- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Postdoctoral position on real-time fMRI brain decoding

by Paolo Avesani

Postdoctoral position: Real-time fMRI brain decoding Applications are invited for a funded Post-Doctoral position at the the Neuroinformatics Laboratory (NILab), a joint initiative of the Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, and the Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), Italy. The position is part of a large grant (2.1 million Euro) awarded by the Autonomous Province of Trento to work on the topic "Characterizing and improving brain mechanisms of attention" (ATTEND). The position will be for an expert in multivariate pattern analysis of fMRI brain data. The activities will include the design, the implementation and the validation of real-time fMRI decoding methods to investigate the human visual attention system. The work will involve the integration of several aspects, including real-time MRI acquisition, multivariate brain decoding methods and adaptive stimulation protocols for visual perception and attention. Candidates should have a degree in Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with a strong mathematical and computational background. Ideally they should have experience with real-time brain fMRI experiments. The position will be available immediately. Informal inquiries can be addressed to info.nilab(a)fbk.eu. Interested applicants should send a CV, a statement of research interests, and the names and full contact details of two referees at http://hr.fbk.eu/jobs. Usful links: NILab - http://nilab.fbk.eu FBK - http://www.fbk.eu/ CIMeC - http://www.unitn.it/cimec ATTEND - https://www.attendproject.eu/

June 9, 2015

Brain Imaging Faculty Search --Rutgers@Newark

by Stephen José Hanson

The Department of Psychology at Rutgers University-Newark anticipates hiring at the assistant professor (tenure track) level. We seek applications from individuals with specializations in areas of Psychology and Neuroscience that primarily use fMRI as a methodology. Examples of research areas of special interest include social, developmental and cognitive neuroscience. Applicants that incorporatebrain connectivity concepts in their research are encouraged to apply. Applicants will have access to the new Rutgers University Brain Imaging Center (RUBIC; Siemens 3T Trio). This position requires a Ph.D. in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field. Highest priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate excellence in teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels, provide research mentorship to students, and have research programs that can be supported by external funding. Applicants should submit a CV, statement of research and teaching interests, 3 top pre/re-prints and 3 letters of recommendation to:facultysearch@psychology.rutgers.edu. We will give priority to applications received by October 15th but will continue the search until the position is filled. Diversity Mission: Rutgers/Newark is the most ethnically diverse research-oriented campus in America (16 consecutive years, US News & World Report). Applicants may include a brief statement in their cover letter explaining how their membership in our department will advance the University commitment to diversity.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other classification protected by law. Rutgers-Newark is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from minorities, women, and other underrepresented groups. Please send queries to me (jose(a)rubic.rutgers.edu) > -- Stephen José Hanson Director RUBIC (Rutgers Brain Imaging Center) Professor of Psychology Member of Cognitive Science Center (NB) Member EE Graduate Program (NB) Member CS Graduate Program (NB) Rutgers University email: jose(a)rubic.rutgers.edu web: psychology.rutgers.edu/~jose lab: www.rumba.rutgers.edu fax: 866-434-7959 voice: 973-353-3313 (RUBIC)

June 9, 2015

Deadline soon! Nominations for Swartz Prize for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience

by Mark Goldman

Dear Computational Neuroscience Community, We are now nearing the deadline (next week, Wednesday June 17) for soliciting nominations for the Society for Neuroscience's annual Swartz Prize for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience. The Swartz Prize, supported by the Swartz Foundation, honors an individual whose activities have produced a significant cumulative contribution to theoretical models or computational methods in neuroscience or who has made a particularly noteworthy advance in theoretical or computational neuroscience. Recipients receive a $25,000 prize and complimentary registration, transportation (economy air or ground), and two nights hotel accommodations for the SfN annual meeting, as well as a lecture slot at the Dynamical Neuroscience Satellite Event (sponsored by NIMH). The SfN president presents the prize at a lecture at the SfN annual meeting. How to nominate an individual: *Submit all materials using SfN's award nomination site <http://www.sfn.org/Awards-and-Funding/Individual-Prizes-and-Fellowships/Nom…>, accessible through the Society for Neuroscience webpage:* *http://www.sfn.org/Awards-and-Funding/Individual-Prizes-and-Fellowships/Outstanding-Research-and-Career-Awards/Swartz-Prize-for-Theoretical-and-Computational-Neuroscience * *Please include the following:* * One nomination letter * Maximum of two optional letters of recommendation (one letter must include a summary of past, present, and future research, maximum of two pages) * Current CV * A list of publications and abstracts authored or co-authored by the nominee Best regards, Mark Goldman

June 9, 2015

post-doc position: information and its relation to causation, emergence, adaptation, evolution, and consciousness (Prof. Giulio Tononi)

by albantakis

A postdoctoral position is available at the center for sleep and consciousness science in the laboratory of Dr. Giulio Tononi (University of Wisconsin, Madison), to study the relation of information and causation within the framework of the integrated information theory of consciousness (Oizumi, Albantakis, Tononi 2014; Scholarpedia: Integrated Information Theory; see http://templeton.3bweb.com/projects/integrated-information-maximally-irredu… for a project description). Immediate funding is available for a range of projects related to foundational questions regarding the ontological status of information, and its relation to causation, emergence, adaptation, evolution, and consciousness. The successful candidate will work in the information integration theory group (http://integratedinformationtheory.org/) at the center for sleep and consciousness science, which is dedicated to a broad range of research problems focused on two neurobiological problems – the mechanisms and functions of sleep and the neural substrates of consciousness. Candidates are expected to have strong training in an analytically rigorous discipline such as theoretical biology/neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering. We explicitly encourage mathematicians to apply. Experience in information theory, complex systems, and an interest in the philosophy of information/causation are a plus. Programming experience is required (knowledge of MATLAB, Python, and/or C++ is of advantage). Appointments are renewable from year to year for up to 3 years, starting as soon as possible or until the positions are filled. Post-doc salaries correspond to the National Institutes of Health National Research Service Award (NRSA) stipend schedule for postdoc trainees, based on number of years of postdoctoral experience. Candidates should send a CV, brief statement of previous research and future research interests, and email addresses and phone numbers of three references to: Giulio Tononi, gtononi(a)wisc.edu. Tononi G (2015) Integrated Information Theory. /Scholarpedia/. Albantakis L, Hintze A, Koch C, Adami C, Tononi G (2014) Evoluation of Integrated Causal Structures in Animats Exposed to Environments of Increasing Complexity. /PLoS Comput Biol/ 10(12):e1003966 Oizumi M, Albantakis L, Tononi G (2014) From the Phenomenology to the Mechanisms of Consciousness: Integrated Information Theory 3.0. /PLoS Comput Biol/ 10(5):e1003588 Hoel, E. P., Albantakis, L., & Tononi, G. (2013). Quantifying causal emergence shows that macro can beat micro. /PNAS/, /110/(49), 19790–19795. The scope of work will range from: -theoretical development and computational implementation of the notion of intrinsic causal information -causal analysis, including the systematic use of perturbations, counterfactuals, and irreducibility -analysis of complex systems in terms their causal/informational structure -meaning (understanding and control) from the intrinsic perspective of the system -actual causation (causal explanation) -examining similarities and differences between existing notions of information and causation (Shannon information, algorithmic information,…) -defining emergence in terms of the spatio-temporal grain size at which a system of elements achieves a maximum of causal power -evolutionary/adaptive aspects of information/causation including simulations based on small adaptive neural networks (animats), which evolve and adapt to an environment that requires sensitivity to context for survival -- Larissa Albantakis, PhD Department of Psychiatry University of Wisconsin 6001 Research Park Blvd Madison, WI 53719

June 5, 2015

Cajal Advanced Neuroscience Training Course: Bioinformatics for the neuroscientist

by Padraig Gleeson

Dear colleagues, Announcing a new neuroscience summer course - “Bioinformatics for the Neuroscientist”. This course is part of the CAJAL Advanced Neuroscience Training Programme sponsored by FENS and IBRO and hosted at the Bordeaux School of Neuroscience in Bordeaux, France. The Cajal Advanced Neuroscience Training “Bioinformatics for the Neuroscientist” will provide students with a practical knowledge of state of the art bioinformatics and modelling methods used to understand the molecular and cellular basis of neuronal function and pathologies. The course will feature introductory lectures about theory and tools, practical hands on sessions, and scientific seminars illustrating how bioinformatics answered specific neurobiological questions. We will cover genomics, epigenetics, functional genomics, biological pathways and models of biochemistry and electrophysiology of single neurons. Date and Location: 21 September – 2 October 2015 Bordeaux, France Course Directors: Nicolas Le Novère (Babraham Institute, UK) Marie-Claude Potier (CNRS-Inserm-UPMC, France) Macha Nikolski (University of Bordeaux, France) - On-site chair Faculty: Julio Banga (Instituto Investigationes Marinas, Spain) Aurélien Barré (Centre Bordelais de Bioinformatique, France) Sven Bergmann (University of Lausanne, Switzerland) Sandrine Caburet (Institut Jacques Monod, France) Claudine Chaouiya (Gulbenkian Insitute of science, Portugual) Benjamin Dartigues (Centre Bordelais de Bioinformatique, France) Laura Furlong (Pompeu Fabra University, Spain) Padraig Gleeson (UCL, UK) Pierre de la Grange (Genosplice, France) Justine Guégan (Institut du Cerveau et de la moëlle) Christophe Junot (CEA, France) Olivier Kirsh (Université Paris Diderot, France) Frédéric Lemoine (Institut du Cerveau et de la moëlle) Ivan Moszer (Institut du Cerveau et de la moëlle) Hayssam Soueidan (Centre Bordelais de Bioinformatique, France) Raluca Uricaru (Centre Bordelais de Bioinformatique, France) Reiner Veitia (Institut Jacques Monod, France) Alejandro Villaverde (Instituto Investigationes Marinas, Spain) Applications: http://www.fens.org/Training/CAJAL-programme/CAJAL-Trainign-Courses-in-2015…. *The application deadline is 12th June.* More information about the CAJAL Training programme: www.fens.org/Training/CAJAL-programme/ ----------------------------------------------------- Padraig Gleeson Room 321, Anatomy Building Department of Neuroscience, Physiology& Pharmacology University College London Gower Street London WC1E 6BT United Kingdom +44 207 679 3214 p.gleeson(a)ucl.ac.uk -----------------------------------------------------

June 5, 2015

BIOPHYSICS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

by Roman Poznanski

BEYOND THE FRONTIERS OF ARTIFICIAL CONSCIOUSNESS, 450pp , 25 color plates Pre-order your copy now ! http://www.amazon.com/Biophysics-Consciousness-A-Foundational-Approach/dp/9… The problem of how the brain produces consciousness, subjectivity and "something it is like to be" remains one of the greatest challenges to a complete science of the natural world. While various scientists and philosophers approach the problem from their own unique perspectives and in the terms of their own respective fields, Biophysics of Consciousness: A Foundational Approach attempts a consilience across disparate disciplines to explain how it is possible that an objective brain produces subjective experience. This volume unites the crème de la crème of physicists, neuroscientists, and psychiatrists in the attempt to understand consciousness through a foundational approach encompassing ontological, evolutionary, neurobiological, and Freudian interpretations with the focus on conscious phenomena occurring in the brain. By integrating the perspectives of these diverse disciplines with the latest research and theories on the biophysics of the brain, the book tries to explain how consciousness can be an adaptive and causal element in the natural world. Contents: •Preface •Foreword (Searle) •List of Contributors •Neurobiological Naturalism (Feinberg and Mallatt) •The Evolutionary Origins of Consciousness (Feinberg and Mallatt) •How Language Evolution Reshaped Human Consciousness (Arbib) •Consciousness by Surprise: A Neuropsychoanalytic Approach to the Hard Problem (Solms) •Can Qualitative Biophysics Solve the Hard Problem? (Pereira Jr. et al.) •The Causal Roots of Mental and Neural Integration (Manzotti and Chella) •The Two-Brains Hypothesis: Implications for Consciousness (Bercovich et al.) •On the Brain's Electromagnetic Field System as the Origin of Consciousness (Hales) •The Neurophenomenology of Consciousness (Poznanski et al.) •The Holoinformational Foundations of Consciousness (Di Biase) •Neural Transition Dynamics and Conscious Perceptive States (Bernroider) •The 'Quantum Underground': Where Life and Consciousness Originate (Craddock et al.) •Quantum Spin Formalism on Consciousness (Hu and Wu) •Consciousness in the Universe — A Review of the Orch OR Theory (Hameroff and Penrose) •Index Readership: Researchers in neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology, biophysics and quantum physics investigating conscious phenomena occurring in the brain ------- Roman R. Poznanski Professor Laboratory of Biological Modeling The Rockefeller University 1230 York Avenue New York, NY 10065-6399 Office: (212) 327-7646 E-mail: rpoznanski(a)rockefeller.edu http://romanpoznanski.blogspot.com and Chief-Editor, Journal of Integrative Neuroscience http://www.worldscinet.com/jin/mkt/editorial.shtml

June 5, 2015

PhD/Postdoc vacancies in computational modeling in neuroscience

by Marcel van Gerven

Our lab (www.ccnlab.net <http://www.ccnlab.net/>) recently received funding for a PhD and postdoc position at the interface between machine learning (deep learning, Bayesian modeling, computational linguistics) and neuroscience: http://www.ru.nl/english/working/job-opportunities/details/details-vacature… <http://www.ru.nl/english/working/job-opportunities/details/details-vacature…> http://www.ru.nl/english/working/job-opportunities/details/details-vacature… <http://www.ru.nl/english/working/job-opportunities/details/details-vacature…> The positions deal with the development of new computational models to probe how naturalistic representations are encoded across the cortical surface. For the PhD position, we are looking for candidates with a Master’s degree in cognitive (neuro)science, computational neuroscience or a related area of research. Candidates should have excellent programming skills, a strong mathematical background and prior experience with acquisition of neural data. For the postdoc position, we are looking for candidates with a PhD degree in machine learning, artificial intelligence, computational neuroscience, applied mathematics or a related area of research. Candidates with a degree in cognitive neuroscience and a strong mathematical background would also be eligible. Start of the project is negotiable but preferably September 2015.

June 5, 2015

[meetings] SECOND CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS- Workshop: Embodied sensorimotor interaction: from locomotion to collective behavior at SWARM2015

by Poramate Manoonpong

SECOND CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS- Workshop: Embodied sensorimotor interaction: from locomotion to collective behavior at SWARM2015 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Wednesday, October 28 (full-day), Kyoto University, Japan Deadline for poster abstract submission: June 30, 2015 Notification of acceptance: July 31, 2015 Workshop Overview ------------------ Animals show fascinating adaptive and versatile abilities. For example, they can move around and at the same time avoid obstacles in order to successfully navigate through their complex cluttered environment for finding their food source. While moving, they can also adapt their locomotion to deal with unknown situations. Furthermore, they can interact with each other to form collective behavior for anti-predator, enhanced foraging, and even increased locomotion efficiency. These complex achievements emerge from tightly as well as loosely coupled interactions between many ingredients including biomechanics (i.e., morphology, muscles, and materials), sensory feedback, centralized/decentralized mechanisms, and communication. Developing these key ingredients and implementing them in artificial systems to approach the level of performance of living creatures remains a grand challenge. To address these issues, our workshop at SWARM 2015 (http://www.ohk.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/SWARM2015/) "Embodied sensorimotor interaction: from locomotion to collective behavior" will bring together leading experts, working in the domains of bio-inspired robotics, swarm robotics, modular robotics, embodied AI, evolutionary robotics, and computational neuroscience, to present their recent developments on robot locomotion and collective behavior and discuss future directions to overcome this challenge. The full-day workshop is composed of the following parts: 1) Invited talks by experts from swarm robotics, bio-inspired locomotion control, and embodied AI, 2) poster presentations, 3) Discussion and future steps We are also pleased to invite contributions in the form of 1 page conf. style abstract http://www.ohk.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/SWARM2015/ on (but are not limited to) the following topics. The selected contributions will be presented in a form of a poster during the workshop. We particularly encourage young scientists to contribute and attend, even presenting their research at an early stage an engage in discussions. We also welcome live demonstrations on robot locomotion and collective behavior. Submissions have to be sent to poma(a)mmmi.sdu.dk<mailto:poma@mmmi.sdu.dk> in PDF format. One author per accepted workshop contribution (poster, demo) and attendee are required to register (http://www.ohk.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/SWARM2015/) The Workshop topics include (but are not limited to) the following: ------------------ - Bio-inspired robotics (e.g., walking robots, flying robots, etc.), - Locomotion control, - Collective behavior control, - Swarm and self-organizing systems (e.g., modular robots) ===================== Tentative List of Speakers: · Dario Floreano (Laboratory of Intelligent Systems, EPFL, Switzerland) · John Hallam (Centre for BioRobotics, The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, SDU, Denmark) · Kasper Støy (IT University of Copenhagen, Denmark) · Nora Ayanian (the Automatic Coordination of Teams Lab, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, USA) · Koh Hosoda (Dept. of Adaptive Machine Systems, Grad. school of Engineering, Osaka University, Japan) · Yulia Sandamirskaya (Institute for Neural Computation, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany) · Shinya Aoi (Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Japan) · Yuichi Ambe (Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Japan) · Poramate Manoonpong (Embodied AI & Neurorobotics Lab, Centre for BioRobotics, The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, SDU, Denmark) ===================== We hope that you will be able to attend and look forward to seeing you in Kyoto, Japan! The workshop organizers: Florentin Wörgötter, Poramate Manoonpong, Yuichi Ambe, Shinya Aoi

June 4, 2015

FENS Featured Regional Meeting 2015 - Extended deadlines, preliminary programme and social events

by Dimitrios A. Adamos

Only few months are left for the FENS Featured Regional Meeting , which will be held at Ioannis Vellidis Congress Center , Thessaloniki , from 7 to 10 October 2015!! Online you can find the analytic preliminary program at http://ffrm2015.com/programme/scientific-programme We would like to remind you that abstract submission deadline and early registration fees apply up to 30th of June! Please visit http://ffrm2015.com to register and submit your abstract online. Also , we would like to bring to your attention that during the congress two social events will take place : - Basketball Tournament(/free of charge/) The three organizing nations share a long history in Basketball, with numerous, unforgettable, exciting games conducted between national and associational teams. The city of Thessaloniki itself has a close relationship with basketball, as it has been largely known as the capital of modern Greek basketball. An indoors basketball tournament will be hosted at the Thessaloniki YMCA court. Students and older students are going to participate in the tournament in mixed teams. Medical support to ...older students will be kindly provided by the Aristotle University Medical School. Interested participants will be (almost) randomly allocated to four teams • Brainiacs • Synaptics • Connectomes • Old timers T-shirts will be provided to the players, who are kindly requested to bring their shoes and shorts. Two initial classification games will take place and the small and big finals will follow. The duration of the games will be 15 min each. The winners will have the opportunity to publish their papers in most international journals, under privileged reviewing processes. The Old timers are supposed to win, provided they make it through the tournament. When registering for the FFRM2015, do not forget to mention you wish to participate to the Basketball Tournament! It’s a no-brainer! *-Food Festival (*40€ per person / 30 € for undergraduate student) A Gastronomy Festival will be held at the area of the port, in a Warehouse at Pier A, an alternative and modern location of the city. The main objective of the event is a search of gastronomic identity of Thessaloniki in combination with Balkan flavors, on which so much is said and written. The street food “festival” will be accompanied by Greek and Balkan sounds from a live band. In case you are interesting to participate in one or both these events, please declare it during your registration online. For those who have already register and they decided to participate, please contact Meeting Secretariat at f.kyritsi(a)events.gr.

June 4, 2015

Postdoctoral and PhD fellowships in artificial life/computational neuroscience

by Steuber, Volker

Postdoctoral and PhD fellowships available in artificial life/computational neuroscience Several fellowships, both at the graduate and postdoctoral level are available in a project on bio-inspired computation and robotics. The project integrates models of computational networks (genetic networks, spiking neural networks) with models of mobile and soft robots. We will use a software platform for the evolution of computational networks created by the team led by Prof. Borys Wrobel at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan (Poland) in close collaboration with the group led by Dr. Volker Steuber at the University of Hertfordshire (UK). The positions are to be filled as soon as possible, with at least one to be filled before 15 June (see here for details: http://know-rna.amu.edu.pl/recruitment-02-15/, project 6). Applicants for the positions should have a degree (MSc or PhD) in a quantitative research-oriented discipline (e.g., computer science, mathematics, or physics), and good programming skills (C++ or Java, Python, Matlab), and a good level of English, both in writing and in speaking (English is the working language in both the labs, in Poland and the UK). Although the project requires an interest in biology, no previous formal background in life sciences is required. The financial support available will depend on background and experience, and the tax residency, but is generous relative to the average salary and expenses in Poland, and is expected to be about 3000 PLN/month per PhD students and about 7000 PLN/month for posdoctoral fellows. The post holders will spend most of their time in Poland, but frequent visits to the UK are expected (with additional funds available to cover the expenses during the visits). For more details, contact Prof. Borys Wróbel directly (wrobel(a)evosys.org)

June 4, 2015

Research Staff Member opening at NeuroMentix

by Chad Peck

NeuroMentix is seeking candidates for a Research Staff Member opening. NeuroMentix is an early stage start up dedicated to a new, groundbreaking class of artificial intelligence technologies closely modeled after the brain. The Research Staff Member will initially participate in government funded research to refine, adapt, and demonstrate the technology. As our approach has important implications for understanding and modeling global brain function, we believe a career with NeuroMentix has the potential for a truly transformative, positive impact on science, technology, and our world. Job Description The selected Research Staff Member will participate in the development, demonstration, and application of a new class of biologically-inspired, network-based artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. The responsibilities include requirements analysis; network and component design, implementation, and testing; experimental design and analysis; documentation of inventions and scientific results through patents, technical reports and scientific publications; presentations and demonstrations to customers and other researchers. Required: * A PhD in computational neuroscience, computer science, machine learning, cognitive systems, electrical engineering, physics, or a related field * Two years of development experience with C/C++ * Two years of development experience in a UNIX/Linux environment * Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research * Working knowledge of functional neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, machine learning techniques, non-linear dynamical systems, and neural networks * Preferred availability by August 2015 Desired: * One year of experience with a computational neuroscience simulator (NEST is preferred) * Demonstrated expertise with generative neural networks, such as deep learning systems * Experience with robot control or software automaton design, development and testing * Demonstrated experience with team software development and integration practices * Expertise with key results and methodologies from experimental psychology If you are a highly driven, adaptable, and impactful researcher, please send your resume and contact information to employment(a)neuromentix.com. NeuroMentix is located in Newtown, CT, USA. More information about NeuroMentix can be found at www.neuromentix.com. NeuroMentix is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must be a US citizen or possess US work authorization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, or disability. NeuroMentix participates in E-Verify.

June 4, 2015

Intelligence for Embedded and Cyber-physical Systems (IntECS 2015) @IEEE SSCI: papers are due in 10 days

by Giacomo Boracchi

**CALL FOR PAPERS** Symposium on "Intelligence for Embedded and Cyber-physical Systems" (IntECS 2015) at IEEE Symposium Series in Computational Intelligence 2015 7 - 10 December 2015, Cape Town, South Africa ( http://ieee-ssci.org.za/) *IntECS 2015 Web site*: http://ies.deib.polimi.it/events/intecs-2015-ieee-ssci/ ********************************************************** *IMPORTANT DATES* Paper submission: June 14, 2015 Author notifications: September 4, 2015 Camera-ready submission: October 4, 2015 Early registration: October 4, 2015 Conference Dates: December 7 - 10, 2015 *********************************************************** In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in designing embedded and cyber-physical systems featuring intelligent skills. Beside addressing the specific tasks they have been designed for, these systems are expected, for example, to autonomously make decisions/activate reactions, perform self-diagnosis, and learn from and interact with the operating environment. This symposium addresses novel and emerging computational-intelligence and machine-learning solutions to provide such an intelligent behavior to embedded and cyberphisical systems. IntECS aspires at providing a forum for researchers who are actively working on intelligent embedded and cyberphisical systems and, more in general, on computational intelligent solutions for real world applications. The symposium will be held within the IEEE 2015 Symposium Series in Computational Intelligence (7 - 10 Dec. 2015, Cape Town, South Africa) **Topics** . Intelligence for embedded systems . Intelligence for cyber-physical systems . Cognitive fault-diagnosis systems . Smart objects and Internet of Things . Intelligent sensor networks . Intelligent sensors and robotics . Intelligent measurement systems . Adaptive solutions to operate in evolving/changing environments . Intelligent systems for real-world applications . Computational intelligence techniques for smart buildings and critical-infrastructure monitoring **Keywords** Embedded systems, cyber-physical systems, fault-diagnosis systems, intelligent applications, intelligent sensors, intelligent sensor networks, Computational Intelligence, Internet of Things. **Symposium Organizers** - Cesare Alippi (Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Italy)cesare.alippi(a)polimi.it - Giacomo Boracchi (Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Italy)giacomo.boracchi(a)polimi.it - Manuel Roveri (Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Italy)manuel.roveri(a)polimi.it **Technical Program Committee** Demetrios Eliadis, KIOS Research Center, Cyprus Stavros Ntalampiras, Politecnico di Milano, Italy Maurizio Bocca, Bosch Research and Technology Center, CA (USA) Michalis Michaelidis, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus Huajin Tang, A*STAR, Singapore Joe-Air Jiang, National Taiwan University, Taiwan Stefano Squartini, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy Rami Abielmona, Larus Technologies, Canada Dongbin Zhao, University of Chinese Academy of Science, China Guillerme DeSouza, University of Missouri-Columbia, USA Ana-Maria Cretu, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Canada Vicenç Puig, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain **Paper Submission Procedure** Submissions must contain original, high quality, not submitted or elsewhere published work. Authors must submit their paper through the IEEE SSCI 2015 webpage http://ieee-ssci.org.za/ Accepted papers will be included in the IEEE SSCI 2015 proceedings and indexed through IEEExplore. Further information and Paper submission can be found at the IEEE SSCI 2015 webpage http://ieee-ssci.org.za/ *********************************************************** The call for papers as well as more detailed information can be retrieved from IntECS 2015 webpage http://ies.deib.polimi.it/events/intecs-2015-ieee-ssci/ and from the main SSCI 2015 webpage http://ieee-ssci.org.za/ Please make sure you select: "Intelligence for Cyber-physical and Embedded Systems" (IntECS 2015) during the submission process *********************************************************** -- Giacomo Boracchi, PhD DEIB - Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria Politecnico di Milano Via Ponzio, 34/5 20133 Milano, Italy. Tel. +39 02 2399 3467 http://home.dei.polimi.it/boracchi/

June 3, 2015

Brain Connectivity Workshop 2015!

by Jorge Riera Diaz

Day-by-Day Registration Available for the 14th Brain Connectivity Workshop A number of places are available in the upcoming Brain Connectivity Workshop at UCSD (June 10-12) at a day-by-day late registration rate of $75. Those local or otherwise able to attend are welcome. Each day's program begins with a light breakfast at 8:00 am, with the first talks beginning at 8:30 am. Lunch, coffee/tea, and snacks are included. The meetings will be held in the San Diego Supercomputer Center annex on the UCSD campus. This will be the 14th international meeting of the Brain Connectivity Workshop, only the second held in the US and the first to focus on electrophysiological measures of distributed brain dynamics. Twenty-six leading scientific voices in the field will take part. A key feature of the Workshop are the unusually long general discussion periods following each workshop presentation - a chance to hear experts and all in attendance discuss topics of current strong interest to cognitive neuroscience. The Workshop program and other information is available at: http://sccn.ucsd.edu/BrainConnectivityWorkshop2015<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__sccn.ucsd.edu_BrainConn…> To indicate your interest in attending as a day-by-day registrant, please email Rhonda McCoy (rmccoy(a)ucsd.edu<mailto:rmccoy@ucsd.edu>) for detailed information. Scott Makeig (smakeig(a)ucsd.edu<mailto:smakeig@ucsd.edu>) Jorge Riera (Miami) Michael Breakspear (Brisbane) -- Scott Makeig, Research Scientist and Director, Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience, Institute for Neural Computation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093-0961, http://sccn.ucsd.edu/~scott<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__sccn.ucsd.edu_-7Escott&…>

June 3, 2015

EvAAL 2015 Call for Competition - only one week left

by Francesco Potortì

ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT FOR REGISTRATION ! EvAAL-ETRI on-site and off-site Indoor Localization Competition <http://evaal.aaloa.org/> In conjunction with IPIN 2015 Banff, Alberta, Canada 13-16 October 2015 ================================================================ We are pleased to announce the EvAAL Indoor Localization Competition, which is to be held during the IPIN 2015 Conference. The competition aims at bringing together academic and industrial research communities to work together on challenging open problems in indoor localization based on mobile devices and sensors, with the purpose of evaluating different approaches and envisioning new research opportunities. Recent years have witnessed increasing interest in location-based services and applications. In most cases, however, location information is limited by the accessibility to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), which is largely unavailable in indoor environments. While the first commercial indoor positioning systems are starting to emerge, no standards exist yet and the field is quickly evolving. The competition will consist of two on-site and one off-site tracks, results will be presented during a dedicated session during the IPIN conference. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Data collected from competitors' systems during the on-site tracks at the conference location will be published for the purpose of research and comparison. Track 1: Smartphone based positioning Track 2: Foot-mounted pedestrian dead reckoning positioning Track 3: Wi-Fi fingerprinting in large environments (off-site) For Track 1 "Smartphone based positioning", the competitors can use any sensor available on the smartphones used. For Track 2 "Foot-mounted positioning", the candidates can use MEMS sensors (inertial, compass and pressure sensors); electronic devices such as tablet, notebook, etc. can be used for control and monitoring. For Track 3 "Wi-Fi fingerprinting", the competitors will have access to a large Wi-Fi fingerprint database, to which they will apply their algorithms offline. The competition will take place during the IPIN conference and the on-ste tracks will be sponsored by ETRI, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute based in Korea. For the on-site tracks, competitors will be given the time to pre-test and setup their solutions prior to the test day, during which the systems will be measured in real-time. For the off-site track, the ground truth will be disclosed during the conference. Evaluation criteria for the competition, restrictions on the accepted technologies, technical rules to follow and a description of the benchmarks are detailed in the technical annex of this call (to be provided by mid-March). Possible refinements of the annex, also based on participating competitors' comments, will be timely distributed to all participants. The annex will include information such as the site map, the distribution of wireless communication devices and more. A "competitor" can be any individual or group of individuals working as a single team, associated to a single or a number of organizations. Competitors apply for admission to the competition by providing a short (2 to 4 pages) technical description of their system, including details on algorithms and protocols. The Program Committee will accept or refuse the application in a short time, based on technical feasibility and logistic constraints. In case of acceptance, competitors are invited to submit a paper to the conference. The paper will be subjected to peer review: accepted papers will be published in the proceedings of IPIN 2015. Competitors may choose to not submit a paper, but in any case they are required to make an oral presentation of their system during a dedicated session at the IPIN conference. Results from the competition and the raw data from the competitors' systems will be published after the competition. Application by guests, who will have the opportunity to test their systems in the same way as competitors, but whose results will not be disclosed, will be granted on an individual base. One full registration to the conference is required from each competitor or guest system; registration covers the presentation of a paper describing the system. The winners of the competition will be announced during the conference. ETRI will award a 2000$ prize to the best placed teams of tracks 1 and 2, together with a paid invitation to hold a talk at ETRI (KR). The winner of track 3 will receive a prize worth 500$. We encourage submissions from both academia and industry (there are no restrictions on the composition of competing teams) with the aim of seeking innovative solutions based on mobile devices and sensors for indoor applications. Please check the conference web site for more information and regular updates on the progress of the competition. Important Dates --------------------------------------------------------------- Admission request: 10 June 2015 Notification of admission and invitation to submit a paper: shortly after request --------------------------------------------------------------- Related links --------------------------------------------------------------- Submission site: <https://edas.info/newPaper.php?c=20021> Technical annex: soon to be published on <http://evaal.aaloa.org> --------------------------------------------------------------- Organizing Committee -------------------- Competition chair: Francesco Potortì <Potorti(a)isti.cnr.it> Local chair: Kyle O'keefe (CA) On-site software chair: Michele Girolami (CNR-ISTI, IT) Off-site track chair: Joaquín Torres Sospedra (Universitat Castellón, ES) TPC chair (on-site): Paolo Barsocchi (CNR-ISTI, IT) TPC chair (off-site): Raúl Montoliu Colás (Universitat Castellón, ES) -- Francesco Potortì (ricercatore) Voice: +39.050.621.3058 ISTI - Area della ricerca CNR Mobile: +39.348.8283.107 via G. Moruzzi 1, I-56124 Pisa Skype: wnlabisti (entrance 20, 1st floor, room C71) Web: http://fly.isti.cnr.it

June 3, 2015

[ICSLANE] Registration deadline extension

by Alessandro Barardi

*Registration deadline has been extended to the 20th of June.* *Fellowships for students presenting posters are available. Check our website <http://www.neural-engineering.eu/BarcelonaConference2015/index.html> for details.* --------------------------------------------------------------- On September 21st – 23rd 2015, the *Neural Engineering Transformative Technologies <http://www.neural-engineering.eu/>* project celebrates the closing event with an *International Conference on System Level Approaches to * *Neural Engineering (ICSLANE*). *Eugene Izhikevich, *co-founder and CEO of Brain Corporation, USA, and *Nikos Logothetis, * Director of Max Planck Institute for Biol Cybernetics inGermany, participate in the event as keynote speakers. The program per day with its* outstanding list of confirmed speakers *is already available* here <http://www.neural-engineering.eu/BarcelonaConference2015/index.html>.* We invite you to *submit poster abstracts* *and apply for **contributed talks. * *Students *who submit posters will have a *fee reduction.* Program <http://www.neural-engineering.eu/BarcelonaConference2015/index.html> Registration <https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-conference-on-system-level-app…> Abstract submission <nett.barcelona.2015(a)gmail.com> The aim of this interdisciplinary conference is to bring together *theoretical and experimental * *neuroscientists, **roboticists and microfluidics experts* to present and discuss the state of the art in the field of *neural engineering*. It is designed to provide fertile grounds for establishing collaborations between classical neuroscientists and leaders in the up-and-coming robotics and microfluidics fields to develop novel neural engineering techniques and promote the understanding of the brain. *Location:* *Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona* *Dr. Aiguader, 88* *08003, Barcelon**a* --------------------------------------------------------------- On behalf of NETT fellows, Alessandro Barardi, PhD student. Neural Engineering Transformative Technologies <http://www.neural-engineering.eu/> Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Barcelona, Spain

June 3, 2015

CFP: Special Issue on Applications of Operations Research in Neuroscience

by Ruben Tikidji-Hamburyan

Dear Colleagues, [We apologize if you have received multiple copies of this message] We would like to draw your attention to the special volume on "Applications of Operations Research for Neuroscience" in the Annals of Operations Research. We cordially invite researchers in neuroscience who use operations research methods and related mathematical fields to contribute to this special issue. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following areas of neuroscience: * intracellular signaling and regulation * synaptic plasticity * dynamics in heterogeneous neural networks * intelligent systems and control * perceptual, cognitive and behavioral functions * learning and memory * spatio-temporal network analysis * combinatorial optimization * signal and information processing * neuroimaging and functional brain imaging processing * computational modelling and simulation Please note that the use of methods from modern operations research is a prerequisite for any paper submitted to this special issue to be accepted for review. Important Dates: Submission deadline of full papers: August 1, 2015. Submission Details: The format of manuscripts for the Annals of Operations Research as well as guidelines can be found on the web page of Springer, the publisher of the journal: http://www.springer.com/business/operations+research/journal/10479 Authors should submit a cover letter mentioning that the paper is for a special volume, along with and a manuscript via the journal's online submission site: http://www.editorialmanager.com/anor More details can be found in the Call for Paper attached to this e-mail. Please consider sharing this call for papers with any researchers who might be interested. http://rutcor.rutgers.edu/CfP_Annals_of_Operations_Research.pdf On behalf of special volume guest editors, Ruben Tikidji-Hamburyan ------- Ruben Tikidji-Hamburyan,Ph.D. Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy Health Sciences Center Louisiana State University New Orleans, LA, 70112 A.B.Kogan Research Institute for Neurocybernetics Southern Federal University 344090, Russia

June 2, 2015

Postdoctoral Research Associate position

by Peter Andras

Research Associate Fixed Term for 2 Years Starting salary: Grade 7 £31,342 Keele University wishes to appoint a Research Associate for the duration of 2 years starting on 1st August 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter, in order to conduct research on the development of novel voltage-sensitive dyes for neuroimaging. You will work in the group led by Professor Peter Andras in the <http://www.keele.ac.uk/scm/research/centreforcomputerscienceresearch/> Computer Science Research Centre and the <http://www.keele.ac.uk/scm/> School of Computing and Mathematics at <http://www.keele.ac.uk/> Keele University and within a Leverhulme Trust funded project. The project runs in collaboration with the group of Professor Andrew Benniston from the School of Chemistry at Newcastle University. The aim of the project is to use rational molecular design to develop novel voltage-sensitive dyes with low toxicity and strong fluorescent signal in order to improve significantly the quality of neuroimaging data. You will work on the testing and evaluation of novel voltage-sensitive dyes for neuroimaging developed by our collaborators from Newcastle University. The novel dyes will be tested and evaluated by imaging neural activity in the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion and brain slices. You will be expected to contribute to the design of the experiments, run the experiments, collect and analyse the data, contribute to the writing of scientific papers and to present the results at conferences. You will be also encouraged to develop your leadership skills. You should have a PhD in a science subject (neuroscience, biology, computer science, physics, mathematics or similar), an interest in working on neuroscience experiments and a demonstrated aptitude for research. Experience in analysis of neuroimaging or similar data is essential and experience in micro-dissection and electrophysiology is highly desirable. For further enquiries please contact Professor Peter Andras at p.andras @keele.ac.uk. For full post details and to apply, please visit: <http://tinyurl.com/RE15-12> http://tinyurl.com/RE15-12 Closing date for applications: 29th June 2015 Interview dates: 6 7 July 2015 (to be confirmed) Interviews may be conducted remotely if needed (via skype or similar technology) --- Professor Peter Andras Professor of Computer Science and Informatics Head of Computing Division School of Computing and Mathematics Keele University Keele, Staffordshire ST5 5BG UK Tel. +44-1782-733412 Fax. +44-1782-734268 E-mail: <mailto:p.andras@keele.ac.uk> p.andras(a)keele.ac.uk Web: <http://www.scm.keele.ac.uk/staff/p_andras/> www.scm.keele.ac.uk/staff/p_andras/

June 2, 2015

Job announcements--Mrsic Flogel lab

by Kelly Clancy

Hi all, the Mrsic-Flogel lab at the University of Basel, Switzerland is looking to fill 2 positions: a data scientist and a research associate. The official announcement is below. Thanks! Kelly *Data scientist position in the Mrsic-Flogel lab* The Mrsic-Flogel lab is seeking a highly motivated data scientist. The main focus of our research <http://www.biozentrum.unibas.ch/research/groups-platforms/overview/unit/mrs…> is to understand the visual cortex. The primary responsibilities for this position will be to design data analysis packages for processing large data sets. Our lab uses two-photon imaging of individual neurons, wide field imaging of the entire cortex, and electrophysiology to understand how neural activity relates to sensory perception and behavior. The successful candidate should have extensive experience working with large data sets, be highly organized and detail-oriented, be able to work both independently and within a team, and have a degree in physical or biological sciences (or several years of work experience). Experience with imaging data, and familiarity with sophisticated analysis techniques (e.g. dynamic causality modelling, machine learning, etc.) are ideal. Familiarity with MATLAB and/or LABVIEW a plus. Applications (in electronic form), including CV, a brief description of previous research experience/software projects, and contact information of two references should be addressed to Tom Mrsic-Flogel, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 70, 4056 Basel, Switzerland ( mrsic-flogel(a)googlegroups.com) Additional info Full-time position, starting immediately or upon agreement. The position is initially for 1-2 years. Salary and benefits according to University of Basel standards. The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the leading institutes worldwide for molecular and biomedical basic research and teaching. It is home to more than 30 research groups with scientists from over 40 countries. Research at the Biozentrum focuses on the areas of Cell Growth & Development, Infection Biology, Neurobiology, Structural Biology & Biophysics and Computational & Systems Biology. With more than 550 employees, the Biozentrum is the largest department at the University of Basel’s Faculty of Science. Basel is an international city with people from 150 nations. Located on the border where three countries meet – Switzerland-Germany-France, it is Europe’s most important life sciences hub. Basel provides a high standard of living and a rich and varied cultural atmosphere. *Research Associate Position in the Mrsic-Flogel lab* The Mrsic-Flogel lab is seeking a highly motivated research associate. The main focus of our research <http://www.biozentrum.unibas.ch/research/groups-platforms/overview/unit/mrs…> is to understand the visual cortex. The primary responsibilities for this position will include animal behavioral training, histology, and/or animal surgeries. The ideal candidate should have some research experience in a neuroscience or biology lab. Prior experience with data analysis software and/or imaging software would be advantageous. The successful candidate should be highly organized, detail-oriented and computer literate, have good written and verbal communication skills, be able to work both independently and within a team and have a bachelor's degree or higher in a neuroscience, biology or a related subject. Applications (in electronic form), including CV, a brief description of previous research experience/software projects, and contact information of two references should be addressed to Tom Mrsic-Flogel, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 70, 4056 Basel, Switzerland ( mrsic-flogel(a)googlegroups.com) Additional info Full-time position, starting immediately or upon agreement. The position is initially for 1-2 years. Salary and benefits according to University of Basel standards. The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the leading institutes worldwide for molecular and biomedical basic research and teaching. It is home to more than 30 research groups with scientists from over 40 countries. Research at the Biozentrum focuses on the areas of Cell Growth & Development, Infection Biology, Neurobiology, Structural Biology & Biophysics and Computational & Systems Biology. With more than 550 employees, the Biozentrum is the largest department at the University of Basel’s Faculty of Science. Basel is an international city with people from 150 nations. Located on the border where three countries meet – Switzerland-Germany-France, it is Europe’s most important life sciences hub. Basel provides a high standard of living and a rich and varied cultural atmosphere.

June 2, 2015

Tenth Madrid UPM Advanced Statistics and Data Mining Summer School - Early registration deadline

by asdm＠fi.upm.es

Dear colleagues, We would like to remind you that the early registration period for the tenth Madrid UPM Advanced Statistics and Data Mining Summer School finishes on June 7th. The summer school will be held in Boadilla del Monte, near Madrid, from June 29th to July 10th. As in previous years, the school comprises 12 week-long courses, of 15 lecture hours each, which are given during two weeks (i.e., with six courses given each week). Students are free to choose the courses according to their interests, with the only restriction being that courses which are given in parallel are mutualy exclusive. INOMICS has selected our summer school as one of the world's top ten summer schools in mathematics and statistics. You can read more at https://blog.inomics.com/top-10-summer-schools-in-math-stats/ Extended information on course programmes, price, venue, accommodation and transport is available at the school's website: http://www.dia.fi.upm.es/ASDM Please, send this information to your colleagues, students, and whoever you think may find it interesting. Best regards, Pedro Larranaga, Concha Bielza, Bojan Mihaljevic and Laura Anton-Sanchez. -- School coordinators. *** List of courses and brief description *** * Week 1 (June 29th - July 3rd, 2015) * 1st session: 9:45-12:45 Course 1: Bayesian Networks (15 h) Basics of Bayesian networks. Inference in Bayesian networks. Learning Bayesian networks from data. Real applications. Practical demonstration: GeNIe, Weka, Bayesia, R. Course 2: Time Series(15 h) Basic concepts in time series. Descriptive methods for time series. Linear models for time series. Extensions. Practical demonstration: R. 2nd session: 13:45-16:45 Course 3: Supervised Pattern Recognition (15 h) Introduction. Assessing the performance of supervised classification algorithms. Preprocessing. Classification techniques. Combining multiple classifiers. Comparing supervised classification algorithms. Course 4: Bayesian Inference (15 h) Introduction: Bayesian basics. Conjugate models. MCMC and other simulation methods. Regression and Hierarchical models. Model selection. Practical demonstration: R and WinBugs. 3rd session: 17:00 - 20:00 Course 5: Neural Networks and Deep Learning (15 h) Introduction. Training algorithms. Learning and Optimization. MLPs in practice. Deep Networks. Course 6: Unsupervised Pattern Recognition (15 h) Introduction to clustering. Data exploration and preparation. Prototype-based clustering. Density-based clustering. Graph-based clustering. Cluster evaluation. Miscellanea. Conclusions and final advise. Practical session: R. * Week 2 (July 6th - July 10th, 2015) * 1st session: 9:45-12:45 Course 7: Statistical Inference(15 h) Introduction. Some basic statistical test. Multiple testing. Introduction to bootstrap methods. Introduction to Robust Statistics. Practical demonstration: R. Course 8: Bayesian Classifiers (15 h) Discrete predictors. Gaussian Bayesian networks-based classifiers. Other Bayesian classifiers. Bayesian classifiers for: positive and unlabeled data, semi-supervised learning, data streams, temporal data. Practical session: R. 2nd session: 13:45-16:45 Course 9: Text Mining (15 h) Introduction. Fundamentals. Language Modeling. String Processing. Text Classification. Information Extraction. Practical session: GATE (optionally, python). Course 10: Feature Subset Selection (15 h) Introduction. Filter approaches. Embedded methods. Wrapper methods. Advanced topics. Practical session: R and Weka. 3rd session: 17:00-20:00 Course 11: Support Vector Machines and Convex Optimization (15 h) Introduction. SVM models. SVM learning algorithms. Convex non differentiable optimization. Course 12: Hidden Markov Models (15 h) Introduction. Discrete Hidden Markov Models. Basic algorithms for Hidden Markov Models. Semicontinuous Hidden Markov Models. Continuous Hidden Markov Models. Unit selection and clustering. Speaker and Environment Adaptation for HMMs. Other applications of HMMs. Practical session: HTK.

June 2, 2015

PhD position in Computational Neuroscience/Biology in Oslo, Norway

by Gaute Einevoll

PHD-POSITIONS IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE/BIOLOGY IN OSLO, NORWAY Several PhD positions are available in the SUURPh (SIMULA-UiO-UCSD) collaboration: https://www.simula.no/education/suurph-collaboration PhD-candidates will expectedly spend about 3 years in Oslo (UiO or SIMULA) and about year at UCSD. Possible PhD-projects include: modeling of interaction between ion channels and psychoactive drugs, modeling of memory processing in hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, modeling of liquid flow in the brain, biophysical modeling of EEG and MEG signals, biomechanical modeling of the human brain. For more info on projects see: https://www.simula.no/suurph-projects Students interested in becoming a SUURPh fellow should consult the Applicant's page: https://www.simula.no/students-page. Here you will find all relevant information and instructions to submit your application. ********************************************** Professor Gaute T. Einevoll Department of Mathematical Sciences and Technology Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Aas, Norway; Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway Ph. +47-64965433, Mobile: +47-95124536 email: Gaute.Einevoll(a)nmbu.no, web: compneuro.umb.no, cinpla.org

June 1, 2015

postdoctoral position in Carmen Canavier's lab

by Canavier, Carmen C.

A two (2) year Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in the lab of Carmen Canavier in the School of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. The focus of the lab is computational neuroscience. The main project is to model bursting and tonic firing in midbrain dopamine neurons, in close collaboration with experimentalists. Additional projects focus on oscillations and synchrony in cortical and basal ganglia networks. The primary duties will involve linear and non-linear analyses, writing code, calibrating single neuron models, and generating predictions that lead to additional experiments. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Engineering, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, Computer Science or a related field of study. Familiarity with nonlinear dynamics, writing code, running the simulation package NEURON, and modeling single neurons is preferred. Qualified candidates may submit resume along with cover letter and contact information for three references electronically to: SOM-recruits(a)lsuhsc.edu; reference 00049561. This appointment is a two (2) year assigned only. Applications should be received before July 1 to ensure consideration for the position. LSUHSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer for females, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

June 1, 2015

Reminder: Post-doc fellowship on computational neurosciences and stereoscopic vision

by cottereau＠cerco.ups-tlse.fr

Post-doc fellowship with Benoit Cottereau on computational neurosciences and stereoscopic vision Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition, Toulouse, France Starting date: September December 2015 A postdoctoral research position is available to work with Benoit Cottereau (CNRS Researcher) in the ECO-3D team of the CerCo laboratory (Toulouse, http://www.cerco.ups-tlse.fr/?lang=en) The aim of the project is to develop new models of stereoscopic vision in primate that automatically become selective to the most frequently occurring 3D properties of their visual environment (e.g. 3D motion direction). These models will possibly be validated through experimental data (psychophysics and brain imaging in both human and non-human primates). The applicant should hold a solid background in computational neurosciences, signal processing as well as skills in programming. Knowledge on vision in primate would be highly appreciated. The city of Toulouse is an attractive city with high quality of life located in the south west of France (close to the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean sea and the Spanish border). The position is for 18 months with standard French salaries. Applications should be sent to benoit.cottereau(a)cerco.ups-tlse.fr including a CV and 2 names of references.

June 1, 2015

Reminder: NCCD-2015 registration deadline

by pedro goncalves

New early registration deadline: June 4th. The list of oral and poster presentations can be found at http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/nccd/nccd15/abstracts/ *********************************************************** Neural Coding, Computation and Dynamics (NCCD) August 30 - September 2, 2015 Bilbao, Spain http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/nccd/nccd15/ The goal of this workshop is to bring together experimentalists and theoreticians who seek to understand how circuit dynamics underlies representation and function in the nervous system, and to foster real discussion. This year the workshop will focus on the interplay between excitation (E) and inhibition (I) in cortical circuits. The balance between E and I, an idea proposed twenty years ago to account for the stochastic nature of cortical activity, has been seminal in the understanding of basic principles of neural network dynamics. We are seeking talks that, building on this paradigm, present recent findings on topics such as neuronal variability and stochastic dynamics, the role of the different subtypes of interneurons, plasticity and structure in EI networks, brain state and network dynamics, etc. The workshop will be limited to about 70 people, the hope being to foster real interaction and discussion. Important dates: May 15: Abstracts due (there will be posters and contributed talks) June 4th: Early registration due Confirmed invited speakers: Dean Buonomano, University of California at Los Angeles Jess Cardin, Yale School of Medicine Sophie Denève, ENS Brent Doiron, University of Pittsburgh Andrea Hasenstaub, UCSF Mike Hausser, UCL Carl Petersen, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne Karel Svoboda, Janelia Farm Tim Vogels, University of Oxford Fred Wolf, University of Gottingen Best, Peter Latham Jaime de la Rocha Maneesh Sahani Pedro Goncalves Co-organizers

May 31, 2015

Neural Metrics 2.0 : Deadline approaching (June 15th)

by Marcel van Gerven

Neural Metrics 2.0 : Connectomics & Large-Scale Methods The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour/Radboud University is organizing a summer school on neural metrics with the aim to get participants acquainted with the quantitative analysis of neural organisation and function. In Neural Metrics 2.0 we will build on the success from the previous year, focussing on methods for understanding brain networks such as connectomics as well as large scale and Bayesian methods, with world class speakers, hands-on tutorials, student projects and an interactive debate. The topics covered range from cellular connectomics to human functional connectomics. The course is designed for PhD students and starting postdoctoral researchers working at the interface between cognitive neuroscience and the application of advanced methods. Please consult the Radboud Summer school website (http://www.ru.nl/radboudsummerschool/ <http://www.ru.nl/radboudsummerschool/>) for details on the program, social events and registration. Further details for the Neural Metrics Summer School can be found below and on the website (http://www.ru.nl/radboudsummerschool/courses/brain-behaviour/@972443/neural… <http://www.ru.nl/radboudsummerschool/courses/brain-behaviour/@972443/neural…>). Dates : Monday 10 August - Friday 14 August 2015 (1 week) Application Deadline : 15 June 2015 Course leaders : Bernhard Englitz, Marcel van Gerven, Fleur Zeldenrust, Tansu Celikel Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour & Radboud University Participant profile : This course was developed for PhD students and early postdoctoral researchers working at the interface between cellular and cognitive neuroscience requiring advanced methods of analysis. This includes research in the field of Neuroscience with an MSc in Biology, Computer Science, Psychology, Physics, Al, Mathematics, Engineering or a similar major. Admission requirements : As part of the admission procedure, we ask you to send us your CV and a brief motivation letter in which you explain your interest in our course. Course fee : 600 Euros The course fee includes the registration fee, course materials, access to library and IT facilities, coffee/tea, lunch, and a number of social activities. Accommodation is available for the course participants (additional charges apply). For details please see http://www.ru.nl/radboudsummerschool/practical-matters/housing/ <http://www.ru.nl/radboudsummerschool/practical-matters/housing/> Discounts : • 15% discount for students and PhD candidates from Radboud University and partner universities, Confirmed Speakers (alphabetical): > Misha Ahrens (HHMI, Janelia) > Matthias Bethge (University Tübingen) > Vincent Bonin (VIB, Leuven) > Romain Brette (Institut de la Vision, Paris) > Kevin Briggman (NIH, Bethesda) > Tansu Celikel (Donders Institute, Nijmegen) > Moritz Helmstädter (MPI for Brain Research, Frankfurt) > Henry Kennedy (INSERM, Lyon) > Timm Lochmann (TU Berlin) > David Norris (Donders Institute, Nijmegen) > Rémi Proville (Donders Institute, Nijmegen) > Andrew Reid (FZ Jülich) > Jan Schnupp (Oxford University) > Alessandro Treves (SISSA, Trieste) > Fleur Zeldenrust (Univ. Amsterdam)

May 29, 2015

Machine Learning & Auditory Processing Position at TU Berlin

by Ivo Trowitzsch

Technische Universitaet Berlin, department of Neural Information Processing, offers a position in an international collaborative project set in auditory processing and modeling, robotics and machine learning. The successful candidate will develop and apply machine learning and signal processing techniques in an active computational model of auditory perception in order to detect and annotate acoustic events in an auditory scene analysis and an quality of experience setting. Project and position are part of the TWO!EARS project which is funded through the EU FET Open scheme (see brief description below). Starting date: Immediate Salary level: E-13 TV-L The position is until the end of 2016. Candidates should hold a recent PhD-degree or Diplom-/Master- degree, should have excellent programming skills in an object-oriented language (MATLAB will be used) and good knowledge in the machine learning field. Research experience in machine learning or applications to auditory processing is an asset. Application material (CV, list of publications, abstract of PhD thesis (if applicable), abstract of Diplom-/Master/Thesis, copies of certificates and two letters of reference -- but those can also be handed in later) should be sent to: Prof. Dr. Klaus Obermayer MAR 5-6, Technische Universitaet Berlin, Marchstrasse 23 10587 Berlin, Germany http://www.ni.tu-berlin.de/ email: oby(a)cs.tu-berlin.de preferably by email. TUB seeks to increase the proportion of women and particularly encourages women to apply. Women will be preferred given equal qualification. Disabled persons will be preferred given equal qualification. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consortium Summary: TWO!EARS replaces current thinking about auditory modeling by a systemic approach in which human listeners are regarded as multi-modal agents that develop their concept of the world by exploratory interaction. The goal of the project is to develop an intelligent, active computational model of auditory perception and experience in a multi-modal context. Our novel approach is based on a structural link from binaural perception to judgment and action, realized by interleaved signal-driven (bottom-up) and hypothesis-driven (top-down) processing within an innovative expert system architecture. The system achieves object formation based on Gestalt principles, meaning assignment, knowledge acquisition and representation, learning, logic-based reasoning and reference-based judgment. More specifically, the system assigns meaning to acoustic events by combining signal- and symbol-based processing in a joint model structure, integrated with proprioceptive and visual percepts. It is therefore able to describe an acoustic scene in much the same way that a human listener can, in terms of the sensations that sounds evoke (e.g. loudness, timbre, spatial extent) and their semantics (e.g. whether the sound is unexpected or a familiar voice). Our system will be implemented on a robotic platform, which will actively parse its physical environment, orientate itself and move its sensors in a humanoid manner. The system has an open architecture, so that it can easily be modified or extended. This is crucial, since the cognitive functions to be modeled are domain and application specific. TWO!EARS will have significant impact on future development of ICT wherever knowledge and control of aural experience is relevant. It will also benefit research in related areas such as biology, medicine and sensory and cognitive psychology. -- Ivo Trowitzsch Research Assistant @ Neural Information Processing Group, TU Berlin

May 28, 2015