- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Announcement of Conference Net-works 2015

by jtorres

Dear Colleagues This is the first announcement for participation in the 7th International conference on Complex Networks and their Interdisciplinary Applications, Net-works 2015, which will be held in Granada (Spain) from September 16th to September 18th 2015 (Please follow the link below for further information) http://ergodic.ugr.es/networks2015/ As in previous editions, this conference is devoted to present and exchange the latest results concerning the theory and application of complex networks in different aspects of nature, society and technology. In the last years, there was an increasing interest of the computational neuroscience community in the study of the features of the complex networks underlying the structure of actual neural systems, and how these features influence their emergent behavior. For this reason, the organizing committee of Net-works 2015 encourages computational neuroscientists interested in this research topic to attend and participate in this conference. The program of Net-Works 2015 includes a set of invited plenary talks from very well- known experts in the field of complex networks, a number to be determined of talks selected from the received abstracts and one or two poster sessions. Tentative list of key-note speakers: -Ginestra Bianconi School of Mathematics. Queen Mary University of London, UK -Stefano Boccaletti Institute for Complex Systems, CNR, Italy -Shlomo Havlin Bar-Ilan University, Israel -JÃ¼rgen KurthsPotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Germany -Miguel A. MuÃ±oz Institute Carlos I for Theoretical and Computational Physics, U. Granada, Spain Important dates for abstract submission and registration follows: Abstract submission: May 22th 2015 Contribution acceptance: June 15th 2015 Early registration (with a reduction of the registration fee): before September 15th, 2015. Abstracts (with a maximum of 250 words) must be submitted to the e-mail address below: abstracts(a)eurocongres.es It is a pleasure for me to kindly invite you to participate in Net-Works 2015. We look forward to seeing you in Granada! Joaquin J. Torres General Chair Net-Works 2015 International Conference Please visit the conference web page for further information: http://ergodic.ugr.es/networks2015/

Dec. 17, 2014

Announcing Okinawa Computational Neuroscience Course 2015

by Erik De Schutter

OKINAWA COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2015 Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors June 8 - June 25, 2015 Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Japan https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc The aim of the Okinawa Computational Neuroscience Course is to provide opportunities for young researchers with theoretical backgrounds to learn the latest advances in neuroscience, and for those with experimental backgrounds to have hands-on experience in computational modeling. We invite graduate students and postgraduate researchers to participate in the course, held from June 8th through June 25th, 2015 at an oceanfront seminar house of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University. Applications will open on January 5th and are through the course web page (https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc) only; they will close February 8th, 2015. Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance in March. The course has a strong hands-on component based on student proposed modeling or data analysis projects, which are further refined with the help of a dedicated tutor. Applicants are required to propose their project at the time of application. Like in preceding years, OCNC will be a comprehensive three-week course covering single neurons, networks, and behaviors with ample time for student projects. The first week will focus exclusively on methods with hands-on tutorials during the afternoons, while the second and third weeks will have lectures by international experts. We invite those who are interested in integrating experimental and computational approaches at each level, as well as in bridging different levels of complexity. There is no tuition fee. The sponsor will provide lodging and meals during the course and may support travel for those without funding. We hope that this course will be a good opportunity for theoretical and experimental neuroscientists to meet each other and to explore the attractive nature and culture of Okinawa, the southernmost island prefecture of Japan. Invited faculty: • Gordon Arbuthnott (OIST) • Axel Borst (MPI, Münich, Germany) • Erik De Schutter (OIST) • Kenji Doya (OIST) • Eugene Izihikevich (Brain Corporation, USA) • Bernd Kuhn (OIST) • Peter Latham (Gatsby Unit, UCL, UK) • Miguel Nicolelis (Duke University, USA) • Steve Prescott (University of Toronto, Canada) • John Rinzel (New York University, USA) • Jackie Schiller (Technion, Israel) • Greg Stephens (OIST) • Jeff Wickens (OIST) • Taro Toyoizumi (RIKEN BSI, Japan) • Xiao-Jing Wang (New York University, USA) • Wako Yoshida (ATR, Japan)

Dec. 17, 2014

workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation

by Aurel A. Lazar

Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation BCMC 2015 <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/workshops/bcmc/2015> Monday and Tuesday, March 16-17, 2015 Center for Neural Engineering and Computation <http://www.cnec.columbia.edu/> Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 Overview The goal of the workshop is to bring together researchers interested in developing executable models of neural computation/processing of the brain of model organisms. Of interest are models of computation that consist of elementary units of processing using brain circuits and memory elements. Elementary units of computation/processing include population encoding/decoding circuits with biophysically-grounded neuron models, non-linear dendritic processors for motion detection/direction selectivity, spike processing and pattern recognition neural circuits, movement control and decision-making circuits, etc. Memory units include models of spatio-temporal memory circuits, circuit models for memory access and storage, etc. A major aim of the workshop is to explore the integration of various computational sensory and control models. Confirmed Invited Speakers Yoshi Aso <http://www.janelia.org/people/scientist/yoshi-aso>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Dmitri "Mitya" B. Chklovskii <http://www.simonsfoundation.org/about-us/staff/staff-bios/>, Simons Center for Data Analysis, Simons Foundation. Damon A. Clark <http://clarklab.commons.yale.edu/>, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University. Daniel Coca <https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/acse/staff/dc>, Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield. Fabrizio Gabbiani <http://glab.bcm.tmc.edu/>, Dept. of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, and Computational and Applied Mathematics, Rice University. Charles Randy Gallistel <http://ruccs.rutgers.edu/~galliste/>, Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science, Rutgers University. Charles D. Gilbert <http://lab.rockefeller.edu/gilbert/>, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Rockefeller University. Vivek Jayaraman <http://www.janelia.org/lab/jayaraman-lab>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Mikko I. Juusola <http://www.shef.ac.uk/bms/research/juusola>, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield. Anthony Leonardo <http://janelia.org/people/scientist/anthony-leonardo>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Wolfgang Maas <http://www.igi.tugraz.at/maass/>, Institute for Theoretical Computer Science, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria. Gary F. Marcus <http://www.psych.nyu.edu/gary/>, Department of Psychology, New York University. Stefan Mihalas <http://www.alleninstitute.org/our-institute/our-team/profiles/stefan-mihala…>, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA. Barbara Webb <http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/bwebb/>, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh. Further details are available at BCMC 2015 <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/workshops/bcmc/2015>. Aurel http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu

Dec. 16, 2014

Brains, Minds and Machines Summer Course 2015

by Kreiman, Gabriel

Brains, Minds and Machines Course Date: August 13 – September 3, 2015 http://www.mbl.edu/education/special-topics-courses/brains-minds-and-machin… Directors: L. Mahadevan, Harvard University; and Tomaso Poggio, Massachusetts Institute of Technology This intensive three-week course will give advanced students a “deep end” introduction to the problem of intelligence – how the brain produces intelligent behavior and how we may be able to replicate intelligence in machines. Today’s AI technologies, such as Watson and Siri and Deep Learning, are impressive, but their domain specificity and reliance on vast numbers of labeled examples are obvious limitations; few view this as brain-like or human intelligence. The synergistic combination of cognitive science, neurobiology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science holds the promise to build much more robust and sophisticated algorithms implemented in intelligent machines *and* to begin understanding how the brain produces the mind. The goal of this course is to help produce a community of leaders that is equally knowledgeable in neuroscience, cognitive science, and computer science. The first half of the course will focus on the intersection between biological and computational aspects of learning and vision. The second half will focus on high-level social cognition and artificial intelligence, as well as audition, speech and language processing. Throughout the course, students will participate in tutorials to gain hands on experience with these topics. The course will culminate with student projects on a chosen aspect of the problem of intelligence. Course instructors will include: Tomaso Poggio Gabriel Kreiman Nancy Kanwisher Winrich Freiwald Matt Wilson Josh Tenenbaum Liz Spelke Boris Katz L Mahadevan Jim DiCarlo Aude Oliva Gabriel Kreiman klab.tch.harvard.edu Use "9265358979" anywhere in the message body to ensure that your message navigates through anti spam filters

Dec. 16, 2014

Graduate Training in Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Rochester

by Ralf Haefner

The Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (BCS) at the University of Rochester offers opportunities for students interested in earning a doctoral degree in one of the most exciting fields of scientific endeavor. Particular areas of research strength include: sensory processing and decision-making, perception and action, development and learning, language, concepts and categories. Full details can be found at: http://www.bcs.rochester.edu/index.php. We seek outstanding candidates from a variety of backgrounds looking for a rigorous program of study and exceptional mentoring in research. All students admitted to the program are offered graduate fellowships that provide a competitive stipend, and that cover the costs of tuition and single plan health insurance. The Department has a number of new faculty with research programs focusing on cognitive neuroscience, development of language and cognition, language learning, theoretical and computational neuroscience, and visual neuroscience. Interested applicants can find details at http://www.bcs.rochester.edu/graduate/admission.html.

Dec. 16, 2014

The First International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS)

by Olivier Faugeras

*Second announcement* 1st International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS) June 8 - 10, 2015 Antibes - Juan les Pins, France https://icmns2015.inria.fr The goal of this conference is to bring together theoretical neuroscientists and mathematicians interested in using mathematical concepts and methods for solving problems posed by neuroscience. It is motivated by the idea that many outstanding questions concerning the functioning/dysfunctioning of brains at multiple spatial and temporal scales will require the use of a wide range of mathematical tools, including, but not restricted to, functional analysis, dynamical systems theory, bifurcation theory, probability and statistics, stochastic calculus, geometry, information theory, and numerical analysis. It is also likely that neuroscience will spawn new areas of mathematics. The conference will be single track. It will feature three keynote lectures, oral presentations, and poster presentations. The keynote lecturers are Susanne Ditlevsen (University of Copenhagen, Denmark), stochastic processes in neuroscience, Bard Ermentrout (University of Pittsburgh, USA), neurodynamics, and Yves Frégnac (CNRS, France), neuroscience of vision. Call for contributions Oral presentations will be selected from the submission of one-page abstracts. Poster presentations will be selected from the submissions of a half a page abstracts. Accepted oral contributions will be considered for possible publication in a special issue of the Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience. See the page https://icmns2015.inria.fr/accepted-papers/ for LaTeX and Word templates and how to submit. Important dates: Submission deadline: February 2, 2015 Notification of acceptance: February 27, 2015 Best regards, 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 : ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dec. 16, 2014

INNS BigData 2015 San Francisco - New Conference! Calls for Papers, Special Sessions, Tutorials and Workshops!

by Asim Roy

Apologies for cross-posting. <http://www.innsbigdata.org/> [http://innsbigdata.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/banner.jpg]<http://www.innsbigdata.org/> INNS Conference on Big Data 2015 New approaches to solving hard Big Data problems! 8 - 10 August 2015, San Francisco www.innsbigdata.org<http://www.innsbigdata.org/> The aim of the INNS BigData conference is to promote new advances and research directions in efficient and innovative algorithmic approaches to analyzing big data (e.g. deep networks, nature-inspired and brain-inspired algorithms), implementations on different computing platforms (e.g. neuromorphic, GPUs, clouds, clusters) and applications of Big Data Analytics to solve real-world problems (e.g. weather prediction, transportation, energy management). Please refer to our website for a more detailed list of topics. Being INNS' inaugural conference on the theme of big data, we are especially motivated to synthesize ideas, promote activities and generate broad interest in areas where neural networks have many unique advantages. We also have Twitter<https://twitter.com/inns_bigdata>, Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/innsbigdata15/> and Google+<https://plus.google.com/112891798437473029046> pages! Call for Special Sessions<http://innsbigdata.org/special-sessions/> Any proposal can be sent by e-mail to: INNSBigData2015SpecialSessions(a)gmail.com<mailto:INNSBigData2015SpecialSessions@gmail.com> Deadline: January 22, 2015 Call for Tutorials<http://innsbigdata.org/tutorials/> Any questions can be sent to the Tutorials Chairs: Marley Vellasco (PUC-Rio. Rio de Janeiro. Brazil)<mailto:Marley%20Vellasco%20(PUC-Rio.%20Rio%20de%20Janeiro.%20Brazil)%20%3cmarley@ele.puc-rio.br%3e> and Trevor Martin (Univ. of Bristol, UK)<mailto:Trevor%09Martin%20(Univ.%20of%20Bristol.%20UK)%20%3ctrevor.martin@bristol.ac.uk%3e>. Deadline: January 22, 2015 Call for Workshops<http://innsbigdata.org/workshops/> For further details contact the Workshop Chairs: Marley Vellasco (PUC-Rio. Rio de Janeiro. Brazil)<mailto:Marley%20Vellasco%20(PUC-Rio.%20Rio%20de%20Janeiro.%20Brazil)%20%3cmarley@ele.puc-rio.br%3e> and Trevor Martin (Univ. of Bristol, UK)<mailto:Trevor%09%09%20%20Martin%20(Univ.%20of%20Bristol.%20UK)%20%3ctrevor.martin@bristol.ac.uk%3e>. Deadline: January 22, 2015 [http://innsbigdata.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/new.gif]The Elsevier USD 2000 Big Data Best Paper Award:<http://innsbigdata.org/best-paper-award/> This award recognizes the best paper presented at the INNS Big Data conference. Both application and theoretical papers will be considered. It will be awarded by the Big Data Analytics Section of the International Neural Network Society and is sponsored by Elsevier. The Award consists of a plaque and a $2000 honorarium. ________________________________ [http://innsbigdata.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/new.gif]Dr. Fen Zhao Talk<http://innsbigdata.org> Dr. Fen Zhao, a Staff Associate at the Office of the Assistant Director (OAD) for Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE) at the National Science Foundation, will give a talk on national big data R&D initiative and on building public-private partnerships around CISE's Big Data, next generation internet, and cybersecurity R&D portfolios. ________________________________ Plenary Speakers:<http://innsbigdata.org/> [http://innsbigdata.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Bin-Yu.jpg] Prof. Bin Yu<https://www.stat.berkeley.edu/~binyu/Site/Welcome.html>, Chancellor´s Professor, University of California<http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/>, Berkeley. Bin Yu is Chancellor’s Professor in the Departments of Statistics and of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science at the University of California at Berkeley. She held faculty positions at UW-Madison and Yale University and was a Member of Technical Staff at Lucent Bell Labs. She was Chair of Department of Statistics at Berkeley from 2009 to 2012, and is a founding co-director of the Microsoft Joint Lab on Statistics and Information Technology at Peking University where she is also Chair of the scientific advisory committee of the Center for Statistical Sciences. She has published over 80 scientific papers in premier journals in statistics, machine learning, information theory, signal processing, remote sensing, neuroscience, network analysis, and bioinformatics. [http://innsbigdata.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Raghu.jpg] Prof. Raghu Ramakrishnan<http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~raghu/>, Head of Cloud and Information Services Lab (CISL) and big data team, Microsoft<http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/events/fs2013/raghu-ramakrishnan_bigdat…> Raghu Ramakrishnan heads the Cloud and Information Services Lab (CISL) in the Data Platforms Group at Microsoft, and leads development for the Big Data team. From 1987 to 2006, he was a professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he wrote the widely-used text “Database Management Systems” and led a wide range of research projects in database systems (e.g., the CORAL deductive database, the DEVise data visualization tool, SQL extensions to handle sequence data) and data mining (scalable clustering, mining over data streams). In 1999, he founded QUIQ, a company that introduced a cloud-based question-answering service. He joined Yahoo! in 2006 as a Yahoo! Fellow, and over the next six years served as Chief Scientist for the Audience (portal), Cloud and Search divisions, driving content recommendation algorithms (CORE), cloud data stores (PNUTS), and semantic search (“Web of Things”). Ramakrishnan has received several awards, including the ACM SIGKDD Innovations Award, the SIGMOD 10-year Test-of-Time Award, the IIT Madras Distinguished Alumnus Award, and the Packard Fellowship in Science and Engineering. [http://innsbigdata.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/brenda.jpg] Prof. Brenda Dietrich,<https://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/witexhibit/wit_fellows_dietrich.html> IBM Fellow and VP, Leads the Emerging Technologies Team for IBM Watson, IBM<http://www.ibm.com/ibm/ideasfromibm/us/ibm_fellows/> Brenda Dietrich is an IBM Fellow and Vice President. She joined IBM in 1984 and has worked in the area now called analytics for her entire career, applying data and computation to business decision processes throughout IBM. For over a decade she led the Mathematical Sciences function in the IBM Research division where she was responsible for both basic research on computational mathematics and for the development of novel applications of mathematics for both IBM and its clients. She has been the president of INFORMS, has served on the Board of Trustees of SIAM, and is a member of several university advisory boards. She holds more than a dozen patents, has co-authored numerous publications, and frequently speaks on analytics at conferences. She was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2014. She holds a BS in Mathematics from UNC and an MS and Ph.D. in OR/IE from Cornell. Her personal research includes manufacturing scheduling, services resource management, transportation logistics, integer programming, and combinatorial duality. She currently leads the emerging technologies team for IBM Watson, extending and applying IBM’s cognitive computing technology. ________________________________ Important Dates<http://innsbigdata.org/important-dates/> * Paper submission:<http://innsbigdata.org/paper-submission/> March 22, 2015. * Paper Decision Notification: May 22, 2015. * Camera Ready Submission of papers: June 8, 2015. ________________________________ We have an enthusiastic team working hard on the conference program and events. Start thinking about your paper submissions. Our Chairs for the [Special Sessions, Tutorials, and Workshops] are expecting your proposals soon - email them to discuss your ideas. Come to San Francisco next summer to take part in the future of BigData, and to have fun!! Neural Networks Special Issue: Neural Network Learning in Big Data<http://www.journals.elsevier.com/neural-networks/call-for-papers/special-is…> For this special issue of Neural Networks, we invite papers that address many of the challenges of learning from big data. In particular, we are interested in papers on efficient and innovative algorithmic approaches to analyzing big data (e.g. deep networks, nature-inspired and brain-inspired algorithms), implementations on different computing platforms (e.g. neuromorphic, GPUs, clouds, clusters) and applications of online learning to solve real-world big data problems (e.g. health care, transportation, and electric power and energy management). Manuscript submission due: January 15, 2015 Big Data Analytics Section @ INNS<http://www.inns.org/big-data-section> Considering the growing interest to process and analyse big data, the International Neural Network Society (INNS) has a new Section on Big Data Analytics (BDA) to help the neural network field position itself as a leading technology contributor to big data analytics. Anyone who is interested to know more is encouraged to visit the homepage of the INNS-BDA Section<http://www.inns.org/big-data-section>. General Chairs:<http://innsbigdata.org/committees/> Asim Roy<https://webapp4.asu.edu/directory/person/9973> (email<mailto:Asim%20Roy.%20General%20Co-Chair.%20INNS%20BigData2015.%20Arizona%20StateU.%20USA%20%3cASIM.ROY@asu.edu%3e>) INNS BigData General Co-Chair Arizona State University, USA INNS Board of Governors Plamen Angelov<http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/staff/angelov/> (email<mailto:Plamen%20Angelov.%20General%20Co-Chair.%20INNS%20BigData2015.%20Lancaster%20U.%20UK%20%3cp.angelov@lancaster.ac.uk%3e>) INNS BigData General Co-Chair Lancaster University, UK Chair in Intelligent Systems ________________________________ Many thanks to our Sponsors: [http://www.inns.org/assets/site/neural.png]<http://www.inns.org/> [http://innsbigdata.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/elsevier-logo-300x300-150…]<http://www.elsevier.com/> To unsubscribe from this list, send an email to Jose Antonio Iglesias, INNS BigData 2015 Publicity Co-Chair, Carlos III Univ, Madrid, Spain<mailto:Jose%20Antonio%20Iglesias.%20INNS%20BigData%202015%20Publicity%20Co-Chair.%20Carlos%20III%20Univ.%20Madrid.%20Spain%20%3cBigData2015-INNS-SanFrancisco@BillHowell.ca%3e?subject=Remove%20my%20email&body=Click%20to%20send.%20This%20will%20remove%20your%20email%20address%20from%20the%20INNS%20mass%20email%20list.> with the phrase "Remove my email" in the Subject line.

Dec. 16, 2014

RLDM2015: Call for abstract submissions (deadline: Feb 13)

by Yael Niv

The 2nd Multidisciplinary Conference on Reinforcement Learning and Decision Making (RLDM2015) www.rldm.org<http://www.rldm.org/> June 7-10, The University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada ====================================================== Submissions to RLDM2015 are now being accepted at https://cmt.research.microsoft.com/RLDM2015 Deadline: 13 February 2015, midnight EST We invite extended abstracts for contributed poster presentations and oral presentations. We welcome submissions of original research related to “learning and decision making over time to achieve a goal”, coming from any discipline or disciplines, describing empirical results from human, animal or animat experiments, and/or theoretical work, simulations and modeling. Contributions should be aimed at an interdisciplinary audience, but not at the expense of technical excellence. This is an abstract-based meeting, with no published conference proceedings. As such, work that is intended for, or has been submitted to, other conferences or journals is also welcome, provided that the intent of communication to other disciplines is clear. Submissions should consist of a summary (max 2000 characters; text only), and an extended abstract of between one and four pages (including figures and references). LaTeX and RTF templates, and sample submissions, are available from http://rldm.org/rldm2015/submission-procedure/ Note: Only the summary will be made available in the (electronic) abstract booklets. The extended abstract will be used for reviewing, and will be available online only pending on authors’ separate explicit permission. Online availability will have no bearing on the review process and authors are encouraged to include new, unpublished, findings which they do not want to make publicly available. To submit your abstract please go to https://cmt.research.microsoft.com/RLDM2015 Submissions will be reviewed for relevance to the topic and for quality. Exceptional abstracts will be selected for oral presentations and for poster spotlight presentations. IMPORTANT DATES: Submissions open: 13 Dec 2015 Submissions close: 13 Feb 2015, 11:59pm EST Notification of acceptance: by March 28, 2015 (expedited reviewing for those needing an international visa can be requested) Early registration: 21 April 2015 Meeting: 7-10 June 2015, Edmonton, Alberta (*NEW* this year: Tutorials on the 7th) RLDM2015 Invited speakers: http://rldm.org/rldm2015/invited-speakers2015/ RLDM2015 Programme Committee: http://rldm.org/rldm2015/committees/rldm2015-program-committee/ To ensure that you receive future announcements about RLDM2015 please join our mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/RLDMlist (you must log in to google to see the “join list” button, and choose “all email” from the options at the bottom).

Dec. 16, 2014

a faculty position at RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Japan

by hnx

Dear colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to a recent opening of a faculty position at RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Japan. It is targeted very broadly for any fields, including computational neuroscience, human imaging etc. The formal advert on the web can be found at (which I appended below as well): http://www.brain.riken.go.jp/jp/careers/20141201.html Inquiry can be sent to search2015(a)brain.riken.jp. Best wishes, Hiro Hiroyuki Nakahara, Ph.D Lab for Integrated Theoretical Neuroscience RIKEN Brain Science Institute http://www.itn.brain.riken.jp --------- a copy of the web description is append below ----- The RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI) is seeking outstanding neuroscientists for a tenure-track Team Leader (TL) position (equivalent to U.S. Assistant or Associate Professor). At RIKEN BSI, Team Leaders enjoy intellectual independence, generous internal funds and ample communal facilities. Administrative and teaching duties are minimal. We encourage applications from all disciplines of neuroscience, particularly from individuals studying brain function in normal and/or disease states at the molecular, cellular, circuit and/or systems levels using innovative experimental and/or theoretical approaches. Researchers studying model animals or humans are welcome. Candidates for the Team Leader position should have demonstrated the potential to develop an original, significant, and independent research program of excellence. RIKEN BSI is located just outside of the international metropolis of Tokyo. English is used in most activities at BSI, including seminars and administration. Institutional support is available to help non-Japanese speaking scientists, whom we particularly encourage to apply. RIKEN Brain Science Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Review of applications will begin in January 2015 and continue until an ideal candidate is identified. Applicants should submit a cover letter briefly summarizing their research program and plan, curriculum vitae, a detailed summary of current and proposed research, and arrange for three letters of recommendation, to be sent to: Search Committee, RIKEN Brain Science Institute 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan Fax: +81-48-462-4914, Email: search2015(a)brain.riken.jp http://www.brain.riken.jp/en/ -- hiroyuki nakahara http://www.itn.brain.riken.jp

Dec. 16, 2014

3rd Baltic-Nordic Summer School on Neuroinformatics (BNNI 2015)

by Toomas Kirt

3rd Baltic-Nordic Summer School on Neuroinformatics (BNNI 2015) Multiscale computational neuroscience: Neurons, networks and systems Place: University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia Time: June 15-18, 2015 More information and registration at http://neuro.cs.ut.ee/bnni2015/ Important dates: 21 February 2015 Application deadline 13 March 2015 Acceptance notification 15-18 June 2015 Summer School The BNNI 2015 is focused on computational multiscale modelling of brain functions at the cellular, network and systems levels. The course will also cover data sources, measurements and analysis of neural activity. Target audience Advanced master students, doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, both theoreticians and experimentalists, who would like to get an introduction to neuroinformatics and computational neuroscience. Faculty includes Gaute Einevoll, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway Bruce Graham, University of Stirling, United Kingdom Sean Hill, the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland Henrik Lindén, University of Copenhagen, Denmark Marja-Leena Linne, Tampere University of Technology, Finland, Claudio Mirasso, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain Arnd Roth, University College London, UK Ausra Saudargiene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania Raul Vicente, University of Tartu, Estonia Michael Wibral, Brain Imaging Center, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany Daniel Wójcik, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland and others to be named. Venue The course will be held in the University of Tartu, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science - Juhan Liivi 2, Tartu 50409, Estonia. Practical arrangements There is a small tuition fee of 100 euros. The sponsor will provide teaching, meals and coffee during the course. The participants are expected to cover their travel and health insurance expenses (small financial support is available for those without funding). The course is supported by International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility and University of Tartu. We are looking forward to welcome you at the BNNI 2015 in Tartu, Estonia!

Dec. 15, 2014

A symposium in honour of Professor Peter Redgrave, 30th Jan, Sheffield, UK

by Tom Stafford

A free research symposium in Sheffield on 30th of Jan, of interest to those studying the subcortex, dopamine and systems neuroscience more widely. Enquiries to a.young(a)shef.ac.uk Link: https://eventbrite.co.uk/event/14752803031/. Details, below: 'Selection: the very keel on which our mental ship is built' * A symposium in honour of Professor Peter Redgrave Friday 30th January 2015 *William James, 1890 Professor Peter Redgrave has recently retired from a long and illustrious career in teaching and research, most latterly at the Department of Psychology in the University of Sheffield. As a neuroscientist, his research into the basal ganglia and the role of the neurotransmitter dopamine therein has been world leading. To celebrate this achievement, we have invited a number of Professor Redgrave's collaborators and peers from around the world to give talks which we are sure will educate and entertain us in equal measure. You are cordially invited to join us at this event. 9.00am Refreshments available 9.15am Introduction (Paul Overton) 9.30am Paul Dean (Department of Psychology, Sheffield, UK) 10.00am Paul Bolam (MRC Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit, Oxford, UK) 10.30am Peter Dayan (Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, UCL, London, UK) 11.00am Refreshment Break 11.30am Phil Winn (Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde, UK) 12.00pm Max Westby (Centre de Recherche de L'Institut de Cerveau et de la Moelle Epiniere, Universite Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris, Paris, France) 12.30pm Lunch 1.30pm Jose Obeso (Univ of Navarra Medical School & Clinica Universitaria, Pamplona, Spain) 2.00pm Safa Shehab (Coll of Med & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates Univ, Al-Ain, UAE) 3.30pm John Reynolds (University of Otago, Dunedin, NZ) 4.00pm Conclusion (Peter Redgrave) For tickets please see the web page below. Information related to this message is available at https://eventbrite.co.uk/event/14752803031/. Note that direct replies (reply button) to this message can not be processed. -- Tom Stafford http://www.tomstafford.staff.shef.ac.uk/ Lecturer in Psychology and Cognitive Science Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TP, UK Room 2.27 Tel +44 (0) 114 22 26620 t.stafford(a)shef.ac.uk NOTES FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: please read this before emailing me http://tomstafford.staff.shef.ac.uk/email.htm ---------------------------------------------------------------

Dec. 15, 2014

Call for papers for research topic: Anatomy and plasticity in large-scale brain models

by Dr. Markus Butz-Ostendorf

Dear Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to our research topic "Anatomy and plasticity in large-scale brain models" http://journal.frontiersin.org/ResearchTopic/3644 in Frontiers in Neuroanatomy (impact factor 4.2): (Deadline for abstracts: 27th, Feb. 2015; full paper submission: 28th, Aug. 2015). Kind regards, Markus Butz >From the research topic website: Anatomy and plasticity in large-scale brain models Supercomputing facilities are becoming increasingly available in neuroscience, predominantly for simulating the dynamics of electrical activity propagating through neuronal circuits. On today's most advanced supercomputers, large-scale models can be simulated with up to a billion of neurons. However, merely further increasing the number of neurons and synapses will not be sufficient to create biologically realistic full-scale brain models. The focus of this Research Topic is therefore on approaches that bring high-performance computing in neuroscience together with the latest experimental research in neuroanatomy. The first aspect of this Research Topic will focus on large-scale models, high-performance simulation tools, and novel hardware and data-base techniques that try or allow to capture the highest possible degree of anatomical detail. The second aspect will include approaches that introduce forms of anatomical plasticity that make detailed full-scale connectivity adaptable, e.g. to changes in experience or during learning and memory consolidation. A third aspect will capture novel concepts in the self-organization and self-repair of large-scale and full-scale brain networks, with potential applications for neural development and the diseased brain, respectively. With the aim to present work that goes beyond the current stage of high-performance computing in neuroscience, we welcome computational and technical contributions with strong emphasis on or applicability to neuroanatomical research, as well as experimental contributions that discuss important ways to improve large-scale brain models. We will consider all types of submission, from original research to more review-type articles. Especially, we encourage experimental neuroscientists to submit perspectives or opinions on new trends and discoveries relevant to large-scale brain models. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dec. 13, 2014

CNS*2015 CALL FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS

by Farzan Nadim

*CNS 2015 Prague* *July 18--23, 2015: Call for Workshops* We are requesting proposals for workshops from the international community of computational neuroscientists. Proposals from all levels of faculty as well as advanced postdoctoral fellows are welcome. This is a great opportunity to organize a small meeting with just a few of the headaches of actually organizing it. *Workshop proposal submission instructions for CNS 2015* The last two days (July 22-23) of the 24^th annual CNS meeting will be devoted to workshops, in which computationally related neuroscience topics can be presented and discussed. Workshops can be anywhere between one half to two days in duration. Usually several speakers are invited to introduce a unifying theme, but ample time for discussion should also be planned. Submit workshop proposals to: workshops(a)cnsorg.org <mailto:workshops@cnsorg.org>. The Past Meetings page <http://www.cnsorg.org/past-meetings> gives access to archives of workshops held at previous CNS meetings. The proposal should be submitted as a Word or pdf file and MUST include the following sections: 1. *Workshop Title* 2. *Organizers*(list primary organizer first; include affiliations and _emails_) 3. *One or two days*(2 sessions per day) 4. *Number of expected speakers* 5. *Brief Description*(~150 words; if possible, say why this is significant or timely) 6. *Speakers*(mark expected or confirmed) Also please note the following rules which were approved by the OCNS Board on July 15, 2013: * _Each individual can be the organizer or co-organizer on only one workshop_. * The number of confirmed speakers is a criterion for accepting the proposal. * Overlapping proposals may be asked to be combined. If the organizers do not wish to combine the proposals, only one of the proposals may be accepted. Workshops submitted before January 15, 2015 will be given priority in acceptance. Workshop proposals arriving after January 15, 2015 will be evaluated based on remaining space for additional workshops. No further workshop acceptances will be anticipated after May 15, 2015. *Registration:* Workshop registration will occur through the OCNS registration <http://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2015-registration-fees>web site for CNS 2015. All workshop participants, including speakers must register. Each workshop is eligible to receive registration waivers for 2 speakers. *Travel awards:* a limited number of Travel Awards will be available for postdoctoral researchers to lead and be included as speakers. Exceptionally starting assistant professors may also be given consideration. These Travel Awards will be variable depending on distance traveled. Please indicate which speakers you would like to be considered for this mechanism but take into account that there will be less travel awards than workshops. *Springer Computational Neuroscience Book Series:*Some of the workshops may be published by the Springer Series in Computational Neuroscience <http://www.springer.com/series/8164>. Workshop organizers interested in this mechanism should submit a book proposal to Ann.Avouris(a)springer.com <mailto:Ann.Avouris@springer.com>and indicate in the workshop proposal their interest in publishing a book. *Logistics:*Rooms, AV equipment, snacks and beverages during breaks will be provided by OCNS to the workshop organizers.

Dec. 12, 2014

Integrated Systems Neuroscience Workshop, March 23-24th, Manchester, UK

by Mark Humphries

We announce a 2-day workshop on "Integrated Systems Neuroscience", at the University of Manchester (UK), March 23-24th 2015. Systems neuroscience has been thrust centre-stage by the extraordinary advances in technology for recording and manipulating neural circuits at single-cell resolution. Yet with this rapid increase in data yield has come formidable challenges in analysing and understanding experimental results. Consequently, a tight integration between experimental and computational neuroscience approaches is increasingly necessary for tackling these challenges. The goal of this workshop is to present the state-of-the-art in integrated systems and computational approaches to key neural circuits, to demonstrate their power and potential. Each session of the programme will comprise a pair of talks presenting complementary experimental and computational work on the same circuit theme. Breaks between each session will allow for plentiful discussion of the work just seen and how it may translate to other circuits and problems in systems neuroscience. A poster session with wine reception will be held on the first evening. Speakers include: Rafal Bogacz (Oxford) Matteo Carandini (UCL) Peter Dayan (Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, UCL) Ken Harris (UCL) Peter Magill (MRC Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit, Oxford) Daniel O'Connor (John Hopkins University) Michael Orger (Champalimaud Institute, Lisbon) Srdjan Ostojic (Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris) Alex Thiele (University of Newcastle) Gasper Tkacik (IST Austria) For more information, including the current programme, please visit the website: http://www.isn2015.ls.manchester.ac.uk/ Posters: We are accepting submission of abstracts for posters. A maximum of 30 posters will be accepted; the top 20 will have their registration fee waived. For details on submission see: http://www.isn2015.ls.manchester.ac.uk/abstracts/ Abstract submission deadline: January 30th 2015 Registration: http://www.isn2015.ls.manchester.ac.uk/registration/ Registration deadline: February 27th 2015 Sponsors: we gratefully acknowledge the support of the Medical Research Council and Company of Biologists. Dr Mark Humphries MRC Senior non-Clinical Research Fellow AV Hill Building Faculty of Life Sciences University of Manchester http://www.systemsneurophysiologylab.ls.manchester.ac.uk/

Dec. 12, 2014

Organismal Assistant Professor of Biology Position

by Weaver, Adam L

Dear Colleagues, I respectfully submit an advertisement below for an organismal biologist in our department of Biology. The job description and method of application are described below. Please share with suitable candidates. Specifically, we are seeking an excellent educator whose research interests and training will lend themselves to serving the growing number of Biology majors interested in the health-care professions. Expertise in the area of developmental neuroscience is specifically encouraged. This is a tenure-track position with a Fall 2014 start date. As I am on the search committee, I cannot answer any questions regarding the position but the website allows one to ask questions of the chair of the committee. Thank you, Adam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Adam L. Weaver, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Dept. of Biology, Saint Michael's College Chief Advisor of the Health Professions, NEAAHP ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This job opportunity has been sent to you through Saint Michael's College Careers. Please click here<http://smcvt.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=47078&type=7> to view the posting and to apply online. If your email system does not support links, please cut and paste the following text in a web browser: http://smcvt.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=47078&type=7 Specifically we are seeking an excellent educator who's research interests and training will lend themselves to serving the growing number of Biology majors interested in the health care professions. This is a tenure track position with a Fall 2014 start date. Full posting follows: Assistant Professor of Biology Category: Faculty Department: Biology Locations: Colchester, VT Posted: Mar 03, '14 Type: Full-time About Saint Michael's College : At Saint Michael's College students are challenged to do their best, find their niche, take on opportunities to grow, and immerse themselves in academic pursuits. A residential Catholic college, Saint Michael's is steeped in the social justice spirit of its founding priests, the Edmundites. Saint Michael's is located three miles from Burlington, Vermont, one of America's top 10 college towns. Headed by President John J. Neuhauser, the college has 1,900 undergraduate students and 500 graduate students. A Phi Beta Kappa institution, Saint Michael's also features an extraordinary Wilderness Program and rare Fire & Rescue Squad, both of which other colleges use as models. Identified by the Princeton Review, 2014 as one of the nation's Best 378 Colleges, and included in the Fiske Guide to Colleges 2014, Saint Michael's students and professors have received Rhodes, Woodrow Wilson, Goldwater, Pickering, Guggenheim, Fulbright, and other awards. The college is one of the nation's top-100, Best Liberal Arts Colleges as listed in the 2014 U.S. News & World Report rankings. Job Description: The Department of Biology at Saint Michael's College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position for an assistant professor of biology starting in the 2014-2015 academic year. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in the team teaching of introductory biology and to teach upper-level lecture and laboratory courses in the areas of human anatomy and physiology thus enhancing the department's offerings for students interested in post-graduate opportunities in health care. Advising students pursuing careers in the health professions will become part of this new faculty member's role. The successful candidate must also maintain a productive scholarship program focusing on research at the organismal level providing opportunities for student involvement. For example, focus areas of scholarship could include, but are not limited to the following (listed in alphabetical order, not in order of preference): anatomy, biomechanics, developmental biology, embryology, kinesiology, functional morphology, neurobiology, physiology, or vertebrate evolution. Please note however that the Biology Department does not have facilities to maintain live mammals. Research programs strictly at the population or cell and molecular levels are not compatible with this position. Requirements: * Ph.D. in biology or related organismal field * College-level teaching experience * Promising record of scholarship * Willingness to participate as part of a team of colleagues with the primary focus being the learning and development of our students * Direct experience in the health care industry or in advising pre-health students would be valued An offer of employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Additional Information: Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to innovative undergraduate teaching and be able to apply appropriate technology to the teaching & learning process. Candidates should be supportive of the mission of this Catholic, residential, liberal arts college with an undergraduate enrollment of 2,000 students. Saint Michael's College is committed to fostering and affirming an inclusive, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment for its students, faculty, and staff. Applicants are invited to discuss how they might contribute to this diversity in their cover letter. Application Instructions: Please be prepared to attach the following documents after clicking on Apply Now button. * Cover letter, including statement of teaching philosophy, research objectives, and addressing the balance between teaching and research at an undergraduate liberal arts institution. * Research statement detailing the fit of your program of scholarship in the context of a small liberal arts college and how undergraduate students will participate in your research. * Curriculum vitae, including names and contact information of at least three references. Finalists will be contacted before we contact referees.

Dec. 11, 2014

Postdoc position in Insect Robotics - Edinburgh

by Barbara Webb

Postdoc position - School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh A research associate position is available in the Insect Robotics group to work on how ultraviolet and polarised light processing in insects can be applied to robotics, as part of the EPSRC funded project “Exploiting invisible cues for low-cost outdoor robot navigation”. You must either already have a PhD in a relevant area or be nearing completion of your PhD studies, and must have a track record of related publications. Excellent skills in programming are essential. Candidates with expertise in modelling of sensory and neural systems, with experience of both virtual environments and real world robotics, and knowledge of behavioural and signal analysis methods will be preferred. Ideally, candidates would also be familiar with invertebrate brain and behaviour research, and/or robot navigation methods such as SLAM. The post is available from 1st March 2015 and is fixed-term for 30 months, with the possibility of extension. The closing date for applications is 5th January 2015. Further details and online application are available here: https://www.vacancies.ed.ac.uk/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobs… Informal enquiries can be addressed to Professor Barbara Webb: B.Webb(a)ed.ac.uk -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

Dec. 11, 2014

Deadline extension || BIOTECHNO 2015 and BIOCOMPUTATION 2015 || May 24 - 29, 2015 - Rome, Italy

by Cristina Pascual

INVITATION: ================= Please consider to contribute to and/or forward to the appropriate groups the following opportunity to submit and publish original scientific results to - BIOTECHNO 2015, The Seventh International Conference on Bioinformatics, Biocomputational Systems and Biotechnologies - BIOCOMPUTATION 2015, The International Symposium on Big Data and BioComputation The submission deadline is January 16, 2015. Authors of selected papers will be invited to submit extended article versions to one of the IARIA Journals: http://www.iariajournals.org ================= === BIOTECHNO 2015 | BIOCOMPUTATION 2015 | Call for Papers ====== CALL FOR PAPERS, TUTORIALS, PANELS BIOTECHNO 2015, The Seventh International Conference on Bioinformatics, Biocomputational Systems and Biotechnologies General page: http://www.iaria.org/conferences2015/BIOTECHNO15.html Submission page: http://www.iaria.org/conferences2015/SubmitBIOTECHNO15.html BIOCOMPUTATION 2015, The International Symposium on Big Data and BioComputation General page: http://www.iaria.org/conferences2015/BIOCOMPUTATION.html Submission page: http://www.iaria.org/conferences2015/BIOCOMPUTATION.html#SubmitAPaper Events Schedule: May 24 - 29, 2015 - Rome, Italy Contributions: - regular papers [in the proceedings, digital library] - short papers (work in progress) [in the proceedings, digital library] - ideas: two pages [in the proceedings, digital library] - extended abstracts: two pages [in the proceedings, digital library] - posters: two pages [in the proceedings, digital library] - posters: slide only [slide-deck posted at www.iaria.org] - presentations: slide only [slide-deck posted at www.iaria.org] - demos: two pages [posted at www.iaria.org] - doctoral forum submissions: [in the proceedings, digital library] Proposals for: - mini-symposia: see http://www.iaria.org/symposium.html - workshops: see http://www.iaria.org/workshop.html - tutorials: [slide-deck posed on www.iaria.org] - panels: [slide-deck posed on www.iaria.org] Submission deadline: January 16, 2015 Sponsored by IARIA, www.iaria.org Extended versions of selected papers will be published in IARIA Journals: http://www.iariajournals.org Print proceedings will be available via Curran Associates, Inc.: http://www.proceedings.com/9769.html Articles will be archived in the free access ThinkMind Digital Library: http://www.thinkmind.org The topics suggested by the conference can be discussed in term of concepts, state of the art, research, standards, implementations, running experiments, applications, and industrial case studies. Authors are invited to submit complete unpublished papers, which are not under review in any other conference or journal in the following, but not limited to, topic areas. All tracks are open to both research and industry contributions, in terms of Regular papers, Posters, Work in progress, Technical/marketing/business presentations, Demos, Tutorials, and Panels. Before submission, please check and comply with the editorial rules: http://www.iaria.org/editorialrules.html BIOTECHNO 2015 Topics (topics and submission details: see CfP on the site) CfP: http://www.iaria.org/conferences2015/CfPBIOTECHNO15.html =========================================================== A. Bioinformatics, chemoinformatics, neuroinformatics and applications Bioinformatics (Bioinformatics modeling; Bioinformatics databases; Epidemic models; Informatics and statistics in bio-pharmaceutical research; Machine learning and artificial intelligence in molecular design; Systems biology and metabolic networks; Medical informatics; Genomics informatics; Biostatistics; Structural and functional genomics; Identifying molecular sequence and structure databases; Mechanisms for specifying molecular interactions and structure predictions; Formalisms for gene regulation and expression databases; Algorithms for gene identification and pattern discovery; Techniques for gene expression analysis; Modeling and simulation of biomarkers) Advanced biocomputation technologies (Stochastic modeling; Computational drug discovery; Graph theory and bioinformatics; Biological databases and information retrieval; Experimental studies and results; Application of computational intelligence in medicine and biological sciences (artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic, evolutionary computing, and simulated annealing); High-performance computing as applied to natural and medical sciences; Hardware computing accelerators; Computer-based medical systems (automation in medicine, etc.); Other aspects and applications relating to technological advancements in medicine and biological sciences; Novel applications) Chemoinformatics (Computer-aided drug design; Concepts, methods, and tools for drug discovery; Virtual screening of chemical libraries; ADMET - absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity; QSAR - quantitative structure-activity relationships; Protein-ligand docking and scoring functions; Chemical similarity and diversity; Chemogenomics in drug discovery; QSPR - quantitative structure-property relationships; Theoretical models in chemical reactivity; Mathematical chemistry and chemical graphs; In silico environmental toxicology; Computer-assisted chemical engineering; Combinatorial chemistry; Graph theory in chemistry; Prediction of drug toxicity; Property prediction; Molecular mechanics and quantum chemical calculations; Modeling and measurements of solid-liquid and vapor-liquid equilibria; Blood-brain barrier penetration; Comparison of the similarity(diversity of chemo-data libraries; Chemoinformatics applications) Bioimaging ( Image processing in medicine and biological sciences; Measurements techniques; Mass spectrometry; Numerical(mathematical approaches; Biological data integration and visualization) Neuroinformatics (Neurosciences; Neurocomputing) B. Computational systems (genetics, biology, and microbiology) Bio-ontologies and semantics (Software environments for bio-computation, bio-informatics, and biomedical applications; Medical informatics; Epidemic models; Biological data mining; Biomedical knowledge discovery; Pattern classification and recognition; Mathematical biology; Graph theory and bio-informatics; Stochastic modeling; Biological databases and information retrieval; Processing mutation information; Archiving of mutation specific information) Biocomputing (Computational biology; Bioengineering; Biomedical image computing and informatics; Biomedical automation and control; Image-based diagnosis and therapy; Modeling and simulation of systems biology; Applications of large-scale bio-systems) Genetics (Gene regulation; Gene expression databases; Gene pattern discovery and identification; Genetic network modeling and inference; Gene expression analysis; RNA and DNA structure and sequencing; Evolution of regulatory genomic sequences; Biological data mining and knowledge discovery; Bio-pattern classification and recognition; Bio-sequence analysis and alignment; Comparative genomics; Structural and functional genomics; Amino acid sequencing) Molecular and Cellular Biology (Protein modeling; Molecular interactions; Metabolic modeling and pathways; Evolution and phylogenetics; Macromolecular structure prediction; Proteomics; Protein folding and fold recognition; Molecular sequence and structure databases; Molecular dynamics and simulation; Molecular sequence classification, alignment and assembly) Microbiology (Bio-nanotechnologies; Self-assembly and self-replication; Global regulatory networks and mechanisms; Microbial propagation and immunity; Microbial therapies; Microbial life under extreme energy limitation; Cellular microbiology and contact systems; Phylogenetics; Genome dynamics; Transmission dynamics and evolution of emerging diseases; Metagenomics and drug resistance; Microbes and alternative energies) C. Biotechnologies and biomanufacturing Fundamentals in biotechnologies (Bioengineering; Bioelectronics; Biomaterials; Bio-films in ecology and medicine; Biometric screening techniques; Biorobotics) Biodevices (Biosensors; Biomechanical devices; Biochips; Biocomputing; Biometrics devices; Specialized biodevices; Nanotechnology for biosystems) Biomedical technologies (Biomedical engineering; Biomedical instrumentation; Biomedical metrology and certification; Biomedical sensors; Biomedical monitoring devices; Biomedical devices with embedded computers; Biomedical integrated systems) Biological technologies (Biological data integration; Image processing in medicine and biological sciences; Biological data visualization; Synthetic biological systems) Biomanufacturing (Manufacturing platforms; Biopharmaceutical industry; Generic biopharmaceuticals; Bioprocess management; Clinical trials; Disposables and product changeover; Upstream and downstream bioprocessing; Technology benchmarks; International regulations) BIOCOMPUTATION 2015 Topics (topics and submission details: see CfP on the site) CfP: http://www.iaria.org/conferences2015/BIOCOMPUTATION.html#CallForPapers ============================ Big Data and Context-sensitive Computation Big Data and Cloud Technology and Services in BioComputation Big Data, Cloud computing and GPU (Graphical Process Units) for BioComputation Scale-up and high-performance techniques for data-centric BioComputation Big Data and Prediction Computational Models Big Data Computation Applications Big Data and Evolution Models Big Data and BioStatistics Big Data and Personalized Healthcare Computation Big Data in Genome Analytics Big Data and Computation on Illness Patterns/Variations (cancer, diabetes, etc.) Big Data and Donor Information Big Data and Drugs-related Computation Big Data and Health/eHealth/Telemedicine Computation Big Data and Computation in Clinical Context Big Data and BioImage Computation Big Data and Molecular Modeling Big Data and Computational Physics Big Data and Biological Systems Big Data and Scalability of BioComputation Tools Big Data and Trusted Bio-Datasets Big Data BioComputation and Regulator Borders ------------------- BIOTECHNO Committee: http://www.iaria.org/conferences2015/ComBIOTECHNO15.html BIOCOMPUTATION Committee: http://www.iaria.org/conferences2015/BIOCOMPUTATION.html#Committees ================================================

Dec. 10, 2014

School and Workshop on Dynamics of Multi-Level Systems, Dresden, June 2015

by Eckehard Olbrich

"Dynamics of Multi-Level systems" School: 01-12.06.2015 Workshop: 15-19.06.2015 LOCATION: Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany Applications for participation at http://www.pks.mpg.de/~dymult15/ until FEBRUARY 28, 2015. The emergence of levels is a key feature in a variety of complex systems. Experts from different disciplines will discuss current trends in the theoretical understanding of multi-level and multi-scale systems and present applications from physics and chemistry, sociology and economics, ecology and neuroscience. Workshop topics include * multiscale methods * hierarchies in dynamical systems * physics of information * self-organization and level identification * multilevel networks * coarse graining * aggregation methods The school will provide the opportunity to learn key techniques and theories from mathematics and physics for dealing with multiscale and multilevel systems. School topics include * Dynamical Systems with multiple time scales * Averaging and singular perturbation theory * Projection methods * Collective chaos * Information geometry * Information theoretic approaches to complex systems Lecturers Shun-ichi Amari, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Japan Bruno Cessac, INRIA, Sophia Antipolis, France Hugues Chaté, CEA Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France Leo van Hemmen, TU München, Germany Holger Kantz, MPIPKS, Dresden, Germany Christian Kuehn,Vienna University of Technology, Austria Kristian Lindgren, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden David Wolpert, Santa Fe Institute, USA Ferdinand Verhulst, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands Additional invited speakers for the workshop Nihat Ay, MPI-MiS, Leipzig, Germany Philippe Blanchard, Universität Bielefeld, Germany Olivier Faugeras, INRIA, Sophia Antipolis, France Mauro Gallegati, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy Björn Peter Gärdenfors, Lund University, Sweden Shlomo Havlin, Bar-Ilan University, Israel Martin Nilsson Jacobi, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden Jürgen Jost, MPI-MiS, Leipzig, Germany Tamas Vicsek, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary Massimo Warglien, Ca'Foscari University, Venice, Italy Applications for the school and/or workshop have to be submitted via the school & workshop webpage http://www.pks.mpg.de/~dymult15/ until February 28, 2015. For successful applications, accommodation and subsistence will be covered by MPIPKS. The registration fee is 120 Euro and should be paid by all participants. For school participants additional travel funds are available on request. Scientific Coordinators: Fatihcan Atay (Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences, Leipzig, Germany) Eckehard Olbrich (Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences, Leipzig, Germany) Kristian Lindgren (Chalmers University, Gothenburg, Sweden) Organization: Claudia Domaschke (MPIPKS Dresden, Germany) For further information see http://www.pks.mpg.de/~dymult15/ or e-mail to: dymult15(a)pks.mpg.de -- Dr. Eckehard Olbrich Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences Inselstrasse 22 D-04103 Leipzig Germany Tel.: +49 341 9959 568 Fax: +49 341 9959 658 E-mail: olbrich(a)mis.mpg.de

Dec. 10, 2014

SYNTAGMA, Trieste, early July 2015

by Alessandro Treves

The celebration of the first Nobel Prize awarded to cognitive neuroscience prods us to reach out towards language, at the frontier of human cognition. SYNTAGMA, in Trieste, http://people.sissa.it/~ale/EU_infoday/syntagma.html is a self-organizing meeting, una piazza or a crossroad, where coming from different directions we shall discuss language acquisition and its neural mechanisms. Participants generate activities/talks/discussions, with no guest invited, and all pay their expenses (although SISSA will contribute to lodging expenses, on a first-come-first-served basis). Participation means at least a couple of days in Trieste, within the range July 1-12, 2014. The registration fee is a paper, one per participant, if possible orthogonal to all others, so adding an extra conceptual dimension to the meeting. Published papers are collected on the public repository http://people.sissa.it/~ale/EU_infoday/scovazze.html for all of us to see. First allocation of lodging contributions at the end of January. Please write to me, ale(a)sissa.it, with SYNTAGMA in the Subject field. -- Alessandro Treves http://people.sissa.it/~ale/limbo.html SISSA - Cognitive Neuroscience, via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy and Master in Complex Actions http://www.mca.sissa.it/

Dec. 10, 2014

tenure-track position in Statistics at Washington State University

by Dimitrov, Alex

Dear Colleagues, Please, see the note below. We are looking for somebody working with big data in general, which of course can involve neural big data. Best regards, Alex ———————— The Department of Mathematics at Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman, WA, invites applications for a permanent full-time tenure-track nine-month faculty position in Statistics at the Assistant Professor level beginning August 16, 2015. Requirements: A Ph.D. degree in Statistics or Statistical Sciences or in Mathematics with Statistics emphasis obtained by August 16, 2015. Must have strong research record in modeling high dimensional big data sets arising from diverse areas of science or engineering. Must show evidence of the ability to maintain a robust and well funded grant supported research program in Statistics or Statistical Sciences. Post doctoral experience of one or more years in developing methods for modeling and analyzing big data problems is highly recommended. Evidence of effectiveness in teaching Statistics courses at the undergraduate level is required. Unofficial graduate transcripts are also required. Job responsibilities: Teaching, research and service. Teaching involves both undergraduate and graduate courses in Statistics or closely related areas. Research must include maintenance of well-funded individual or collaborative projects that include but not restricted to collecting, modeling and analyzing high dimensional large data sets in science and engineering. It is highly desirable to quickly develop interdisciplinary research collaborations with allied research groups in science and engineering. The successful candidate must strengthen the ongoing graduate program in Statistics by teaching graduate level Statistics courses, and by mentoring Ph.D. as well as Masters level graduate students. Ability and due diligence in rendering service to the department, college and the university is essential. To apply see www.wsujobs.com<http://www.wsujobs.com>. The online application will require: Cover Letter addressing each of the required and recommended qualifications; Curriculum Vitae; Unofficial Graduate Transcripts; and Three (3) letters of recommendation. The three (3) letters of recommendation are required and will be automatically requested and obtained from the reference provider automatically through our online applications system. Screening of application materials will begin January 5, 2015, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Washington State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educator and employer. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons of age 40 and over are encouraged to apply. WSU is committed to excellence through diversity, has faculty friendly policies including a partner accommodation program, and a NSF ADVANCE Institutional Transformation grant (see www.advance.wsu.edu) -- Alexander Dimitrov Department of Mathematics Washington State University 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave Vancouver WA 98686 alex.dimitrov(a)vancouver.wsu.edu<mailto:alex.dimitrov@vancouver.wsu.edu> http://directory.vancouver.wsu.edu/people/alexander-dimitrov

Dec. 9, 2014

2 PhD positions, Computational Cognitive Neuroimaging, Uni of Birmingham, UK

by Uta Noppeney

*2 PhD positions in Computational Cognitive Neuroimaging; University of Birmingham, UK* In our natural dynamic environment our senses are constantly bombarded with many different signals. How does the human brain integrate information from multiple senses during perception? To study the neural mechanisms of multisensory perceptionand learning, we combine psychophysics, functional imaging (fMRI, EEG/MEG & interleaved TMS-fMRI) and models of Bayesian Inference and learning. The Computational Cognitive Neuroimaging Group (Prof Uta Noppeney) is seeking 2 enthusiastic PhD candidates. Applicants should have astrong quantitative background and a degree in neuroscience, psychology, computer science, physics, medicine or related areas. Prior experience in functional imaging, MatLab, data analysis or machine learning would be an advantage. The lab is part of the Computational Neuroscience and Cognitive Robotics Centre and the Department of Psychology of the University of Birmingham, UK. The centre provides an excellent multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment combining expertise in cognitive neuroimaging, psychophysics and computational neuroscience. Applications will be considered until the positions are filled. Starting dates are flexible. The PhD position (including stipend + fees for EU students) is funded for three years. For further information, please contact u.noppeney(a)bham.ac.uk <mailto:u.noppeney@bham.ac.uk> and see http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/cncr/index.aspx <http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/psychology/index.aspx> http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/psychology/people/profile.aspx?Referenc… <http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AIM528/research-fellow/>Please send application including CV, statement of research interests, and the names and full contact details of two referees to:u.noppeney@bham.ac.uk <mailto:u.noppeney@bham.ac.uk>

Dec. 9, 2014

on behalf of Andrea d'Avella: Postdoc position in human sensorimotor control - Rome

by MAEX Reinoud

subject: Postdoc position in human sensorimotor control – Rome, Italy A postdoctoral position is available in the research group led by Andrea d’Avella (a.davella(a)hsantalucia.it [13]) in the Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology of the Santa Lucia Foundation in Rome, Italy, to conduct studies in the area of human sensorimotor control. The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in a new interdisciplinary project, funded by the H2020 program of the European Union, aiming at a step change in human-robot interaction. The consortium comprises leading robotics, computational neuroscience, and human motor control European research groups. Research will be focused on investigating human sensorimotor strategies for prediction, coordination, and control during interactive catching and throwing. Experiments will be conducted with real balls using a custom designed launching apparatus and with virtual balls simulated in an immersive multisensory virtual environment with a large field of view. Models of human sensorimotor strategies, including sensorimotor synergies, will be developed and used for assessment of human-robot interactions. Applicants should have a recent Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, a real interest in human sensorimotor control, and strong quantitative and programming skills. Experience with collection and analysis of experimental data, psychophysics in virtual environments, and modeling of sensorimotor processes are valuable assets. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Applicants should provide a statement of research interests, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for references. The position is available starting on February 1st 2015 and open until filled.

Dec. 8, 2014

BNA2015: Festival of Neuroscience (Edinburgh UK, 12th-15th April 2015)

by Ramnani, N

Dear All, In case this has not reached your attention, I just wanted to alert you to BNA2015: Festival of Neuroscience (12th - 15th April 2015, EICC, Edinburgh, UK). This is the biennial meeting of the British Neuroscience Association. Topics cover most areas of neuroscience. The deadline for poster abstracts is approaching (17.00h GMT on MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2015). Programme details can be found at http://www.bna2015.org/programme Some highlights... ~250 talks in 60 symposia and wide-interest special events<http://www.bna2015.org/programme/#specialevents> organised into eight themes<http://www.bna2015.org/programme/details/> BNA 50th Anniversary Lecture:? * ???Professor John O'Keefe, University College London, London, UK - Nobel Laureate for Physiology or Medicine, 2014. Plenary Lectures<http://www.bna2015.org/programme/plenary-lectures/>: * ?Professor Dame Kay Davies, University of Oxford, UK: "Links between psychiatric disorders and abnormal circadian rhythms" * Professor Annette C Dolphin, University College London, UK: "Neuronal voltage-gated calcium channels: from channel trafficking to therapy for neuropathic pain" * Professor Thomas M Jessell, Columbia University, USA: "Strategies and circuits for motor control" * Professor Richard G M Morris, University of Edinburgh, UK: "The making, keeping and losing of memory" * Professor Giacomo Rizzolatti, University of Parma, Italy: "Understanding others: a neural mechanism" * Professor Susumu Tonegawa, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA - Nobel Laureate for Physiology or Medicine, 1987 - "Memory engram cells have come of age" * Professor Lorraine Tyler, University of Cambridge, UK: "From perception to conception: the evolution of meaning along the ventral stream" Public Lectures: * Professor David Nutt (Imperial College London, UK), "How Scotland can use neuroscience to lead the world in drugs and alcohol policy??" * Dr Adrian Owen (University of Western Ontario, Canada), "The search for consciousness" Apologies if you have received this information already. Best wishes, Narender Ramnani Professor of Neuroscience (Royal Holloway, University of London) Programme Chair, BNA2015 ?

Dec. 6, 2014

Master in Brain and Cognition, UPF, Barcelona

by Miller, Pamela

Dear Comp-neuro members, The Master in Brain and Cognition being offered at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona Spain (http://www.upf.edu/mbc/) opens the rolling application period from 24 November to 26 June 2015. The core of the master's programme is composed of the research groups at UPF's Center for Brain and Cognition (http://cbc.upf.edu) These groups are directed by renowned scientists in areas such as computational neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, psycholinguistics, vision, multisensory perception, human development and comparative cognition. Students will be exposed to the ongoing research projects at the Center for Brain and Cognition and will be integrated in one of its main research lines, where they will conduct original research for their final project. Please visit the Master’s web page or contact mbc(a)upf.edu for further information. Thank you.

Dec. 5, 2014

Machine Learning Summer School 2015, Sydney, Australia

by Edwin Bonilla

========================================================== Call for Participation: MLSS Sydney 2015: Machine Learning Summer School 2015, Sydney, Australia February 16th to February 25th, 2015 http://www.nicta.com.au/mlss2015 Important dates (AEDT): Scholarship application deadline: December 15th, 2014 Early bird registration deadline: January 15th, 2015 Late registration: January 16th, 2015 to January 31st, 2015 ========================================================== Description ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Machine Learning is a foundational discipline that forms the basis of much modern statistical data analysis. As data science emerges to meet the challenges of "Big Data", understanding the theory and practice of machine learning becomes a crucial asset in academia and industry. The machine learning summer school provides graduate students, academics and industry professionals with an intense learning experience on the theory and applications of modern machine learning. Over the course of eight days, a panel of internationally renowned experts in the field will offer tutorials covering basic as well as advanced topics. In addition, MLSS Sydney 2015 will feature hands-on sessions aimed at reinforcing the learned concepts through practice. Themes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The school will have a strong focus on probabilistic inference, large scale learning, Bayesian non-parametrics and applications to recommender systems, vision and document analysis. Confirmed Speakers and Topics ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ryan Adams (Harvard University) Bayesian Nonparametrics: Dirichlet Processes and Friends Wray Buntine (Monash University) Bayesian Non-parametric Methods for Unsupervised Models Bob Carpenter (Columbia University) Bayesian inference, MCMC and Stan Hands-on Justin Domke (NICTA) Probabilistic Graphical Models Stephen Gould (Australian National University) Structured Prediction for Computer Vision Alex Ihler (UCI Irvine) Approximate Inference Mark Johnson (Macquarie University) Natural Language Processing Alexandros Karatzoglou (Telefonica) ML for Recommender Systems Neil Lawrence (The University of Sheffield) Bayesian Nonparametrics: Gaussian Processes Frank Nielsen (Ecole Polytechnique) Computational Information Geometry and Machine Learning Richard Nock (NICTA) Boosting Lizhen Qu (NICTA ) Deep Learning Mark Reid (ANU and NICTA) Prediction Markets Mark Schmidt (University of British Columbia) Optimization Chris Webers (NICTA) Introduction to Machine Learning Organizers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edwin V. Bonilla, The University of New South Wales Fabio Ramos, The University of Sydney Yang Wang, NICTA

Dec. 5, 2014