- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience

by Maxim Bazhenov

Applications are invited for post-doctoral research positions in the laboratory of Dr. Maxim Bazhenov at the University of California, Riverside to study role of sleep in memory and learning. This computational neuroscience project involves close collaboration with several experimental laboratories. The ultimate goal of this work is to understand how the interaction among brain areas during different stages of sleep leads to consolidation of memory for recent learning. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design of the anatomically realistic brain network models based on existing experimental data. These models will be used to understand network dynamics that are involved in the processes of memory consolidation, as well as guide data analysis and produce novel experimental predictions. Qualified applicants are expected to have experience in computational/theoretical neuroscience and neural modeling. Programming experience with C/C++ is required. Knowledge of PYTHON or MATLAB is a plus. The University of California offers excellent benefits. Salary is based on research experience. The initial appointment is for 1 year with a possibility of extension. Applicants should send a brief statement of research interests, a CV and the names of three references to Maxim Bazhenov at maksim.bazhenov(a)ucr.edu -- Maxim Bazhenov, Ph.D. Professor, Cell Biology and Neuroscience University of California Riverside, CA 92521 Ph: 951-827-4370 http://biocluster.ucr.edu/~mbazhenov/

June 16, 2015

PhD in computational neuroscience, Zurich

by Jean-Pascal Pfister

Applications are invited for one PhD student position at the Institute of Neuroinformatics (ETHZ, UZH) in Zurich. The position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation grant entitled "Inference and Learning with Spiking Neurons". The PhD student will be supervised by Jean-Pascal Pfister in the Theoretical Neuroscience Group. There are several lines of evidence indicating that the human brain performs near Bayesian optimal inference in a wide range of tasks, but it remains unclear how this inference can be implemented in the brain. The aim of the project is to determine how Bayesian inference and learning can be implemented at the level of neurons and synapses. The Institute of Neuroinformatics in Zurich (which is a joint institute belonging to both the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) and the University of Zurich) offers an ideal environment for studying Computational Neuroscience due to the presence of multiple theoretical and experimental labs. The candidate should hold a Diplom/Master degree in Physics, Mathematics, Machine learning, Computational Neuroscience or a related field. He/she should have a very strong mathematical background, good programming skills and interests in theoretical neuroscience. The position is offered for a period of three years, starting before the 1st of September 2015. Salary scale is provided by the Swiss National Science Foundation (www.snf.ch) The applicant should submit (by email) a CV, a statement of research interests, 2 reference letters, marks obtained for the Diploma/Master, abstract of the Diploma/Master to Jean-Pascal Pfister (jpfister(a)ini.uzh.ch) Deadline for application is 15th of July 2015 or until the position is filled. Jean-Pascal Pfister --------------------------------- Prof. Jean-Pascal Pfister Theoretical Neuroscience Group Institute of Neuroinformatics University of Zurich and ETH Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich, Switzerland www.ini.uzh.ch/~jpfister <http://www.ini.uzh.ch/~jpfister> Tel: +41 44 635 30 79

June 16, 2015

PhD/Postdoc positions for neural processor project NPP

by Michael Pfeiffer

We have a number of available PhD and postdoc positions available now for the Neuromorphic Processor Project (NPP). NPP is a 3 year project that started 1 May 2015. NPP will develop theory, architectures, and FPGA implementations targeting specific applications of deep neural network technology in vision and audition. Deep learning has become the state-of-the-art machine learning approach for sensory processing applications, and this project aims towards real-time, low-power, brain-inspired solutions targeted at full-custom SoC integration. A particular aim of the NPP is to develop efficient data-driven deep neural network architectures that can enable always-on operation on battery-powered mobile devices in conjunction with event-driven sensors. PhD and postdoc positions are available now in theory, hardware architectures, and applications of these networks. For the theory part of the project we are specifically looking for PhD candidates with experience in deep neural networks and/or spiking neural networks, or deep learning applications in vision and audition. The project team includes academic partners in the USA, Canada, and Spain. The project is coordinated by the Institute of Neuroinformatics (INI) at the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich (www.ini.uzh.ch ). INI is a joint institute of the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich and has been cited in IEEE Spectrum and Scientific American as one of the world’s leading organizations in the development of neuromorphic sensing and computing technology. The lead NPP PI is Prof. Tobi Delbruck. Other NPP PIs at INI are Dr. Shih-Chii Liu, Dr. Michael Pfeiffer, and Prof. Giacomo Indiveri. Please see https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MLoZRAYu_--ZH2ORIoqLPLzJs2spXRM0kO2A2QZ… for more details and information on how to apply. Best regards, Michael Pfeiffer, Tobi Delbruck, Shih-Chii Liu, and Giacomo Indiveri -- ========================================= Dr. Michael Pfeiffer Group leader, Program coordinator NSC Institute of Neuroinformatics University of Zurich and ETH Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland Tel. +41 44 635 30 45 Fax +41 44 635 30 53 pfeiffer (at) ini.phys.ethz.ch http://www.ini.uzh.ch/~pfeiffer/ =========================================

June 15, 2015

4th Edition of Complex Systems Primer available

by Claudius Gros

Dear Colleagues, It is a pleasure to announce the availability of the 4th edition of the textbook Complex and Adaptive Dynamical Systems: A Primer (Springer Complexity, Softcover) ISBN: 978-3-319-16264-5 (Print) 978-3-319-16265-2 (Online) by Claudius Gros Complex and adaptive dynamical systems are ubiquitous and the brain constitutes a prominent example. The goal of this book is to provide a general entry point to complex and dynamical systems based on network architectures. ------------------------------------------------------- cover-text: ---------- This primer offers an introduction to the central concepts at the basis of our modern understanding of complex and emergent behavior, together with a detailed coverage of the mathematical methods. All calculations are presented step by step and are straightforward to follow. This new forth edition is fully reorganized and comes with new chapters, figures and exercises. The core of modern complex system sciences are presented in the first chapters, covering network theory, dynamical systems, bifurcation and catastrophe theory, chaos and adaptive processes together with the principle of self-organization in reaction-diffusion systems and social animals. Modern information theoretical principles are treated in further chapters, together with the concept of self-organized criticality, gene regulation networks, hypercycles and coevolutionary avalanches, synchronization phenomena, absorbing phase transitions and the cognitive system approach to the brain. Technical course prerequisites are the standard mathematical tools for an advanced undergraduate course in the natural sciences or engineering. Each chapter comes with exercises and suggestions for further reading, with the solutions to the exercises being provided in the last chapter. ------------------------------------------------------- content: -------- * Chapter 1: Graph Theory and Small-World Networks * Chapter 2: Bifurcations and Chaos in Dynamical Systems * Chapter 3: Dissipation, Noise and Adaptive Systems * Chapter 4: Self Organization and Pattern Formation * Chapter 5: Complexity and Information Theory * Chapter 6: Cellular Automata and Self-Organized Criticality * Chapter 7: Random Boolean Networks * Chapter 8: Darwinian Evolution, Hypercycles and Game Theory * Chapter 9: Synchronization Phenomena * Chapter 10: Elements of Cognitive System Theory * Chapter 11: Solutions to the exercises ------------------------------------------------------- Sincerely, Claudius Gros ***************************************** *** Prof. Dr. Claudius Gros *** *** +49 (0)69 798 47818 *** *** http://itp.uni-frankfurt.de/~gros *** ***************************************** ----------------------------------------------------------- --- Complex and Adaptive Dynamical Systems, A Primer --- --- A graduate-level textbook, Springer (2008/10/13/15) --- -----------------------------------------------------------

June 15, 2015

Interdisciplinary PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience of Vision: Active Efficient Coding (AEC)

by Jochen Triesch

Apologies for cross posting. Please forward to interested students. We have an open PhD student position in my lab (http://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/de/neuro/triesch) at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) in Frankfurt, Germany to explore the new area of active efficient coding (AEC), a recently formulated generalization of the efficient coding hypothesis to active perception. The basic idea of AEC is that sensory systems learn to use their motor degrees of freedom to contribute to the efficient encoding of sensory signals. Along these lines, we have developed computational models for the self-calibration of active stereo and motion vision [1,2,3]. These models simultaneously learn a sensory representation with sparse coding approaches and controllers for their eye movements through reinforcement learning. Both learning components aim to maximize the overall coding efficiency of the system, which leads to fully self-calibrating sensory-motor loops for active stereo vision (dispartiy tuning and vergence control) and motion vision (motion tuning and pursuit movements). To the best of our knowledge, these models are the first ever to demonstrate how such self-calibration can emerge from a generic efficient coding objective. We have also validated the approach on robots such as the iCub (http://www.icub.org) The work will be performed in a stimulating interdisciplinary environment with ample opportunities for collaboration with neuromorphic engineers, neuroscientists, roboticists, psychologists, and clinicians across the globe. Possible research directions include better understanding how and why such self-calibration can go awry in clinical conditions such as strabism and amblyopia, implementations on neuromorphic hardware and many others. We are seeking an outstanding and highly motivated PhD student for this project. Applicants should have obtained a Masters degree (or equivalent) in Computational Neuroscience or a related field. The ideal candidate will have excellent programming skills (Matlab, Python, C/C++), very good analytic skills, and a broad knowledge of computational neuroscience, machine learning, computer vision, robotics, signal processing and statistics. Furthermore, specific expertise in visual neuroscience, information theory, sparse coding models, and reinforcement learning are desirable. Experience with programming Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) would be a plus. The position can be filled immediately. The Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies is a research institution dedicated to fundamental theoretical research in various areas of science. It is embedded into Frankfurt's recently established natural science research campus. Frankfurt itself is the hub of one of the most vibrant metropolitan areas in Europe. It boasts a rich culture and arts community and repeatedly earns highest rankings in worldwide surveys of quality of living. Applications should include a statement of research interests, CV and contact information for at least two references. Send applications to application(a)fias.uni-frankfurt.de. Review of applications will begin immediately. [1] A Unified Model of the Joint Development of Disparity Selectivity and Vergence Control. Zhao Y, Rothkopf CA, Triesch J, Shi B. IEEE Int. Conf. on Development and Learning and Epigenetic Robotics (ICDL), 2012. (Paper of excellence award.) http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6400876 [2] Robust active binocular vision through intrinsically motivated learning L. Lonini, S. Forestier, C. Teulière, Y. Zhao, B. Shi, J. Triesch, frontiers in Neurorobotics, 2013. http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnbot.2013.00020/full [3] Self-calibrating smooth pursuit through active efficient coding C. Teulière, S. Forestier, L. Lonini, C. Zhang, Y. Zhao, B. Shi, J. Triesch, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 2014 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921889014002486 -- Prof. Dr. Jochen Triesch Johanna Quandt Research Professor Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies http://fias.uni-frankfurt.de/~triesch/ Tel: +49 (0)69 798-47531 Fax: +49 (0)69 798-47611

June 14, 2015

CFP: The First International Workshop on Computational Models of the Visual Cortex (CMVC) as part of the BICT, New York, 3-5 Dec 2015

by George Azzopardi

Dear All, We are pleased to announce The First International Workshop on Computational Models of the Visual Cortex (CMVC) as part of the BICT (Bio-inspired Information and Communication Technologies) conference, which will be held in New York City, New York, 3-5 December (http://bionetics.org/2015/show/home) Background Much has been advanced since the early works of the Nobel prize winners Hubel and Wiesel about the function of neurons in the primary visual cortex of cats’ brains. That work has been the source of inspiration of abundant neurophysiological studies to unveil the functionality of neurons in different areas of visual cortex. These experiments resulted in large amounts of data, which could then be used to design computational models to behave similarly to certain neurons in visual cortex. The contribution of such models is two-fold. They contribute to the better understanding of how visual information is processed in the brain, and they also contribute for the development of more robust algorithms in computer vision applications. The aim of this workshop is to bring together recent development of computational modelling of the visual cortex of the brain: Single cell modeling. Hierarchy of visual cortex areas Feedforward, feedback and inhibitory mechanisms. The appearance of neuronal properties: sparsity and selectivity. Circuitry: hierarchical representations and connections between layers. Selecting where to look: saliency and attention. Object recognition Contour detection Stereo Learning Important Dates Full papers due: July 31, 2015 Authors Notified: August 31, 2015 Camera-ready due: September 30, 2015 Paper submission We invite you to submit regular papers (up to 8 pages each), short papers (up to 4 pages each) or poster/demo papers (up to 2 pages each) in ACM's paper template. Up to two extra pages are allowed for each paper with extra page charges. See http://bionetics.org/2015/show/initial-submission for more details. Paper Submission Only PDF format is acceptable. Papers must be submitted to EasyChair: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=cmvc2015 For more information about the CMVC workshop please visit: http://cmvc.bionetics.org/2015/show/home Sincerely yours, Antonio Rodriguez-Sanchez, PhD George Azzopardi, PhD Co-chairs of CMVC’2015

June 13, 2015

CFP: 3rd International Workshop on Smart Sensor Protocols and Algorithms (SSPA 2015) - Munich, Germany, October 5-7, 2015

by Sandra Sendra

[Please accept our apologies if you receive multiple copies of this email] *********************** CFP ******************************* 3rd International Workshop on Smart Sensor Protocols and Algorithms (SSPA 2015) http://jlloret.webs.upv.es/sspa2015/ in conjunction with The 8th IFIP Wireless and Mobile Networking Conference (WMNC' 15) Munich, Germany, October 5-7, 2015. http://www.wmnc2015.com/ SCOPE: Smart Sensor protocols and algorithms make use of several methods and techniques (such as machine learning techniques, decision making techniques, knowledge representation, network optimization, problem solution techniques, and so on), to establish communication between network devices. They can be used to perceive the network conditions, or the user behavior, in order to dynamically plan, adapt, decide, take the appropriate actions, and learn from the consequences of their actions. The algorithms can make use of the information gathered from the protocol in order to sense the environment, plan actions according to the input, take consciousness of what is happening in the environment, and take the appropriate decisions using a reasoning engine. Goals such as decide which scenario fits best its end-to-end purpose, or environment prediction, can be achieved with smart protocols and algorithms. Moreover, they could learn from the past and use this knowledge to improve future de! cisions. In this workshop, researchers are encouraged to submit papers focused on the design, development, analysis or optimization of smart sensor protocols or algorithms at any communication layer. Algorithms and protocols based on artificial intelligence techniques for network management, network monitoring, quality of service enhancement, performance optimization and network secure are included in the workshop. This conference edition once again targets to gather researchers from academia and industrial sectors to present analytical research, simulations, practical results, position papers addressing the pros and cons of specific proposals, and advances in sensor protocols and algorithms. The topics suggested by the conference can be discussed in term of concepts, state of the art, standards, deployments, implementations, running experiments and applications. TOPICS OF INTEREST: Authors are invited to submit complete unpublished papers, which are not under review in any other conference or journal, including, but are not limited to, the following topic areas: - Reasoning and learning techniques for sensing environment pollution - Smart route prediction in vehicular sensor networks - Smart data aggregation in vehicular sensor networks - Smart multimedia network protocols and algorithms for WSNs - Application layer, transport layer and network layer cognitive protocols - Cognitive radio network protocols and algorithms - Automatic protocols and algorithms for environment prediction - Algorithms and protocols to predict data network states - Intelligent synchronization techniques for sensor network protocols and algorithms - Smart sensor protocols and algorithms for e-health - Software applications for smart algorithms design and development in WSNs - Dynamic protocols based on the perception of their performance - Smart protocols and algorithms for Smartgrids - Protocols and algorithms focused on building conclusions for taking the appropriate actions - Smart Automatic and self-autonomous WSNs - Artificial intelligence applied in protocols and algorithms for WSNs - Smart security protocols and algorithms in WSNs - Smart cryptographic algorithms for communication in WSNs - Artificial intelligence applied to power efficiency and energy saving protocols and algorithms - Smart routing and switching protocols and algorithms in WSNs - Cognitive protocol and algorithm models for saving communication costs - Any kind of intelligent technique applied to QoS, content delivery, network Monitoring and network mobility management - Smart cooperative protocols and algorithms WSNs - Problem recognition and problem solving protocols for WSNs - Genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic and neural networks applied to WSNs IMPORTANT DATES: Submission deadline: 17th of July 2015 Author notification: 14th of August 2015 Camera-ready version: 27th of August 2015 Workshop Dates: 5-7th of October 2015 SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Authors are invited to submit original and unpublished papers. Papers presenting original and unpublished work are invited and will be evaluated based on originality, significance, technical soundness, and clarity of exposition. All submissions should be written in English. Authors guidelines can be found at: http://jlloret.webs.upv.es/sspa2015/cfp.html The IEEE LaTeX and Microsoft Word templates, as well as related information, can be found at: http://www.ieee.org/portal/pages/pubs/transactions/stylesheets.html. Only PDF files will be accepted for the review process and all submissions must be done through EDAS. To submit a paper, please click on the following link: https://edas.info/newPaper.php?c=19893&track=71089 SPECIAL ISSUES: The extended version of selected papers will be invited to submit to a Special Issue on Smart Protocols and Algorithms in the International Journal Network Protocols and Algorithms (1943-3581). Network Protocols and Algorithms is an online international journal, peer-reviewed, indexed by many prestigious data bases and published by Macrothink Institute. COMMITTEES: General Chairs Jaime Lloret Mauri, Universitat Polit�cnica Val�ncia, Spain TPC Chairs Miguel Garcia Pineda, Universidad de Valencia, Spain Sandra Sendra, Unviversitat Politecnica de Valencia, Spain Web Chair Alejandro C�novas Solbes, Universitat Polit�cnica Val�ncia, Spain

June 13, 2015

Tentative program now available for IWSP7: Epilepsy Mechanisms, Models, Prediction & Control

by Levin Kuhlmann

The tentative full program of talks and events for the 7th International Workshop on Seizure Prediction (IWSP7: Epilepsy Mechanisms, Models, Prediction & Control; at Melbourne, Australia; 3-6 August 2015) is now available for download at the following link: http://www.iwsp7.org/program/IWSP7_MEMBC15_Tentative_Program.pdf At a glance, the first day on Monday August 3 will be an educational day, giving people an opportunity to learn more about epilepsy from the perspectives of the different disciplines of science, engineering & medicine. On the first night there will be a networking reception and the poster session. The next two days will involve a full schedule of talks with the conference dinner on the night of Tuesday August 4. On Thursday August 6 there will be an overlap day between IWSP7 and the Melbourne Epilepsy meeting (ME@MBC'15 - which brings together the best of Melbourne Epilepsy research). IWSP7 registrants will also have the option to freely participate in the ME@MBC'15 events including its second day on the morning of Friday August 7. A final full program for IWSP7 including abstracts will be available soon. Don't forget to register for IWSP7 before the early bird deadline of 30th June 2015 and save! Go to www.iwsp7.org<http://www.iwsp7.org> to register. More details on the conference are provided below. The 7th International Workshop on Seizure Prediction (IWSP7: Epilepsy Mechanisms, Models, Prediction & Control) will bring together world leading epileptologists, engineers, physicists, mathematicians, neurosurgeons and neuroscientists to focus on epilepsy research in Melbourne Australia from 3-6 August 2015. Invited Speakers Catalina Alvarado-Rojas, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia (Cross-frequency coupling and seizure prediction) Samuel Berkovic, University of Melbourne, Australia (Genetics and individual-specific nature of epilepsy) Sydney Cash, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA (Cortical physiology and epilepsy) Antonio Dourado, University of Coimbra, Portugal (Seizure Prediction and the EPILEPSIAE project) Bin He, University of Minnesota, USA (EEG-based imaging to localise seizure and high frequency activity) Louis Lemieux, University College London, UK (Multi-modal imaging of human epileptic zone and networks) Liset Menendez de la Prida, Instituto Cajal - CSIC, Spain (Sources of functional heterogeneity in the cellular activity of hippocampal microcircuits in temporal lobe epilepsy) Martha Morrell, Stanford University, Neuropace, USA (Responsive seizure control and its clinical implications) Philippe Ryvlin, Lyon University, France (Vagal nerve stimulation and seizure prediction) Bjoern Schelter, University of Aberdeen, UK (Recent advances in data-based modelling and their role in epilepsy research) Steven Schiff, Penn State University, USA (Unification of spikes, seizures and spreading depression) Piotr Suffczynski, University of Warsaw, Poland (Modelling of neuronal and ionic dynamics during ictogenesis) John Terry, University of Exeter, UK (Modelling multiscale brain networks: seizure initiation, evolution and prediction) Gregory Worrell, Mayo Clinic, USA (Forecasting epileptic seizures in dogs) Abstract submission is now Closed. Early bird registration: full: AU$465; Student/Early Career Researcher: AU$165. Early bird registration deadline: 30th June 2015. Standard registration: full: AU$565; Student/Early Career Researcher: AU$265. 44 generous travel stipends have been awarded to participants submitting the best abstracts as determined by the IWSP7 Scientific Advisory Board. General topics covered: seizure prediction, detection and control; seizure mechanisms, animal models and human neurophysiology; neuroimaging of epilepsy/seizure localisation; computational modelling of epilepsy; epilepsy networks; high frequency oscillations; model-based estimation, statistical signal processing or control theory applied to epilepsy. For information on the tentative conference program, and how to register visit: http://www.iwsp7.org Please forward this notice to anyone that you think might be interested. We would also like to draw your attention to two partner events: Melbourne Epilepsy which brings together Melbourne's best epilepsy researchers and will overlap at the same venue with IWSP7 on August 6th, and finish by 1pm on August 7th. Attendance is free for IWSP7 registrants. Swinburne Brain Imaging Symposium 2015: Principles and Applications of Magnetoencephalography is a meeting on MEG and neuroimaging occurring in Melbourne in the week preceding IWSP7 from June 29-30 2015. http://www.research.swinburne.edu.au/our-research/events/neuroimaging-sympo… We look forward to seeing you at IWSP7! On behalf of the local organizing committee Levin Kuhlmann, PhD David B. Grayden, PhD Mark J. Cook, MD Anthony N. Burkitt, PhD Dean R. Freestone, PhD Tatiana Kameneva, PhD Alan Lai, PhD Elma O'Sullivan-Greene, PhD Andre Peterson, BSc (hons) Email: organizingcommittee(a)iwsp7.org<mailto:organizingcommittee@iwsp7.org>

June 13, 2015

Nonlinear Dynamics in Computational Neuroscience, Turin 7-9 sept 2015 (few places left)

by Alessandro Torcini

Few places left for registration at SICC workshop on Nonlinear Dynamics in Computational Neuroscience: from Physics and Biology to ICT to be held on September 07-09, 2015 in Turin, Italy Organizers: Fernando Corinto (Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy) and Alessandro Torcini (ISC-CNR, Florence, Italy) This workshop "Nonlinear Dynamics in Computational Neuroscience: from Physics and Biology to ICT” offers an unique opportunity to meet researchers working across (and between) disciplines linked to Computational Neuroscience. In particular, computational neuroscients, neurophysiologists and neural engineers will have the opportunity to present their most recent results to a young audience, constituted mainly by PhD students, and to interact directly among them. The program ranges from nonlinear dynamical approaches to the understanding of neural computation to physiology, from the simulations of brain circuits to the development of engineering devices and platforms for neuromorphic computation. The speakers will be specifically advised to perform didactic presentations of their results in order to allow the active participation to the discussion of young PhD students from different disciplines as well as to researchers interested in the field of Computational Neuroscience. Specific poster sessions will be organized with the purpose on one side to allow the young participants to present their latest results and on the other side to increase the opportunity of networking among the participants and renowed experts of the discipline. This workshop represents the 10th of a series of tutorial workshops annually organized by the Italian Society of Chaos and Complexity (SICC) to explore the emergence of new research fields, where nonlinear dynamics and control theory can play a relevant role. These workshops have been traditionally devoted to an audience mainly constituted by PhD students or young researchers working in complex systems. A poster session will be running during all the event and aimed to let all the participants to present their recent results. More information on the workshop can be found in the web page: http://www.neuro-eng-comp.polito.it/workshop/ Confirmed invited speakers include Cristina Becchio (University of Turin, Italy) Ruben Moreno Bote (CIBERSAM - Barcelona, Spain) George Bourianov (Intel/University of Texas at Austin, USA) Emilio Carbone (University of Turin, Italy) Stephen Coombes (University of Nottingham, UK) Steve Furber (The University of Manchester, UK) Julius Georgiou (University of Cyprus, Cyprus) Viktor Jirsa (INSERM - Marseille, France) Luke P. Lee (UC Berkeley, USA) Stefano Luccioli (ISC CNR - Florence, Italy) Maurizio Mattia (ISS - Roma, Italy) Benedetto Sacchetti (University of Turin, Italy) Maria Sanchez-Vives (IDIBAPS - Barcelona, Spain) Ronald Tetzlaff (TU Dresden, Germany) The poster can be downloaded from here http://goo.gl/CDY0Eg The workshop is kindly supported by the: SICC - Italian Society for Chaos and Complexity, IEEE CASS Outreach 2015 Initiative, CRT Foundation, Marie Curie Initial Training project NETT - Neural Engineering Transformative Technologies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Italy)

June 12, 2015

Job posting: PhD Traineeship in the Dutch Research Consortium 'Language in Interaction'

by Lorenz, C.M.

PhD Traineeship in the Dutch Research Consortium 'Language in Interaction' Maximum salary: € 2,717 gross/month Closing date: 05 July 2015, 23:59 CET More information: http://www.ru.nl/newstaff/vacaturebeschrijving?tk=uk&recid=556519 The Dutch research consortium 'Language in Interaction' invites applications for a 4-year PhD traineeship on the topic of computational cognitive models of psycholinguistic processes. You will carry out research as a member of one of the PI-groups of the Centre for Language Studies at Radboud University under supervision of Dr. Stefan Frank. The Netherlands has an outstanding track record in the language sciences. The research consortium 'Language in Interaction', sponsored by a large grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific research (NWO), brings together many of the excellent research groups in the Netherlands with a research programme on the foundations of language. The consortium has representatives from seven universities and one research institute in the Netherlands. These are Radboud University (RU), University of Amsterdam (UvA), University of Maastricht (UM), Leiden University (LU), Utrecht University (UU), Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), Tilburg University (TiU), and the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics (MPI). Excellence in the domain of language and related relevant fields of cognition is combined with state-of-the-art research facilities and a research team with ample experience in complex research methods and utilization. Together, this consortium realizes both quality and critical mass for studying human language at a scale not easily found anywhere else in the world. The current position will be embedded in the Centre for Language Studies at Radboud University. This centre conducts research in an international setting. English is the lingua franca. Your graduate training will take place in the International Max Planck Research School for Language Sciences. Click here for more information on this PhD position and how to apply. http://www.ru.nl/newstaff/vacaturebeschrijving?tk=uk&recid=556519

June 12, 2015

postdoc in computational neuroscience

by Máté Lengyel

Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Neuroscience University of Cambridge We are seeking a highly creative and motivated postdoctoral fellow (research associate or senior research associate) to work jointly in the groups of Guillaume Hennequin and Mate Lengyel at the Computational and Biological Learning Lab, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge (http://learning.eng.cam.ac.uk/) Our groups study dynamics and computation in neural circuits using a combination of approaches from dynamical systems, control theory, and statistical inference. The jointly led project will combine normative with bottom-up approaches to study the neural implementation of challenging computations. Areas of interest include balanced network dynamics, synaptic plasticity, and Bayesian inference. The successful candidate will have a strong analytical background and demonstrable interest in theoretical neuroscience. They should have or be close to completion of a PhD or equivalent in computational neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, machine learning or a related field. Previous experience in computational neuroscience is not required, but preference will be given to candidates with sufficient programming skills to run numerical simulations, or expertise with neural network models, analysis of dynamical systems, and Bayesian techniques. The appointment will be for 1 year initially (extendable subject to funding) starting 1 October 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter. Salary depends on experience and is in the range £28,695 - £48,743 p.a. Further information: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/7261/ http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/7176/ For informal queries, please contact Guillaume Hennequin <g.hennequin(a)eng.cam.ac.uk> or Mate Lengyel <m.lengyel(a)eng.cam.ac.uk>. Mate Lengyel -- Mate Lengyel, PhD Computational and Biological Learning Lab Cambridge University Engineering Department Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK tel: +44 (0)1223 748 532, fax: +44 (0)1223 765 587 email: m.lengyel(a)eng.cam.ac.uk web: www.eng.cam.ac.uk/~m.lengyel

June 12, 2015

PhD positions in language and sensorimotor cognition, Otago University, New Zealand

by Alistair Knott

We are seeking applications for PhD positions in neural network modelling of human language: specifically, in developing neural network models of the interface between language and the sensorimotor system. Projects include modelling the interface between language and visual attention/visual object classification mechanisms, and modelling the interface between language and action execution/action perception mechanisms. The positions are based at the Department of Computer Science at the University of Otago in New Zealand, under the supervision of Alistair Knott and Lubica Benuskova. The department has an active neural networks programme, with five academic staff working in this area, and two more working in related areas of computer vision. The PhD projects relate to an ongoing project funded by the New Zealand Marsden fund, Does language mirror the structure of sensorimotor cognition?, funded by the New Zealand Marsden Fund. Otago University’s PhD scholarships are open to qualified students from any country, and cover both course fees and living expenses. To be considered for a PhD scholarship, applicants must have at least a four-year undergraduate degree in Computer Science. Applicants must also have a research project worth at least 25% of a full-time load in their final year, and must have an 'A' average or better in their final year of study. To be considered for the current PhD projects, applicants must also have some experience in Artificial Intelligence, Linguistics or Cognitive Science. If you have questions about the PhD projects, please contact Alistair Knott (alik(a)cs.otago.ac.nz) If you wish to apply for a PhD position, please email Alistair Knott (alik(a)cs.otago.ac.nz) attaching an electronic copy of your transcript for your Bachelor's degree. If you have a Master's degree, or are currently enrolled in one, please attach your Master's transcript (up to the present) and, if possible, an abstract of your thesis. If you have publications, please select your single best publication and send a PDF version of that, identifying the conference or journal that accepted it in sufficient detail to allow verification. **Kindly don't send zip files, as our antivirus software quarantines them.** The deadline for applications is June 30th. Otago University is in Dunedin, a university town on the South-East coast of New Zealand's South Island. Dunedin sits on a spectacular harbour, with unspoiled beaches for wildlife and surfing, and lies within a few hours' drive of Queenstown and Wanaka in the Southern Alps. For more information about Otago, Dunedin, and our department: - http://www.otago.ac.nz/ - http://www.otago.co.nz/ - http://www.cs.otago.ac.nz/

June 11, 2015

CFP The 9th International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies - BIOSTEC 2016

by Calendar Sites

CALL FOR PAPERS The 9th International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies BIOSTEC 2016 Website: http://www.biostec.org/ 21 - 23 February, 2016 Rome, Italy Regular Papers Paper Submission: September 10, 2015 Authors Notification: December 2, 2015 Camera Ready and Registration: December 16, 2015 Position Papers Paper Submission: November 2, 2015 Authors Notification: December 4, 2015 Camera Ready and Registration: December 18, 2015 Workshops Workshop Proposal: September 11, 2015 Doctoral Consortium Paper Submission: December 3, 2015 Authors Notification: December 11, 2015 Camera Ready and Registration: December 22, 2015 Special Sessions Special Session Proposal: September 23, 2015 Paper Submission: November 23, 2015 Authors Notification: December 9, 2015 Camera Ready and Registration: December 17, 201 <http://www.ic3k.org/Glossary.aspx#43> Tutorials, Demos and Panels Proposals October 16, 2015 Sponsored by: INSTICC - Institute for Systems and Technologies of Information, Control and Communication INSTICC is Member of: WfMC Workflow Management Coalition OMG Object Management Group FIPA Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agents In Cooperation with: AAAI Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence EUROMICRO ESEM - European Society for Engineering and Medicine ISfTeH - International Society for Telemedicine & eHealth BMES - Biomedical Engineering Society EURASIP - European Association for Signal Processing Logistics Partner: SCITEVENTS Science and Technology Events The purpose of BIOSTEC is to bring together researchers and practitioners, including engineers, biologists, health professionals and informatics/computer scientists, interested in both theoretical advances and applications of information systems, artificial intelligence, signal processing, electronics and other engineering tools in knowledge areas related to biology and medicine. BIOSTEC is composed of five co-located conferences, each specialized in a different knowledge area. BIODEVICES 2016 The 9th International Conference on Biomedical Electronics and Devices Program Chair James Gilbert, University of Hull, United Kingdom CONFERENCE TOPICS * Emerging Technologies * Biomedical Instrumentation * Biomedical Equipment * Biomedical Sensors * Biomedical Metrology * Health Monitoring Devices * Low-power Design * Electrical Bio-impedance * Bio-electromagnetism * Biorobotics * Biocomputing and Biochips * Implantable Electronics * Wireless Systems and Biotelemetry * Biomaterials * MEMS * Nanotechnologies * Biomechanical Devices * Artificial Limbs * Technologies Evaluation * Electrocardiography and Heart Monitoring * Computational Physiology (virtual organs) * Brain-computer Interfaces * Spectroscopic Applications * Imaging and Visualization Devices * Rehabilitation Technology * Lab on a Chip and Microfluidic Devices * Mobile and Wearable Devices BIOIMAGING 2016 The 3rd International Conference on Bioimaging Program Chair Haim Azhari, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Israel CONFERENCE TOPICS * Medical Imaging and Diagnosis * Image Processing Methods * Image Fusion Methods * Feature Recognition and Extraction Methods * Biomechanical Imaging * Image Archiving and Communication * Telemedicine and Virtual Environments * Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) * Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Fmri) * Single-photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) * Positron Emission Tomography (PET) * High Resolution Research Tomography (HRRT) * Magnetoencephalography (MEG) * Ultrasound and Optical Imaging * Optical Elastography * X-ray Microscopy * Biophotonics * Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) * Conventional Microscopy * Confocal Microscopy * Fluorescent Microscopy * Quantitative Bioimaging * Structural Biology * Brain Function Analysis * Hemodynamics Imaging * Histology and Tissue Imaging BIOINFORMATICS 2016 The 7th International Conference on Bioinformatics Models, Methods and Algorithms Program Chair Hesham Ali, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States CONFERENCE TOPICS * Simulation * Computational Intelligence * Genomics and Proteomics * Sequence Analysis * Structural Bioinformatics * Image Analysis * Visualization * Databases and Data Management * Data mining and Machine Learning * Biostatistics and Stochastic Models * Pharmaceutical Applications * Systems Biology * Algorithms and Software Tools * Web Services in Bioinformatics * Computational Molecular Systems * Immuno- and Chemo-informatics * Pattern Recognition, Clustering and Classification * Structure Prediction * Model Design and Evaluation * Transcriptomics * Next Generation Sequencing * Structural Variations BIOSIGNALS 2016 The 9th International Conference on Bio-inspired Systems and Signal Processing Program Chair Carla Quintão, FCT-UNL, Portugal CONFERENCE TOPICS * Speech Recognition * Neural Networks * Biometrics * Pattern Recognition * Medical Signal Acquisition, Analysis and Processing * Wearable Sensors and Systems * Real-time Systems * Evolutionary Systems * Acoustic Signal Processing * Time and Frequency Response * Wavelet Transform * Medical Image Detection, Acquisition, Analysis and Processing * Physiological Processes and Bio-signal Modeling, Non-linear Dynamics * Cybernetics and User Interface Technologies * Electromagnetic fields in biology and medicine * Fuzzy Systems and Signals * Monitoring and Telemetry * Cardiovascular Signals * Image Analysis and Processing * Detection and Identification * Motion Control HEALTHINF 2016 The 9th International Conference on Health Informatics Program Co-chairs Jan Sliwa, Independent, Switzerland Carolina Ruiz, WPI, United States CONFERENCE TOPICS * Datamining * Knowledge Management * Decision Support Systems * Interoperability * Telemedicine * Medical and Nursing Informatics * Confidentiality and Data Security * Wearable Health Informatics * Semantic Interoperability * Therapeutic Systems and Technologies * Physiological Modeling * Databases and Datawarehousing * Cognitive Informatics * Affective Computing * Human-machine Interfaces for Disabled Persons * ICT, Ageing and Disability * Design and Development Methodologies for Healthcare IT * Mobile Technologies for Healthcare Applications * Evaluation and Use of Healthcare IT * Healthcare Management Systems * E-Health * Development of Assistive Technology * Electronic Health Records and Standards * Software Systems in Medicine * Pervasive Health Systems and Services * e-Health for Public Health * Clinical Problems and Applications * Data Visualization * Pattern recognition and Machine Learning * Practice-based Research Methods for Healthcare IT BIOSTEC KEYNOTE LECTURE Hayit Greenspan, Tel Aviv University, Israel PUBLICATIONS All accepted papers will be published in the conference proceedings, under an ISBN reference, on paper and on CD-ROM support. SCITEPRESS is member of CrossRef ( <http://www.crossref.org/> http://www.crossref.org/) All papers presented at the conference venue will be available at the <http://www.scitepress.org/DigitalLibrary/Default.aspx> SCITEPRESS Digital Library. The proceedings will be submitted for indexation by Thomson Reuters Conference Proceedings Citation Index (ISI), INSPEC, DBLP, EI (Elsevier Index) and Scopus. AWARDS The awards will be announced and bestowed at the conference closing session. Please check the websites for further information: http://www.biodevices.biostec.org/BestPaperAward.aspx http://www.bioimaging.biostec.org/BestPaperAward.aspx http://www.bioinformatics.biostec.org/BestPaperAward.aspx http://www.biosignals.biostec.org/BestPaperAward.aspx http://www.healthinf.biostec.org/BestPaperAward.aspx BIOSTEC CONFERENCE CO - CHAIRS Ana Fred, Instituto de Telecomunicações / IST, Portugal Hugo Gamboa, CEFITEC / FCT - New University of Lisbon, Portugal Please check further details at the conference website http://www.biostec.org/ BIOSTEC Secretariat Address: Av. D. Manuel I, 27A, 2º esq. 2910-595 Setúbal - Portugal Tel.: +351 265 100 033 Fax: +44 203 014 8813 e-mail: biostec.secretariat(a)insticc.org

June 11, 2015

Deep Learning and Continuous Time Computing - Track at SAC 2016 - Call for Papers

by Davide Zambrano

Dear all, Please consider joining our track at SAC2016. Apologies for cross posting. Best regards. ————————————————————————————————————— ACM Symposium on Applied Computing (SAC) 2016 The 31st Annual ACM Symposium on Applied Computing in Pisa, Italy, April 3 – 8, 2016. (webpage : http://www.acm.org/conferences/sac/sac2016/) Deep Learning and Continuous-Time Computing (webpage : http://event.cwi.nl/sac2016/) ————————————————————————————————————— SAC 2016: For the past thirsty years, the ACM Symposium on Applied Computing has been a primary gathering forum for applied computer scientists, computer engineers, software engineers, and application developers from around the world. SAC 2016 is sponsored by the ACM Special Interest Group on Applied Computing (SIGAPP), and will be hosted by the University of Pisa and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna University, Italy. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the objectives of Machine Learning: how to create computers capable of intelligent behavior. Deep Learning in artificial neural networks represents a remarkable step toward this direction. Current state-of-the-art AI in the form of deep neural networks has recently demonstrated breakthrough performance in various AI-cognitive tasks, from image and speech recognition to natural language generation and playing ATARI games. However, in real-world applications like video processing or robot control, a deep neural network has then to be updated continuously, causing a high computational load. Specialized acceleration hardware is being developed for deep learning in continuous-time environments. In addition, or alternatively, Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) represent another possible solution for efficient continuous-time representation and computing in deep neural networks. This Track aims to consolidate the current state-of-the-art in deep learning, continuous-time computing, spiking neural networks and related acceleration hardware tools (such as GPUs, SpiNNaker or Neuromorphic Silicon systems) showing recent and future progresses of this rising and growing research field. ————————————————————————————————————— Topics of interests: Deep learning Continuous-time learning Spiking Neural Networks Asynchronous computation Large scale parallel simulations and computing Neuromorphic computing ————————————————————————————————————— Important Dates are published on the Conference or Track webpages. ————————————————————————————————————— Track Program Committee: Sander Bohte, CWI Amsterdam (NL) (Track Chair — email to s.m.bohte(a)cwi.nl ) Davide Zambrano, CWI Amsterdam (NL) (Track Chair — email to d.zambrano(a)cwi.nl ) Thomas Nowotny, University of Sussex (UK) Steven Furber, University of Manchester (UK) Karl Tuyls, University of Liverpool (UK) Shih-Chii Liu, University of Zurich/ETH Zurich (CH) Robert Babuska, Delft University of Technology (NL) Andre Gruning, University of Surrey (UK) Max Welling, University of Amsterdam (NL) Narayan Srinavasa, HRL Laboratories LLC (USA) Eleni Vasilaki, University of Sheffield (UK) ————————————————————————————————————— Important notice: Paper registration is required, allowing the inclusion of the paper, poster, or SRC abstract in the conference proceedings. An author or a proxy attending SAC MUST present the paper. This is a requirement for including the work in the ACM/IEEE digital library. No-show of registered papers, posters, and SRC abstracts will result in excluding them from the ACM/IEEE digital library. ————————————————————————————————————— Dr. Davide Zambrano PostDoc at CWI, Amsterdam (NL) MSc in Biomedical Eng. - PhD in Biorobotics D.Zambrano(a)cwi.nl Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) Science Park, 123 1098 XG - Amsterdam

June 11, 2015

two postdoctoral positions in recording and statistical analysis of population activity

by Gergo Orban

We are inviting applications for two postdoctoral positions at the Pattern Research Group which is affiliated with the MTA Wigner ResearchCentre for Physics (Budapest, Hungary) and MTA Institute for Experimental Medicine and is sponsored by a prestigious National Brain Research Program grant. The primary focus of the research group is the characterization of activity patterns of large-scale neural populations in the hippocampus and the understanding of the computational principles underlying its dynamically changing states. The unparalleled performance of the nervous system is due to the fast and parallel processing of information that is achieved by the coherent activity of networks of neurons. Recent advancements in recording techniques provides access to high temporal resolution data from hundreds of identified neurons during task performance of animals. Understanding the organizational principles underlying the high-dimensional activity patterns has become a fundamental challenge of neurobiology. We are seeking highly motivated candidates for one post in computational/theoretical neuroscience and one in electrophysiology to work on a project that is based on a strong collaboration between neurophysiology and theoretical neuroscience. Details of the two posts can be found below. Postdoctoral fellow in theoretical/computational neuroscience The ideal candidate has a strong mathematical background, preferably with a PhD in physics, computer science, or mathematics or other quantitative disciplines. Besides mathematical skills, the position requires competence in programming (e.g. matlab, R, python, or C++). Candidates with training or research experience in statistics, machine learning, computational modelling, dynamical systems are especially encouraged to apply. Training in neuroscience is not required but the applicant has to demonstrate his/her willingness to acquire the necessary background for the project. High dimensional neuronal data is recorded by the experimental part of the group (Attila Gulyas, Institute for Experimental Medicine) but the candidate will have the opportunity get experience with cutting-edge neuronal recording techniques to design of novel experiments based on the analysis of the recorded data. The successful applicant will be co-supervised by Gergő Orbán and András Telcs. Postdoctoral fellow or PhD student in hippocampal electrophysiology The ideal candidate has a strong background in in vitro or in vivo electrophysiology or optical imaging to take part of this challenge and to work on a project that is based on a strong collaboration between neurophysiology and theoretical neuroscience. The primary task of the candidate will be to set up the equipment and to monitor the activity of large (>100) populations of hippocampal neurons in vitro, and later in head-restrained mice using optical imaging techniques and genetically expressed Ca2+ indicators. Preprocessing and to a given depth the analysis of the rough data also expected. The high-level analysis of the recorded data is performed by the theoretical part of the group (led by András Telcs and Gergő Orbán, MTA Wigner Centre for Physics) but basic knowledge of statistics is essential and previous experience with signal processing or programming (Igor, Python, Matlab or similar language) is advantageous and contribution to that part of the project is expected, based on the load of the experimental part. The applicant will be supervised by Attila Gulyás. The expected starting date of the position is 1 September 2015 but the start date of the position is negotiable. Initial appointment is made for one year but can be extended to three years upon successful evaluation. The work is based in the PATTERN lab at the MTA Wigner Institute (Budapest, Hungary) but requires regular interactions with the experimental partners at the Institute for Experimental Medicine (Budapest). For further information please visit the project website, http://pattern.wigner.mta.hu <http://pattern.wigner.mta.hu/>. For informal inquiries please contact Gergo Orban (orban.gergo(a)wigner.mta.hu <mailto:orban.gergo@wigner.mta.hu>) or Andras Telcs (telcs.szit.bme(a)gmail.com <mailto:telcs.szit.bme@gmail.com>). Please send applications, including CV, a research statement and contact information of two references by email to András Telcs before 30 June.

June 10, 2015

Postdoctoral position on assessing auditory cognition to implement neurofeedback in hearing aids

by Tobias Reichenbach

Applications are invited for a Research Associate to work on project in auditory cognitive neuroscience at Imperial College London. The project is part of an exciting multi-centre effort with the Universities of Southampton and Manchester to employ neurofeedback for building 'smart' hearing aids. The successful candidate will join the group of Tobias Reichenbach (http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/reichenbach) The project is further embedded in the Centre for Neurotechnology at Imperial College (http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology <http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology>). The project's goal is to develop experimental paradigms and associated data analytics to predict a person's speech comprehension based on non-invasive electroencephalographic (EEG) measurements of his or her brain activity in response to natural speech. This will employ advanced data analytics to correlate EEG responses to key aspects of speech, such as its envelope. The project will further investigate how these EEG assessments can be employed to fit and adapt the settings of a hearing aid in order to maximize its usefulness for a hearing-impaired person. Applicants should have a PhD (or equivalent) in computing, engineering, neuroscience or physical sciences with experience in signal processing as well as neuroimaging. For an informal discussion please contact Dr Tobias Reichenbach (email: reichenbach(a)imperial.ac.uk <mailto:a.kedgley@imperial.ac.uk>; telephone: +44 (0)20 759 46370). Our preferred method of application is online via our website http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/employment <http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/employment>. (Select “Job Search” then enter the job title or vacancy reference number into “Keywords”). Please complete and upload an application form as directed quoting reference number EN20150202FH. Alternatively, if you are unable to apply online, please email Edit Toth on etoth(a)imperial.ac.uk <mailto:etoth@imperial.ac.uk> to request an application form. The preferred starting date is September 2015. Applications received before the 6th of July 2015 will receive full consideration. ------------------------------------------- Tobias Reichenbach Lecturer, Biophysics of Hearing Editor, Heliyon Department of Bioengineering Imperial College London South Kensington Campus SW7 2AZ London, UK http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/reichenbach/

June 10, 2015

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