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NIH-funded Postdoctoral Position at the Italian Institute of Technology

by Stefano Panzeri

I am seeking to hire one or more postdoctoral scientists to research with me and my Neural Computation laboratory at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia. The project, funded by a Brain Initiative multi-PI RO1 Grant from the National Institute of Health, will be performed in collaboration with my experimental collaborators Christopher Harvey (Harvard Medical School) and Wei-Chung Lee (Children’s Hospital). The proposed computational research will use data-driven models of recurrent neural networks and information-theoretic methods to analyze functional activity of hundreds of neurons recorded during cognitive tasks, together with anatomical electron-microscopy data collected from the same subjects and brain regions. The aim of the project is to establish novel and firm relationships between the anatomical structure of a cortical microcircuit and its neural population coding function. The laboratory offers a wide range of interdisciplinary expertise in computational neuroscience, including both advanced neural analysis techniques and neural network modeling. The laboratory also offers a thriving, well-funded and ambitious research environment with extensive international collaborations and ample opportunities for advanced training and personal scientific growth. We seek candidates holding a PhD in a numerate or neuroscientific discipline, with a solid computational background and a keen interest in neuroscience. They must be highly motivated and creative individuals who want to work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research environment and be willing to interact with both experimental and theoretical neuroscientists. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct research at either the IIT in Italy, or at the IIT outstation at Harvard Medical School, in Boston, depending on the nature of the agreed research and on personal preferences. For representative recent publications from the PI, see: Runyan C. A., et al (2017) Distinct timescales of population coding across cortex, *Nature*: 548: 92-96. Panzeri S., et al (2017) Cracking the neural code for sensory perception by combining statistics, intervention and behaviour. *Neuron* 93: 491-507 Safaai, H., et al (2015) Modelling the effect of Locus Coeruleous firing on single trial cortical state dynamics and sensory processing. *Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA* 112(41): 12834–12839 Further information about my research can be found at my IIT and Google Scholar web pages: https://www.iit.it/people/stefano-panzeri https://scholar.google.it/citations?user=C-HCQ9cAAAAJ&hl=en Applications (full CV, statement of research interest and name and contact of 2 referees) should be sent by e-mail to stefano.panzeri(a)iit.it, quoting “Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience” in the subject line. The deadline for applications is January 31th, 2019. Applications will be examined until the position is filled. Interested applicants are advised to contact me by email informally *as soon as possible* to discuss about the science and the position informally. Thanks! Stefano Panzeri

Jan. 3, 2019

CFP 28th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks ICANN 2019, Sept 17-19, Munich, DE

by Paolo Masulli ENNS

28th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks http://icann2019.org Munich, Germany 17 - 19 September 2019 Special event: BIGCHEM (http://bigchem.eu) final meeting ============================================================ The International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks (ICANN) is the annual flagship conference of the European Neural Network Society (ENNS). In 2019 the Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen - German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH (HMGU) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) together with the "Big Data in Chemistry" Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network European Industrial Doctorate project (BIGCHEM) organize the 28th ICANN Conference from the 17th to the 19th of September 2019 in Munich, Germany. CONFERENCE TOPICS ICANN 2019 is a dual-track conference featuring tracks in Brain Inspired Computing and Machine Learning and Artificial Neural Networks, with strong cross-disciplinary interactions and applications. All research fields dealing with Neural Networks will be present at the conference. A non-exhaustive list of topics includes: Machine Learning: Deep Learning, Neural Network Theory, Neural Network Models, Graphical Models, Bayesian Networks, Kernel Methods, Generative Models, Information Theoretic Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Relational Learning, Dynamical Models Recurrent Networks. Brain Inspired Computing: Cognitive models, Computational Neuroscience, Self-organisation, Reinforcement Learning, Neural Control and Planning, Hybrid Neural-Symbolic Architectures, Neural Dynamics. Neural Applications for: Bioinformatics, Biomedicine, Intelligent Robotics, Neurorobotics, Language Processing, Image Processing, Sensor Fusion, Pattern Recognition, Data Mining, Neural Agents, Brain-Computer Interaction, Neural Hardware, Evolutionary Neural Networks. Special session (BIGCHEM): Big Data analysis in chemistry, chemoinformatics, use of deep learning to predict molecular properties, drug-discovery, modelling and prediction of chemical reaction data, synthetic route prediction, structure generation, molecular dynamics simulations and quantum chemistry. CALL FOR CONTRIBUTED SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS All scientific communications presented at ICANN 2019 will be reviewed and scientifically evaluated by a panel of experts. The conference will feature three categories of communications: - oral communications (15'+5') - poster communications - demonstrations Call for Special Sessions: ICANN2019 organizers cordially invite internationally recognised experts to organise Special Sessions (including workshops and competitions) within the general scope of the conference. Special Session Proposal request should be sent to icann2019(a)bigchem.eu Call for Papers: Authors willing to present original contributions in either oral or poster category may submit: - a proceedings paper manuscript of about 10 - 12 pages to be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series with individual DOI - extended abstracts of a maximum length of 2 pages to be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series. The number of oral slots is limited. In case the number of requested oral presentations is larger than the available slots the ICANN scientific committee will select which papers will be reassigned to a poster session. This selections will be based on the coherence of the programme and is totally independent of the category of submission. Submission of communications will be online. More details will be made available soon on the conference website: http://icann2019.org IMPORTANT DATES Deadline of special sessions submission: 1 February 2019 Opening of contribution submissions: 1 February 2019 Submission of demonstration proposals: 1 March 2019 Deadline of proceedings paper submission: 15 March 2019 Deadline of extended abstracts submission: 1 April 2019 Notification of acceptance: 1 May 2019 Camera-ready paper and registration opening: 1 June 2019 Deadline early registration at discount rate: 15 June 2019 Conference dates: 17-19 September 2019 BEST PAPER AWARDS ENNS will sponsor a maximum of four best paper awards, two in the Brain Inspired Computing track (one poster and one oral communication) and, analogously, two in the Machine Learning Research track. All awardees will be presented during the final ceremony. TRAVEL GRANTS The European Neural Network Society sponsors a number of Student Travel Grants covering part of the costs for attending ICANN. Details on the conference website. ORGANISATION General Chair: Igor Tetko (ENNS/HMGU Munich, Germany) and Fabian Theis (HMGU/TUM Munich, Germany) Organising Committee Chairs: Monica Campillos (HMGU Munich, Germany), Alessandra Lintas (ENNS Lausanne, Switzerland) Honorary Chair: Vera Kurkova, Czech Academy of Sciences (ENNS President) Communication Chair: Paolo Masulli (ENNS Lausanne, Switzerland) -- Paolo Masulli European Neural Network Society https://e-nns.org

Jan. 2, 2019

Post-doc or engineer: image analysis to study astrocyte-synapse/circuit signaling in Lausanne/Switzerland

by Carlos Vivar Rios

We seek a highly motivated post-doc or engineer with solid experience in computer programming and analysis of biological fluorescence signals (e.g. 3D two-photon and microendoscopy Ca2+ imaging), to develop innovative analytical pipelines for studying astrocyte-synapse/circuit computations. Research in our lab is interdisciplinary and focuses on decoding the mode of astrocyte communication and the role of astrocytes in synaptic/circuit functions in the normal and pathologic brain. More info at: https://www.fbm.unil.ch/dnf/group/glia-an-active-synaptic-partner. Publications at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Volterra+A Website at: https://www.fbm.unil.ch/dnf/group/glia-an-active-synaptic-partner Relevant papers: - Savtchouk et al. Front Cell Neurosci, 12:98 (2018); - Bindocci et al., Science, 356.6339 (2017); - Volterra A et al., Nat Rev Neurosci 15:327-35 (2014); - Di Castro et al. Nat Neurosci, 14(10):1276-84 (2011) The ideal candidate is a highly interactive team player in a multidisciplinary English-speaking team; must have solid background in image analysis approaches, experience with most common analysis tools (Imaris, ImageJ, etc), excellent computer programming skills (Python, MATLAB) and knowledge in design of analysis pipeline (linux/windows-based). Expected tasks include: 1) develop both novel analysis approaches and existing programs/interfaces to fit the evolving lab needs in day-by-day interaction with biologists. 2) Maintain and extend our large existing codebase of dedicated analysis scripts for extract and analyze imaging datasets (using proper documentation and exploiting GitHub) and 3) keep track of novel technological and algorithmic developments. Requirements: documented record of productivity, excellent command of English, communication skills and team-working capacity. Applicants should send (as a single PDF file): motivation letter, detailed curriculum vitae, and contact information for 2 references, by email to volterralab(a)gmail.com<mailto:volterralab@gmail.com>, indicating “Candidate - data analysis” in the subject field. Job Information Closing date: 2019-01-15 Employment start date: 2019-03-01 Contract length: Typical post-doc contract may last up to 5 years and renewals are 1+2+2 years Institution: University of Lausanne Department: Fundamental Neuroscience|volterra Kind regards, Carlos Vivar Rios UNIL - Université de Lausanne Département des Neurosciences Fondamentales Groupe de Andrea VOLTERRA Bugnon 9 | CH-1005 | Lausanne | Suisse +34 666 05 42 42 carlos.vivarrios(a)unil.ch<mailto:carlos.vivarrios@unil.ch>

Dec. 30, 2018

PhD Studentships in Systems/Computational Neuroscience

by Jian Liu

PhD Studentships in Systems/Computational Neuroscience Centre for Systems Neuroscience at the University of Leicester, UK. www.le.ac.uk/csn A number of PhD studentships are available in a wide range of research topics. Please find the details of all the projects below. The deadlines are different. Please contact the PIs on the list, or Dr. Jian K. Liu directly: Project: Neural mechanisms of memory formation, consolidation and recall PI: Prof R Quian Quiroga https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/neural-mechanisms-of-memory-formation… Project: Towards a Functional Model for Associative Learning and Memory Formation PI: Dr Jian K. Liu, Prof Rodrigo Quian Quiroga https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/towards-a-functional-model-for-associ… Project: Dynamics of a minimal neuronal network with multisynaptic dendrites PI: Dr Jian K. Liu, Dr. V Marra https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/dynamics-of-a-minimal-neuronal-networ… Project: Interpretation of social behaviours among mice with Parkinson’s disease PI: Dr. H Zhou, Dr Jian K. Liu https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/interpretation-of-social-behaviours-a… Project: Serotonergic modulation of functional connectivity in cortical microcircuits PI: Dr M Okun, Prof Rodrigo Quian Quiroga https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/serotonergic-modulation-of-functional… -- ************************************************************************** Jian K. Liu, Ph.D. Mathematics Centre for Systems Neuroscience Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour University of Leicester, Leicester, UK Phone: +44 (0)116 373-6860 email: jian.liu(a)leicester.ac.uk <jl634(a)leicester.ac.uk> Webpage: https://sites.google.com/site/jiankliu ************************************************************************** <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

Dec. 26, 2018

SoAIR 2019 [Extended Deadline]: JST-CREST / IEEE-RAS Spring School on "Social and Artificial Intelligence for User-Friendly Robots" in Japan

by Amir Aly

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS **Apologies for cross posting ** We are pleased to call for applications for the *JST-CREST / IEEE-RAS* spring school on: "*Social and Artificial Intelligence for User-Friendly Robots*" * Which will be held from 17-24 March, 2019 in Shonan Village, Japan *after the *Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)* conference that will be held in the near South Korea. *Webpage: **https://inic8.bitbucket.io/SoAIR19/* <https://inic8.bitbucket.io/SoAIR19/> *I. Aim and Scope *Autonomous and intelligent systems are progressively moving into spaces, which have previously been predominantly shaped by human agency. Unlike in the past where machines obediently served their human operators, machines now increasingly act without the intervention of a human. Artificial intelligence is meeting new challenges in the world, though human-like intelligence may still be a distant goal. Robots in factories are coming out of their cages. Autonomous cars are being tested on streets with regular human-driven cars. The private household is changing with the appearance of not only robotic vacuum cleaners, but also with the first-generation of social robots and smart devices. The challenges that face both the robotics and artificial intelligence communities are how the necessary intelligence for such new environments can be created as well as how to make artificial agents capable of not only solving tasks at hand but also considering social environments around them during interaction with human users so as to behave appropriately. Within the school, we plan to address the tension created by the balance between task-specific artificial intelligence and the demands of sociability required to function effectively in human-centered environments. ** *Who should apply?* We invite *Masters and PhD students* as well as *post-doctoral candidates and researchers from industry* with relevant research background to apply for this spring school. *Additional support could be available based on eligibility.* ** *This spring school is a Technical Education Program (TEP) endorsed and supported by JST-CREST / IEEE-RAS*. ** *The school aims at bridging the gap between social and cognitive Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Autonomous Vehicles (AV) through high level talks, tutorials, and hands-on workshops (the program will be announced soon).* *II. Keynote Speakers: * 1. * Takayuki Nagai, *Osaka University, Japan 2. * Jun Tani *– Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Japan 3. *Daniele Magazzeni *– King's College London, UK 4. * Yukie Nagai *– National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan 5. * Tetsuya Ogata* – Waseda University, Japan 6. *Mohamed Chetouani *– University of Pierre and Marie Curie (UPMC), France 7. *Silvia Rossi* – University of Naples, Italy 8. *Agnieszka Wykowska *– Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Italy 9. *Tetsunari Inamura *– National Institute of Informatics (NII), Japan 10. *Amit Kumar Pandey *– SoftBank (Aldebaran) Robotics, France 11. *Mehul Bhatt* – Orebro University, Sweden (Tutorial) 12. *Mohsen Kaboli –* Bavarian Motor Works (BMW), Germany (Tutorial) 13. *Francesco Maurelli *– Jacobs University, Germany (Preparing Marie Curie funding proposal) 14. *Atsuko Nakatsuka* – Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Japan (Preparing JSPS funding proposal) *III. Submission * The applications must include the following files (combined into one file). No other documents would be necessary (More information is available on the school's webpage). 1. *Curriculum vitae*: A CV detailing relevant aspects of the candidate's academic career that demonstrates her/his relevance to the school theme. Please consider including the list of publications. 2. *Research abstract*: A 200-word research abstract that the candidate intends to present during the school. 3. *Letter of recommendation*: A brief letter from the academic advisor or the employer of the candidate supporting her/his application. Please also indicate if additional support would be required to attend the school. *Application submission*: Please use the following EasyChair web link:* Application Submission <https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=soair2019>.* *IV. Important Dates * 1. Application submission *[Extended]*: *10-January, 2019 * 2. Notification of acceptance: *14-January, 2019 * 3. Spring School: *17-24 March, 2019* *V. Organizers * 1. *Amir Aly *– Ritsumeikan University – Japan 2. *Franziska Kirstein *– Blue Ocean Robotics, Denmark 3. * Shashank Pathak *– Visteon Corporation, Germany --------------------- *Amir Aly, Ph.D.* Senior Researcher Emergent Systems Laboratory College of Information Science and Engineering Ritsumeikan University 1-1-1 Noji Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577 Japan

Dec. 26, 2018

Post-doc vacancies in Lisbon

by Prata, Diana

Two new Post-Doc positions opened at the Biomedical Neuroscience Lab (https://dpratalab.wordpress.com/; PI: Dr Diana Prata, with double affiliation in King’s College London), at the University of Lisbon - for research in human social neuroscience and the oxytocin system in a 3 year project. Expertise in fMRI and/or EEG highly preferred; and in eye-tracking and SCR favourable; with negotiable salary. Open until 28th of Dec 2018. Please apply or divulge. We look forward to welcoming you!: http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=106522 Diana Prata, Phd Marie Curie Fellow Principal Investigator (Biomedical Neuroscience Lab), Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, FCUL Visiting Lecturer, IoPPN, King's College London

Dec. 25, 2018

Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling

by Jelmer Borst

Fourth Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling – ACT-R, Nengo, & PRIMs – Date: April 8-12, 2019 Location: Groningen, the Netherlands Fee: € 250 (late fee after February 15 will be € 300) More information and registration: www.cognitive-modeling.com/springschool We are happy to announce the fourth Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling (April 8-12, 2019). This year, the Spring School will cover three different modeling paradigms: ACT-R, Nengo, and PRIMs. Moreover, we are finalising a fourth tutorial on error-driven learning, more details on that will follow soon. Each day will consist of theory lectures, one on each paradigm. Each modeling paradigm also includes hands-on assignments. Although students are free to choose the number of lectures they attend, we recommend students to sign up for lectures on two of the modeling paradigms, and complete the tutorial units for one of the paradigms. At the end of most days there will be a plenary research talk, to show how these different approaches to modeling are applied. On the first day, spring school students are asked to present their own research in a poster session. Like last year, we again offer the opportunity for project students to attend. The idea is that you have attended the spring school in an earlier year and now come back in the week of the spring school to work on your own modeling project under our supervision. Registration is now open. Admission is limited, so register soon! See the website www.cognitive-modeling.com/springschool for more information. Please feel free to forward the information to anyone who might be interested in the Spring School. ______________ ACT-R Teachers: Jelmer Borst & Katja Mehlhorn (University of Groningen) Website: http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu. ACT-R is a high-level cognitive theory and simulation system for developing cognitive models for tasks that vary from simple reaction time experiments to driving a car, learning algebra, and air traffic control. ACT-R can be used to develop process models of a task at a symbolic level. Participants will follow a compressed five-day version of the traditional summer school curriculum. We will also cover the connection between ACT-R and fMRI. Nengo Teacher: Terry Stewart (University of Waterloo) Website: http://www.nengo.ca Nengo is a toolkit for converting high-level cognitive theories into low-level spiking neuron implementations. In this way, aspects of model performance such as response accuracy and reaction times emerge as a consequence of neural parameters such as the neurotransmitter time constants. It has been used to model adaptive motor control, visual attention, serial list memory, reinforcement learning, Tower of Hanoi, and fluid intelligence. Participants will learn to construct these kinds of models, starting with generic tasks like representing values and positions, and ending with full production-like systems. There will also be special emphasis on extracting various forms of data out of a model, such that it can be compared to experimental data. PRIMs Teacher: Niels Taatgen (University of Groningen) Website: http://www.ai.rug.nl/~niels/actransfer.html How do people handle and prioritize multiple tasks? How can we learn something in the context of one task, and partially benefit from it in another task? The goal of PRIMs is to cross the artificial boundary that most cognitive architectures have imposed on themselves by studying single tasks. It has mechanisms to model transfer of cognitive skills, and the competition between multiple goals. In the tutorial we will look at how PRIMs can model phenomena of cognitive transfer and cognitive training, and how multiple goals compete for priority in models of distraction. -- Jelmer Borst Assistant Professor University of Groningen Dept. of Artificial Intelligence E: j.p.borst(a)rug.nl W: http://www.jelmerborst.nl/

Dec. 24, 2018

A databank for intracellular electrophysiological recordings of adult somatosensory cortex

by Fleur Zeldenrust

Dear all, It is our pleasure to share with you a large database of whole-cell intracellular recordings from 315 neurons located in the supragranular layers (L2/3) of the primary somatosensory cortex in adult mice (9-45 weeks old) from both sexes (females, N=195; males, N=120). Data include 361 somatic current-clamp (CC) and 476 voltage-clamp (VC) experiments, recorded using a step-and-hold protocol (CC, N=257; VC, N=46), frozen noise injections (CC, N=104) and triangular voltage sweeps (VC, 10 (N=132), 50 (N=146) and 100 ms (N=152)), from regular spiking (N=169) and fast-spiking neurons (N=66). We believe that this database will particularly benefit computational modellers, as the data can be used to systematically study the properties of somatic integration, and the principles of action potential generation across sexes and across electrically characterised neuronal classes in adulthood. Understanding the principles of the somatic transformation of postsynaptic potentials into action potentials will shed light onto the computational principles of intracellular information transfer in single neurons and information processing in neuronal networks, helping to recreate neuronal functions in artificial systems. So feel free to use the data for your (cortical) cell models! The data can be found here: http://gigadb.org/dataset/100535 The paper can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1093/gigascience/giy147 Best regards and happy holidays, Angelica da Silva Lantyer Niccolò Calcini Ate Bijlsma Koen Kole Melanie Emmelkamp Manon Peeters Wim J. J. Scheenen Fleur Zeldenrust Tansu Celikel -- Fleur Zeldenrust Assistant Professor Department of Neurophysiology Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour Faculty of Science, Radboud University Heyendaalseweg 135, postvak 33, kamer 02.204 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands tel +31 24 36 53195 fleurzeldenrust.nl

Dec. 24, 2018

SSCND9 - Call for applications

by Richard Naud

Dear comp-neuro, We are happy to announce the ninth Summer School of the Centre for Neural Dynamics<http://www.neurodynamic.uottawa.ca/summer.html> At the University of Ottawa May 26 - June 7, 2019 The course is intended for graduate students and undergraduate students in their third and fourth year of study in the physical sciences (e.g. physics, applied mathematics, engineering, computer science) and the life sciences (e.g. neuroscience, biology, physiology, human kinetics) who wish to develop their skills in neural data analysis and in mathematical modeling of neural activity. The topics will range from cellular to systems neuroscience, with applications in medicine. Individuals outside of academia may also participate. The first week will consist of 3 hours of lectures in the mornings followed by an afternoon of relatedcomputer-based laboratories. The second week will consist of 3 hours of lectures in the mornings, followed by an afternoon of interactive discussions and brainstorming activities. Each day will focus on a different subject in systems neuroscience and/or medicine. Participants will work in small groups with mentors, and will be prepared for these activities by directed readings. Later in the afternoon, groups will convene into a plenary session with our experts to identify proper computational questions and associated timely research projects on the focus theme. All classes will be held on the main downtown campus of the University of Ottawa. The course can also be taken for credit, since it is a University of Ottawa three-credit graduate course (NSC8104). The mark will be based on work done in the computer laboratories and a project. All students receive a letter stating that they satisfactorily participated in the school, regardless of whether they take the course for credit. Those taking it for credit will receive their mark from the University of Ottawa Registrar's Office later in the summer. Important Dates January 6, 2019: Registration opens. February 15, 2019: Application deadline (including letter of recommendation). Faculty * Prof. André Longtin (uOttawa) * Prof. Richard Naud (uOttawa) * Prof. John Lewis (uOttawa) * Prof. Jean-Philippe Thivierge (uOttawa) * Prof. Jean-Claude Béïque (uOttawa) * Prof. Maurice Chacron (McGill) * Prof. Jonathan Rubin (U Pitt) * Prof. Simon Chen (uOttawa) * Prof. Blake Richards (McGill,MILA) * Prof. Steve Prescott (U Toronto) * Dr. Saskia De Vries (Allen Institute) Organizers André Longtin Richard Naud John Lewis

Dec. 21, 2018

MSc and PhD programmes in Computational Neuroscience

by Mark van Rossum

Dear all Applications are invited for our new MSc and PhD programmes in Computational Neuroscience in Nottingham. https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/courses/psychology/computational-neuro… https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/courses/doctoral-training-programmes/e… Merry Christmas and a happy 2019 -- Mark van Rossum, Professor, Schools of Psychology and Maths, U Nottingham Psych Bldg Rm LG.19, +44-115-74-86851, +44-7722049644(m) This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

Dec. 21, 2018

A review of the year in (systems) neuroscience, from The Spike

by Mark Humphries

Systems neuroscience is a fascinating, if daunting, subject - daunting to keep up with, even more daunting to dive into for the first time That’s why I launched The Spike in 2016, as a platform to bring the triumphs and challenges of systems neuroscience to a broad audience As a great place to start, we’ve just published our review of 2018, https://medium.com/the-spike/2018-a-mildly-muddled-review-of-the-year-in-ne… And read the rest here: https://medium.com/the-spike Enjoy! Prof Mark Humphries @markdhumphries This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

Dec. 21, 2018

Faculty position in AI and Neuroscience, Cambridge

by Máté Lengyel

Faculty position in AI and Neuroscience Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK Applications are invited for a University Lectureship (~ US Assistant Professor equivalent) at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Neuroscience (including Cognitive Science) in the Computational and Biological Learning Lab (cbl.eng.cam.ac.uk). CBL combines expertise in computational neuroscience and cognitive science (Mate Lengyel, Guillaume Hennequin, Rich Turner) and machine learning (Zoubin Ghahramani, Carl Rasmussen, Rich Turner, Jose Miguel Hernandez-Lobato). We particularly encourage applicants who would complement our current research activities. The successful applicant’s research should use AI-inspired computational and theoretical approaches to neuroscience (including computational cognitive science), or conversely, biological intelligence-inspired approaches to AI (with an emphasis on machine learning-based approaches), and may combine these approaches with behavioural experiments. This is a linked post offered in association with Wolfson College, and the successful applicant will be elected to an Official Fellowship of the College. Informal enquiries are welcome to: Mate Lengyel <m.lengyel(a)eng.cam.ac.uk> Guillaume Hennequin <g.hennequin(a)eng.cam.ac.uk> Richard Turner <ret26(a)cam.ac.uk> Timeline: - Closing date of applications: Friday, 1 February 2019 - Interviews: March-April 2019 - Decision expected: April 2019 Further information and details of the application process can be found at http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/19416/ The University of Cambridge values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. -- Mate Lengyel Professor of Computational Neuroscience Computational and Biological Learning Lab Cambridge University Engineering Department Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK tel: +44 (0)1223 748 532, fax: +44 (0)1223 765 587 email: m.lengyel(a)eng.cam.ac.uk web: www.eng.cam.ac.uk/~m.lengyel

Dec. 20, 2018

Research positions in Neuromorphic computing in Singapore

by Yansong Chua

Multiple scientist and engineer positions are open for a neuromorphic program (on-going till 2021) in Singapore, at the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), A*STAR. The program is a multi-disciplinary effort, that straddles across the hardware (neuromorphic chip with RRAM, on-chip learning), middleware (emulator) and software (learning algorithms), and we aim to develop a demonstrating application system at end of the program. The program hence presents an unique research opportunity for candidates hoping to build a complete neuromorphic learning system. We are now in the second year of the program and have made good progress on all three aspects of the program. We have still a few openings for talented scientists and both software and hardware engineers who would be excited to work on any aspects of the program (hardware, middleware, software and system integration). Multiple top-ranked universities and research institutes in Singapore (NUS, NTU, IME, IHPC, I2R) are collaborating on the program. The work package I am in-charge of is primarily involved in the design of better algorithms for spiking neural networks. To this end, successful candidates will conduct research in one or more of the following areas: - Neuronal encoding: how to better encode external stimuli into spike based representations to facilitate decoding with high fidelity and also better learning performance (in terms of accuracy and power efficiency). - Supervised learning: given that spiking neural networks are asynchronous and sparse in their activities, the design of supervised learning algorithms that can fully capitalize on these properties becomes critical. - Mapping of state-of-art deep learning networks to spiking networks. Neuromorphic learning algorithms are still solving fairly simple problems compared to deep learning. For this, we would like to systematically borrow from the deep learning community networks and learning algorithms that can quickly boost the capabilities of spiking neural networks. - Unsupervised learning. STDP is well suited for unsupervised learning in spiking neural networks, and we would like to further advance STDP learning in spiking neural networks (both theory and applications). Preference will be given to candidates who can document knowledge in deep learning, spiking neural networks or signal processing (with interest in spiking neural networks). Candidates must have a PhD (for scientists) or MS/BS (for engineers) in computer science, computational neuroscience or related fields. Strong programming and quantitative skills are highly desired. Candidates should be proficient in spoken and written English. The appointment will be for 3 years, and extended for another 1 year, after review. Salaries are commensurate with internationally-competitive salaries and benefits. The start date is flexible and applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Other benefits include: - Funding for international conferences and training courses - Collaboration opportunities with an excellent network of international scientists Candidates please send your curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and three references to Dr. Yansong Chua (chuays(a)i2r.a-star.edu.sg)

Dec. 19, 2018

Joint A*STAR (Singapore) and King’s College London PhD Studentship

by Yansong Chua

We would like to encourage potential PhD candidates interested to work on understanding the role of stochastic neuron models in neuromorphic computing to apply for the above PhD studentship. We are including below a non-technical introduction to the project involved. The candidate will be jointly supervised by Prof. Osvaldo Simeone, Professor of Information Engineering, King's College London and Dr. Yansong Chua, Institute for Infocomm Research, A*STAR. For further queries, we maybe reached at: Prof Simeone: osvaldo.simeone at kcl.ac.uk Dr Chua: chuays at i2r.a-star.edu.sg More application details are also available at https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/funding-opportunities/doctoral-research-oppo… https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/funding-opportunities/doctoral-research-oppo… For all its recent breakthroughs, modern machine learning based on deep neural networks is becoming increasingly unaffordable in terms of computing and energy resources needed to run training algorithms that achieve state-of-the-art performance. This poses possibly insurmountable challenges for the implementation of efficient learning methods on resource-limited devices such as smart sensors or wearables. A possible solution to this problem is the adoption of the new paradigm of neuromorphic computing, which relies on energy-efficient sparse spike-domain processing and communication that are inspired by the operation of the brain. Whether Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) can overcome the limitations of conventional deep networks for the implementation of low-power machine learning is a fundamental question that is currently being investigated by major technology companies and universities. In this project, this issue will be tackled both theoretically and through hands-on experiments by leveraging the complementary expertise of the respective research teams at KCL and A*STAR. Specifically, this research will seek to understand whether conventional deterministic models for SNNs can be improved by probabilistic models, which are typically used in neuroscience to model the brain operation, in terms of accuracy, speed, and robustness. In the first two years, at KCL, the project will concentrate on deriving models and learning rules for probabilistic SNNs. In the last two years, at A*STAR, the research will shift to aspects related to implementation, with a focus on the comparison between deterministic and probabilistic SNNs and on the use of nano-scale devices for the implementation of probabilistic SNNs.

Dec. 19, 2018

Call for abstracts, AMAM 2019, Adaptive motion in animals and machines, Aug 19-23 2019, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland

by Auke Ijspeert

AMAM 2019, Adaptive Motion in Animals and Machines, Aug 19-23 2019, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland https://amam2019.epfl.ch/ Call for abstracts and robot demonstrations, deadline March 8th, 2019 Investigating how animals and humans excel at adaptive movements can help engineers to improve the adaptive capabilities of robots. In return, robots can serve as scientific tools to explore the basic principles of biological systems, in particular the neuromechanical mechanisms underlying their fascinating motor abilities. AMAM 2019 is the 9th international symposium dedicated to stimulate fruitful interactions among biologists and engineers interested in adaptive motion. It aims at bringing together researchers in robotics, biomechanics, neuroscience, sports science, and other fields related to motor behavior in biological and artificial systems. Previous symposia were held in Montreal, Canada (2000); Kyoto, Japan (2003); Ilmenau, Germany (2005); Cleveland, USA (2008); Awaji, Japan (2011); Darmstadt, Germany (2013); Cambridge, USA (2015); and Sapporo, Japan (2017). Two-page abstract contributions are invited from all areas pertaining to adaptive motion in animals and machines. Accepted abstracts will be presented in poster sessions. Invited talks will be presented in oral sessions in a single track (see the exciting list of speakers below). We also encourage participants to contribute hardware demonstrations, as part of the ‘Robot Zoo’@AMAM2019. See https://amam2019.epfl.ch/ for instructions. Important dates: * Jan 18th, 2019 Opening of the extended abstract submission * March 8th, 2019 Deadline of extended abstracts submission * April 12th, 2019 Notification of acceptance for extended abstracts * May 31st, 2019 Deadline of submission for Robot Zoo (Robot Demos) * August 19-23, 2019 Conference Sponsors: Maxon https://www.maxonmotor.com Plenary speakers: * Grégoire Courtine, EPFL, Switzerland * Monica Daley, Royal Veterinary College, UK * Dario Floreano, EPFL, Switzerland * Radhika Nagpal, Harvard University, USA * Lena Ting, Emory University & Georgia Institute of Technology, USA * Herman van der Kooij, University of Twente & Delft University of Technology, Netherlands Invited speakers: * Shinya Aoi, Kyoto University, Japan * David Franklin, Technische Universität München, Germany * John Hutchinson, Royal Veterinary College, UK * Tetsuya Iwasaki, University of California, Los Angeles, USA * Katsu Kagaya, Kyoto University, Japan * Sangbae Kim, MIT, USA * Megan Leftwich, The George Washington University, USA * David Lentink, Stanford University, USA * Charlotte Le Mouel, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Germany * Poramate Manoonpong, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark * Kamilo Melo, EPFL, Switzerland * Katja Mombaur, Heidelberg University, Germany * Beth Mortimer, University of Oxford, UK * Ulrike Müeller, California State University, Fresno, USA * Jamie Paik, EPFL, Switzerland * Pavan Ramdya, EPFL, Switzerland * Chris Richards, Royal Veterinary College, UK * Nidhi Seethapathi, University of Pennsylvania, USA * Simon Sponberg, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA * Emily Standen, University of Ottawa, Canada * Dagmar Sternad, Northeastern University, USA * Barbara Webb, University of Edinburgh, UK * Rob Wood, Harvard University, USA * Kotaro Yasui, Tohoku University, Japan Program Committee: * Hitoshi Aonuma, Hokkaido University, Japan * Jordan Boyle, Leeds University, UK * Monica Daley, Royal Veterinary College, UK * Koh Hosoda, Osaka University, Japan * Fumiya Iida, Cambridge, UK * Auke Ijspeert, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland * Akio Ishiguro, Tohoku University, Japan * Masato Ishikawa, Osaka University, Japan * Takeshi Kano, Tohoku University, Japan * Sangbae Kim, MIT, USA * Jun Nishii, Yamaguchi University, Japan * Dai Owaki, Tohoku University, Japan * Andre Seyfarth, TU Darmstadt, Germany * Emily Standen, University of Ottawa, Canada * Dagmar Sternad, Northeastern University, USA * Barry Trimmer, Tufts University, USA * Eric Tytell, Tufts University, USA * Hartmut Witte, TU Ilmenau, Germany Local organization committee: * Jonathan Arreguit * Alessandro Crespi * Florin Dzeladini * Peter Eckert * Sylvie Fiaux * Anne Koelewijn * Mehmet Mutlu * Laura Páez * Amy Wu -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Prof Auke Jan Ijspeert Biorobotics Laboratory EPFL-STI-IBI-BIOROB, ME D1 1226, Station 9 EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne CH 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland Office: ME D1 1226 Tel: +41 21 693 2658 Fax: +41 21 693 3705 www:http://biorob.epfl.ch Email:Auke.Ijspeert@epfl.ch -----------------------------------------------------------------

Dec. 19, 2018

2 Postdoc positions in Social Neuroscience - Portugal

by Agustin Petroni

The Biomedical Neuroscience Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon ( https://dpratalab.wordpress.com/) is seeking candidates for two postdoctoral positions, one in fMRI and the other in EEG. The selected candidates will be part of a project that studies the physiological bases of social reinforcement learning in healthy subjects and patients, in particular the oxytocin system. Applications should be sent via e-mail to diana.prata(a)kcl.ac.uk, including a CV with publications and a letter of interests by December 28th. The salary is competitive according to the cost of living in Portugal, and will be dependent on experience. Both positions are funded for a maximum of three years. Official call http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=106522

Dec. 18, 2018

Job Opening: Exploring Metrics of Consciousness in the Mouse (at the Allen Institute for Brain Science)

by Anton Arkhipov

A new exciting job opportunity is open at the Allen Institute for Brain Science: Scientist I – Exploring Metrics of Consciousness in the Mouse. Please apply here: http://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/careers/job-search/ Follow the link above and then choose the position “Scientist I – Exploring Metrics of Consciousness in the Mouse” from the list of all available positions. Please feel free to contact me with any questions: antona(a)alleninstitute.org<mailto:antona@alleninstitute.org>. Thanks! Scientist I – Exploring Metrics of Consciousness in the Mouse We are seeking a Scientist to join a project dedicated to measuring consciousness in humans and animals, and establishing mechanistic underpinnings of consciousness. This is a collaboration between the laboratory of Prof. Giulio Tononi at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and scientists at the Allen Institute of Brain Science under Dr. Christof Koch, in the groups of Associate Investigators Anton Arkhipov and Shawn Olsen. The scientist in this position will focus on estimating consciousness in the mouse brain by applying the differentiation and integrated information metrics, developed by our collaborators, to cortical neuronal activity measured in awake mice using optical physiology and electrophysiology (Neuropixels) recordings at the Allen Institute. The scientist will also contribute to the analysis of perturbative experiments in mice, where electrical stimulation will be delivered via an extracellular electrode and cortical activity will be simultaneously recorded. Studying data from these experiments under various conditions of consciousness and non-consciousness (awake, sleep, anesthesia) and ultimately with perturbations (via pharmacology and/or optogenetics), we aim to elucidate the contributions of different parts of the brain to consciousness. The focus of this work is to extend and validate certain predictions from the Integrated Information Theory of Consciousness (IIT). JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: • Analyze optical physiology and electrophysiology recordings to measure differentiation and integrated information. • In collaboration with theoreticians and experimentalists in house and at other institutions, explore how various neuronal populations and circuit architectures may underlie the trends observed in physiological recordings. • Publish/present findings in peer-reviewed journals/scientific conferences. REQUIRED QUALIFCATIONS: • PhD degree in Neuroscience, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related fields. • Strong publication record • 0-2 years’ experience in computational science such as: neuroscience and/or systems neuroscience, computational physics, biophysics, and related disciplines. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Strong background in scientific programming is a plus. • Candidates with strong background in experimental systems neuroscience, willing to switch to computational work, are encouraged to apply. Anton Arkhipov Associate Investigator antona(a)alleninstitute.org<mailto:antona@alleninstitute.org> T: 206.548.8414 www.alleninstitute.org<http://www.alleninstitute.org>

Dec. 18, 2018

CNS*2019 Barcelona: Call for Workshop Proposals and Tutorials

by Sharon Crook

Organization for Computational Neurosciences 2885 Sanford Ave SW #15359 Grandville, MI 49418 USA We request proposals for workshops and tutorials from the international community of computational neuroscientists. Proposals from all levels of faculty as well as advanced postdoctoral fellows are welcome. This is a great opportunity to organize a small meeting or introduce novel methodology through a tutorial with only a few of the headaches of organizing it. We look forward to your submissions. CALL FOR WORKSHOPS (see below and also https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2019-call-for-workshops) Martin Zopotocky, Workshop Organizer, CNS*2019 CALL FOR TUTORIALS (see below and also https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2019-call-for-tutorials) Hermann Cuntz, Tutorial Organizer, CNS*2019 1. WORKSHOP PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS FOR CNS*2019, BARCELONA Workshops, in which computationally related neuroscience topics can be presented, will take place during the last two days (July 16 and July 17 2019) of the 28th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting (https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2019) For each workshop, usually several speakers are invited to introduce a unifying theme, but ample time for discussion should also be planned. Please note that there is a change in the format of the meeting compared to previous years. The main meeting will conclude on July 16, with a keynote lecture and a poster session taking place in the afternoon. The morning of July 16 is reserved for workshops. A goal of this "mixed day" of the meeting is to facilitate an overlap of attendance. Participants who have registered for either the main meeting or the workshops will be allowed to attend all of the events on July 16 (workshops, keynote, poster session). The last day of the meeting, July 17, is reserved for workshops, as in the previous years (workshop registration will be required to attend). Accordingly, the possible duration of a workshop is anywhere from 0.5 days (one session lasting 3.5 hours) to 1.5 days (three half-day sessions). Half-day workshops will be preferentially scheduled for July 16. They will thus offer the opportunity to attract a wider audience still present for the main meeting. Submit workshop proposals to: workshops(a)cnsorg.org. The Past Meetings page (https://www.cnsorg.org/past-annual-meetings) gives access to archives of workshops held at previous CNS meetings. The proposal should be submitted as a Word or pdf file and MUST include the following sections: * WORKSHOP TITLE * ORGANIZERS (list primary organizer first; include affiliations and emails) * WORKSHOP DURATION * NUMBER OF EXPECTED SPEAKERS * BRIEF DESCRIPTION (~150 words; if possible, say why this is significant or timely) * SPEAKERS (mark expected or confirmed) Also please note the following rules which were approved by the OCNS Board on July 15, 2013: * Each individual can be the organizer or co-organizer on only one workshop. * The number of confirmed speakers is a criterion for accepting the proposal. * Overlapping proposals may be asked to be combined. If the organizers do not wish to combine the proposals, only one of the proposals may be accepted. DEADLINE: Workshops submitted before January 31, 2019 will be given priority in acceptance. Workshop proposals arriving after January 31, 2019 will be evaluated based on remaining space for additional workshops. No further workshop acceptances will be anticipated after May 15, 2019. 2. TUTORIAL PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS FOR CNS*2019, BARCELONA Tutorials are intended as introductions into main methodologies of various fields in computational neuroscience. Tutorials are particularly tailored for early stage researchers as well as researchers entering a new field in computational neuroscience. The tutorials will be held on the first day of the meeting, July 13 2019, with a typical total attendance of approximately 100 attendees, allowing for four concurrent sessions during the day. Three different formats are available: * Introductory FULL DAY courses (incl. some reimbursement for the tutors) * Specialized HALF DAY tutorials (incl. some reimbursement for the tutors) * 30 MINUTES software showcase (no funding available) Submit tutorial proposals to: tutorials(a)cnsorg.org. Please compare with last year's tutorials at https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2018-tutorials. Note that our new format, the showcases, will be combined into one continuous afternoon program. The proposal should be submitted as a Word or pdf file and MUST include the following sections: * TUTORIAL TITLE * ORGANIZERS (list primary organizer first; include affiliations and emails) * FORMAT (full day, half day, showcase) * BRIEF DESCRIPTION (max. 300 words; include links to relevant software) DEADLINE: Tutorial proposals should be submitted before January 31, 2019. Registration: Workshop registration will occur through the OCNS registration web site for CNS*2019. All workshop participants, including speakers must register. Each workshop is eligible to receive registration waivers for 2 speakers. Travel awards: A limited number of Travel Awards will be available for organizers or speakers. Priority will be given to postdocs and early career faculty. Travel Award amounts will be variable, depending on distance traveled. Please indicate which speakers you would like to be considered for this mechanism but take into account that there likely will be fewer Travel Awards than workshops.

Dec. 18, 2018

PhD studentships available at the University of Sussex

by Anil Seth

Ph.D. Scholarships available at the University of Sussex: From sensation and perception to awareness. We are delighted to invite applications for the second round of the Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship Programme in ‘From Sensation and Perception to Awareness’, hosted across multiple Schools at the University of Sussex. Up to eight fully funded positions will be awarded (for UK/EU applicants), starting Sep 2019. The aim of the programme is to bring together doctoral researchers from different disciplines to advance our understanding of the interactions between sensing, perception, and awareness in humans, animals, and machines. Applicants can select from a range of projects or propose their own. Pre-specified projects are divided into three main themes: (i) Human-computer interaction and digital arts, (ii) human cognitive neuroscience and computational neuroscience, and (iii) sensory neuroscience. For more details and for how to apply please see https://www.findaphd.com/search/PhdDetails.aspx?CAID=3783 and https://www.sussex.ac.uk/sensation/applications. For more on the Programme please visit https://www.sussex.ac.uk/sensation/, and follow us on Twitter @SensationSussex. Email enquries to Leverhulme(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:Leverhulme@sussex.ac.uk>. Application deadline is 31 January 2019. The programme is co-directed by Anil Seth (Engineering and Informatics) and Jamie Ward (Psychology). ------------------------------------------- Anil K. Seth, D.Phil. University of Sussex, UK Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience Co-Director, Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science Editor-in-Chief, Neuroscience of Consciousness Senior Fellow, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Engagement Fellow, Wellcome Trust www.anilseth.com<http://www.anilseth.com>, www.neurobanter.com<http://www.neurobanter.com> @anilkseth

Dec. 18, 2018

Announcement of Spring School on Computational Cognitive Science, March 25th to 31st 2019 in Freiburg, Germany

by Jannis Born

We are excited to announce that registration is now open for our new, NENS-awarded spring school (“I²C²S³”, International Interdisciplinary Computational Cognitive Science Spring School). Its first iteration will take place in the period of March 25th – 31th, 2019 at the Bernstein Center Freiburg, Germany. This annual spring school is designed for researchers and students from all fields with an interest in computational approaches to the brain and cognitive sciences. We encourage all participants to present their own research in the format of a poster or a Blitz talk. Following a five-day educational program with a mixture of invited talks and instructive tutorials, the event will conclude with an optional two-day Hackathon. Attendees can receive one ECTS-point for their participation in the event. Registration is free, apart from a 20 Euro deposit. Master or PhD students currently residing outside of Germany are eligible to apply for one out of 4 stipends of 750 Euro (generously provided by FENS/IBRO-PERC) to cover the costs associated with their attendance. Registration will be closed on February 16th 2019 11:59pm. Preliminary list of speakers: * Radoslaw Martin Cichy (Free University Berlin, Department of Psychology and Education) * Frank Jäkel (Technische Universität Darmstadt, Centre for Cognitive Science) * Falk Lieder (MPI Intelligent Systems, Tübingen, Rationality Enhancement Group) * Timo Flesch (University of Oxford, Human Information Processing Lab) * Michael Tangermann (University of Freiburg, Brain State Decoding Lab) * Stefan Rotter (Bernstein Center Freiburg, Computational Neuroscience Lab) * Carsten Mehring (Bernstein Center Freiburg, Neurobiology and Neurotechnology) * Peggy Series (University of Edinburgh, Institute for Adaptive and Neural Computation) * Lilian Weber (ETH Zurich, Translational Neuromodeling Unit) For a preliminary program, please visit our webpage at http://iiccsss.eu/. Please do not hesitate to write us an email (info(a)iiccsss.eu) if you have any questions. Feel free to spread this announcement to your friends and colleagues. We look forward to seeing you @IICCSSS2019. Sincerely, The organization committee -- Jannis Born Maryna Kapitonova Jan Kirchner Lukas Vogelsang

Dec. 18, 2018

Announcing Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course 2019

by Erik De Schutter

OKINAWA/OIST COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2019 Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors June 24 to July 11, 2019 Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Japan https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc The aim of the Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course is to provide opportunities for young researchers with theoretical backgrounds to learn the latest advances in neuroscience, and for those with experimental backgrounds to have hands-on experience in computational modeling. We invite graduate students and postgraduate researchers to participate in the course, held from June 24th through July 11th, 2019 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 1 - February 2, 2019. Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance in March. Like in preceding years, the 16th OCNC will be a comprehensive three-week course covering single neurons, networks, and behaviors with ample time for student projects. The first week will focus exclusively on methods with hands-on tutorials during the afternoons, while the second and third weeks will have lectures by international experts. The course has a strong hands-on component based on student proposed modeling or data analysis projects, which are further refined with the help of a dedicated tutor. Applicants are required to propose their project at the time of application. There is no tuition fee. The sponsor will provide lodging and meals during the course and provides 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: • Claudia Clopath (Imperial College, UK) • Erik De Schutter (OIST) • Kenji Doya (OIST) • Tomoki Fukai (OIST) • Wenbiao Gan (New York University, USA) • Geoff Goodhill (University of Queensland, Australia) • Jun Izawa (Tsukuba University, Japan) • Mike Hausser (University College London, UK) • Bernd Kuhn (OIST) • Eve Marder (Brandeis University, USA) • Peggy Series (University of Edinburgh, UK) • Greg Stephens (OIST) • Taro Toyoizumi (RIKEN BSI, Japan) • Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama (OIST) • Yi Zeng (Chinese Academy of Sciences, China)

Dec. 18, 2018

Postdoctoral position(s) available in group of N. Kopell

by Nancy Kopell

A 2-year (extendable) postdoctoral fellow position in computational neuroscience is available at Boston University with Nancy Kopell. The successful candidate will build neural models capable of simulating neural dynamics underlying the oscillatory behavior involved in auditory cognition, particularly in relation to active sensing and speech processing. The goal of this work is to better elucidate cellular and network pathways in the brain that underlie auditory and visual cognition. There will be opportunities for interaction with a large community of experimental and computational neuroscientists via the Conte Center for Basic Neuroscience Research, a highly networked group that includes Boston University, Columbia University Medical Center, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Princeton University and UC Berkeley. The Conte Center contains members with expertise in vivo and in vitro physiology, fMRI, EcOG, data analysis, and dynamical systems modeling. In addition to the above opening, there may also be positions to work with Kopell and experimentalists on a modeling project involving interactions of pyramidal cells and multiple kinds of interneurons to form cognitively important cell assemblies. Applications for such positions are also welcome. Qualified candidates should have a strong mathematics or physics background, preferentially with experience in dynamical systems, as well as strong programming experience. Preference will be given to candidates with experience using detailed biophysical models. Experience with experimental neuroscience is also helpful. The deadline for applications is Feb 1, 2019. Interested candidates should email a CV, statement of research interests, three letters of recommendation, and if applicable, relevant publications to xiaoshi(a)bu.edu. Applications should include a listing of those sending letters of recommendation. Boston University is an equal opportunity employer.

Dec. 17, 2018

Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation 2019

by Aurel A. Lazar

Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation 2019 BCMC 2019 March 21-22, 2019 Center for Neural Engineering and Computation Columbia University, New York, NY, USA Overview The goal of the workshop is to bring together researchers interested in developing executable models of neural computation/processing of the brain of model organisms. Of interest are models of computation that consist of elementary units of processing using brain circuits and memory elements. Elementary units of computation/processing include population encoding/decoding circuits with biophysically-grounded neuron models, non-linear dendritic processors for motion detection/direction selectivity, spike processing and pattern recognition neural circuits, movement control and decision-making circuits, etc. Memory units include models of spatio-temporal memory circuits, circuit models for memory access and storage, etc. A major aim of the workshop is to explore the integration of various sensory and control circuits in higher brain centers. A Fruit Fly Brain Hackathon <http://fruitflybrain.org/hackathons.html> is being conducted in conjunction with the workshop. Workshop participants are welcome to attend the hackathon. Organizer and Program Chair Aurel A. Lazar <http://www.ee.columbia.edu/~aurel>, Columbia University Registration Registration is free but all participants have to register <http://bcmc2019.eventbrite.com/>. Thank you! Lodging and Directions to Venue Please follow this link <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/workshops/bcmc/2019/directions> for lodging details and directions to the hotel and venue. Sponsorship The 2019 Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation is supported by the Department of Electrical Engineering <http://www.ee.columbia.edu/>, Columbia University Center for Computing Systems for Data-Driven Science <https://datascience.columbia.edu/computing-systems>, Data Science Institute, Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science <http://www.engineering.columbia.edu/>, Columbia University Invited Speakers Anton Arkhipov <https://www.alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/about/team/staff-pr…>, Allen Institute of Brain Science. Richard Benton <http://www.unil.ch/cig/benton>, Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne. Benjamin L. de Bivort <http://lab.debivort.org/>, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University. Kristin Branson <https://www.janelia.org/lab/branson-lab>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Gwyneth Card <https://www.janelia.org/lab/card-lab>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Kevin M. Franks <http://www.thefrankslab.org/>, Department of Neurobiology, Duke University. Paul A. Garrity <http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/garritylab/Welcome.html>, Department of Biology, Brandeis University. Stephen F. Goodwin <https://www.dpag.ox.ac.uk/research/goodwin-group>, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford. Tim Jarsky <https://www.alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/brain-science/about/team/staff-pr…>, Allen Institute of Brain Science. Karla Kaun <https://www.kaunlab.com/>, Department of Neuroscience, Brown University. Gero A. Miesenboeck <http://www.cncb.ox.ac.uk/the-science/research-groups/miesenboeck-group/>, Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford. Venkatesh N. Murthy <https://vnmurthylab.org/>, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University. Stephan Saalfeld <https://www.janelia.org/lab/saalfeld-lab>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Louis Scheffer <https://www.janelia.org/lab/scheffer-lab>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Srinivas C. Turaga <https://www.janelia.org/lab/turaga-lab>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Further information about BCMC 2019 can be found here <http://fruitflybrain.org/workshops.html>. Aurel http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu

Dec. 16, 2018

New method for single-trial electrophysiology analysis

by Rapela, Joaquin

Hello, We have recently published an article reporting a new method to study temporal expectation on single trials of the EEG (Rapela et al., 2018). Using this method (in an audio-visual attention-shifting oddball task) we discovered a new behaviorally-relevant effect of temporal expectation on the single-trial phase coherence of the EEG. I am interested in checking if this effect can be observed in other experiments. Thus, I would like to collaborate with, or help to, a scientist that is interested in studying with our method single-trial effects of temporal expectation on his/her electrophysiological recordings (EEG, MEG, ECoG, MEA, single units, etc). If this could interest you, please email me at joaquin_rapela(a)brown.edu. Our article appears in Neural Computation and a preprint of it can be found on my web page https://sccn.ucsd.edu/~rapela/pub.htm Code implementing our method appears in https://github.com/joacorapela/singleTrialEEGPredictions Joaquín Rapela, Marissa Westerfield, Jeanne Townsend (2018a). A new foreperiod effect on single-trial phase coherence. Part I: existence and relevance. Neural Computation 30(9): 2348-83. Abstract This letter makes scientific and methodological contributions. Scientifically, it demonstrates a new and behaviorally relevant effect of temporal expectation on the phase coherence of the electroencephalogram (EEG). Methodologically, it introduces novel methods to characterize EEG recordings at the single-trial level. Expecting events in time can lead to more efficient behavior. A remarkable finding in the study of temporal expectation is the foreperiod effect on reaction time, that is, the influence on reaction time of the delay between a warning signal and a succeeding imperative stimulus to which subjects are instructed to respond as quickly as possible. Here we study a new foreperiod effect in an audiovisual attention-shifting oddball task in which attention-shift cues directed the attention of subjects to impendent deviant stimuli of a given modality and therefore acted as warning signals for these deviants. Standard stimuli, to which subjects did not respond, were interspersed between warning signals and deviants. We hypothesized that foreperiod durations modulated intertrial phase coherence (ITPC, the degree of phase alignment across multiple trials) evoked by behaviorally irrelevant standards and that these modulations are behaviorally meaningful. Using averaged data, we first observed that ITPC evoked by standards closer to the warning signal was significantly different from that evoked by standards further away from it, establishing a new foreperiod effect on ITPC evoked by standards. We call this effect the standard foreperiod (SFP) effect on ITPC. We reasoned that if the SFP influences ITPC evoked by standards, it should be possible to decode the former from the latter on a trial-by-trial basis. We were able to do so showing that this effect can be observed in single trials. We demonstrated the behavioral relevance of the SFP effect on ITPC by showing significant correlations between its strength and subjects' behavioral performance. Cordially, Joaquin

Dec. 15, 2018

Paid Internship in Systems Neuroscience -- Memory Consolidation (joint project between MIT and FAU)

by Carmen Varela

*Joint research project between MIT and FAU* Spend the Spring semester (2019) visiting two booming neuroscience hubs: Jupiter, Florida and Boston, Massachusetts We are looking for a talented student that will apply analytical techniques to study the dynamics of cellular interactions that underlie the consolidation of memory during sleep. The project will involve the analysis of neural data (single cells, local field potentials) recorded from multiple brain areas (neocortex, thalamus, hippocampus) in sleeping rodents. The project is a collaboration between the laboratories of Drs. Carmen Varela (Florida Atlantic University, FAU) and Matthew Wilson (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT). *Requirements:* Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrated initiative and dedication, ability to learn fast. Strong analytical skills, including signal processing and programming. Majors in EECS, Physics and Neuroscience are encouraged to apply. *What you get: * · A paid semester of research (with possibility of extension) in systems neuroscience, including the application of analytical skills to electrophysiology data. · Learn about neuroscience opportunities in two thriving environments, MIT and FAU: the Jupiter campus of FAU is a rapidly growing neuroscience hub that also holds our partners the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience and Scripps Research Institute. Gain additional direct insight into MIT’s established programs and laboratories. · Possibility of presenting results from your work at a neuroscience conference. *Contact:* Submit resume and a brief paragraph commenting on how your skills and background could be helpful to this neuroscience project. Let Dr. Carmen Varela know when you would be available for an interview. carmenv(a)mit.edu https://www.thethalamus.org/

Dec. 15, 2018