and occlusion may limit the repertoire of possible circuit states. We propose a complementary view that convergent comodulation may result in a more consistent circuit activity that, with increasing numbers of modulators, becomes less dependent on the specific identity of the modulators involved. We examine this hypothesis in the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion, where multiple excitatory neuropeptides activate the same ionic current and have similar effects on synapsesNeural circuits are continuously under the influence of multiple chemical neuromodulators. The prevalent view is that neuromodulation increases the flexibility of circuit output. However, different modulators can have overlapping cellular and subcellular targets, and thus convergence and occlusion may limit the repertoire of possible circuit states. We propose a complementary view that convergent comodulation may result in a more consistent circuit activity that, with increasing numbers of modulators, becomes less dependent on the specific identity of the modulators involved. We examine this hypothesis in the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion, where multiple excitatory neuropeptides activate the same ionic current and have similar effects on synapses. *About VVTNS : Launched as the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ

Jan. 26, 2026

Touch Science and Engineering NEUROBRIDGE Symposium - Feb 25, 2026

by Calogero Maria Oddo

Dear Colleagues, we are pleased to announce the Symposium on Touch Science and Engineering, organized within the NEUROBRIDGE Winter School on Neurosciences and Neurotechnologies, which will take place on February 25th, 2026 (h. 9-18) at Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ny26ntUPx8ZM3vFk7) The symposium will bring together leading researchers in sensory neuroscience, bioelectronics, neuromorphic engineering, haptics, and neurotechnologies, addressing both fundamental mechanisms of touch and translational applications in robotics, prosthetics, and human-machine interaction. The scientific program includes two main sessions: * Sensory Neuroscience and Touch Engineering (h. 9-13), chaired by Silvestro Micera and Calogero Maria Oddo * Translational Applications of Touch Science and Engineering (h. 14-18), chaired by Solaiman Shokur and Mariangela Filosa Confirmed invited speakers include internationally recognized experts, such as Nitish Thakor, Johan Wessberg, Henrik Jörntell, Michela Tosetti, Maurizio Valle, Maria Cristina Dadarlat, Antonello Grippo, Alcimar Soares Barbosa, Jean Faber, Gionata Salvietti and student talks, from institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Lund University, Purdue University, University of Gothenburg, Federal University of Uberlândia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo and leading Italian research centers and universities. Topics will range from microneurography, neuromorphic encoding, and artificial skin technologies to neural interfaces, robotic palpation, and emotional touch in human-robot interaction. The symposium aims to foster interdisciplinary discussion across neuroscience and engineering communities and to stimulate new collaborations at the interface between science, technology, clinical applications and industrial spillovers. Participation is free and open to interested researchers, students, and professionals. Please use the following link to register and indicate videoconference or in person attendance: https://forms.office.com/e/B8v16hsjaJ The symposium on Touch Science and Engineering is part of the plan of scientific and educational activities of the NEUROBRIDGE project (TNE 23-0034) on neurosciences and neurotechnologies, supported by the Italian Ministry for Universities and Research within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Mission 4, Component 1, Investment 3.4, Advanced university teaching and skills, Sub-measure T4 «Transnational Educational Initiatives (TNE)». We would be grateful if you could circulate this announcement within your networks. Kind regards, Calogero Maria Oddo - calogero.oddo(a)santannapisa.it Silvestro Micera - silvestro.micera(a)santannapisa.it -- Calogero M. Oddo, PhD (‪Scholar‬<https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=it&user=y1rffgkAAAAJ&view_op=list_w…>, Scopus<https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=16176089500>) Associate Professor of Bioengineering, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy https://www.santannapisa.it/en/calogero-maria-oddo http://www.santannapisa.it/en/neuro-robotic-touch-laboratory Vice-Director, Centro Interdisciplinare Linceo Giovani https://www.lincei.it/en/oddo-calogero-maria email: calogero.oddo(a)santannapisa.it<mailto:calogero.oddo@santannapisa.it> While it suits me to email now, I do not expect a reply outside of your own working hours.

Jan. 25, 2026

AIces 2026: early registration February 3

by David Silva - IRDTA

****************************************************** 1st INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ON THE COGNITIVE, ETHICAL AND SOCIETAL DIMENSIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AIces 2026 Porto – Maia, Portugal March 30 – April 2, 2026 https://aices.irdta.eu/2026/ ****************************************************** Co-organized by: University of Maia Institute for Research Development, Training and Advice – IRDTA Luxembourg/London ****************************************************** Early registration: February 3, 2026 ****************************************************** SCOPE: AIces 2026 will be the first in a series of research training events aiming at updating participants on the most recent multidisciplinary discussions about the foundations, meaning, challenges and risks of AI. The event will have a global scope along 3 thematic lines: cognition, ethics, and society. It will cover current debates about: AI and philosophy of mind; cognitive architectures; machine learning and cognitive development; large language models and visual information; robotics and embodied cognition; neuroscience-inspired AI; algorithmic bias and fairness; transparency and explainability; accountability and responsibility; privacy and surveillance; autonomy and control; AI impact on human values and social inequalities; the future of work and automation; governance, regulation and public policies; AI, human rights and democracy; AI and global development; information and AI education. The event will consist of 10 courses, 2 keynote lectures, 3 symposia collecting short contributions from participants, and 2 individual presentations on debated topics. Renowned academics and industry pioneers will lecture and share their views with the audience. The organizers are convinced that outstanding speakers will attract the brightest and most motivated students. Face to face interaction and networking will be main ingredients of the event. It will be also possible to fully participate in vivo remotely. ADDRESSED TO: Graduate students, postgraduate students and industry practitioners will be typical profiles of participants. However, there are no formal pre-requisites for attendance in terms of academic degrees, so people less or more advanced in their career will be welcome as well. Since there will be a variety of levels, specific knowledge background may be assumed for some of the courses. Overall, AIces 2026 is addressed to students, researchers and practitioners who want to keep themselves updated about recent developments and future trends. All will surely find it fruitful to listen to and discuss with major researchers, industry leaders and innovators. VENUE: AIces 2026 will take place in Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, recognized by UNESCO in 1996 as a World Heritage Site. The venue will be: University of Maia Avenida Carlos de Oliveira Campos - Castêlo da Maia 4475-690 Maia Porto, Portugal https://www.umaia.pt/en STRUCTURE: 2 courses will run in parallel during the whole event. Participants will be able to freely choose the courses they wish to attend as well as to move from one to another. Full live online participation will be possible. The organizers highlight, however, the importance of face to face interaction and networking in this kind of research training event. All lectures will be videorecorded. Participants will be able to watch them again for 45 days after the event. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: David Danks (University of Virginia), Trustworthy AI in an Untrustworthy World Ming Lin (University of Maryland), Socially Responsible and Trustworthy AI PROFESSORS AND COURSES: Ricardo Baeza-Yates (KTH Royal Institute of Technology & Pompeu Fabra University), [introductory] Introduction to Responsible AI Susan Brennan (Stony Brook University), [introductory/advanced] Where Are the Humans in Human-Centered AI? Thomas Breuel (Nvidia Research), [introductory] Facts and Rules in LLMs Carlos Castillo (Pompeu Fabra University), [introductory] Algorithmic Fairness in High-Risk AI Applications Alan Dix (Cardiff Metropolitan University), [introductory] AI for Social Justice Elia Formisano (Maastricht University), [introductory/intermediate] Auditory Cognition in Humans and Machines Marijn Janssen (Delft University of Technology), [introductory/advanced] Data and AI Governance - From Control to Trust Christian Lebiere (Carnegie Mellon University), [intermediate] Computational Cognitive Models of Human-AI Teaming Paul Smolensky (Johns Hopkins University), [intermediate/advanced] Symbol Processing in Transformers and Other Neural Networks Savannah Thais (City University of New York), [intermediate/advanced] Measurement for Safer AI SYMPOSIA: A symposium will collect 10-minute voluntary presentations on any of the 3 thematic areas of the event: cognition, ethics, and society. A 1-page abstract containing the title, authors, and summary of the presentation must be sent to david(a)irdta.eu by February 28, 2026. Only registered participants can contribute to symposia. INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATIONS ON DEBATED TOPICS: 50-minute individual presentations will be scheduled for any of the 3 thematic areas of the school: cognition, ethics, and society. A 2-page expression of interest including the topic to be debated must be sent to david(a)irdta.eu by December 30, 2025. Only registered participants are eligible for individual presentations. SPONSORS: Companies/institutions/organizations willing to be sponsors of the event can download the sponsorship leaflet from https://aices.irdta.eu/2026/sponsors/ ORGANIZING COMMITTEE: Samuel Anjos (Maia, social networks) Osheen Jain (London, communications) José Paulo Marques dos Santos (Maia, local chair) Carlos Martín-Vide (Tarragona, program chair) Santiago Montes (Tarragona, webpage) Sara Morales (Luxembourg) José Luís Reis (Maia) Luís Paulo Reis (Porto) David Silva (London, organization chair) REGISTRATION: It has to be done at https://aices.irdta.eu/2026/registration/ The selection of 6 courses requested in the registration template is only tentative and non-binding. For logistical reasons, it will be helpful to have an estimation of the respective demand for each course. Since the capacity of the venue is limited, registration requests will be processed on a first come first served basis. The registration period will be closed and the on-line registration tool disabled when the capacity of the venue will have got exhausted. It is highly recommended to register prior to the event. FEES: Fees comprise access to all program activities and lunches. There are several early registration deadlines. Fees depend on the registration deadline. The fees for on site and for online participation are the same. ACCOMMODATION: Accommodation suggestions will be available in due time at https://aices.irdta.eu/2026/accommodation/ CERTIFICATE: A certificate of successful participation in the event will be delivered indicating the number of hours of academic activities. This should be sufficient for those participants who plan to request ECTS recognition from their home university. QUESTIONS AND FURTHER INFORMATION: david(a)irdta.eu ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Universidade da Maia Universidade do Porto Universitat Rovira i Virgili Institute for Research Development, Training and Advice – IRDTA, Luxembourg/London

Jan. 24, 2026

Call for Abstracts: 35th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting (CNS*2026), Halifax, Canada, July 11-15, 2026

by Rubchinsky, Leonid L

We are inviting abstracts for the 35th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting (CNS*2026), which will be in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, July 11-15, 2026. The main meeting begins on the evening of Saturday, July 11, and runs through Tuesday, July 14. It will be preceded by a day of tutorials (Saturday, July 11) and followed by workshops (Tuesday, July 14 mixed with the main meeting, and Wednesday, July 15 workshops only). Registration and abstract submission are open. Abstract submission deadline: March 11, 2026. Note that one of the authors must register as a sponsoring author for the main meeting before abstract submission. In case the abstract is not accepted for presentation, the registration fee will be refunded. Submitted abstracts are used for creating the program and for publication. Please follow the formatting guidelines on the submission site. Travel awards are available for student and postdoc members of OCNS. Please apply for support during the abstract submission, and note that an extended abstract is required when applying for a travel award or oral presentation format. Registration: https://ocns.memberclicks.net/cns-2026-registration Abstract submission for main meeting: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2026-abstract-submission CNS*2025 meeting information: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2026 Workshop proposals are being accepted at: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2026-call-for-workshops. Priority Deadline for proposals: February 2, 2026. Tutorial proposals are being accepted at: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2026-call-for-tutorials. Deadline for proposals: February 2, 2026. With kind regards, Leonid Rubchinsky OCNS Vice President, on behalf of the OCNS Board of Directors *********************** Leonid Rubchinsky, PhD Professor Department of Mathematical Sciences, Indiana University Indianapolis Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine 402 N. Blackford St Indianapolis, IN 46202-3216 lrubchin(a)iu.edu math.indianapolis.iu.edu/~lrubchin/ ***********************

Jan. 23, 2026

Bio-inspired deep learning workshop 2026

by Maximilian Eggl

Dear all, We are pleased to announce a workshop on bio-inspired deep learning led by Prof. Elisa Donati (link to her website can be seen here <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.edonati.com/__;!!D9dNQwwGXtA!XP8JYw…>) from the University of Zurich and ETHZ, Zurich and funded by the support of the Joachim Herz Foundation. The workshop will take place from the 9th to the 12th of June, 2026, near Mainz, Germany. This workshop will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in the field and explore the intersection of mathematical modelling, machine learning, and data analysis to understand how the brain works. We believe this workshop will be of great interest to those wishing to learn how recent advances in bio-inspired small 'shadow networks' and feature engineering allow us interface with the nervous system. Furthermore, you will learn how these systems can be used to build closed-loop hybrid artificial and biological neural processing systems. More information on the workshop and a link to the application can be linked flyer (which can be found here <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/33cjfh72go0f78d2…>). You can also directly access the application <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_BDJ…>here <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbLgX…>. The deadline for the application is the 2nd of March at 12:00 (CET). Accommodation, meals, and venue are all paid for by the Joachim Herz Foundation. If you have any questions or are interested in attending this workshop, please do not hesitate to contact either Max at meggl(a)umh.es <mailto:meggl@umh.es> or Pietro at verzep(a)uni-bonn.de <mailto:verzep@uni-bonn.de>. I would also be grateful if you could forward this to anyone you think would be interested and advertise it in your institutions. We look forward to seeing you there! Sincerely, Max & Pietro ******************************************** Maximilian Eggl, PhD La Caixa Junior Leader Fellow | CSIC - Spanish National Research Council Instituto de Neurociencias, CSIC/Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Alicante, Spain Web: mfeggl.github.io ********************************************

Jan. 21, 2026

PhD in cross-species Computational Cognitive Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin

by Konstantinos Tsetsos

TCD is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in cross-species Computational Cognitive Neuroscience, combining OPM-MEG experiments and anatomy-infused neural network modelling of cognition. Overview The purpose of this role is to undertake a PhD investigating “Cross-species mechanisms of evidence accumulation along prefrontal cortical gradients” in the Research Groups of Dr. Seán Froudist-Walsh (50%) and Prof. Konstantinos Tsetsos (50%). Mice and humans differ strikingly in evidence-accumulation behaviour: mice often integrate information optimally and with minimal leak, whereas humans show systematic recency biases. This project develops a mechanistic, cross-species account of these differences by examining how aspects of the stimulus presentation interact with prefrontal cortical architecture. The student will combine new human OPM-MEG experiments, anatomy-informed neuro-AI model development and comparative analyses across species. Training & Environment Based at the TCD Institute of Neuroscience, the PhD student will receive training in: • Experimental design, acquisition, and analysis of human OPM-MEG experiments • Neuroanatomy and physiology - Analysing prefrontal gradients across species • Computational modelling of behaviour and neural circuits • Neuro-AI model development integrating species-specific neuroanatomy The PhD student will also get the opportunity for research visits to the University of Oxford, where 50% of the Cognition, Anatomy & Neural Networks lab is based. Further Information & Application Full Job description and details of how to apply: https://www.tcd.ie/media/tcd/scss/pdfs/Job-Description---PhD-Studentship-in… If you're from a low socioeconomic background, and/or another underrepresented community, we'd love to hear from you. DEADLINE: 5/February/2026

Jan. 20, 2026

Open PhD position at Forschungszentrum Jülich

by Johanna Senk

PhD Position - Multi-Scale Data-Driven Model of Synaptic Function and Resilience The aim of this PhD project is to build a multi-scale model linking molecular renewal to functional properties of synapses to study the relationship between synaptic resilience and the reliability of synaptic responses. The work primarily involves mathematical modeling and numerical simulation, but also the analysis of experimental datasets for model validation. The position is offered in the team of Dr. Johanna Senk at the Institute for Advanced Simulation - Computational and Systems Neuroscience IAS-6, https://go.fzj.de/future-simulation-architectures in the context of the Collaborative Research Centre (Sonderforschungsbereich) 1286 https://www.sfb1286.de and in close collaboration with Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Germany, and the University of Sussex, UK. There is also an opportunity for a research stay at the University of Sussex. For further details and instructions on how to apply, please visit: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/jobs/2026D-007 Informal enquiries about this opportunity are highly encouraged and can be sent to Dr. Johanna Senk (j.senk(a)fz-juelich.de) -- Dr. Johanna Senk Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Computational and Systems Neuroscience Jülich Research Centre, Juelich, Germany --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH 52425 Jülich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Jülich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Düren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Stefan Müller Geschäftsführung: Prof. Dr. Astrid Lambrecht (Vorsitzende), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Dr. Ir. Pieter Jansens --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jan. 20, 2026

Special Issue on Information Storage, Compression and Prediction in Deep Neural Networks

by Nicola Catenacci

Dear colleagues, We invite you to submit to the special issue on "Mathematical Understanding of Information Storage, Compression and Prediction in Neural Networks" (more details can be found here: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/59300) *- The journal(s) -* The special issue is hosted by (alternatively): - Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience (Impact Factor - 2.3, CiteScore - 5.0), or - Frontiers in Neuroinformatics (Impact Factor - 2.5, CiteScore - 5.5). *- Research Topic -* Regardless of their success, today, deep neural networks (NNs) are still used as a "black box", meaning the inner workings or detailed explanations of how they arrive at their output are not revealed. Currently, we still do not have the mathematical tools to fully understand the formal properties of these networks and their limitations. Improving our theoretical understanding of NNs is particularly important today, as these tools are being deployed in an increasing number of safety-critical scenarios, necessitating constant scrutiny of their behavior. The goal of the special issue is to investigate the mathematical frameworks that enable a better understanding of how information is learned and represented within a neuralnetwork, including the study of existing approaches that go in this direction. *- Call for Papers -* We invite researchers to present manuscripts focusing on the mathematical analysis of deep neural networks, including their information-theoretic interpretation and their statistical limits. The areas relevant to this special issue include, but are not limited to: - Theory of Deep Feed-forward and Recurrent NNs - Information-theoretic principles and interpretation of NNs - The Information Bottleneck and deep learning - Compression in Deep Neural Networks - The analysis of pattern and memory storage in NNs - Deep NNs for brain-inspired machine learning and biological modeling - Statistical Physics of deep neural networks - Dynamical Systems Modeling of NNs - Neural Network Dynamics and Stability - Generalization and Regularization in NNs - Learning Theory and Neural Networks - Mathematical Models of Learning and Plasticity - Neural Network Interpretability and Explainability - Energy-Based Models in Deep Learning - Neural Network Compression, Pruning, Sparsity and Efficient Computing - Mathematics of Self-Supervised Deep Learning - Optimization Landscapes and Loss Surface Analysis - Neural Network Generalization and Overparameterization - Mathematical Theories of Transformers and Attention Mechanisms - Theoretical Foundations of Transfer Learning and Domain Adaptation Manuscript Submission Deadline: 15 March 2026. *- Topic Editors -* Giorgio Gosti, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Italy ( giorgio.gosti(a)cnr.it) Nicola Catenacci Volpi, University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom ( n.catenacci-volpi(a)herts.ac.uk) Nilesh Goel, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, United Arab Emirates *-----------------------------------* Dr. Nicola Catenacci Volpi, PhD Research Fellow in Information Theory for AI & Robotics Adaptive Systems Research Group The University of Hertfordshire Department of Computer Science College Lane Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9AB United Kingdom E-mail: n.catenacci-volpi(a)herts.ac.uk

Jan. 20, 2026

PhD opportunities in computational & theoretical neuroscience at Bocconi (deadline 5 Feb 2026)

by Alessandro Sanzeni

Hi all, A quick reminder that applications are open for the PhD in Statistics and Computer Science at Bocconi University (Milan, Italy). The program is fully funded (4 years) and offers an interdisciplinary environment connecting statistics, computer science, and data-driven modeling. In our group/area, research in neuroscience combines theoretical modeling (physics- and ML-inspired) with the analysis of experimental data to study how the brain processes information, learns, and remembers. Ongoing projects include visual processing and learning mechanisms, in collaboration with experimental groups worldwide. Program details and application instructions: * Department of Computing Sciences<https://cs.unibocconi.eu/> * PhD program page<https://www.unibocconi.it/en/programs/phd/phd-statistics-and-computer-scien…> Application deadline: 5 February 2026. If you know strong candidates, I’d be grateful if you could forward this note. And please feel free to reach out for informal inquiries. Best, Alessandro Sanzeni Assistant Professor Department of Computing Sciences Bocconi University, Milan, Italy

Jan. 20, 2026

EMBO Workshop on Dendrites and beyond: properties, function and contributions to network processing

by marouso_velissariou＠imbb.forth.gr

DENDRITES 2026 EMBO Workshop on Dendrites and beyond: properties, function and contributions to network processing 19-22 May 2026, Heraklion, Crete, Greece https://meetings.embo.org/event/26-dendrites Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the solicitation of abstracts for short oral or poster presentations at the EMBO Workshop on DENDRITES 2026, which will take place in Heraklion, Crete, on 19-22 May 2026. This is the 6th in a very successful series of meetings on the island of Crete 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 and submit your abstract online at: https://meetings.embo.org/event/26-dendrites No payment is required for abstract submission. Submissions of abstracts are due by February 1st, 2026 Notifications will be provided by February 28th, 2026 Registration payment due by March 15th, 2026 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 embo2026(a)artion.com.gr We look forward to seeing you in person at DENDRITES 2026! The organizers, Panayiota Poirazi, Lucy Palmer, Mark Harnett -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

Jan. 20, 2026

[Newsletter RTAIM] 24th RTAIM Online Seminar | Call Abstract: 6th International Conference on Philosophy of Mind | 04-08 May 2025, Uni. Porto

by steven gouveia

Dear All, You are welcome to attend the 24th rTAIM Online Seminar, with the participation of MAIRA DE CINQUE (University of Canada West, Canada), 21 January 2026, 5:00pm - 6:30pm (Lisbon Time) via Microsoft Teams with the title “Linguistic Self-Correction in the Age of AI". Link available: https://ifilosofia.up.pt/activities/seminar-24-rtaim Or: * Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/3421342035921?p=KnbYrpwPDoDET8dCM6 * ID: 3421342035921 * Password: yS3BU9rq Moreover, the Call for Abstract for the 6th International Conference on Philosophy of Mind: Artificial Intelligence (6ICPH) 4-8 May 2026 (4-5 May, Online | 6-8 May, in-person), Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Porto (Portugal) is now open until the 29 March 2026. Keynotes are (confirmed): * Anil Seth (Uni. Sussex) * Diana I. Pérez (Uni Buenos Aires) * Paul Thagard (Uni. Waterloo) * Gloria Andrada (CSIC, Madrid) * Miguel Pais-Vieira (Uni. Aveiro) * Ângela Leite (Catholic Uni. Portugal) * Marina Trakas (CONICET | Uni. Lisbon) Full information here: https://ifilosofia.up.pt/activities/6-international-conference-philosophy-m… New book out: “Ethics in Artificial Intelligence: A Multidisciplinary Approach”, Ethics Press. Info: https://ethicspress.com/products/ethics-in-artificial-intelligence. Sincerely yours, RTAIM Team

Jan. 20, 2026

CAJAL Course on Quantitative Approaches to Behavior and Virtual Reality 2026

by Daniel McNamee

*CAJAL Advanced Neuroscience Training Course: Quantitative Approaches to Behavior and Virtual Reality 2026*. This intensive course is a unique opportunity for early-career researchers interested in this field. Hosted at the *Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown*, this three-week course focuses on acquiring, analyzing, and modeling *behavioral data* and integrating it with neurobiological information, using *translational methodologies* that can be applied across species—from simple model organisms to humans—to broaden experimental and research capabilities. *Location:* Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal *Dates:* 7 - 26 June 2026 *Application Deadline:* 13 February 2026 *Apply now:* https://cajal-training.org/on-site/quantitative-approaches-to-behavior-and-… <https://cajal-training.org/on-site/quantitative-approaches-to-behaviour-and…> *Course Directors* - *Ann Kennedy* – Scripps Research, USA - *Daniel McNamee* – Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Portugal - *Giorgio Gilestro* – Imperial College London, UK *Course Themes & Topics* This course will focus on the following key frontier areas: - Behavioral data acquisition and analysis; - Modeling behavioral dynamics; - Integration with neurobiological data; - Experimental design and independent projects; - Translational and cross-species approaches. *Keynote Speakers Include:* - Andre Brown (Imperial College London, UK) - Ahmed El Hady (Max Planck Institute, Germany) - Andrew Straw (University of Freiburg, Germany) - Barbara Webb (University of Edinburgh, UK) - Ben De Bivort (Harvard University, USA) - Carlos Ribeiro (Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Portugal) - Gordon Berman (Emory College, USA) - Greg J. Stephens (OIST Graduate University, Japan) - Ian Couzin (Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Germany) - Joshua Shaevitz (Princeton University, USA) - Kim Hoke (Colorado State University, USA) - Kristin Branson (HHMI Janelia Research Campus, USA) - Nachum Ulanovsky (Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel) - R. James Cotton (Northwestern University, USA) - Sama Ahmed, University of Washington, USA - Talmo Pereira (The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, USA)

Jan. 19, 2026

Registration Open: Braitenberg 100: Computational Neuroscience - Past, Present, and Future, June 29-July 1, 2026 in Tuebingen, Germany

by Pavlovic, Maria

Dear colleagues, We are delighted to announce that registration is open for a landmark symposium on the occasion of Valentino Braitenberg's 100th birthday in our campus's <https://www.mph.tuebingen.mpg.de/en> Max Planck House, Tübingen, Germany, June 29-July 1st, 2026: <http://www.braitenberg100-theoretical-neuroscience.de/> Braitenberg 100: Computational Neuroscience - Past, Present, and Future The symposium will gather many of the world’s leading experts to celebrate past achievements, showcase current breakthroughs, and brainstorm the future of computational neuroscience. There will be keynote speeches, poster sessions, and various program events to facilitate intellectual exchanges and interactions. -------------------------------- Keynote Speakers Include: Neil Burgess • Patrick Cavanagh • Kathleen Cullen • Peter Dayan • Kenji Doya • Ivan De Araujo • Wulfram Gerstner • Michael Hasselmo • Sabine Kastner • Read Montague • Reza Shadmehr • Naoshige Uchida • Li Zhaoping -------------------------------- To facilitate interactions and discussions, we have a limited capacity of 130 seats. >> Register now at https://app2.edoobox.com/en/MPI/Braitenberg100 <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/app2.edoobox.com/en/MPI/Braitenberg100__…> << We look forward to welcoming you to Tübingen for Braitenberg 100—an inspiring celebration of computational neuroscience’s past, present, and future. Warm regards, The Organizing Committee, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics -------------------------------- Please direct inquiries to <mailto:braitenberg100@tue.mpg.de%0b> braitenberg100(a)tue.mpg.de <http://www.braitenberg100-theoretical-neuroscience.de/> http://www.braitenberg100-theoretical-neuroscience.de/ --------------------------------

Jan. 19, 2026

Fwd: [seminar.wwtns] World wide VVTNS series (6th season): Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 11:00 am ET - Adrien Peyrache, Mc Gill

by David Hansel

[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 Adrien Peyrache Mc Gill on the topic of *Building and Using a Cognitive Map* The lecture will be held on zoom on January 21, 2026, at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > *Abstract: *The hippocampus is thought to build a cognitive map that supports navigation, memory, and planning, but what defines such a map and how it is used remain debated. In this talk, I will present computational models in which hippocampal-like representations emerge in recurrent neural networks trained to predict sequences of sensory observations. While spatially tuned units reliably arise, they are not sufficient to form a cognitive map. Instead, map-like representations emerge when recurrent dynamics support multi-step prediction, yielding a population-level encoding of environmental geometry. Once learned, these representations can autonomously generate offline trajectories biased by recent experience, capturing key features of hippocampal replay. I will then show how these representations guide behavior in navigation tasks. In a hippocampal–striatal model facing visual ambiguity, access to hippocampal activity enables rapid learning and flexible adaptation. Place-like coding supports self-localization, while population-level hippocampal states can be used to derive intrinsic learning signals that estimate progress toward a remembered goal, improving performance beyond full sensory observability. Together, these results suggest that cognitive maps arise from predictive recurrent dynamics and support behavior through both localization and internally generated learning signals. *About VVTNS : Launched as the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ

Jan. 18, 2026

New Frontiers in Associative Memory workshop at ICLR 2026

by krotov.a.dmitry＠gmail.com

Dear Friends and Colleagues, ICLR 2026 will host an official workshop on New Frontiers in Associative Memory. Please consider sharing this information with your students and colleagues and submitting your best work related to Associative Memory by February 14, 2026. Workshop website: https://nfam2026.amemory.net. Submissions are open via Open Review: https://openreview.net/group?id=ICLR.cc/2026/Workshop/NFAM. Join us in Rio de Janeiro! Best wishes, Dmitry Krotov

Jan. 18, 2026

AIces 2026

by David Silva - IRDTA

AIces 2026 – International School on the Cognitive, Ethical & Societal Dimensions of AI 📍 Porto–Maia, Portugal | 🗓 March 30 – April 2, 2026 | 🌍 On-site & fully online AIces 2026 is a global, interdisciplinary research training school addressing AI cognition, ethics, and societal impact. The program features 10 advanced courses, 2 keynote lectures, and participant symposia, delivered by leading scholars and industry researchers from institutions such as CMU, Johns Hopkins, NVIDIA Research, KTH, Delft, and more. Topics include: Trustworthy & responsible AI Cognitive architectures and neuroscience-inspired AI Large language models and symbolic processing Algorithmic fairness, governance, and social justice AI, human values, democracy, and the future of work Who should attend: graduate students, researchers, and practitioners from AI, cognitive science, philosophy, ethics, social sciences, and policy. ✔ Full online participation available ✔ Lectures recorded (45-day access) ✔ Certificate of participation 🔗 Website & registration: https://aices.irdta.eu/2026/ ⏳ Early registration deadline: February 3, 2026

Jan. 17, 2026

Open PhD Position at the Institute of Machine Learning and Neural Computation, TU Graz

by Ozan Özdenizci

Dear all, We have an open PhD position in our research group at the Institute of Machine Learning and Neural Computation, Graz University of Technology, Austria. We are offering a 3-year doctoral researcher position focused on reliable and resource-efficient deep learning techniques, with an emphasis on spike-based neural computation in modern learning systems. The doctoral research will address both fundamental and applied algorithmic questions in learning methods and neural architectures. The starting date for the position is April 2026. More information on the position and how to apply: https://www.tugraz.at/institute/iml/institute/open-positions#c725665 Best regards,  Ozan Özdenizci -- Dr. Ozan Özdenizci Assistant Professor Institute of Machine Learning and Neural Computation Graz University of Technology Inffeldgasse 16b/I, 8010 Graz, Austria

Jan. 17, 2026

MODVIS 2026 - Registration and Submission Deadline

by Tim Oleskiw

MODVIS 2026: Computational and Mathematical Models in Vision, a satellite workshop to the 2026 Vision Sciences Society Annual Meeting, will be held during May 13-14 in St. Pete Beach, FL, immediately preceding the conference. Registration is now available through the VSS website:www.visionsciences.org/modvis/ <http://www.visionsciences.org/modvis/> There are three tiers of registration fees for trainees, academic members, and industry professionals: Early (Dec 19 - Feb 27): $80/$160/$200 Standard (Feb 28 - Apr 23): $100/$200/$250 Late (Apr 24 - May 14): $125/$250/$300 MODVIS is currently accepting submissions for oral presentations now through February 16th. Post-deadline submissions may be considered on a space-available basis. The program consists of contributed oral presentations, which are longer and more interactive than a regular VSS talk, and the schedule is designed to provide many opportunities for discussions during coffee breaks and a generous lunch break. The workshop will conclude on Thursday with a keynote lecture by Jonathan Victor (Weill Cornell Medical College). Please seewww.modvis.org <http://www.modvis.org> for further details. On behalf of the MODVIS organizing committee, Tim Oleskiw Assistant Professor University of Regina oleskiw(a)uregina.ca

Jan. 16, 2026