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PhD position: “Bayesian model of the joint development of perception, action and phonology”
by Pierre Bessière May 18, 2014

May 18, 2014

Proposal for a PhD position beginning in September 2014: “Bayesian model of the joint development of perception, action and phonology” Context The Speech Unit(e)s project is focused on the speech unification process associating the auditory, visual and motor streams in the human brain, in an interdisciplinary approach combining cognitive psychology, neurosciences, phonetics (both descriptive and developmental) and computational models. The framework is provided by the “Perception-for-Action-Control Theory (PACT)” developed by the PI (Schwartz et al., 2012). PACT is a perceptuo-motor theory of speech communication, which connects in a principled way perceptual shaping and motor procedural knowledge in speech multisensory processing. The communication unit in PACT is neither a sound nor a gesture but a perceptually shaped gesture, that is a perceptuo-motor unit. It is characterised by both articulatory coherence – provided by its gestural nature – and perceptual value – necessary for being functional. PACT considers two roles for the perceptuo-motor link in speech perception: online unification of the sensory and motor streams through audio-visuo-motor binding, and offline joint emergence of the perceptual and motor repertoires in speech development. Objectives of the PhD position In the debates between auditory and motor theories of speech perception, and in their modern revival concerning the role of the dorsal route (Hickok & Poeppel, 2004, 2007), there is no real reflexion about what could be the functional role of a perceptuo-motor coupling for speech perception. The “dorsal route” is supposed to be useful in “adverse conditions”, e.g. in noise or with a foreign language (Callan et al., 2004; Zekveld et al., 2006). But no theoretical explanation is actually proposed for this potential efficiency of motor processes in adverse conditions. We have recently developed a computational framework enabling to compare the predictions of auditory, motor and perceptuo-motor theories in various kinds of situations (Moulin-Frier et al., 2012). Casting these theories into a single, unified mathematical framework is an efficient way to compare the theories and their properties in a systematic manner. Bayesian modeling is a mathematical framework that precisely allows such comparisons. The trick is that the same tool, namely probabilities, can be used both for defining the models and for comparing them (see e.g. Myung & Pitt, 2009). The generic model we developed is called COSMO, which stands for "Communicating about Objects using Sensory-Motor Operations". The COSMO acronym also represents the five variables around which the basic structure of the model is built. In COSMO, communication (C) is a success when an object OS in the speaker’s mind is transferred, via sensory and motor means S and M, to the listener’s mind where it is correctly recovered as OL. COSMO assumes that a communicating agent, which is both a speaker and a listener, internalizes the communication situation inside an internal model. The PhD project aims at developing COSMO in two major directions. (1) Joint acquisition of perceptual and motor repertoires in a syllabic framework. Experiments in COSMO have mainly concerned simple stimuli, e.g. in abstract one-dimensional sensory-motor spaces, or with restricted vowel samples. We will explore strategies for automatically learning to produce and perceive complex sequences such as plosive-vowel CV sequences, which display systematic coarticulation phenomena. Various kinds of exploration and learning mechanisms are available from cognitive and developmental robotics (Moulin-Frier & Oudeyer, 2012). Validation tests will be inspired from real data, on e.g. locus equations for plosive acoustics (Sussman et al., 1998), robustness to perturbations in production (Lindblom et al., 1979; Savariaux et al., 1995), or coupling of perceptual and motor idiosyncrasies. (2) Comparison of auditory, motor and perceptuo-motor theories for speech processing in various conditions. Once these perception and production components will be settled in COSMO, we will compare auditory, motor and perceptuo-motor speech perception theories in challenging conditions, such as noise, speaker normalization, or foreign accent. We will test the ability to develop a perceptuo-motor phonology from auditory and motor experience, e.g. to acquire a category such as “plosive place of articulation” through the discovery of perceptuo-motor links in learning. We will also test COSMO on natural CV stimuli, exploiting natural multi-speaker corpora of CV sequences for learning and perceptual tests. The work will be realized within a multidisciplinary team gathering knowledge in speech communication, cognitive theories and Bayesian modeling (Jean-Luc Schwartz in GIPSA-Lab Grenoble, Julien Diard in LPNC Grenoble, Pierre Bessière in ISIR Paris), in collaboration with Pierre-Yves Oudeyer in INRIA Bordeaux. Practical information The PhD position is open from September 2014, or slightly later if necessary. Candidates should have a master, some knowledge about speech and cognitive modeling, and ability to program and to develop computational models. They must send a CV, together with a letter explaining why they are interested in the project. They should also provide two names (with email addresses) for recommendations about their applications. This should be send before June 15th to Jean-Luc Schwartz (Jean-Luc.Schwartz(a)gipsa-lab.grenoble-inp.fr) Interviews will be done with preselected candidates. Decision will occur in the following weeks.

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IWSYP'14: deadline extension to May 30
by Thiago Matos Pinto May 16, 2014

May 16, 2014

I International Workshop on Synaptic Plasticity - IWSYP'14 September 8-9, 2014 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil http://iwsyp14.thiagomatospinto.com University of São Paulo Deadline for abstract submission has now been extended to May 30. Participation is free of charge! Speakers: Chris De Zeeuw (Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands & Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) Freek Hoebeek (Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands) Reinoud Maex (École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France) Ricardo Leão (University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil) Thiago Matos Pinto (University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil) Organizers: Thiago Matos Pinto (University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil) Antonio Roque (University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil) Abstracts: Submission of abstracts for poster and oral presentations are due by May 30, 2014. We welcome both experimental and theoretical contributions addressing novel findings on topics related to synaptic plasticity. Please see http://iwsyp14.thiagomatospinto.com/abstracts for details. Please visit the IWSYP'14 website for program and further details: http://iwsyp14.thiagomatospinto.com You will also find us on Facebook at facebook.com/iwsyp14 We look forward to seeing you in Ribeirão Preto. With best wishes, Thiago Matos Pinto, IWSYP'14 Organizer

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Special issue on the hard problem of consciousness
by Roman Poznanski May 16, 2014

May 16, 2014

JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE NEUROSCIENCE http://www.worldscinet.com/jin SPECIAL ISSUE: On the Hard problem of consciousness Volume 13, No.2 (JUNE) 2014 Editorial 1. Introduction— Addressing the Hard Problem J. R. Searle. 2. A Neuropsychoanalytic Approach to the Hard Problem of Consciousness M. Solms 3. Co-evolution of Human Consciousness and Language—Revisited M. Arbib 4. Quantum Effects in the Understanding of Consciousness S. R. Hameroff and J.A.Tuszynski 5. The Origins of the Brain's Endogenous Electromagnetic Field and Its Relationship to Provision of Consciousness. C.G. Hales 6. Keeping Time: Could Quantum Beating in Microtubules be the Basis for the Neural Synchrony Related to Consciousness? T.J.A. Craddock, A. Priel and J. A. Tuszynski 7. Genomic Instantiation of Consciousness in Neurons Through a Biophoton Field Theory L.A. Cacha and R.R. Poznanski 8. Physical Integration: A Causal Account for Consciousness R. Manzotti and A. Chella 9. Afference Copy as a Quantitative Neurophysiological Model for Consciousness H. Cornelis and A. Coop 10. Triple-Aspect Monism: Physiological, Unconscious and Conscious Aspects of Brain Activity A.Pereira Jr. ------- 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 _______________________________________________

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Research Assistant Position in the Neuroinformatics lab / Institute of Cognitive Science, University Osnabrück
by Gordon Pipa May 15, 2014

May 15, 2014

The Neuroinformatics Research Group (Prof. Dr. Gordon Pipa) of the Institute of Cognitive Science invites applications for a Research Assistant (Postdoc level), (Salary level E 13 TV-L) to be filled by July 1, 2014 for a period of three years. The position allows for further scientific qualification. Description of Responsibilities: The position involves research on complex neuronal networks and the analysis of data generated by such systems. The research will develop tools and apply these on the estimation of complex and causal interactions between neurons and larger areas of the brain, based on various measurements, such as spiking activity, LFP and ECoG. The successful candidate will be involved in several research projects that range from BSc to PhD projects. The position also involves teaching Cognitive Science courses at B.Sc. and M.Sc. level (4 hours/week). Required Qualifications: Candidates are expected to have an excellent academic degree (PhD and Master/diploma). Applicants should have an excellent knowledge in the field of machine learning, i.e. generalized linear and state space models, kernel methods, reservoir computing and deep learning. Experience or a strong interest in the fields of complex systems, computational neurosciences, dynamical systems theory and the concepts to study these, i.e. bifurcation and stability analysis, and delay coupled differential equations, measurements of complexity, are encouraged. The position may be held full or part-time. As a certified family-friendly institution, Osnabrück University is committed to furthering the compatibility between work/studies and family life. Furthermore, qualified applicants with disabilities will be favored. Applications with the usual documentation, including two letters of recommendation (hardcopies which will not be returned) should be submitted no later than June 4, 2014 to the Director of the Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Osnabrueck, Albrechtstraße 28, 49076 Osnabrueck. An electronic copy of your application should be sent to gpipa(a)uni-osnabrueck.de. Further information can be provided by Prof. Dr. Gordon Pipa, (gpipa(a)uni-osnabrueck.de)

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3 days left for abstract submission - Bernstein Conference 2014 - Call for Abstracts
by Kerstin Mosch May 15, 2014

May 15, 2014

REMINDER: Call for Abstracts: Bernstein Conference 2014 Deadline of Abstract Submission: May 18, 2014 ************************************************************** Satellite Workshops September 02-03, 2014 Main Conference September 03-05, 2014 ************************************************************** The Bernstein Conference has become the largest annual Computational Neuroscience Conference in Europe and now regularly attracts more than 500 international participants. This year, the Conference is organized by the Bernstein Focus Neurotechnology Goettingen and will take place September 03-05, 2014. In addition, there will be a series of pre-conference satellite workshops on September 02-03, 2014. The Bernstein Conference is a single-track conference, covering all aspects of Computational Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, and sessions for poster presentations are an integral part of the conference. We now invite the submission of abstracts for poster presentations from all relevant areas. Accepted abstracts will be published online and will be citable via Digital Object Identifiers (DOI). Additionally, a small number of abstracts will be selected for contributed talks. DETAILS FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSION: For abstract submission visit: http://www.bernstein-conference.de/abstracts Deadline: May 18, 2014 CONFERENCE DETAILS: Venue: Satellite Workshops and Main Conference, Central Lecture Hall (ZHG), Platz der Goettinger Sieben 5, 37073 Göttingen, Germany Registration: Conference Registration starts in April, 2014 Early registration deadline: July 7, 2014 For more information on the conference, please visit the website: http://www.bernstein-conference.de PUBLIC PHD STUDENT EVENT: September 02, 2014 PUBLIC LECTURE: September 04, 2014 PROGRAM COMMITTEE: Ilka Diester, Daniel Durstewitz, Thomas Euler, Alexander Gail, Matthias Kaschube, Jason Kerr, Roland Schaette, Fred Wolf, Florentin Wörgötter, ORGANIZING COMMITTEE: Florentin Wörgötter, Kerstin Mosch, Yvonne Reimann Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS): Andrea Huber Broesamle, Mareike Kardinal, Kerstin Schwarzwaelder We look forward to seeing you in Goettingen in September! -- Dr. Kerstin Mosch Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) Goettingen Bernstein Focus Neurotechnology (BFNT) Goettingen Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization Am Fassberg 17 D-37077 Goettingen Germany T: +49 (0) 551 5176 - 425 E: kerstin(a)nld.ds.mpg.de I: www.bccn-goettingen.de I: www.bfnt-goettingen.de

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OpenWorm Kickstarter Campaign
by Shreejoy Tripathy May 12, 2014

May 12, 2014

Dear Colleagues, I'm writing to let you know about the OpenWorm Kickstarter Campaign (link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/openworm/openworm-a-digital-organism-i…) As you may know, the goal of the OpenWorm project is to digitally simulate a C. Elegans organism. By design, the project is organized in a geographically distributed fashion and all of the work is being done in the open (on GitHub and Youtube) using entirely open source code and public data. Though I’m not a worm researcher, I’m supporting OpenWorm’s Kickstarter because I strongly believe in their overall mission. As a computational neuroscientist, I see the project as a necessary first step in the simulation of more complex organisms, including mice and ultimately humans. Moreover, I see my Kickstarter contribution as a future investment in the open source tools and methodologies that OpenWorm develops that I hope to eventually use in my own research. More philosophically, I think that lately the field of neuroscience has suffered from some amount of “overhype”, especially given the initially promised outcomes of recent large-scale brain initiatives (e.g., recording from all neurons in a mammalian brain, simulating an entire human brain). While these projects have been hugely successful in catalyzing widespread public support of basic neuroscience research, many neuroscientists see these promises as perhaps a bridge too far given the current research state. Though OpenWorm's goals are itself highly ambitious, the relative simplicity of the worm (named neurons, stereotyped connectomes and musculature, the ability to image neuronal activity in vivo) lends itself well to this attempt. By conducting the project in the open and basing success on quantifiable goals (i.e., how similar are the simulated worm's movements and neural activity to experimental measurements), the project will serve as a roadmap for future endeavours in multi-scale data integration and organismal simulation. Lastly, the geographically distributed and highly interdisciplinary nature of the project makes it challenging to receive funding through traditional NIH-style mechanisms. For this reason, I'm asking you to join me in supporting the project's Kickstarter campaign. More information: OpenWorm Website: http://www.openworm.org Kickstarter campaign link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/openworm/openworm-a-digital-organism-i… Project overview by OpenWorm member and neuroscientist Jim Hokanson: http://jimandscience.blogspot.ca/2014/05/modeling-worm-thoughts-on-openworm… OpenWorm QandA on Reddit: http://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/246dlw/science_ama_series_im_steph… Sincerely, Shreejoy Tripathy Post-doc and Developer of neuroelectro.org University of British Columbia Centre for High-Throughput Biology

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CAN satellite workshop
by Gunnar Blohm May 12, 2014

May 12, 2014

*Invitation to the CAN 2014 satellite workshop on "Neural circuits of health and disease: from computation to experiment" * ** We would like to invite you to join us at the CAN 2014 satellite workshop on "Neural circuits of health and disease: from computation to experiment" to be held on *Monday, May 26 between 5pm and 10pm *at the Montreal Hilton Bonaventure. This workshop is organized by the Canadian Association for Neuroinformatics and Computational Neuroscience (CNCN) and jointly sponsored by CIHR and NeuroDevNet. The *goals *of this workshop are to (1) showcase the significance of CNCN-experimental collaborations, (2) enable new breakthroughs on major health questions through break-out sessions matching CNCN expertise with experimentalists, and (3) prepare a joint vision on how CNCN will optimally benefit health research in Canada. We hope to build new collaborations, exchange ideas and demonstrate the usefulness of CNCN. In addition, we aim at providing specific suggestions to funding agencies on how CNCN could further boost Canadian health research. We are also very honored to have *Dr. Eve Marder* (Brandeis University; former SfN president) as a keynote lecturer. Please see below for a detailed program. If you are interested in participating, please email Dr. Gunnar Blohm (gunnar.blohm(a)queensu.ca <mailto:gunnar.blohm@queensu.ca>) with a short statement of interest and benefit of participation to you. Although this workshop is mainly intended for PIs, we also encourage senior graduate students and postdocs to apply. Participation is by invitation only. The CNCN steering committee will select 60 participants (10 students/postdocs) out of all applications. Thanks to CIHR and NeuroDevNet, workshop participation is free and includes dinner. We hope to see you at the workshop! Sincerely Gunnar Blohm & Paul Pavlidis (co-organizers, co-directors of CNCN) _Preliminary Program_: 5pm -- 5:15pm -- Welcome by Paul Pavlidis & Gunnar Blohm Showcases of CNCN-experimental collaborations 5-15pm -- 5:45pm: Neurodevelopmental disorders (TBD) 5:45pm -- 6:15pm: Stroke (TBD) 6:15pm -- 6:45pm: Changes in the dynamics of network oscillations in hippocampus as markers of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer disease mice models (Frances Skinner, U Toronto; Sylvain Williams, McGill) 6:45pm -- 7:15pm: Genomics and neuropsychiatric disorders (Gustavo Turecki, McGill; Paul Pavlidis, UBC) 7:15pm -- 8:30pm: 6 chaired round table discussions & dinner 8:30pm -- 9:30pm: keynote lecture (Dr. Eve Marder) 9:30pm -- open end: open discussion on vision of CNCN -- ------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Gunnar BLOHM Assistant Professor in Computational Neuroscience Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, and Psychology, School of Computing, and Canadian Action and Perception Network (CAPnet) Queen's University 18, Stuart Street Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 3N6 Tel: (613) 533-3385 Fax: (613) 533-6840 Email: Gunnar.Blohm(a)QueensU.ca Web: http://www.compneurosci.com/

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Postdoctoral Position: Psychiatry and Theoretical Neuroscience
by Andre Longtin May 9, 2014

May 9, 2014

A two-year postdoctoral position is immediately available at the interface of psychiatry and theoretical neuroscience at the University of Ottawa's Center for Neural Dynamics. This is a joint position between the Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics group of Prof. Georg Northoff at the Institute of Mental Health Research and the Neurophysics and Nonlinear Dynamics group of Prof. André Longtin in the Physics Department. The candidate should be open to learning and, most optimally, already experienced in the analysis of the temporal and spatial activity structure in large scale neural data sets, using various measures inspired from linear (e.g. cross-spectral and phase coherence), nonlinear and stochastic dynamics. Ideally the candidate would also be experienced in modelling and simulation. The focus is on the perception of time, in particular on how it is altered by excitation-inhibition imbalances. Candidates should have a PhD degree in physics, engineering, mathematics, computer science, neuroscience, computational neuroscience or cognitive neuroscience, an excellent related research experience in neuroscience, as well as strong computational, written and oral communication skills. Applications consisting of a CV and a brief statement of research interest should be sent to alongtin(a)uottawa.ca . Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

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NEURON course discounts continue!
by Ted Carnevale May 9, 2014

May 9, 2014

The early registration discounts for this year's NEURON summer courses were originally supposed to end today, but we have been able to arrange to continue the discounts for as long as seats remain open, or until the Friday May 30 registration deadline. NEURON Fundamentals June 21-24 This addresses all aspects of using NEURON to model individual neurons, and also introduces parallel simulation and the fundamentals of modeling networks. Includes a healthy serving of Python. Parallel Simulation with NEURON June 25-26 This is for users who are already familiar with NEURON and need to create models that will run on parallel hardware. Special attention will be paid to critical topics such as powerful strategies and idioms for implementing and managing models, measuring and improving performance, and debugging. $1050 for the Fundamentals course $650 for the Parallel Simulation course $1600 for both These fees cover handout materials plus food and housing on the campus of UC San Diego. For more information and the on-line registration form, see http://www.neuron.yale.edu/neuron/courses --Ted

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Postdoc position in molecular modeling of signaling pathways
by Erik De Schutter May 9, 2014

May 9, 2014

A postdoctoral position is available in the Computational Neuroscience Unit of Dr. Erik De Schutter at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan (http://www.irp.oist.jp/cns/) to model molecular aspects of cerebellar Purkinje cell function. We study the signaling pathways involved in cerebellar long-term depression at the parallel fiber to Purkinje cell synapse. You will be able to use a detailed stochastic model using the STEPS simulator (http://steps.sourceforge.net/) that replicates calcium uncaging experiments in detail (Antunes and De Schutter 2012). This well mixed model with about 400 different reactions has generated new insights in the sources of stochasticity in synaptic plasticity induction. Now we want to expand this work in two directions: to include diffusion, distributing reactions between the spine and dendrite, and to include induction of parallel fiber long-term potentiation. Candidates should have experience with modeling molecular reactions. Knowledge of signaling pathways involved in synaptic plasticity preferred. QUALIFICATIONS: Good English language skills are essential. There will be ample opportunity to interact with modelers and software developers in the lab who are working on several Purkinje cell and cerebellar related projects and with other scientists at the English language multi-disciplinary environment of OIST. Write me if interested. Include CV and names of two references.

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Open Position: Scientific Computing Specialist at Columbia University Zuckerman Institute
by Rajendra Bose May 8, 2014

May 8, 2014

Announcing an open position for “Scientific Computing Specialist” in the Research Computing group at the new Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia. Please pass along the link below to anybody who may be interested. http://www.columbia.edu/~rb2568/zmbbi_scs.pdf Thank you-- Raj Rajendra Bose, Ph.D. 2014 Secretary, Coalition for Academic Scientific Computation http://casc.org Director, Research Computing Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute Columbia University Tel: 212-851-2918 http://zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu

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KOGWIS 2014 Last Call for Papers
by Anna Belardinelli May 8, 2014

May 8, 2014

Please consider to submit your work to the following conference: ================ FINAL CALL FOR PAPERS ================ * KOGWIS 2014 * * 12th Biannual Conference of the German Society for COGNITIVE SCIENCE * * 29th of September - 2nd of October 2014 * * Topical focus: How Language and Behavior Constitute Cognition * Submission deadline: 7 May 2014 * * http://www.ccs.uni-tuebingen.de/kogwis14 * ====================================================== KogWis 2014 invites submissions of extended abstracts on current work in cognitive science. Generally *all topics related to cognitive science* are welcome. Contributions that address the focus of this meeting, that is, language and behavior and the construction of cognition due to language and behavior are particularly encouraged. Submissions will be sorted by topic and paradigms and will be independently reviewed. Notifications of acceptance will depend on the novelty of the research, the significance of the results, and the presentation of the work. Submission and Proceedings: KogWis calls for submissions in extended abstract format. Abstracts for oral presentations should not exceed 4 pages, abstracts for poster contributions should not exceed 2 pages, including pictures and references. All accepted contributions will be published in the form of a *Supplement KogWis 2014* in the journal *Cognitive Processing* (Springer Verlag). ——— PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS —————— Confirmed plenary speakers: * Prof. Dr. Harold Bekkering * Prof. Dr. Henrik Ehrsson * Prof. Dr. Karl Friston * Prof. Dr. Wayne Gray * Prof. Dr. Gregor Schöner * Prof. Dr. Natalie Sebanz Confirmed symposia: * Processing Language in Context: Insights from Empirical Approaches Organizers: Christian Brauner , Bettina Rolke, & Gerhard Jäger (University of Tübingen) * Manual action Organizer: Dirk Koester (Bielefeld University) * How language and number representation contribute to numerical cognition Organizer: Hans-Christoph Nürk (University of Tübingen) * Eye tracking, linking hypotheses and measures in language processing Organizers: Pia Knoeferle and Michele Burigo (Bielefeld University) * Cognition of human actions: From individual actions to interactions Organizer: Stephan de la Rosa (MPI, Tübingen) * Cortical Systems of Object Grasping and Manipulation Organizer: Marc Himmelbach (University of Tübingen) * Modelling of cognitive aspects of mobile interaction Organizers: Nele Russwinkel, Sabine Prezenski, & Stefan Lindner (TU Berlin) * Predictive processing: philosophical and neuroscientific perspectives Organizer: Alex Morgan (University of Tübingen) * PhD Symposium Organizers: Dong-Seon Chang, Zhen Peng, Stefan Kopp, Marco Ragni, and Kai Vogeley (MPI Tübingen, Bielefeld University, University of Freiburg, & University Hospital Cologne) * History of Cognitive Science Organizers: Stefan Kopp and Kai Vogeley (Bielefeld University and University Hospital Cologne) ****** PRIZES AND AWARDS****** * CCS - Best Student Paper Award, sponsored by the Cognitive Science Society (plus 1 year Membership) * SMI - Best Poster Award, sponsored by SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI,www.smivision.com) * Brain Products - Best Paper Award, sponsored by BRAIN PRODUCTS _____________ The Organizing Committee: General chair: Martin V. Butz Local organizers: Anna Belardinelli, Elisabeth Hein and Jan Kneissler ------------------------------------------- Anna Belardinelli, Cognitive Modeling, Department of Computer Science University of Tübingen http://www.wsi.uni-tuebingen.de/lehrstuehle/cognitive-modeling/staff/staff/…

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Reminder: Abstract submission closes May 16 for IWSYP'14 (I International Workshop on Synaptic Plasticity) in Brazil
by Thiago Matos Pinto May 8, 2014

May 8, 2014

*I International Workshop on Synaptic Plasticity - IWSYP'14* * September 8-9, 2014* *Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil* iwsyp14.thiagomatospinto.com University of São Paulo The I International Workshop on Synaptic Plasticity - IWSYP'14 will bring together *experimentalists and theoreticians* who have contributed significantly to understanding the biological mechanisms underlying *synaptic plasticity*. The aim of this workshop is to facilitate discussions and interactions in the effort towards increasing our understanding on synaptic plasticity in the brain. The IWSYP'14 will take place in the campus of *Ribeirão Preto* at the University of São Paulo in *Brazil* on September 8 and 9, 2014. You are welcome to join this workshop that focuses on the discussion of fresh ideas, the presentation of work in progress, and the establishment of a scientific network between young researchers. The workshop will be held in English. Participation is *free of charge*! This workshop is a satellite event of the XXXVIII Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Society for Neuroscience and Behavior (SBNeC), which will be held on September 10-13 in Búzios, Rio de Janeiro. The SBNeC meeting will also feature big names in Neuroscience, and will be a preparatory event for the 9th World Congress of the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), which will take place in Rio de Janeiro in 2015. Organizers: *Thiago Matos Pinto *(Univesity of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil) *Antonio Roque *(University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil) Speakers: *Chris De Zeeuw* (Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands & Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) *Freek Hoebeek* (Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands) *Reinoud Maex* (École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France) *Ricardo Leão *(University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil) *Thiago Matos Pinto *(University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil) Abstracts: *Submission of abstracts for poster and oral presentations are due by May 16, 2014*. We welcome both experimental and theoretical contributions addressing novel findings on topics related to synaptic plasticity. Please see iwsyp14.thiagomatospinto.com/abstracts for details. Important dates: *Abstract submission deadline: May 16, 2014* Notification of acceptance: June 13, 2014 Notification of oral/poster selection: June 30, 2014 Workshop dates: September 8-9, 2014 Please visit the IWSYP'14 website for program and further details: iwsyp14. thiagomatospinto.com You will also find us on Facebook at facebook.com/iwsyp14 We look forward to seeing you in Ribeirão Preto. With best wishes, Thiago Matos Pinto, IWSYP'14 Organizer

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[meetings] Intl Conf. on Artificial Neural Networks (ICANN 2014) - Call for Participation
by Stefan Wermter May 7, 2014

May 7, 2014

Call for Participation. Early Registration is now open. ICANN 2014: 24th Annual Conference on Artificial Neural Networks 15 - 19 September 2014, University of Hamburg, Germany http://icann2014.org/ =================================================================== The International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks (ICANN) is the annual flagship conference of the European Neural Network Society (ENNS). In 2014 the University of Hamburg will organize the 24th ICANN Conference from 15th to 19th September 2014 in Hamburg, Germany. CHAIRS and ORGANISATION: General Chair: Stefan Wermter (Hamburg, Germany) Program co-Chairs Alessandro E.P. Villa (Lausanne, Switzerland, ENNS President) Wlodzislaw Duch (Torun, Poland & Singapore, ENNS Past-President) Petia Koprinkova-Hristova (Sofia, Bulgaria) Günther Palm (Ulm, Germany) Cornelius Weber (Hamburg, Germany) Timo Honkela (Helsinki, Finland) Local Organizing Committee Chairs: Sven Magg, Johannes Bauer, Jorge Chacon, Stefan Heinrich, Doreen Jirak, Katja Koesters, Erik Strahl KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: Christopher M. Bishop (Microsoft Research, Cambridge, UK) Yann LeCun (New York University, NY, USA) Kevin Gurney (University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK) Barbara Hammer (Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany) Jun Tani (KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea) Paul Verschure (Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain) VENUE: Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany, home to over 1.8 million people. Situated at the river Elbe, the port of Hamburg is the second-largest port in Europe. The University of Hamburg is the largest institution for research and education in the north of Germany. The venue of the conference is the ESA building of the University of Hamburg, situated at Edmund-Siemers-Allee near the city centre and easily reachable from Dammtor Railway Station. Hamburg Airport can be reached easily via public transport. For the accomodation we arranged guaranteed rates for a couple of hotels in Hamburg for ICANN 2014. CONFERENCE TOPICS: ICANN 2014 will feature the main tracks Brain Inspired Computing and Machine Learning research, 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: Brain Inspired Computing: Cognitive models, Computational Neuroscience, Self-organization, Reinforcement Learning, Neural Control and Planning, Hybrid Neural-Symbolic Architectures, Neural Dynamics, Recurrent Networks, Deep Learning. Machine Learning: Neural Network Theory, Neural Network Models, Graphical Models, Bayesian Networks, Kernel Methods, Generative Models, Information Theoretic Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Relational Learning, Dynamical Models. Neural Applications for: Intelligent Robotics, Neurorobotics, Language Processing, Image Processing, Sensor Fusion, Pattern Recognition, Data Mining, Neural Agents, Brain-Computer Interaction, Neural Hardware, Evolutionary Neural Networks. CONFERENCE WEBSITE: http://www.icann2014.org *********************************************** Professor Dr. Stefan Wermter Chair of Knowledge Technology Department of Computer Science University of Hamburg Vogt Koelln Str. 30 22527 Hamburg, Germany http://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/~wermter/ http://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/WTM/ ***********************************************

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Special Issue of the Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience on Stochastic Network Models in Neuroscience
by Olivier Faugeras May 7, 2014

May 7, 2014

Dear all, The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience is pleased to announce a special issue on *Stochastic Network Models in Neuroscience*. This is in conjunction with the workshop Stochastic Network Models of Neocortex (a Festschrift for Jack Cowan) to be held in Banff International Research Station, July 13-18 2014: https://www.birs.ca/events/2014/5-day-workshops/14w5138 Research and review articles are sollicited and should be submitted to the Journal before September 30. More information on the call can be found on the JMN webpage: http://www.mathematical-neuroscience.com/ or directly at: http://www.mathematical-neuroscience.com/sites/10207/pdf/Cowan_JMN_v3.pdf Olivier Faugeras --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Olivier Faugeras : Professor : Equipe INRIA NeuroMathComp Team : co-editor in chief, Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience : http://www-sop.inria.fr/members/Olivier.Faugeras/index.en.html : Email: olivier.faugeras(a)inria.fr : Tel: +334 92 38 78 31 : Sec: +334 92 38 78 30 : ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Multiple scientist (post-doc) and research engineer positions available
by Cheston Tan May 7, 2014

May 7, 2014

Dear colleagues, Multiple scientist and research engineer positions are available immediately in Singapore, at the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R). The positions are part of a large multidisciplinary grant involving MIT (Prof. Tomaso Poggio) and multiple universities and research institutions in Singapore (SBIC/CIRC, Duke-NUS Medical School, NUS/NUH, NTU, SINAPSE). Successful candidates will work closely with a strong, multidisciplinary team at I2R and Prof. Poggio to investigate, model and implement visual recognition and memory algorithms for wearable systems (e.g. Google Glass). International collaborators include Prof. Gabriel Kreiman (Harvard Medical School) and Dr. Demis Hassabis (Google/DeepMind). Candidates must have a PhD (for scientists) or MS/BS (for engineers) in computer science, engineering, psychology, neuroscience or related fields. Strong programming and quantitative skills are highly desired. Candidates should be proficient in spoken and written English. The appointments will be for up to 3 years, with internationally-competitive salaries and benefits. Other benefits include: - Funding for international conferences and training courses - Collaboration opportunities with an excellent network of international scientists - Opportunities for attachments at MIT and the Center for Brains, Minds and Machines (http://cbmm.mit.edu/) Candidates please send your curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and three references to Dr. Cheston Tan (cheston(a)mit.edu) and Dr. Vijay Chandrasekhar (vijay(a)i2r.a-star.edu.sg) More information: - Dr. Cheston Tan: http://www.mit.edu/~cheston/CVshort.pdf - Dr. Vijay Chandrasekhar: http://scholar.google.com.sg/citations?user=KUt4JCAAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao - Dr. Lim Joo-Hwee: http://www.i2r.a-star.edu.sg/profile/dr-lim-joo-hwee - Institute for Infocomm Research: http://www.i2r.a-star.edu.sg/ - Working in Singapore: http://www.contactsingapore.sg/professionals/why_singapore/

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CNS'14 Workshop on large-scale brain structure and dynamics
by Jorge Mejias May 6, 2014

May 6, 2014

Dear colleagues, Please see the information below about an upcoming workshop in large-scale brain modeling. Bests, Jorge *** Workshop on large-scale brain structure and dynamics *** CNS'14 workshop, Quebec City, Canada Workshop date: Thursday, July 31st 2014 Organizers: Jorge F. Mejias and Xiao-Jing Wang Tackling core Neuroscience problems such as memory, perception or attention has been possible, up to now, by focusing on small brain areas where simplified dynamics and connectivity patterns could be assumed, or by using full brain imaging techniques which provide little information about the dynamics of local microcircuits. With the development of novel imaging and neuroanatomical techniques in the recent years, a more systematic study of the brain at a full-size scale is getting close to reality. However, our current understanding of the dynamics of large-scale brain networks, constituted by a complex composite of different neural micro- and mesocircuits, is very limited and requires a significant theoretical and computational effort. In this one-day workshop, recent theoretical and experimental advances on the structure and dynamics of large-scale neural circuits will be presented. Our main goal will be to foster interactions between experimental, computational and theoretical neuroscientists interested in the brain as a large-scale networked system. Confirmed speakers: - Chris Eliasmith (U. Waterloo) - Henry Kennedy (INSERM, Lyon) - Stefan Mihalas (Allen Institute, Seattle) - Randy McIntosh (Baycrest Center, Toronto) - Adrian Ponce (UPF, Barcelona) - Rishidev Chaudhuri (CNS, NYU) - Francis Song (CNS, NYU) One or two slots might be available for researchers who would like to present their work. Please contact the organizers if interested. More information at: https://sites.google.com/site/cns14largescale/ -- Jorge F. Mejias, PhD Postdoctoral Associate Center for Neural Science New York University, 10012 NY www.ugr.es/~jmejias

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Fwd: Submit your abstract now for the IPEG-Meeting 2014
by Martijn Arns May 6, 2014

May 6, 2014

Dear colleagues, I would like to share the below announcement re. the upcoming IPEG meetin in Leipzig and the call for abstracts. Kind regards, Martijn Arns, PhD Director Research Institute Brainclinics Researcher Utrecht University, Dept. of Experimental Psychology Twitter: @Brainclinics Bijleveldsingel 34 6524 AD Nijmegen The Netherlands Tel: +31(0)24-7503505 GSM: +31 (0)6-48177919 Fax: +31(0)24-8901447 E-mail: martijn(a)brainclinics.com<mailto:martijn@brainclinics.com> URL: www.brainclinics.com<http://www.brainclinics.com/> [http://gallery.mailchimp.com/0d61bb2ec9002f0e9872b8c36/images/header_top.png] [https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c19f6fe4835a13ca14644c8b/images/IPEG_LOGO.JPG] Reminder: CALL for Abstracts and Registration<http://ipeg-society.us8.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=6c19f6fe4835a13ca146…> [http://gallery.mailchimp.com/0d61bb2ec9002f0e9872b8c36/images/content_borde…] [http://gallery.mailchimp.com/0d61bb2ec9002f0e9872b8c36/images/title_line_le…] Bienal Meeting IPEG-Society<http://ipeg-society.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c19f6fe4835a13ca1464…> [http://gallery.mailchimp.com/0d61bb2ec9002f0e9872b8c36/images/title_line_ri…] SEPTEMBER 25-28th, 2014; Leipzig, Germany [http://gallery.mailchimp.com/0d61bb2ec9002f0e9872b8c36/images/content_borde…] [http://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c19f6fe4835a13ca14644c8b/images/fbd0d5cd-37f2…] There are only about four weeks left for submission of your abstract! Deadline 1st June 2014 The IPEG-meeting 2014 in Leipzig, Germany will have outstanding keynote speeches: Scott Makeig (USA): EEG and measures of arousal Hartmuth Schulz (Germany): Sleep EEG Christoph Mulert (Germany): simultaneous EEG and fMRI in neuropsychiatric disorders Leslie S. Prichep (USA): qEEG in neuropsychiaric disorders Clifford B. Saper (USA): neurophysiology of sleep-wake regulation Gerard Bruder (USA): EMBARC study on biological biomarkers in major depression Therefore it is a pleasure for me to welcome all EEG-enthusiasts, neuropsychiatrists and neuroscientists to the IPEG-Meeting 2014 in Leipzig. It would be a pleasure for us to receive an abstract about your latest EEG, pharmaco-EEG and brain stimulation research and related fields to enrich the program of the meeting and share your findings with colleagues around the world. Prof. Hegerl, Scientific Head of the Conference and Director of the Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and PSychotherapy, University Leipzig IPEG Board and Conference-Organization Group [http://gallery.mailchimp.com/0d61bb2ec9002f0e9872b8c36/images/content_divid…] REGISTER NOW<http://ipeg-society.us8.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=6c19f6fe4835a13ca146…> [http://gallery.mailchimp.com/0d61bb2ec9002f0e9872b8c36/images/icon_twitter.…] TWITTER<http://ipeg-society.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c19f6fe4835a13ca1464…> [http://gallery.mailchimp.com/0d61bb2ec9002f0e9872b8c36/images/icon_facebook…]

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Reminder: CfP - Special issue on Multimodal Interfaces
by Yves Rybarczyk May 5, 2014

May 5, 2014

*EAI Transactions on Creative Technologies * *Special issue on Multimodal Interfaces **for** Natural Interactions * *Call* *for* *Papers* *Main submission deadline*: May 25th, 2014 *AIMS AND SCOPE * Creativity and user interfaces become an application field of cutting edge technologies like human behavior tracking and understanding, social signal processing, artificial intelligence systems or embodied agents. EAI Transactions on Creative Technologies aims in providing a forge between science, technology and human factors on one side, and creative industries on the other side naturally leading to the theme of this special issue: “where technology gets closer to the human being”. This special issue aims to encourage and publish research about the challenges and new trends associated with applying multimodal interactions and natural user interfaces to education, entertainment and assistive technologies in a creative way or to foster human creativity. The publications can be either long or short papers ( http://eai.eu/transaction/creative-technologies) related to the three main applications domains listed below: *APPLICATION DOMAINS * *Human factor perspective * - Telepresence, immersion feeling and body ownership - Human-machine cooperation in teleoperation and telerobotics - Usability and ergonomic systems - User experience - Human performance in virtual and augmented reality - Intuitive interfaces and personalized systems in real and virtual environments - Involvement of original sensorial modalities in HCI (e.g. proprioception, touch, smell, ...) - Human behavior analysis for media personalization and motivation/emotions discovery (head/eye/face/body tracking) - Multimodality for biometric interfaces *Technologies **for** gaming and entertainment * - Creative interfaces for games and serious games - One or a set of robots interaction with human players - Augmented instruments and new digital instruments - Real-time audio/voice/singing/laughter synthesis - Real-time MoCap mapping and interpretation - Sensors for artistic performances - Live interaction with intelligent robots - Stylistic movement synthesis and human behavior mapping on virtual Characters - Real-time HQ data processing - Linked TV and web media - Mobile movement/localization and multimedia data visualization and browsing - Adaptive and intelligent projections on buildings or inside buildings (e.g., walls, objects, ...) *Assistive and educative technologies * - Augmentative and alternative communication - Ambient assisted living / domotics - Design for all - Interfaces for sensory impairments - Interfaces for motor impairments (e.g., eye-tracking, BCI, ...) - Gestures analysis and recognition for interactive setups - On the use of Natural User Interfaces in education - Multimodal interfaces for improving the learning process - Acquisition of new cognitive and motor skills through NUI - Tangible interfaces *IMPORTANT DATES * - By May 25th, 2014: Submission of manuscripts - By July 25th, 2014: Notification about decisions on initial submissions - By September 25th, 2014: Submission of revised manuscripts - By November 25th, 2014: Notification about decisions on revised manuscripts - By December 25th, 2014: Submission of manuscripts with final minor changes and electronic publication on the EAI Transactions website early 2015. *GUEST EDITORS * The invited editors of this special issue of the EAI Transactions on Creative Technologies on Multimodal Interfaces for Natural Interactions are: - Yves Rybarczyk - Tiago Cardoso - João Rosas from the New University of Lisbon (FCT/UNL), Portugal *HOW TO SUBMIT * Please see the instructions for authors on the EAI Transactions website (http://eai.eu/transaction/creative-technologies) ABOUT EAI Transactions on Creative Technologies The EAI Transactions on Creative Technologies provide fast review and online publication process. The papers are both freely visible by any person (open access) and free for the paper authors. -- Prof. Yves Rybarczyk Departamento de Engenharia Electrotécnica Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa Campus da Caparica 2829-516 Caparica PORTUGAL Tel: +351 917691175 Email: y.rybarczyk(a)fct.unl.pt<https://webmail.fct.unl.pt/src/compose.php?send_to=y.rybarczyk%40fct.unl.pt> Site: http://docentes.fct.unl.pt/y-rybarczyk/

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Vision Research Special Issue on Quantitative Approaches in Gestalt Perception
by Frank Jäkel May 5, 2014

May 5, 2014

Vision Research Special Issue on Quantitative Approaches in Gestalt Perception Call for papers: Quantitative Approaches in Gestalt Perception Submissions are invited for a special issue of Vision Research on Quantitative Approaches in Gestalt Perception. Gestalt Perception has been the topic of research for more than 100 years since Wertheimer’s seminal publication in 1912. Recently, quantitative approaches to study Gestalt phenomena helped to specify and clarify some of the early Gestalt notions, generating testable quantitative predictions lacking from much of the original Gestalt writings. This special issue aims to bring together the many diverse quantitative approaches to the study of Gestalt Perception. Contributions are sought from visual psychophysics, computer vision, cognitive psychology, the cognitive neurosciences, computational neuroscience as well as machine learning and theory. Papers are invited on all aspects of Gestalt Perception; given the aim of this Special Issue we have a preference for quantitative approaches, but may exceptionally consider purely experimental work as well as historical treatments and reviews if they specifically provide groundwork for future formal developments. Examples of specific topics include (but are not limited to): - Attention and Top-Down Effects on Gestalt Perception - Configural Superiority - Environmental and Image Statistics and Gestalts - Figure-Ground Segmentation - History and Review of Gestalt Perception - Learning and Development of Gestalt Perception - Models of Gestalt Phenomena - Neuronal Basis of Gestalt Effects - Object Formation - Object Recognition and Gestalt - Perceptual Grouping - Perceptual Organization of Motion, Form or Scenes - Shape Perception - Structural Representations The call for this Special Issue will appear on the Vision Research WWW-site by the end of May 2014. The deadline for submissions is the 30th of September 2014, and the publication of the Special Issue is planned for the end of May 2015. The Special Issue will be edited by Michael Herzog, Frank Jäkel, Manish Singh and Felix Wichmann. Should you have any questions feel free to contact the managing guest editor Frank Jäkel (fjaekel(a)uos.de) or one of the other guest editors.

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Special Issue on Computational Neuroscience: May 2014 issue of Proceedings of the IEEE
by Mark McDonnell May 5, 2014

May 5, 2014

Dear Colleagues, I invite you to browse the May 2014 issue of Proceedings of the IEEE on "Engineering Intelligent Electronic Systems Based on Computational Neuroscience", edited by M. D. McDonnell, K. Boahen, A. Ijspeert, and T. J. Sejnowski. An editorial overview is at http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6807551 Individual papers can be downloaded from http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/tocresult.jsp?isnumber=6807530 (you need to have access to a subscription). For more information on Proceedings of the IEEE, see http://www.ieee.org/publications_standards/publications/proceedings/proceed… Papers in the special issue: • The SpiNNaker Project, Furber, S.B. ; Galluppi, F. ; Temple, S. ; Plana, L.A. • Information Systems Opportunities in Brain–Machine Interface Decoders, Kao, J.C. ; Stavisky, S.D. ; Sussillo, D. ; Nuyujukian, P. ; Shenoy, K.V. • Dynamic and Succinct Statistical Analysis of Neuroscience Data, Kim, S. ; Quinn, C.J. ; Kiyavash, N. ; Coleman, T.P. • Neurogrid: A Mixed-Analog-Digital Multichip System for Large-Scale Neural Simulations; Benjamin, B.V. ; Gao, P. ; McQuinn, E. ; Choudhary, S. ; Chandrasekaran, A.R. ; Bussat, J. ; Alvarez-Icaza, R. ; Arthur, J.V. ; Merolla, P.A. ; Boahen, K. • Spike-Based Synaptic Plasticity in Silicon: Design, Implementation, Application, and Challenges; Rahimi Azghadi, M. ; Iannella, N. ; Al-Sarawi, S.F. ; Indiveri, G. ; Abbott, D. • Power Consumption During Neuronal Computation; Sengupta, B. ; Stemmler, M.B. • Small Brains, Smart Machines: From Fly Vision to Robot Vision and Back Again; Franceschini, N. • An Augmented Two-Layer Model Captures Nonlinear Analog Spatial Integration Effects in Pyramidal Neuron Dendrites; Jadi, M.P. ; Behabadi, B.F. ; Poleg-Polsky, A. ; Schiller, J. ; Mel, B.W. • Prospective Optimization; Sejnowski, T.J. ; Poizner, H. ; Lynch, G. ; Gepshtein, S. ; Greenspan, R.J. • Stereo, Shading, and Surfaces: Curvature Constraints Couple Neural Computations; Zucker, S.W. • Regulating Cortical Oscillations in an Inhibition-Stabilized Network; Jadi, M.P. ; Sejnowski, T.J. • Stochastic Electronics: A Neuro-Inspired Design Paradigm for Integrated Circuits; Hamilton, T.J. ; Afshar, S. ; van Schaik, A. ; Tapson, J. • Noise as a Resource for Computation and Learning in Networks of Spiking Neurons; Maass, W. • Large-Scale Synthesis of Functional Spiking Neural Circuits; Stewart, T.C. ; Eliasmith, C. • Evolved Machines Shed Light on Robustness and Resilience; Bongard, J. ; Lipson, H. Regards Mark McDonnell (on behalf of Guest_Editors, M. D. McDonnell, K. Boahen, A. Ijspeert, and T. J. Sejnowski)

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deadline extended for the Neurobiology of Cognition GRC/GRS!
by Lucia Melloni May 4, 2014

May 4, 2014

Dear colleagues, The deadline for application and abstract submission for the Gordon Research Seminar has been extended to the *15th of May*. Please submit your application and abstract soon!. We are very much looking forward to receiving your contributions and to a vibrant seminar. We have also added a mentorship component which promises to provide us with important tips for a successful transition from postdoc to PI. Looking forward to seeing you at the GRS/GRC! Lucia Melloni. Ayelet N. Landau > > > [image: Gordon Research Conferences] > > > Join us at the 2014 *Gordon Conference* and *Seminar* On > > *Neurobiology of Cognition*<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WmUIQVsC75imVB3bWl9ZZPIlEuZLUMcBQfSHB8NCzlGR…> > > Circuits, Dynamics, Action and Perception > > We are meeting *July 20-25, 2014 -*New GRC site: *Sunday River Resort*<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WmUIQVsC75imVB3bWl9ZZPIlEuZLUMcBQfSHB8NCzlGR…> > Newry, Maine > > Click *here*<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WmUIQVsC75imVB3bWl9ZZPIlEuZLUMcBQfSHB8NCzlGR…>to see the > *GRC* program. > > There is also an associated *GRS* *July 19-20 *for students and postdocs > > Click *here*<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WmUIQVsC75imVB3bWl9ZZPIlEuZLUMcBQfSHB8NCzlGR…>to see the > *GRS* website. > > *GRS* application & abstract deadline to be considered for oral > presentation - *May 15* > > *Please use attached **flyer > <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WmUIQVsC75imVB3bWl9ZZPIlEuZLUMcBQfSHB8NCzlGR…> > **to help spread the word! * > > > > The Neurobiology of Cognition is a recently-inaugurated GRC designed to > foster convergence of traditional neuroscience investigations with more > recent developments in systems, cellular and molecular neurobiology, in > engineering and imaging and in computational sciences. Cognition is > construed broadly to embrace empirical findings in a range of species > including humans, and there is a strong focus on integration of findings > and principles across species and levels of analysis. > > In the opening Keynote Session, two leading neuroscientists with provide > an experimental and computational perspective on the recent initiative, > termed Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies > (BRAIN). This initiative, spearheaded by the President and NIH, is aimed at > developing innovative methodologies to study how complex systems of neurons > interact in time and in space during complex behaviors. Along with recent > findings in a few traditional "core" areas, formal sessions will then > explore several new themes, including: 1) the neuroanatomy and 2) > coordination of cognitive circuits in the brain, 3) motor cognition and > brain-computer interfaces, 4) music and language, and 5) learning and > plasticity. The program juxtaposes human psychophysical, neuroimaging and > electrophysiological studies with parallel investigations in rodents and > non-human primates, and with computational approaches that explicate > empirical findings and construct robust, detailed models to represent the > developing picture and guide future experimentation. The program also > underscores novel experimental and theoretical approaches that promise to > define fundamental principles that guide and integrate the understanding of > cognition at a fundamental level, and to extend these to improved treatment > of brain dysfunction. The format of the meeting promotes intensive > interactions among investigators and trainees from different perspectives > and analytic levels, and in particular, between experimentalists and > theorists. There is a linked Gordon Research Seminar for trainees, most of > whom also attend the GRC. > > > > All that is missing now is your *application* to attend. > > Click *here*<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WmUIQVsC75imVB3bWl9ZZPIlEuZLUMcBQfSHB8NCzlGR…>for the > *GRC*. Click* here*<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WmUIQVsC75imVB3bWl9ZZPIlEuZLUMcBQfSHB8NCzlGR…>for the > *GRS*. (You must apply to both to attend both.) > > Best regards, > > GRC Chair: *Charles E. Schroeder*<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WmUIQVsC75imVB3bWl9ZZPIlEuZLUMcBQfSHB8NCzlGR…> > GRC V. Chair:*Tatiana Pasternak*<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WmUIQVsC75imVB3bWl9ZZPIlEuZLUMcBQfSHB8NCzlGR…> > > GRS Chair: *Lucia Melloni*<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WmUIQVsC75imVB3bWl9ZZPIlEuZLUMcBQfSHB8NCzlGR…> > GRS Assoc. Chair: *Ayelet N. Landau*<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WmUIQVsC75imVB3bWl9ZZPIlEuZLUMcBQfSHB8NCzlGR…> > > > > *Apply*<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WmUIQVsC75imVB3bWl9ZZPIlEuZLUMcBQfSHB8NCzlGR…> now > and see why our attendees consistently rate GRCs > > "the best conference I've attended this year"! > > [image: Like us on Facebook]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WmUIQVsC75imVB3bWl9ZZPIlEuZLUMcBQfSHB8NCzlGR…> > [image: Follow us on Twitter]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WmUIQVsC75imVB3bWl9ZZPIlEuZLUMcBQfSHB8NCzlGR…> > [image: View our profile on LinkedIn]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WmUIQVsC75imVB3bWl9ZZPIlEuZLUMcBQfSHB8NCzlGR…> > > > > *Forward this email > <http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=8zdsldnab&m=1113583062843&ea=…>* > > > <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001yZEdZuQ8HYK105RSD5eD0w%3D%3…> > > <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?pn=&cc=> > > This email was sent to htobin(a)grc.org by announcements(a)grc.org | > > Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001yZEdZuQ8HYK105RSD5eD0w%3D%3…>™ > | Privacy Policy<http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp> > . > > Gordon Research Conferences | 512 Liberty Lane | West Kingston | RI | > 02892 > > > > Follow GRC: Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/GordonResearchConferences/>| > Twitter <https://twitter.com/GordonConf/> > Call > Send SMS > Add to Skype > You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype > > > > > > >

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Assistant Professor Job in BioRobotics; Odense, Denmark
by John Hallam May 4, 2014

May 4, 2014

Application deadline: 1st June 2014 The Center for BioRobotics at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in Odense seeks to recruit two new assistant professors. These posts are for 3 years in the first instance. The scientific goal of the Centre for BioRobotics is to tackle questions arising from the acoustic behaviours of animals which cannot be addressed completely by biology or technology alone while also exploring applications of insights from biology in the robotics and technological domain and vice versa. Practically, the intention is to strengthen existing synergy and use it to create new opportunities for seeking external funding. The first position is based in the Maersk Institute (Faculty of Engineering) and is intended for a technically-educated person who has experience in biorobotics, biomimetics or modelling biological systems using engineering tools. Further details of the position can be found via this[1] direct link. A complementary position in the Biology Department at SDU (Faculty of Science) is being advertised, for which information can be found here[2]. This position is intended for a person educated in biology who has experience with technically-based methods for modelling and replicating biological systems. If you need further information beyond that in the linked page, contact John Hallam <john(a)mmmi.sdu.dk> in the first instance. [1] https://ssl1.peoplexs.com/Peoplexs22/CandidatesPortalNoLogin/Vacancy.cfm?Po… [2] https://ssl1.peoplexs.com/Peoplexs22/CandidatesPortalNoLogin/Vacancy.cfm?Po…

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Extended dealine - call for papers - 2014 IEEE International Workshop on Machine Learning for Signal Processing (MLSP)
by 2014 IEEE International Workshop on Machine Learning fo Signal Processing May 4, 2014

May 4, 2014

The deadline for full paper submission has been extended to May 16, 2014. Call for papers: - Submission of full paper: May 16, 2014 - Notification of acceptance: June 27, 2014 2014 IEEE International Workshop on Machine Learning for Signal Processing (MLSP) September 21-24, 2014 Reims, France http://mlsp2014.conwiz.dk CALL FOR PAPERS The 24th MLSP workshop in the series of workshops organized by the IEEE Signal Processing Society MLSP Technical Committee will present the most recent and exciting advances in machine learning for signal processing through keynote talks, tutorials as well as special and regular single-track sessions. Prospective authors are invited to submit papers on relevant algorithms and applications including, but not limited to: - Learning theory and techniques - Graphical models and kernel methods - Data-driven adaptive systems and models - Pattern recognition and classification - Distributed, Bayesian, subspace/manifold and sparsity-aware learning - Multiset data analysis and multimodal data fusion - Perceptual signal processing in audio, image and video - Cognitive information processing - Multichannel adaptive and nonlinear signal processing - Applications, including: speech and audio, image and video, music, biomedical signals and images; communications; bioinformatics; biometrics, computational intelligence, genomic signals and sequences; social networks; games, and smart grid. DATA ANALYSIS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING COMPETITION Data Analysis and Signal Processing Competition is being organized in conjunction with the workshop. The goal of the competition is to advance the current state-of-the-art in theoretical and practical aspects of signal processing domains. The problems are selected to reflect current trends, evaluate existing approaches on common benchmarks, and identify critical new areas of research. Winners will be announced and awards given at the workshop. BEST STUDENT AWARD The MLSP Best Student Paper Award will be granted to the best overall paper for which a student is the principal author and presenter. This author must be a registered student at the time of paper submission to be eligible for this award. The award will be presented during the conference and consists of a honorarium (to be divided equally between all student authors of the paper), and a certificate for each such author. The award will be selected by a subcommittee of the program committee. The selection is based on the quality, originality, and clarity of the submission. PAPER SUBMISSION Prospective authors are invited to submit a double column paper of up to six pages using the electronic submission procedure at http://mlsp2014.conwiz.dk/paper_submission.htm Accepted papers will be published on memory sticks to be distributed at the workshop. The presented papers will be published in and indexed by IEEE Xplore. SCHEDULE: - Submission of full paper: May 5, 2014 - Notification of acceptance: June 27, 2014 - Advance registration before: July 25, 2014 - Camera-ready paper: July 25, 2014 ORGANIZING COMMITTEE: General Chair Mamadou Mboup Contact general chair at mlsp2014-chair(a)conwiz.dk Program Chairs Tülay Adali Eric Moreau Contact program chairs at mlsp2014-programchairs(a)conwiz.dk Data Competition Chair Vince Calhoun Special Session Chair Jean-Yves Tourneret Publicity Chair Marc Van Hulle Web and Publication Chair Jan Larsen Kevin Guelton Local Arrangement Chairs Valeriu Vrabie Hassan Fenniri

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MSc. SCHOLARSHIP AT JAUME I UNIVERSITY, SPAIN
by Enric Cervera Mateu May 2, 2014

May 2, 2014

MSc. SCHOLARSHIP AT JAUME I UNIVERSITY,SPAIN The purpose of this announcement is to grant one scholarship for the training of research personnel at UJI Robotic Intelligence Laboratory, Universitat Jaume I, Castellon, Spain, an internationally renowned research center. The goal of this scholarship is to train qualified personnel for R&D tasks, and is aimed at university degree holders from non-Spanish universities, with a recent degree in science/engineering with outstanding performance, fulfilling requirements for admittance to a master degree. The beneficiary is also expected to join a research team within the framework of an on-going project related to robotic research, working with state-of-the-art equipment such as a humanoid torso with anthropomorphic head and multifinger hands, and/or teams of humanoid robots. http://robinlab.uji.es The research will typically pertain to bio-inspired approaches about learning and multimodal sensorimotor coordination of head, eyes and limbs movements during the planning and execution of manipulation or interaction tasks. After getting acquainted with the computational models and the humanoid torso available at the Lab, the beneficiary is expected to extend it by modeling additional mechanisms and implementing other tasks and capabilities. Coordination between eyes, head, arm and hand movements and multimodal integration will be central from both theoretical and practical viewpoints. In this context, the student will have freedom to pursue his/her own research goals according to his/her background and interests. This scholarship is intended for brilliant young graduates and experience in robotics is desirable but not required. Interest in theoretical neuroscience, mental development, or interdisciplinary bio-inspired research would be a plus. Scholarship period The period of validity covered by the scholarships is two years or until defending one’s doctoral thesis, should this be earlier. If, in the period of one month before the end of the scholarship, the beneficiary applicant has obtained the university master’s degree, or has been admitted to a doctorate programme in research phases, he/she may apply for an extension of an additional scholarship up to 12 months, with a view to prolonging his/her research period. The beneficiary applicant may take a master’s degree during this period, namely the "Master on Intelligent Systems. Service Robotics" at the UJI Department of Engineering and Computer Science. http://www.uji.es/UK/infoest/estudis/postgrau/oficial/sistemint.html Scholarship stipend 1. Scholarships’ stipend will be €1,200 monthly (gross). The corresponding IRPF (income tax) will be deducted from this amount. 2. The scholarship also includes an additional stipend of: a) €1,600 to cover costs of travel and settling in Castellon, during the first year of the scholarship. b) €1,200 per year, where applicable, for registration fees for university master’s during the first two years of the scholarship. 3. UJI shall take out an accident insurance and public liability insurance, plus health insurance with coverage for the whole period of the scholarship, if applicants are citizens of countries that have no arrangements with the Spanish Social Security or if insurance coverage of such arrangements were not sufficient. Requirements of beneficiary These scholarships are open to persons fulfilling the following requirements within the period of submission of applications: a) An Engineering or Science degree from a non-Spanish university, fulfilling requirements for admittance to a master degree. b) Having obtained the degree after 1 January 2011. c) Knowledge of Spanish or English (with good speaking skills) for the proposed training. d) Not being in possession of a PhD. Applications The scholarship candidate shall submit the following documents NO LATER THAN MAY 16, 2014 24:00 CET (strict) to robinlab(a)uji.es a) Personal data (see below) b) Photocopy of national identity card of your country. Citizens of EU member states should also include a photocopy of NIE (residence permit) in the event of possessing one. c) Photocopy of valid passport, if not a citizen of the EU. Also a photocopy of NIE (residency permit) in the event of possessing one. d) Photocopy of official academic transcript including the name of obtained degree, showing courses taken and grades achieved together with dates, as well as its translation into English or Spanish. e) Photocopy of academic degree or deposit made for the issuance of degree. f) Applicant’s updated résumé. g) Statement of motivation about your research interests h) 2 reference letters i) Supporting documents of knowledge of Spanish or English. Admission Beneficiaries must join the corresponding research body within the scheduled period as provided in the award decision. In the event that he/she does not join within the scheduled period, the scholarship will be canceled, unless the beneficiary has been granted an adjournment period (to be authorized only by the General Director of Scientific Policy) for a maximum period of three months from the date specified in the award decision. Beneficiary may not recover said adjournment period. Temporary suspension of scholarship The voluntary suspension, previously authorized by the General Director of Scientific Policy, shall not exceed 6 months from the whole period of scholarship and during such suspension period no stipend shall be paid. For further information contact: Mail_to: robinlab(a)uji.es UJI Robotic Intelligence Lab http://robinlab.uji.es ****** Personal data (see (a) above) NATIONAL ID / PASSPORT NO. OR EQUIVALENT: SURNAME: NAME: NATIONALITY: DATE OF BIRTH (YYYY/MM/DD): GENDER: ADDRESS FOR NOTIFICATION ADDRESS (STREET / SQUARE): No..: POSTCODE: COUNTRY: PROVINCE: CITY: PHONE : MOBILE PHONE: E-MAIL: SUMMARY OF ACADEMIC RECORD ACADEMIC DEGREE: UNIVERSITY: STUDIES END DATE (YYYY/MM/DD):

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