- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Grenoble Neurotech School 2025 (Aussois, May 11-16, 2025) : Registration is now open

by Blaise Yvert

Dear colleagues, Following the success of the Neurotech School held in Aussois in April 2024 (https://neurotechschool.sciencesconf.org/) we are pleased to announce that the next edition will take place at the same location from May 11 to May 16, 2025. Registration is now open at the following link : https://neurotech2025.sciencesconf.org/ As last year, the number of available seats will be limited. For any question, feel free to contact Salma Mezzi in cc of this message Looking forward your participation and welcoming you in Aussois Kind regards, Blaise for the local organizing committee.

March 20, 2025

Looking for Feedback: Neurosimulation Chatbot 🧠💡

by Tim Brauer

Dear all, Over the past few months, I’ve been working on a project related to non-invasive brain stimulation for well-being. In the process, I explored various simulation tools like The Virtual Brain, Brian2, and NEST. However, I quickly found that setting up installations, models, and parameters often took more time than actual scientific exploration. To simplify this, I built a chatbot that runs neurosimulation scenarios in the background. It’s still in an early stage, and I’d love to get your feedback! 👉 You can try it out here: neuropilot.chat<https://neuropilot.chat> For example, you can ask it to simulate the effects of a psychedelic experience on neural activity—it will run the simulation using Brian2 and deliver a report with the results. I’d love to hear your thoughts: * How accurate and useful are the simulation results for your research questions? * Where could this tool fit into your work (or not)? * What worked smoothly, and what didn’t? If you’re interested, I’d really appreciate any feedback to improve this tool for the computational neuroscience community. Thanks in advance! Best, Tim

March 19, 2025

SIMONS-BALSEIRO POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS

by German Mato

The Balseiro Institute, located in Bariloche, Argentina, invites applications for 6 postdoctoral positions, funded by the Simons Foundation through the Targeted Grants to Institutes program. The positions are open to candidates in all areas of theoretical physics, broadly defined, including condensed matter physics, high energy physics, and complex systems. Appointments will begin in September 2025, with a duration of two years, with possible extensions to one more year. The stipend, free of taxes, will be approximately USD 2,000 per month. Successful candidates should have expertise in one or more areas of theoretical physics; candidates working at the intersections of fields are also encouraged to apply. The selected postdoctoral scholars will work in collaboration with members of the theoretical physics groups at Balseiro Institute (see details below). Applications should include a CV, a statement of research interests that identifies the preferred area(s) from the list below, a list of publications, and a minimum of two recommendation letters. The application deadline is April 10, 2025, and the results will be announced by April 30, 2025. The application materials should be sent to simons(a)ib.edu.ar. For further information please contact simons(a)ib.edu.ar. Theoretical Physics Groups at Balseiro Institute The postdoctoral scholars will have the opportunity to collaborate with the following groups and researchers. Condensed Matter Physics The research activities carried out by this group include the description of topological phases of matter, strongly correlated electron systems, driven quantum systems and non-equilibrium statistical phenomena such as yielding and depinning. Members of the group: A. Aligia, L. Arrachea, C. Balseiro, P. S. Cornaglia, D. Dominguez, J. I. Facio, E. Ferrero, D. Garcia, K. Hallberg, A. Hernandez Nieves, E. Jagla, A. Kolton, C. Proetto, M. J. Sanchez, G. Usaj, C. Ventura. Particles and Fields The group’s main focus is to understand the fundamental constituents of matter and their interactions, encompassing research in high-energy physics, astrophysics, cosmology, quantum field theory, string theory, and quantum information theory. Members of the group: G. Aldazabal, I. Allekotte, H. Casini, L. Da Rold, C. Fosco, G. Golup, M. Huerta, J. Magán, F.D. Mazzitelli, S. Mollerach, E. Roulet, G. Torroba, R. Trinchero. More information: webpage of the group Complex Systems The research carried out by this group includes theoretical research on complex systems. The main lines of research are the following: Complex and out-of-equilibrium systems (Collective dynamics, Self-organization, Synchronization, Stochastic processes, Critical phenomena, Open quantum systems), Mathematical biology (Dynamics of ecosystems, Animal movement, Epidemic processes, Forest fires, Biological evolution, Modeling based on Machine Learning and Neural Networks), Socio-economic systems (Dynamics of social networks, Wealth distribution, financial markets, Opinion formation) Members of the group: G. Abramson, S. Bouzat, A. Budini, M. Kuperman, L. Kazimierski, F. Laguna, K. Laneri, D. Schneider, D. Zanette. -- ============================================================ German Mato Centro Atomico Bariloche 8400 S. C. de Bariloche Rio Negro ARGENTINA Phone: +54 294 4445100 E-mail: german.mato(a)ib.edu.ar <mailto:german.mato@ib.edu.ar> ============================================================

March 17, 2025

Cambridge Open Lab Workshop - Electronics for neuroscience: from basics to setup development

by Mateusz Kostecki

Hello! We are pleased to announce the next *Cambridge Open Lab Workshop*, organized with support from FENS. A solid understanding of electronics is essential for neuroscientists. It helps in understanding electrophysiological setups, the mechanisms of action potentials, and the development of experimental setups—from selecting components and synchronizing data streams to implementing closed-loop control systems. This workshop will provide both theoretical and practical training in electronics. It will cover fundamental concepts such as voltages and currents, explore components like capacitors, transistors, and amplifiers, and introduce the use of microcontrollers in neuroscientific experiments. *Workshop Details:* - *Location:* Sheringham, Norfolk - *Dates:* May 4th – 8th - *Fee:* £375 (includes accommodation and food) - *Funding:* Travel grants and fee waivers are available—please indicate your need in the application form. Apply here: *https://nenckiopenlab.org/electronics-cam/ <https://nenckiopenlab.org/electronics-cam/>* *Application deadline:* April 1st We look forward to your application. Best regards, Best, Mateusz Kostecki -- --- Mateusz Kostecki PhD Student Knapska Laboratory Nencki Institute 02-093 Warsaw, Pasteura 3, Poland https://twitter.com/mtkostecki https://evolvingbehavior.blog/

March 17, 2025

Brain Connectivity Workshop (BCW) 2025 - earlybird registration extended!

by James Roberts

Brain Connectivity Workshop (BCW) 2025 Founded in 2002, the Brain Connectivity Workshop (BCW) is an annual international meeting for in-depth discussions of all aspects of brain connectivity research. See past events here<https://brain-connectivity-workshop.org/>. By bringing together experts in computational neuroscience, neuroscience methodology and experimental neuroscience, it aims to improve the understanding of the relationship between anatomical connectivity, brain dynamics and cognitive function. These workshops have a unique format, featuring only short presentations (15 minutes, 3 slides), followed by 45 minutes of intense discussion. This year, join us on the beautiful Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Queensland, Australia. BCW will be held on the days before this year's OHBM Annual Meeting in Brisbane. Date: 20th - 22nd June 2025 (Welcome drinks on Friday 20th June from 4:00PM) Venue: Point Lookout Community Hall, East Coast Road, Point Lookout Accommodation: Allure Stradbroke Resort, 43 - 57 East Coast Road, Point Lookout Register: https://qimrberghofer.eventsair.com/brain-connectivity-workshop-2025/regist… Confirmed speakers: Petra Ritter (Charitè, Berlin) - presenting the 2025 Rolf Kötter lecture Melanie Boly (University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA) Joana Cabral (University of Minho, Braga, Portugal) Martijn van den Heuvel (Vrije Universiteit and VU Medical Center, Amsterdam) Viktor Jirsa (Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille) James Pang (Monash University, Melbourne, Australia) Richa Phogat (University of Newcastle, Australia) Maria Giulia Preti (EPFL, Geneva) Marc Tittgemeyer (Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne) Changsong Zhou (Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong) Early Bird Registration *EXTENDED* By 11:59PM AEST, 1 April 2025 AUD $945.00 including accommodation (~USD $595) Standard Registration By 11:59PM AEST, 15 April 2025 AUD $1,045.00 including accommodation (~USD $660) Registration includes: - Access to all sessions including Welcome drinks on Friday 20th June from 4:00pm - Two (2) nights accommodation and buffet breakfast at Allure Stradbroke Resort - Ferries to/from the island (departing from the Brisbane suburb of Cleveland) and transfers to/from the accommodation Conference organisers: James Roberts, QIMR Berghofer Luca Cocchi, QIMR Berghofer Michael Breakspear, University of Newcastle Richa Phogat, University of Newcastle

March 17, 2025

World wide VVTNS series (fifth season): Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11:00 am EDT| Marcelo Rozenberg, CNRS, Paris

by David Hansel

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture given by Marcelo Rozenberg CNRS, Paris Dynamics of neural motifs realized with a minimal memristive neuro-synaptic unit The lecture will be held on zoom on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at *11:00 am EDT * To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page *Note that the USA moved to Summer time. * *On Wednesday, March 19, 11am EDT = 4 pm CET = 3 pm GMT* *Abstract: *The use of electronic circuits to model neural systems goes back to C. Mead and is present in models, from leaky-integrate-and-fire to Hodking-Huxley. Simulating neural network with analog hardware is attractive: it allows to implement neurocomputations in real time without discretization approximations, it has perfect simulation-time scaling with system size, and it provides ready-to-deploy neuromorphic circuit for applications. There are implementations in CMOS technology, however, they are complex, require sophisticated fabrication facilities and, most important, suffer from significant device mismatch. In a radically different approach, based on the concept of memristors, we introduce a neuro-synaptic circuit of unprecedented simplicity, with readily available cheap off-the-shelf electronic components, that can quantitatively reproduce textbook theoretical neuron and synaptic current models. Our neuron circuits can avoid the mismatch problem and are easily tuneable at bio-compatible time-scales. We first introduce a voltage-gated conductance bursting neuron model that produces spike traces that bare striking similarity to experimental recordings. We then introduce synaptic current circuits and show the modularity of our method implementing neurocomputing primitives of basic network motifs, including CPGs. With this "theoretical hardware" approach we show: (i) that neuron adaptation and self-excitation can be viewed as a self-consistent dynamical problem; (ii) that a dynamical memory can be minimally implemented with a single recursive spiking neuron; (iii) that an adaptive membrane current reveals a connection between bursting and the driven harmonic oscillator, perhaps pointing to a neural correlate of the pendular limb motion. Finally we discuss the limitation of the approach to networks of mid-size and its potential application for brain-machine-interfaces, robotics and AI. *About VVTNS : Launched as the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ -- *Il n'y a ni obligation ni pression à traiter ou répondre à ce mail en dehors des heures de travail* "В каждой шутке есть доля шутки" 'Life is good ..' (Carl van Vreeswijk, 1962-2022) --------------------------------------- David Hansel Directeur de Recherche au CNRS Co-Group leader Cerebral Dynamics Plasticity and Learning lab., CNRS 45 rue des Saints Peres 75270 Paris Cedex 06 Tel (Cell): +33 607508403 - Fax (33).1.49.27.90.62 *CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY NOTICE:* *This message and the documents that might be attached, are addressed exclusively to their(s) recipient(s) and may contain privileged or confidential information. The access to this information by people other than those designated is not authorized. If you are not the indicated recipient, you are notified that the use, disclosure and / or copying without authorization is prohibited under current legislation. If you have received this message in error, please kindly inform the sender immediately and proceed to its destruction.*

March 16, 2025

NEST Conference 2025 – registration and call for contributions are open

by Hans Ekkehard Plesser

Dear colleagues, The NEST Initiative is excited to invite everyone interested in Neural Simulation Technology and the NEST Simulator to the NEST Conference 2025. The NEST Conference provides an opportunity for the NEST Community to meet, exchange success stories, swap advice, learn about current developments in and around NEST spiking network simulation and its application. Take the opportunity to advance your skills in using NEST at our hands-on workshops! We explicitly encourage young scientists to participate in the conference! This year's conference will again take place as a virtual conference on Tuesday/Wednesday 17/18 June 2025. We are delighted to welcome * Marja-Leena Linne, Tampere University, Finland * Daniela Gandolfi, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Italy * Barna Zajzon, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany * as keynote speakers at the conference. Registration and submission of contributions are now open! We are inviting contributions to the conference, including talks, "posters" and workshops on specific topics. Please register and submit your contribution(s) via the conference website https://nest-simulator.org/conference Important dates 15 April 2025 - Deadline for submission of contributions 25 April 2025 - Deadline for NEST Initiative membership applications eligible for fee reduction 09 May 2025 - Notification of acceptance 11 June 2025 - Registration deadline 17 June 2025 - NEST Conference 2025 starts We are looking forward to seeing you all in June! Hans Ekkehard Plesser and the conference organizing committee -- Prof. Dr. Hans Ekkehard Plesser Research Committee Chair, Faculty of Science and Technology Head, Department of Data Science Department of Data Science Faculty of Science and Technology Norwegian University of Life Sciences PO Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway Phone +47 6723 1560 Email hans.ekkehard.plesser(a)nmbu.no<mailto:hans.ekkehard.plesser@nmbu.no> Home http://arken.nmbu.no/~plesser

March 16, 2025

Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour 2025. Application deadline April 15th, 2025

by Ahmed El Hady

*Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour 2025* *Konstanz, Germany * *Deadline to apply: April 15th, 2025* ** The Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour (KSCB) <https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/kscb/about/> will take place between /21st July 2025 – 8th August 2025/ at the Cluster of Excellence Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour (CASCB) at the University of Konstanz <https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/>. Uni Konstanz is a University of Excellence and ranked #1 young university in Germany with “Collective Behaviour" <https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/collective-behaviour/> as one of five research foci. Konstanz <https://www.konstanz.de/start> is a vibrant, small city located on the border between Germany and Switzerland, on the shores of the Bodensee (Lake Constance). Over three weeks, students will delve deeply into the topic of collective behaviour with lectures, hands-on tutorials, and projects, making it a unique and unforgettable experience. The school faculty will cover collective behaviours across a variety of species from cells, worms, drosophila, fish to non – human primates and human. A set of tutorials delving into state-of-the-art quantitative methods used to study collective behaviour will complement the lectures. At the end of the school, students will work on independent projects guided by our resident faculty. Accommodation will be provided and paid by the organizers. A limited number of travel grants will be provided and a registration fee will be due (500 Euros) once the student is admitted to the Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour. The registration fee will be waived to those coming from underrepresented minorities and those in need of financial support. The submission of applications for the second Konstanz School of Collective Behaviour was open until April 15, 2025. We will inform you on May 15, 2025 whether your application was successful For further information and application, visit our website: _https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/kscb/application-procedure/ <https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/kscb/application-procedure/> _ *KSCB 2025 faculty : * ·Iain Couzin ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior , Konstanz) ·Peter Dayan ( Max Planck Institute of Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen) ·Ilya Nemenman ( Emory University , USA) ·Yonatan Loewenstein ( Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel) ·Aneta Koseska ( Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology of Behavior, Bonn) ·Francesco Ginelli ( Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Italy) ·Thejasvi Ravindra Beleyur ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz) ·Liang Li ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz) ·Andreagiovanni Reina ( University of Konstanz, Konstanz) ·Einat Couzin-Fuchs ( University of Konstanz, Konstanz ) ·Ofer Feinermann ( Weizmann Institute of Sciences, Israel) ·Naama Brenner ( Israel Institute of Technology, Israel) ·Ariana Strandburg-Peshkin ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior , Konstanz) ·Wataru Toyokawa (Riken Center for Brain Science in Tokyo). ·Raphaela Heesen ( University of Konstanz, Konstanz) ·Caroline Schuppli ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior , Konstanz) . Dan Gorbonos ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz) . Michael Chimento ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz). *Contact: **ahmed.el-hady(a)uni-konstanz.de <mailto:ahmed.el-hady@uni-konstanz.de> * All the best regards, Ahmed El Hady On behalf of the KSCB organizational committee Dr. Ahmed El Hady Principal Investigator Cluster for Advanced Study of Collective Behavior, University of Konstanz Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz Room ZT 907 Postbox 687 Tel.: +49 7531 88-4742

March 14, 2025

Two PhD/Postdoc positions in computational neuroscience/machine learning/bioinformatics in Tübingen

by Philipp Berens

The Department of Data Science (Philipp Berens) at the Hertie Institute for AI in Brain Health (Hertie AI, https://hertie.ai/) part of the Medical Faculty of the Eberhard Karls University in Tübingen, has open positions for Two Postdoctoral Researchers or PhD students (f/m/d) in computational neuroscience / bioinformatics / machine learning for the following topics: - Machine learning models for longitudinal spatial transcriptomics data acquired in the retina during disease and aging - Deep reinforcement learning for studying efficient coding in the visual system Both positions are initially for 3 years with the possibility of extension and can either be filled with a postdoctoral research or a PhD student. To apply, please go to: https://jobs.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/Job/5996/Postdoctoral-Researcher-or-P… https://jobs.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/Job/5995/Postdoctoral-Researcher-or-P… Looking forward to your applications, Philipp -- Professor of Data Science, Director Hertie Institute for AI in Brain Health Medical Faculty of the University of Tübingen www.hertie.ai

March 13, 2025

[Meetings] Deadline extension - IEEE Int. Conf. Development and Learning (ICDL) 2025

by Matej Hoffmann

* Dear colleagues, Due to multiple requests, we are happy to grant a two-week extension of the submission deadline for the regular paper submissions and the workshop and tutorial proposal submission. Full papers:March 28, 2025. Workshop and tutorial proposals—deadline:March 28, 2025. We would also like to draw your attention to the template which we have updated. Please kindly use this one: https://ras.papercept.net/conferences/support/support.php <https://ras.papercept.net/conferences/support/support.php>. If you have already submitted, you will be able to update it also during the camera-ready submission stage. We are also happy to announce that the BabyBot and BabyObserve Challenge winners will receive a prize of 150$, sponsored by the IEEE RAS TC Cognitive Robotics. Travel grants are available through IEEE CIS - see https://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/travel-grants/ <https://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/travel-grants/>. ----------------------------------- CfP IEEE ICDL 2025 ----------------------------------- https://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/ <https://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/> 16–19 September 2025 in Prague; Czechia 2025 IEEE International Conference on Development and Learning (ICDL) We invite submissions to explore, extend, and consolidate the interdisciplinary boundaries of this exciting research field. In addition to the usual paper submission-selection process, we announce two Challenges: the BabyBot Challenge that will award computational models that capture core aspects of specific psychology experiments and (new!!) BabyObserve Challenge that will foster the community’s discoveries in research related to the development of cognition and learning and go beyond what is currently in focus. Submissions that address both challenges at the same time are also welcome. There is a prize of 150$ for the winners of the challenges! ----------------------------------- Important Deadlines ----------------------------------- Contributed papers (6–8 pages)—extended deadline: March 28, 2025. Workshop and tutorial proposals—extended deadline: March 28, 2025. Journal Track—deadline: April 1, 2025. Late-breaking results (1-page abstracts)—deadline: June 13, 2025. ----------------------------------- Speakers ----------------------------------- Jeff Krichmar (University of California, Irvine, USA) Masako Myowa-Yamakoshi (Kyoto University, Japan) Giulio Sandini (IIT Genoa, Italy) Tilbe Göksun (Koç University, Turkey) Josef Šivic (CIIRC, CTU in Prague, Czechia) ----------------------------------- Topics ----------------------------------- ICDL is a unique conference gathering researchers from both computational science (including robotics, AI, cognitive architecture) and developmental studies (psychology, linguistics, anthropology, education, philosophy) for a fertile exchange sharing ideas, perspectives, knowledge, research findings on how humans and animals develop sensing, reasoning and actions, including interactive ecologies and how these capabilities can be implemented in computing (embodied) systems. This approach goes hand in hand with the goal of both understanding human and animal development and how this can be applied to improve future intelligent technology including all kinds of artificial systems that will be in close interaction with humans. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to): – general principles and theories of development and learning; – embodied learning in biological systems and robots; – development of skills in biological systems and robots; – developmental stages and sensitive periods; – architectures for cognitive development and life-long learning; – emergence of body knowledge and affordance perception; – learning control of body movement; – (models of) curiosity, intrinsic motivations, exploration, play and active learning; – (models for) prediction, planning and problem solving; – developmentally-inspired machine learning; – applications of machine learning to human and animal development; – emotional development and the role of emotion in learning; – emergence of verbal and nonverbal communication; – metacognitive skills and the role of metacognitive learning and explicit communication; – (models of) human–human and human–system interaction; – epistemological foundations and philosophical issues; – the relationship between evolution and development; – ethics in modeling learning and development. ----------------------------------- Submission ----------------------------------- We accept four types of research submissions. The submissions are available through the PaperPlaza (https://ras.papercept.net/conferences/scripts/start.pl <https://ras.papercept.net/conferences/scripts/start.pl>) system. Detailed instructions are at https://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/submission/ <https://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/submission/>. Full 6-page paper submissions (up to 2 extra pages with additional charge)—deadline:March 28, 2025. Papers of up to 6 pages in IEEE double column format will undergo peer-review, and accepted and presented submissions will be included in the conference proceedings published by IEEE Xplore. Up to two extra pages are acceptable for a publication fee of $100 per page. Accepted papers will be invited for presentation either in oral or poster format Please make use of the template provided at https://ras.papercept.net/conferences/support/support.php <https://ras.papercept.net/conferences/support/support.php> Workshop and tutorial proposals—deadline:March 28, 2025. Workshops proposals can be submitted for one-day or half-day-workshop that will take place on the first day of the conference. The proposals should motivate the topic and provide a schedule. Journal-track posters—deadline:April 1, 2025. Journal track poster submissions must be about a journal paper that has been published the March 2024 – March 2025 period (online ahead of print is fine) on a topic relevant to the conference. Late-breaking posters with 1-page abstract—deadline: June 13, 2025. To encourage discussion of late-breaking results or for work that is not sufficiently mature for a full paper, we will accept 1-page abstracts. These submissions will not be included in the conference proceedings. Accepted abstracts will be presented during the poster session. ----------------------------------- BabyBot Challenge Paper Award ----------------------------------- Babybot Challenge papers are expected to establish a strong link between developmental psychology and robotics and/or computational modeling. Submissions will be judged by the following criteria: – How well does the computational model (e.g., an artificial system, which can be a robot, artificial system, or a software agent) represent the particular features of the experimental research addressed. – How closely the performance of the model replicates the experimental findings and how parsimonious is the model. – How explicit the model is about cognitive mechanisms and the – The extent of the novel insights or explanations generated by the model, and importantly whether the model make interesting and testable predictions. We encourage the authors to tag their submission for “Babybot Challenge” award during contributed paper submission, which would indicate that there is significant content that puts the paper in the spotlight of “Babybot Challenge”. Prize for winner: 150 $. ----------------------------------- BabyObserve Challenge Paper Award ----------------------------------- This Challenge is new, and its intention is to foster the community’s discoveries in research related to the development of cognition and learning that go beyond what is currently in focus. BabyObserve Challenge papers are expected to introduce novel or “edge case” phenomena to the ICDL community from observations of child development, but also related mechanisms, interplays of skills, properties of (environmental and / or social) ecologies that promote it. Observations can result in quantitative or qualitative research that is further described in the paper. Submissions will be judged by the following criteria: – How innovative is the phenomenon and why it is important for the ICDL community – How well is the phenomenon described to inspire computational models – How well is the phenomenon theoretically grounded or linked to the existing literature We encourage the authors to tag their submission for “BabyObserve Challenge” award during contributed paper submission, which would indicate that there is significant content that puts the paper in the spotlight of “BabyObserve Challenge”. Prize for winner: 150 $. General chair: Matej Hoffmann Program chairs: Alessandra Sciutti, Emre Ugur, Katharina J. Rohlfing * -- Matej Hoffmann, PhD Associate Professor Department of Cybernetics Faculty of Electrical Engineering Czech Technical University in Prague Karlovo namesti 13 121 35 Praha 2, Czech Republic +420 224 357 387 https://sites.google.com/site/matejhof/home https://cyber.felk.cvut.cz/humanoids IEEE ICDL 2025 General Chairhttps://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/

March 13, 2025

Postdoctoral fellowships at the Neuromathematics Center in Sao Paulo State, Brazil

by Antonio Roque

The Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics (NeuroMat), hosted by the University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil, and funded by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), is offering two post-doctoral fellowships for recent PhDs with outstanding research potential. The fellowship will involve collaborations with research teams and laboratories associated with NeuroMat, strictly related to ongoing research lines developed by NeuroMat. For more details about the ongoing research lines of NeuroMat, please visit our website. The project may be developed at the laboratories of USP, campuses of São Paulo or Ribeirão Preto, or at UNICAMP, Campinas, in person. We seek candidates capable of developing independent research in one of the research lines below. 1. Stochastic modeling of neurobiological data. Candidates must have a strong background in probability theory with emphasis on stochastic processes. 2. Development of new statistical methods for neurobiological data. Candidates must have a strong background in statistics and data analysis and knowledge of computer programming. 3. Acquisition, processing, and quantitative analysis of neurobiological data. Candidates must have a strong background in neuroscience with previous experience in neurophysiological data acquisition, processing and analysis, and knowledge of computer programming. 4. Instrumentation development associated with brain stimuli. Candidates must have a strong background in electronic instrumentation, robotics, programing, and safety in medical equipment. The fellowship is competitive at an international level, and fellows benefit from extra funds for travel and research expenses plus limited support for relocation expenses. Application Instructions: Applicants should complete and submit the application form <https://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/postdoc/new/>. The following documents and information are requested (please see the form for further details): - Summary of the CV, in the format required by FAPESP (see fapesp.br/en/6351for instructions); - List of publications, with links to those available online. - A summary of the research plan for the next year, up to 5 pages in length. This document must explicitly state for which of the four research lines the candidate is applying. It should also address how this research plan fits within the framework of the NeuroMat research program. It is strongly recommended that candidates visit the webpage of the project, NeuroMat research program <https://neuromat.numec.prp.usp.br/scientific-project/>, consult the list of publications and contact potential supervisors, who are principal or co-principal investigators participating in the NeuroMat project, to align the research proposal with the goals of the project. - Pointers to other research related output, such as software, web pages, and so forth. Candidates should be willing to send copies of publications, if requested. - Any further information deemed relevant to the application. In addition to the above, we require at least two recommendation letters. Those should be emailed by the recommenders directly to postdoc-appl(a)numec.prp.usp.br. Timetable: Candidates are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience until the deadline of March 31, 2025. Appointment is expected to start by May 2025. The initial period of the position lasts for 12 months, with possible renewals to up to the end of the project, July 31, 2026. This opportunity is open to candidates of any nationality. The selected candidates will be awarded FAPESP Postdoctoral fellowships in the amount of R$ 12,000,00 monthly plus fringe benefits and a research contingency fund, equivalent to 15% of the annual value of the fellowship, which should be spent on items directly related to the research activity. More details on FAPESP's postdoctoral fellowships are available at: https://fapesp.br/en/postdoc. -- Antonio C. Roque Professor Associado Departamento de Fisica FFCLRP, Universidade de Sao Paulo 14040-901 Ribeirao Preto-SP Brazil - Brasil antonior(a)usp.br <antonior(a)ffclrp.usp.br> aroquesilva(a)gmail.com www.sisne.org ORCID: 0000-0003-1260-4840 <https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1260-4840> ResearcherID: C-2316-2011 <http://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/C-2316-2011> Google Scholar: GqHWF74AAAAJ <http://scholar.google.com.br/citations?user=GqHWF74AAAAJ> CV Lattes: 4609096963207702 <http://lattes.cnpq.br/4609096963207702>

March 13, 2025

18th Granada Seminar Announcement

by Prof. Dr. Joaquín J. Torres

Dear Colleague, You are cordially invited to participate in the 18th Granada Seminar on Computational and Statistical Physics, taking place this September 15-19, 2025, focus on: “New Tools and Methods for Complex Systems Research: From Molecules to Living and Intelligent Systems” This seminar is organized by the Institute Carlos I for Theoretical and Computational Physics at the University of Granada and will be celebrate in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Granada. Up-to-date information regarding abstract submissions, grants, accommodation, program details, and more can be found at: https://granadaseminar.com Confirmed Speakers: We are pleased to announce a distinguished lineup of speakers, including: Herbert Levine (Northeastern University) Daniele Marinazzo (Ghent University) Pedro Mediano (Imperial College London) Miguel Ángel Muñoz (University of Granada) Fernando Rosas (Sussex University) Edina Rosta (University College London) Roberta Zambrini (University of the Balearic Islands) Additional talks and poster presentations will be selected from submitted abstracts. Important Dates & Registration Fees: Abstract submission deadline: June 15, 2025 Acceptance notifications: July 10, 2025 Registration Fees: Regular registration: Early: €420 (by July 31) Late: €450 (by August 31) Student registration: Early: €300 (by July 31) Late: €330 (by August 31) In all cases the registration fee includes: Attendance to the working sessions and documentation, certificate of attendance, coffee breaks, welcome cocktail, and gala dinner. Please follow the link below for direct registration: https://granadaseminar.com/index.php/join-granada-seminar/registration/ We look forward to welcoming you to Granada this September! Best regards, Joaquin J. Torres Director of the Granada Seminar Institute Carlos I for Theoretical and Computational Physics University of Granada - 18071, Spain

March 12, 2025

6 Available PhD Positions at the Intersection of Psychology, AI, and Computer Science

by Amir Aly

*Dear All, * **Apologies for cross-posting** *Applications are invited for three-year PhD studentships at the University of Plymouth, UK. * *The studentships will start on Wednesday 1 October 2025.* *The closing date for applications is Friday 9 May 2025 (midnight, UK time).* A list of projects can be found below. It is essential that candidates discuss their proposal/plans with their intended supervisor(s), prior to writing their proposal and submitting an application. The school can only consider PhD research proposals that have the support of a supervisor (see required documents). ------------------------------------------------- *1- AI-Based Analysis of Voice Biomarkers in Neurodevelopmental Disorders* This interdisciplinary PhD project will harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) methodologies to analyse vocal patterns within clinical populations, specifically targeting Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The project aims to develop innovative diagnostic models, such as deep learning models, that accurately identify and differentiate unique vocal characteristics to each disorder utilising extensive and varied datasets of autistic, ADHD and neurotypical people, enhancing our understanding and diagnostic capabilities for these conditions. Candidates should have a basic knowledge in AI and machine learning techniques, especially those applicable to audio processing and speech analysis. While knowledge of psychological or neurological principles is advantageous, it is not compulsory. The candidate will be part of a collaboration between Clinical Psychology and Computer Science, offering a unique chance to pioneer in the application of AI to clinical diagnostics. This interdisciplinary effort aims to push the boundaries of how machine learning can improve understanding and treatment strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders. *- Contact: Dr. Gray Atherton*, gray.atherton(a)plymouth.ac.uk *2- Virtual Reality Training for Spatial Familiarity with Autistic Individuals* This PhD project aims to develop a virtual reality (VR) training program to help autistic individuals navigate unfamiliar spaces with reduced anxiety as well as explore new imaginary spaces that can build confidence. Utilising VR technology, the project will recreate common environments to allow participants to engage with these spaces in a safe and controlled setting. The use of a VE2 walking treadmill will intensify the realism of the experience, enabling participants to physically walk through these virtual spaces, thereby improving spatial familiarity and comfort. Candidates are expected to have a foundational understanding of VR programming, including expertise in Unity. Skills in integrating sophisticated sensory technologies such as eye-tracking and face recognition are appreciated, as they will be used to tailor and adapt scenarios based on real-time user reactions and interactions. This role calls for a blend of technical acumen and creative problem-solving, offering a chance to pioneer VR applications that extend beyond entertainment into therapeutic settings. This interdisciplinary initiative bridges the gap between Clinical Psychology and Computer Science, offering candidates an opportunity to pioneer methods that could significantly advance therapeutic practices for neurodevelopmental disorders. *- Contact: Dr. Liam Cross*, liam.cross(a)plymouth.ac.uk *3- Enhancing Social Interaction for Autistic Individuals through Anthropomorphic Augmented Reality * This PhD project seeks to explore how autistic individuals often show a preference for interacting with non-human entities such as animals, cartoons, and robots, possibly due to the simpler social cues and lack of negative biases associated with human faces. Leveraging these insights, the project will develop an augmented reality (AR) application designed to overlay human faces with non-human characteristics, thereby enhancing comfort, social attention, and engagement among autistic participants. We are seeking a PhD candidate proficient in AR technologies, with hands-on experience in platforms like Hololens, and a good foundation in computer science. The successful candidate will be driven by a desire to apply cutting-edge AR solutions to real-world challenges in education and healthcare settings. The candidate will engage in developing complex AR interfaces and utilise user-centred design principles to create applications that significantly improve social interactions for autistic individuals. Familiarity with the psychological aspects of autism will be crucial in customizing the technology to meet user needs effectively. *- Contact: Dr. Gray Atherton*, gray.atherton(a)plymouth.ac.uk *4-* *Examining Cohesion and Authoritarianism through Synchronised VR Interactions* This project seeks to explore how moving in synchrony with others within a virtual reality (VR) environment influences social behaviour, enhancing cohesion and potentially promoting obedient tendencies. The research will employ VR to simulate scenarios where participants can engage in synchronized activities, studying the psychological effects of these interactions. These effects have historical significance in contexts such as war, riots, an other scenarios. The project will manipulate environmental factors, virtual agents, and reward systems to observe how these controlled variables influence behaviours related to conformity and personal control. We are looking for a PhD candidate with a good experience in VR programming, tools and platforms, interested in using this technology to probe the complex dynamics of human behaviour and applying their technical skills to investigate social psychological phenomena. This interdisciplinary initiative provides a unique opportunity to explore how synchronized movements in virtual environments can shape social behaviours and influence group dynamics, enhancing our understanding of technology's role in social cohesion and control. *- Contact: Dr. Liam Cross*, liam.cross(a)plymouth.ac.uk *5*- *Pure Fantasy: Harnessing VR to Explore and Enhance the Ideal Self in Autistic Individuals* This innovative project taps into the enduring popularity of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), particularly within the autism community, to explore and enhance self-concept through immersive virtual reality (VR). D&D has long served as a valuable tool for autistic individuals to experiment with their identities and improve social skills. Our project aims to create a groundbreaking VR D&D experience that allows players to design avatars embodying traits they aspire to develop or accentuate. Leveraging the Proteus effect, which suggests that the characteristics of an avatar can influence a user’s behaviour, this study will observe how players navigate complex social interactions and quests within a richly detailed virtual world. Players will physically navigate this world using VE2 treadmills, enhancing the immersion and physicality of the experience. We seek a PhD candidate with good skills in VR development, eager to push the boundaries of what VR can achieve in psychological and therapeutic contexts. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with the Computer Sciences department at the University of Plymouth to refine VR paradigms and should possess an interest in the psychological aspects of VR immersion, specifically how it relates to behaviour change and self-concept in special populations. This interdisciplinary initiative offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of technology, psychology, and role-playing games, aiming to provide meaningful insights into how virtual experiences can influence real-world behaviour and self-perception. *- Contact: Dr. Gray Atherton*, gray.atherton(a)plymouth.ac.uk *6- Board games for autistic wellbeing * Board games offer educational and social benefits, particularly for neurodiverse players who thrive in structured settings. This project will establish a board gaming hub for neurodiverse adults, partnering with clinical services to combine social engagement with mental health support. There are currently multiple sites and practices in the Devon area and wider UK keen to take part, and the candidate will have good communication and organisational skills commiserate with working across sites and disciplines. Specifically, we seek a candidate with experience in working with clinical populations and a passion for board gaming. This role suits those interested in intervention design, adult social care, and gaming development for special populations. The candidate will be interested in understanding how to adapt board games for individuals with different needs, and how to liase with research teams and clinical health providers to understand how to most effectively deliver an intervention of this nature. This role will involve working in schools and with young people. *- Contact: Dr. Liam Cross*, liam.cross(a)plymouth.ac.uk ---------------------------------------------------- *Eligibility and funding* Applicants should have a first-class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant MSc or MRes qualification. If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, an academic IELTS score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent. The studentship is supported for three years and includes full home tuition fees plus a stipend of at least £18,655 per annum (2025/26 rate still to be determined). *To apply* To apply, please complete our online application form <https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpgtapply.…> for *PhD Psychology *for entry in* October 2025 *and submit the following mandatory documents <https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.plymo…> : - *A research proposal (max 1,000 words). *Your research proposal should contain a short review of relevant literature, research questions/hypotheses, overview of methods, and a time plan (all included in the word count). Your proposal may also include up to one figure (not included in the word count). The proposal should name the suggested supervisor(s) and include a reference list (not included in the word count). Research proposals that exceed the word count will not be considered. - *Personal statement. *Please clearly state that you are applying for a PhD studentship within the School of Psychology and the name of a potential supervisor(s) on the top of your personal statement. - *Supervisor support statement. *Please submit a short statement (signed and dated) from your intended supervisor in which they confirm that they would supervise your PhD project. - *Evidence of up-to-date qualifications.*Certificates and transcripts for masters or bachelor degrees, plus any relevant professional qualifications. - *CV/résumé* - *English proficiency certificate. *Required for non-UK nationals. - *The details of two academic referees.*Please provide names and details on the application form. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me Regards -------------------------------------------- *Dr. Amir Aly*, PhD, FHEA, SIEEE Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Programme Manager of Artificial Intelligence UK and Ireland IEEE RAS Chapter Vice Chair Director of the Centre for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS) School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics Room A307 Portland Square, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA University of Plymouth, UK

March 12, 2025

Workshop on AI / ML for the analysis of single-cell spatial transcriptomics 15-17 Oct 2025 Lyon (France)

by Hugues Berry

SAVE THE DATE 15th-17th OCTOBER, 2025 A 2.5 DAY WORKSHOP on the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning of the analysis of single-cell spatial transcriptomics, in Lyon, France. https://ai4singlecell.sciencesconf.org/ REGISTRATION (TO OPEN SOON) IS FREE BUT MANDATORY The analysis of data from single-cell, potentially spatial, transcriptomics, increasingly relies on artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) computer tools. Beyond the familiar clustering of single-cells, they promise to offer access to a wide spectrum of far-reaching biological information, including the inference of cell-cell interactions, lineage reconstructions or the 3d spatial organisation of the tissue. The workshop will deliver both general introductions targeting the non-expert biologist who plans to start using these algorithms, and state-of-the-art methodology-oriented talks for a more expert audience. PROGRAM DRAFT Confirmed invited speakers include: Xiang Zhou <https://xiangzhou.github.io/>, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA Per Uhlén <https://ki.se/en/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-grou…>, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden Genevieve Stein O’Brien <https://www.steinobrienlab.org/>, Johns Hopkins University, USA Yvan Saeys, <https://saeyslab.sites.vib.be/en> Ghent University, Belgium Marianna Rapsomaniki <https://www.chuv.ch/en/bdsc/research/our-groups/ai-ml-for-biomedicine>, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland Laura Cantini <https://research.pasteur.fr/en/member/laura-cantini/>, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France Quentin Blampey <https://github.com/quentinblampey>, Paris-Saclay University, France The program will feature both general introductory talks and expert-level methodology-oriented presentations. As well as live sessions demos of application packages for concrete illustration of use cases! MORE SOON... program updates a call for contributed talks a call for contributed live sessions for package demos registration openning Meanwhile, don't hesitate to contact us at: ai4singlecell(a)sciencesconf.org <https://ai4singlecell.sciencesconf.org/>

March 12, 2025

Exciting PhD & Postdoc Positions at Maastricht University and CNRS Marseille – Join the ERC-Synergy NASCE Project!

by Jolivet, Renaud (MACSBIO)

My colleague Elia Formisano at Maastricht University is advertising several positions. Exciting PhD & Postdoc Positions at Maastricht University and CNRS Marseille – Join the ERC-Synergy NASCE Project! Are you passionate about neuroscience and AI? Do you want to unravel how the human brain makes sense of everyday soundscapes? Join <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAABIzWMMB26hKQDKmkAauU86UR27jk8MEaK0> Elia Formisano<https://www.linkedin.com/in/elia-formisano-05731a86/> and <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAFyNeAB_dTvI-9M7P3WdPYRnzO7c9v5JXY> Bruno L. Giordano<https://www.linkedin.com/in/brungio/> in the ERC-Synergy NASCE project (Natural Auditory SCEnes in Humans and Machines), where we explore the neural computations behind real-world auditory scene analysis (ASA). Our research combines AI, behavioral experiments (both classic and online), neuroimaging (ultra-high-field fMRI, MEG, iEEG), and advanced statistical modeling to develop groundbreaking theories and models of auditory perception. Funded by the European Union (ERC-2024-SyG, NASCE) Why Join NASCE? * Work in a leading, highly collaborative international research environment between Maastricht University, and CNRS/Aix Marseille University. * Contribute to groundbreaking research at the intersection of neuroscience, AI, and cognitive psychology. * Access to state-of-the-art multimodal neuroimaging and AI-based computational modeling. Locations: Maastricht University (The Netherlands) & CNRS/Aix Marseille University (Marseille, France). Start Dates: From April 2025. 1. PhD Position in NeuroAI & Auditory Scene Analysis (Maastricht, NL) Develop brain-inspired deep neural network (DNN) models to simulate human auditory perception. Requirements: MSc in AI, computer science, computational neuroscience, or related field. Strong programming skills (Python, PyTorch/TensorFlow). Full-time PhD contract (4 years). Start Date: April 2025 (preferred). Apply here: https://lnkd.in/esUG6iQY See also: https://lnkd.in/e3FTfhuY 2. Postdoc in NeuroAI & Multimodal Neuroimaging (Maastricht, NL) Develop brain-inspired DNN models to simulate human auditory perception. Create computational methods to integrate DNNs with neuroimaging. Requirements: PhD in computational neuroscience, AI, biomedical engineering, physics, or related field. Experience with deep learning (applications to audio and neuroimaging integration are a plus) Strong programming skills (Python, PyTorch/TensorFlow). Competitive salary (2 years contract + possibility for 2 more years). Start Date: Flexible within 2025. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eqVgn45Y See also: https://lnkd.in/e3FTfhuY

March 12, 2025

ICANN 2025 - Second Call for Papers (Deadline Extension)

by Sebastian Otte

=============================================================================== ICANN 2025 - SECOND CALL FOR PAPERS (DEADLINE EXTENSION) =============================================================================== The 34th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks ICANN 2025 is one of the premier conferences in the field of artificial intelligence, neural networks, neuroscience and brain-inspired computing in Europe, organized in collaboration with the European Neural Network Society ENNS. In 2025, the ICANN will take place in Kaunas, Lithuania. Conference Dates: September 9 to September 12, 2025 Conference Venue: Campus of Vytautas Magnus University and Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania Conference Webpage: https://e-nns.org/icann2025/ Extended deadline for full paper and abstract submission: 29 March 2025 General co-Chairs: Yoshua Bengio (Université de Montréal, Canada) Viktor Jirsa (Aix-Marseille Université, France; EBRAINS) Prof. Yoshua Bengio is a Turing Award laureate and is globally recognized as a pioneer of deep learning and artificial neural networks, driving groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence. Prof. Viktor Jirsa is renowned for his work in theoretical neuroscience and Virtual Brain Twins, serving as Chief Science Officer of EBRAINS, Europe’s research infrastructure in digital neuroscience. With the exceptional leadership and expertise of the Chairs, ICANN 2025 promises to be a transformative event with the dual track of Artificial Intelligence & Deep Learning and Neuroscience. The ICANN attracts a global audience of researchers, practitioners & industry experts and provides a forum for the presentation of cutting-edge research papers and invited keynote talks by leading experts. It includes workshops and tutorials, as well as engaging demo sessions. In 2025, ICANN will continue its proud tradition of being a dynamic and interactive conference, fostering collaboration across academia and industry. =============================================================================== We invite prospective authors to submit original and innovative papers in the following areas: AI and Machine Learning: Theory and Foundations of Neural Networks, Novel Neural Network Architectures, Topics in Neural Networks, Large Language Models, Explainable AI, Machine Learning for Graphs, Graph Neural Networks, Clustering, Reinforcement Learning, New Topics in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Neurorobotics Neuroscience: Cognitive and Theoretical/Computational Neuroscience, Brain-Inspired Computing, Neuromorphic Systems, Digital Twins and Virtual Brain models Applications: Human-Computer Interaction, Biosignal Processing, Medicine and Physiology, Speech and Language Processing, Computer Vision, Robotics, Climate and Environment, General Applications of Machine Learning Call for Papers Authors willing to present original contributions in either the oral or poster category are invited to submit: - A full paper of 6-12 pages (including references) to be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series with individual DOI. - An extended abstract of maximum 2 pages to be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series, without individual indexing. Papers will undergo rigorous peer review; the Program Committee will make the final decision on which papers will be included in the conference program. Selected papers will be assigned to oral sessions (15 minutes presentation + 5 minutes questions) and poster sessions, depending on the number of submissions; this assignment does in no way incur a judgment on paper quality. Note that presentation rules for workshops and special sessions may differ. All accepted papers will be published in the Springer LNCS series. Papers must be written in English language and must conform to the format defined in the Author’s Kit, available on the conference webpage at: https://e-nns.org/icann2025/submission The ICANN 2025 will be an in-person conference. At least one co-author of each paper must physically attend the conference in Kaunas to present the work. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Emmanuel Bengio (Valence Labs/Recursion, Canada) Viktor Jirsa (Aix-Marseille Université, France; EBRAINS) Christiane Woopen (University of Bonn, Germany) Zeynep Akata (Technical University Munich & Helmholtz Munich) Alessio Micheli (University of Pisa, Italy) Oher keynote speakers to be announced. CONFIRMED TUTORIALS Dr. Emmanuael Bengio will give a Tutorial on GflowNets. Prof. Viktor Jirsa and his team will provide a Tutorial on The Virtual Brain, an open-source neuroscience platform designed to simulate and model personalised human brain models. CONFERENCE COMMITTEE Program Chairs Walter Senn (University of Bern, Switzerland) Chair Marcello Sanguineti (University of Genova, Italy) Ausra Saudargiene (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences/Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) Igor Tetko (Helmholtz Munich, Germany) Alessandro Villa (University of Lausanne, Switzerland) Communication Chairs Sebastian Otte (University of Lübeck, Germany) Honorary Chairs Vera Kurkova (Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague) Alessandro Villa (University of Lausanne, Switzerland) Stefan Wermter (University of Hamburg, Germany) Local Organizing Committee Ausra Saudargiene (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences/Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) Linas Petkevičius (Vilnius University, Artificial intelligence Association of Lithuania, Lithuania) Tomas Krilavicius (Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) Workshop, Tutorials and Special Session Chairs Povilas Daniusis (Neurotechnology/Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) Dalius Matuzevičius (VilniusTech) Sponsorship Chair Dalia Breskuvienė (Vilnius University) Diversity & Inclusion Chair Kamilė Dementavičiūtė (Vinted) Steering Committee Stefan Wermter (University of Hamburg, Germany) Alessandro Villa (University of Lausanne, Switzerland) Alessio Micheli (University of Pisa, Italy) Angelo Cangelosi (University of Manchester, UK) Igor Farkaš (Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia) Chrisina Jayne (Teesside University, UK) Matthias Kerzel (University of Hamburg, Germany) Alessandra Lintas (University of Lausanne, Switzerland) Kristína Malinovská (Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia) Jaakko Peltonen (Tampere University, Finland) Brigitte Quenet (ESPCI Paris, France) Roseli Wedemann (Rio de Janeiro State University, Brazil) Sebastian Otte (University of Lübeck, Germany) Ausra Saudargiene (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences/Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) Igor Tetko (Helmholtz Munich, Germany) IMPORTANT DATES - Deadline for full paper and abstract submission: 29 March 2025 (extended) - Final notification of Acceptance or Rejection: 22 May 2025 - Camera-ready paper upload and author registration: 1 June 2025 For questions, please contact: icann-2025-program-committee(a)googlegroups.com Link to this call: https://e-nns.org/icann2025/call-for-papers

March 11, 2025

Eresfjord Summer School 2025 on Mathematical Methods in Computational Neuroscience

by Nicolai Waniek

Dear all, We are happy to announce the Eresfjord Summer School 2025 on "Mathematical Methods in Computational Neuroscience"! It will take place from 7 July to 25 July 2025 at the Fred Kavli Knowledge Center in beautiful Eresfjord, Norway, and we will cover some of the most important methods used in computational neuroscience research through both main lectures and scientific seminars. For more information, visit https://www.compneuronrsn.org/ and apply before 31 March! The confirmed speakers and lecturers are Sara Solla, Northwestern University, USA Predrag Cvitanović, Georgia Tech, USA Carina Curto, Brown University, USA Soledad Gonzalo Cogno, NTNU, Norway Juan Gallego, Imperial College London, UK Inés Samengo, Balseiro Institute, Argentina Valeria Fascianelli, Columbia University, USA Christian Machens, Champalimaud, Portugal Nicolai Waniek, NTNU, Norway Iván Davidovich, NTNU, Norway Federico Stella, Donders Institute, the Netherlands Melvin Vaupel, NTNU, Norway Yoram Burak, ELSC, Israel Arvind Kumar, KTH, Sweden Best, Nicolai -- on behalf of the organizers

March 11, 2025

Two fully funded PhD positions @University of Plymouth starting October 1, 2025

by Vassilis Cutsuridis

We are excited to offer *** two *** fully-funded PhD positions at the University of Plymouth in the fields of Neuromorphic AI, Brain-Computer Interaction, Optimization, and Biosignal Analysis. Details of both opportunities are below. Generative AI for image and video reconstructions from brain signals Can we access our inner thoughts and memories from brain signals and reconstruct their visual contents? The project aims to develop an explainable and trustworthy Generative AI pipeline system capable of decoding in real-time electroencephalography (EEG) brain signals of human participants while they are passively viewing or imagining visual content (faces, animals, etc) and of reconstructing their visual content with high fidelity. Link: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/postgraduate-research-stu… Supervisors: Vassilis Cutsuridis, Giorgio Ganis, Vivek Singh Contact: vassilis.cutsuridis(a)plymouth.ac.uk Enhancing AI Performance with AMD's Neural Processing Units The project aims to maximize the potential of AMD’s cutting-edge Neural Processing Units (NPUs) in the area of computer vision. This project is partially funded by AMD and the successful candidate will collaborate with AMD researchers. Link: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/postgraduate-research-stu… Supervisors: Vasilios Kelefouras, Vassilis Cutsuridis, Krithika Anil Contact: vasilios.kelefouras(a)plymouth.ac.uk Submission deadline for application materials for both PhD opportunities is 12 noon on March 28, 2025 Feel free to share with anyone who might be interested! Best, Vassilis --- Dr Vassilis Cutsuridis Associate Professor in Computer Science School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, UK, PL4 8AA Email: vassilis.cutsuridis(a)plymouth.ac.uk Web: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/vassilis-cutsuridis *** I work strange hours. You may receive emails from me outside of office hours, but please do not feel you need to reply outside of office hours. ________________________________ [https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/images/email_footer.gif]<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass> This email and any files with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient then copying, distribution or other use of the information contained is strictly prohibited and you should not rely on it. If you have received this email in error please let the sender know immediately and delete it from your system(s). Internet emails are not necessarily secure. While we take every care, University of Plymouth accepts no responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan emails and their attachments. University of Plymouth does not accept responsibility for any changes made after it was sent. Nothing in this email or its attachments constitutes an order for goods or services unless accompanied by an official order form.

March 10, 2025

Computational neuroscience postdoc position

by Neymotin, Samuel (NKI)

A postdoctoral scientist position is available at the Nathan Kline Institute (NKI) for Psychiatric Research (https://www.nki.rfmh.org<https://www.nki.rfmh.org/>) to work on computational neuroscience research funded from grants. Our DoD project involves developing computer models of the hippocampal/entorhinal cortex circuits and integrating the models with agents learning to solve navigation tasks using neurobiologically-inspired learning rules. This project involves collaboration with researchers at UTK and CMU. Example publication: (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncom.2022.1017284/full) Our NIH projects use detailed biophysical models of the auditory thalamocortical system to investigate the brain's dynamics underlying different cognitive states, looking for circuit-based origins of schizophrenia, and improving brain machine interfaces. The postdoc will build models constrained by data collected from electrophysiology labs at NKI, Columbia, and The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, and use the models to predict optimal neuromodulation strategies to restore physiological balance, testable in vivo. Example publication: (https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(23)01390-6) Applicants should have a strong background in: computational modeling using NEURON/NetPyNE, Python software development, neural/electrophysiology data analysis, machine learning, and writing/presenting research. To apply, email a CV and cover letter to Sam Neymotin (samuel.neymotin(a)nki.rfmh.org) The position is on-site at NKI (New York), with some telecommuting possible. ________________________________ IMPORTANT NOTICE: This e-mail is meant only for the use of the intended recipient. It may contain confidential information which is legally privileged or otherwise protected by law. If you received this e-mail in error or from someone who was not authorized to send it to you, you are strictly prohibited from reviewing, using, disseminating, distributing or copying the e-mail. PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY OF THE ERROR BY RETURN E-MAIL AND DELETE THIS MESSAGE FROM YOUR SYSTEM. Thank you for your cooperation.

March 10, 2025

CNS*2025 abstract submission deadline EXTENDED to March 18th

by Rubchinsky, Leonid L

34th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting CNS*2025, Florence, Italy, July 5-9, 2025. The deadline to submit an abstract is extended to Tuesday, March 18. Registration: https://ocns.memberclicks.net/cns-2025-registration Abstract submission: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2025-abstract-submission CNS*2025 meeting information: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2025 With kind regards, Leonid Rubchinsky OCNS Vice President, on behalf of the OCNS Board of Directors *********************** Leonid Rubchinsky, PhD Professor Department of Mathematical Sciences, Indiana University Indianapolis Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine 402 N. Blackford St Indianapolis, IN 46202-3216 lrubchin(a)iu.edu math.indianapolis.iu.edu/~lrubchin/ ***********************

March 10, 2025

World wide VVTNS series (fifth season): Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 11:00 am EDT| Olivier Marre, Institut de la vision, Paris

by David Hansel

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture given by Olivier Marre Institut de la Vision, Paris A perturbative approach to understand retinal computations The lecture will be held on zoom on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at *11:00 am EDT * To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page *Note that the USA has moved to Summer time. * *On Wednesday, March 12, 11am EDT = 4 pm CET = 3 pm GMT* *Abstract: *A major challenge in sensory systems is to understand how neurons extract information from the natural environment. Models derived from their responses to artificial stimuli often have a hard time to generalize and predict responses to natural scenes. However, models directly learned on the responses to natural scenes can be hard to interpret. To address this issue, we have recently developed an approach where we add small perturbations to natural scenes and measure how these perturbations change neuronal responses, to better understand the features extracted by sensory neurons. I will show several applications of this approach in the retina, and how it allowed us to uncover non-linear computations performed by ganglion cells, the retinal output. *About VVTNS : Launched as the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ

March 9, 2025

Registration open (abstract submission deadline April 15) for the NSF-Simons NITMB MathBio Convergence Conference 11-14 August 2025 Chicago IL

by William L. Kath

*The NSF-Simons NITMB MathBio Convergence Conference 11-14 August 2025 Chicago, IL Registration, Abstract Submission and Travel Award Applications now open!* More details at https://www.nitmb.org/nitmb-mathbio-convergence-conference We are calling for talks and posters discussing challenging problems in biology that are inspiring new mathematics, statistics, theory and computation, and mathematics that is generating important new insights into biology. If you are a mathematician working on biology or a biologist using mathematics, or just someone who would like to learn more about research at the interface between mathematics and biology, we encourage you to attend. * *Registration:* The number of attendees at the conference is finite. We are asking participants to pay a small fee ($100) to hold their place. * *Abstracts:* Register before 15 April if you would like to submit an abstract. * *Travel Awards:* We are proud to offer travel award to students and early career researchers. A brief application is required for consideration - deadline April 15. * Travel awards fund up to $650 for domestic travel and $800 for intercontinental travel, plus reimbursement for local hotel costs and for meals not provided by the conference (gsa.gov rates apply). Award recipients must lodge at The Drake Hotel (140 East Walton Place Chicago, IL 60611) to receive reimbursement. *Registration/submission steps:* 1. Register at https://www.nitmb.org/nitmb-mathbio-convergence-conference 2. Upon entering your information, you will be directed to a payment site. 3. After confirmation of payment (please note your confirmation number), you will be sent links with which to submit an abstract and/or apply for a travel award. If you have questions, please email nitmb(a)nitmb.org I_mportant Dates:_ Abstract Submission April 15, 2025 Travel Award Application April 15, 2025 Early Registration (to be considered for a presentation) ($100) February 15 - April 15, 2025 Notification of selection for an Oral Talk or a Poster Late May Regular Registration (no presentation) ($100) February 15 - July 14, 2025 Late Registration ($200) July 15 - August 4, 2025 Hotel Registration (at the Drake) Mid-April - July 15, 2025 *Confirmed plenary speakers:* *Alexander Auhlela, The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)* Dr. Aulehla uses dynamical systems to study how a vertebrate embryo forms the unique number of body segments that make up the vertebrae. *Carina Curto, Brown University* Dr. Curto combines mathematical tools from algebra, geometry, topology and dynamical systems to elucidate complex patterns of activity in networks of neurons. *Lorin Crawford, Microsoft Research and Brown University* Dr. Crawford uses machine learning and statistical tools to study the genotype-to-phenotype map for complex traits and diseases. *Michael Hawrylycz, The Allen Institute* Dr. Hawrylycz studies the cellular constitution and organization of the brain using single-cell transcriptomics and cutting-edge computational and statistical tools. *Anna-Liisa Laine, University of Helsinki* Dr. Laine studies complex problems in ecology across a spectrum of length and time scales. *Reidun Twarock, University of York* Dr. Twarock uses mathematics to study the symmetries of animal viruses and how they self-assemble inside host cells.

March 7, 2025

Bilateral AI: Call for applications

by Robert Legenstein

Bilateral Artificial Intelligence: Discovering the Next Dimension of AI *Call for Applications: Join a world-class faculty to work in a field that is changing our world* https://www.bilateral-ai.net <https://www.bilateral-ai.net/> In Austria, leading scientists in the field of AI have joined forces and created the Cluster of Excellence (CoE) “Bilateral Artificial Intelligence: Discovering the Next Dimension of AI”, funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF. The visionis to educate a new generation of top-quality AI scientists with a holistic understanding of symbolic and sub-symbolic AI methods. Combining these two worlds is shaping up to be the next big game changing development! The CoE “Bilateral AI”is currently looking for the brightest minds in this field, offering *around 50 PhD and Postdoc positions*, with several exciting opportunities still available. Join us and become part of the next AI revolution! https://www.bilateral-ai.net/career <https://www.bilateral-ai.net/career> The participating research centers are Johannes Kepler Universität Linz (JKU Linz), Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt (AAU), Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Technische Universität Graz (TU Graz), and Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien (WU Wien). The Board of Directors is led by Sepp Hochreiter (JKU Linz), with Thomas Eiter (TU Wien) serving as Vice Director. -- Dr. Robert Legenstein Univ.-Professor Institute of Machine Learning and Neural Computation Graz University of Technology Inffeldgasse 16b/I, 8010 Graz, Austria http://www.iml.tugraz.at/legi/ WebEx:https://tugraz.webex.com/meet/robert.legenstein ++43/316/873-5824 ----------------------------------

March 7, 2025

Advancing Scientific Discovery with AI - Summer School | June 29 - July 3, 2025, Caen, France

by Frederic Jurie

Advancing Scientific Discovery with AI Summer School | June 29 - July 3, 2025, Caen, France https://ai4science.sciencesconf.org/ A program to learn and collaborate at the intersection of AI and scientific discovery. About the Summer School This summer school provides a platform for researchers and students from diverse scientific backgrounds to delve into Artificial Intelligence and its applications in scientific research. Over five days, participants will explore current techniques, learn from experienced specialists, and collaborate with peers on relevant scientific problems. Each day focuses on a specific application domain and the related AI methodologies. This program aims at exploring the potential of AI to accelerate research and improve our understanding of complex scientific phenomena. Program Overview Sunday, June 29, 2025 (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM) Welcome Reception: Participants can attend an evening of networking and introductions. Snacks will be served while participants share their motivations, backgrounds, and AI-related projects with fellow participants and speakers. Daily Structure Each day will be structured to facilitate learning and interaction, combining a variety of formats. Expect a blend of: Lectures: Comprehensive presentations introducing key concepts and theoretical frameworks. Hands-on Practical Sessions: Application of the newly learned AI techniques to concrete scientific problems, in dedicated labs. Conferences: Seminars led by specialists in their respective fields. Exchange and Discussion Sessions: Engaging discussions to reinforce understanding and explore diverse perspectives, led by a scientific personality. Breaks and Free time: Time to recharge and connect with participants and speakers. Monday, June 30, 2025 (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM) Theme: AI for Medical Applications Focus: Medical Image Processing. AI Foundations: Machine learning and deep learning basics, convolutional neural networks. Participants will explore how AI algorithms, specifically convolutional neural networks, are used in medical diagnostics and analysis from image processing. Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM) Theme: AI for Simulation Acceleration Focus: Accelerating simulations in fields such as astronomy. AI Foundations: Generative models. Participants will learn about the potential of generative models in accelerating scientific simulations, exploring their application in high-performance computing. Wednesday, July 2, 2025 (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM) Theme: AI for Inverse Problems Focus: Sensor localization in magnetometry and related fields. AI Foundations: Physics-inspired neural networks. Participants will discover the application of physics-inspired neural networks to solve inverse problems, using physical laws to constrain the neural architectures. A part of the afternoon will be dedicated to a social event at the Caen Town Hall. Thursday, July 3, 2025 (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM) Theme: AI for Materials Science Focus: Materials discovery and characterization. AI Foundations: Uncertainty quantification, Bayesian models. Participants will learn about the use of AI for materials discovery, combining Bayesian methods with deep learning to provide uncertainty in material predictions. Friday, July 4, 2025 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Theme: AI for Particle Physics Focus: Analysis of particle physics data and anomaly detection. AI Foundations: Deep learning for physics data analysis, anomaly detection. Participants will explore the application of deep learning techniques in particle physics, focusing on data analysis and anomaly detection in large datasets obtained from colliders and telescopes. Application Process Individuals interested in applying should submit the following: A letter of motivation explaining your interest in the summer school and how it relates to your research. A detailed CV outlining your educational background, skills, and any relevant research experience. The selection process aims to ensure a diverse group of participants from different scientific fields, with a range of expertise levels. Please submit your application at https://ai4science.sciencesconf.org/ Further Information The names of the scientific personalities leading each day and the full list of speakers will be announced shortly. For further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at ai4science(a)sciencesconf.org. We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to this enriching summer school experience!

March 7, 2025

Call for contribution and registration to the Systems Vision Science Symposium: Aug. 20-22, 2025, in Tuebingen, Germany

by Pavlovic, Maria

Systems Vision Science Symposium <https://summerschool.lizhaoping.org/contributions-for-symposium/> Aug. 20-22, 2025 in Tübingen, Germany<https://summerschool.lizhaoping.org/contributions-for-symposium/> Our symposium takes place at the end of our Systems Vision Science Summer School <https://summerschool.lizhaoping.org/> Aug. 11-22, 2025. Our symposium's keynote speaker: Tadashi Isa. Invited speakers of the Systems Vision Science Summer School and Symposium include: Marco Bertamini, David Brainard, Peter Dayan, Andrea van Doorn, Roland Fleming, Pascal Fries, Wilson S Geisler, Robbe Goris, Sheng He, Tadashi Isa, Tomas Knapen, Jan Koenderink, Larry Maloney, Keith May, Marcello Rosa, Jonathan Victor, Li Zhaoping. -------------------------------- We invite you to participate in and contribute (in form of posters) to the symposium. Your contribution will be in the general topic of Systems Vision Science, which promotes the combination of computational, behavioral, and neuroscience methods to discover functions and algorithms for vision in various brain regions and their implementations in neural circuits. To maximize exchanges during the symposium, each poster will be displayed throughout the symposium, which includes four poster sessions (two daytime sessions and two evening sessions), in a venue next to the lecture hall and coffee breaks to give enough time for discussions, networking and knowledge exchange. -------------------------------- To contribute or participate, please fill out the appropriate form at https://summerschool.lizhaoping.org/contributions-for-symposium/ The deadline for symposium contribution is April 30, 2025. Registration for participation without contribution is open until venue capacity (100) is reached. Interested in participating in the summer school before the symposium? You could apply to the summer school by March 31, see https://summerschool.lizhaoping.org/ Please direct inquiries to svs.summerschool(a)tue.mpg.de <mailto:svs.summerschool@tue.mpg.de> -------------------------------- Organizing team: Li Zhaoping Maria Pavlovic Vladislav Aksiotis Junhao Liang Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics University of Tuebingen www.lizhaoping.org<http://www.lizhaoping.org>

March 7, 2025