- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

EBRAINS-Italy training -- BRAin Dynamics AcademY
by Sergio Solinas June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

*Apologies for cross-posting* * ERRATA CORRIGE of website link* [All details about this training activity can be found online at BRANDY <http://brandy.ebrains-italy.eu/> [https://brandy.ebrains-italy.eu] DEADLINE for EARLY registration 5th of JULY 2025 REGISTRATION fee 200 euro inclusive of lodging and meals. We are excited to announce the EBRAINS-Italy training "BRAin Dynamics AcademY BRANDY" 4-11 September 2025 AlaBirdi - Oristano (ITALY). The training activity will enrol a maximum of 30 students. *Register at this* LINK <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAo7DIgc0rcqPNyocb0pQ27FvfLmbv3wo…> *and upload a short CV and a short motivation letter* School speakers: - Nicolas Brunel University Bocconi (ITALY) - Stefano Ferraina University La Sapienza Rome (ITALY) - Alberto Mazzoni School of Advanced Studies Pisa (ITALY) - Rosanna Migliore CNR IBF Palermo (ITALY) - Mitchell Goldfarb Hunter College NY (USA) - Maurizio Mattia Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ITALY) - Chiara Bartolozzi Italian Institute of Technology (ITALY) - Huifang Wang AIX Marsellie University (FRANCE) - Addolorata Marasco University of Naples (ITALY) - Giovanni Pezzulo University of Pisa (ITALY) - Luca Bologna CNR IBF Palermo (ITALY) - Cosimo Lupo INFN Rome (ITALY) - Gianvito Urgese Politecnico di Torino Turin (ITALY) We will train attendees on advanced experimental methods and electrophysiological data, with a focus on their application in building computational models of single neurons and neuronal networks. We welcome applications from PhD students and Postdoctoral Researchers in a variety of fields, including biology, neurobiology, psychology, physics, engineering, mathematics, and industry professionals with a relevant background. Applicants are expected to have a strong academic background in their discipline, a demonstrated interest in neuroscience, and at least a basic familiarity with computer programming. We will soon post updates about the training organisation. Format: Morning lectures will be complemented with Afternoon Hands-on sessions. Date and Location: September 4th to September 11th, 2025 at the Horse Country Resort Alabirdi - Oristano, Sardinia (ITALY) <https://www.horsecountry.it/en/> Application Deadline: 5 July 2025 Applications: Please visit BRANDY <https://brandy.ebrains-italy.eu/> (corrected link) where you can find more information regarding costs, travel, and lodging. If you have any questions about the school or the application process, please contact smgsolinas(a)uniss.it We look forward to your registration and to welcoming you to the BRAin Dynamics AcademY BRANDY! Best regards, EBRAINS-Italy Training Activity Organizers - Sergio Solinas University of Sassari (ITALY) - Jonathan Mapelli University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (ITALY) - Daniela Gandolfi University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (ITALY) - Paolo Enrico University of Sassari (ITALY) Best regards, Sergio MG Solinas Dip. di Scienze Biomediche Università di Sassari Viale San Pietro 23 07100 - Sassari

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Call for Participation: International Artificial Intelligence Summer School – IAISS 2025, Sept 21-25, Riva del Sole Resort & SPA @ Tuscany * Early Registration: by June 23 *
by IAISS Organizing Committee June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

* Apologies for multiple copies. Please forward to anybody who might be interested, thanks! * IAISS2025, A Residential Summer School in AI & Generative AI for Science and Engineering IAISS 2025 is a full-immersion 5-day Summer School in Tuscany on cutting-edge advances in AI and Generative AI with lectures delivered by world-renowned experts. Riva del Sole Resort & SPA @ Tuscany, Italy, Sept 21-25, 2025 https://2025.iaiss.cc iaiss(a)icas.cc REGISTRATION: by June 23 (AoE) https://2025.iaiss.cc/registration/ Oral Presentation Submission Deadline: by June 23 (AoE) Applicant *may* submit (during the Registration Process) a research abstract (max 2 pages; any format) for presentation. School directors and the scientific committee will review the abstracts and will recommend for poster and/or short talk. Abstract must be submitted by June 23 during the registration process. LECTURERS: Each Lecturer will hold up to four lectures on one or more research topics. *Yuki Asano, University of Technology Nuremberg, GermanyPierre Baldi, University of California, Irvine, CA,USALucas Beyer, OpenAI, Zürich, SwitzerlandWessel Bruinsma, Microsoft Research Amsterdam, The NetherlandsSam Buchanan, Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago, USAFloris Geerts, University of Antwerp, BelgiumSven Giesselbach, Fraunhofer Institute - IAIS & Telecom SystemsVicky Kalogeiton, Ecole Polytechnique Paris, FranceThomas Kipf, Google DeepMind, USAYi Ma, University of California, Berkeley, USAQing Qu, University of Michigan, USAAbigail See, Google DeepMind, London, UKMichal Valko, Meta Paris, FranceYaodong Yu, OpenAI, USADaniel Zügner, Microsoft Research Berlin, Germany * TUTORIAL SPEAKERS: *Druv Pai, University of California, Berkeley, USA* https://2025.iaiss.cc/lecturers/ https://2025.iaiss.cc/lectures/ VENUE: https://2025.iaiss.cc/venue/ Riva del Sole Resort & SPA Località Riva del Sole‚ Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto) CAP 58043‚ Tuscany‚ Italy p: +39-0564-928111 e: booking.events(a)rivadelsole.it w: https://www.rivadelsole.it/en/ REGISTRATION: https://2025.iaiss.cc/registration/ CERTIFICATE & 8 ECTS: The International Artificial Intelligence Summer School – IAISS 2025 is a full-immersion five-day Summer School at the Riva del Sole Resort & SPA (Castiglione della Pescaia – Grosseto – Tuscany, Italy) on cutting-edge advances in AI and Generative AI with lectures delivered by world-renowned experts. The Summer School provides a stimulating environment for PhD students, Post-Docs, junior academics (only up to assistant professors), early career researchers, and industry leaders (and highly motivated, promising and brilliant Master students / BSc students). Participants will also have the chance to present their results with talks, and to interact with their colleagues, in a convivial, professional and productive environment. PhD students, PostDocs, Industry Practitioners and Junior Academics (only up to assistant professors) will be typical profiles of the IAISS attendants. The Summer School will involve a total of 36–40 hours of lectures, according to the academic system the final achievement will be equivalent to 8 ECTS points for the PhD Students (and some strongly motivated Master Student – BSc Student) attending the Summer School. Language: English. To participate in the IAISS 2025, all attendants must (1/2) register for the school (by June 23, 2025) and (2/2) book accommodation at the school venue, “Riva del Sole Resort & SPA” (by July 23, 2025); all attendants must stay at the “Riva del Sole Resort & SPA”. Once accommodation has been booked at “Riva del Sole Resort & SPA“, the participant must send this information (including the Booking Number) to the IAISS organizing committee (iaiss(a)icas.cc) IAISS is a residential school, so all lecturers and participants must reside in the same Hotel (Riva del Sole Resort & SPA). No exceptions are made. For privacy reasons, the Hotel cannot match people. If you have someone to share the apartment with, please send to the Hotel ( booking.events(a)rivadelsole.it ) the name, surname and email address. Otherwise the solution is to book an apartment in single use. IAISS is organized as a non-profit scientific event. Please note that only IAISS registered participants can book a room (in hotel or apartment) at the Riva del Sole Resort & SPA with the accommodation form attached in the registration email and with the IAISS Discounted Rates. The Booking Office of the Riva del Sole Resort & SPA will verify the names of the participants and the corresponding registration number to confirm the booking. Anyone interested in participating in IAISS 2025 should register as soon as possible: https://2025.iaiss.cc/registration/ See you in Riva del Sole in September! IAISS 2025 Organizing Committees. https://2025.iaiss.cc iaiss(a)icas.cc Obviously, this is only a Call for Participation, to have complete and updated information we recommend you access the relevant website: https://2025.iaiss.cc <https://2025.iaiss.cc> the News Section: https://2025.iaiss.cc/category/news/ <https://2025.iaiss.cc/category/news/> and the FAQ: https://2025.iaiss.cc/faq/ * Apologies for multiple copies. Please forward to anybody who might be interested, thanks! *

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PhD position in Sensory Neurotechnology
by Reichenbach, Tobias June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

Dear all, I am excited to announce an opening for a PhD position at the Chair for Sensory Neuroengineering, Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering at FAU in Germany. The PhD student will work on an innovative project in the neurobiology of communication. The project will investigate neurobiological mechanisms and electrophysiological markers of speech comprehension. The PhD student will therefore develop and employ EEG hyperscanning, in which the neural activity of several subjects engaged in a conversation will be measured simultaneously. They will furthermore develop AI algorithms to analyse the obtained data. The results will contribute to better customization and real-time adaptation of hearing aids to their wearers. FAU is the most innovative university in Germany and ranks second among the most innovative European universities. It is located in one of the most attractive regions in Germany. Erlangen is a bicycle-friendly city with 100,000 inhabitants, former home of the Huguenots as well as a key location for industry. It is close to Nuremberg, a city with a population of half a million and a metropolitan flair. The mixture of academia, innovative companies, art and culture makes the region the perfect place for creative minds, keen athletes and nature lovers. More information is available here: https://www.neurotech.tf.fau.eu/phd-position-in-sensory-neurotechnology/ With best regards ------------------------------------------- Prof. Dr. Tobias Reichenbach Chair of Sensory Neurotechnology Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE) Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg Nürnberger Strasse 74 91052 Erlangen https://www.neurotech.tf.fau.eu/

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Thinking About Thinking: Call for web designer to join our team
by Ruairidh Battleday June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Dear all, We are looking for a web designer to join our wonderful design team, and help build the online platform for these activities. That person would liaise with our head of design, two content designers, web developer, and webmaster. Thinking About Thinking <http://www.thinkingaboutthinking.org/> is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that aims to cultivate and spread new computational ideas about intelligence in an open-access manner. We run Summits <http://www.algopreneurship.ai/> on Open Problems for AI and an annual conference on the Mathematics of Neuroscience and AI <http://www.neuromonster.org/>, and will soon be launching a range of online material to complement the in-person events. We are looking for someone with good experience in website design (e.g., Squarespace) that is passionate about and currently studying a degree related to intelligence (or has done in the past). This is a great organization to blend your academic and professional interests, in this case in design! If you are interested, or know someone that might be, please do let us know, including your resume and samples of past work. This will be a very fun role, working with enthusiastic volunteers and junior researchers to build a globally recognizable brand. The position would be paid, at $30 per hour on an hourly basis, with an expected time commitment of 1 hour per week on average. We look forward to hearing from you! Ruairidh and the team -- Dr Ruairidh McLennan Battleday BMBCh (Oxon) PhD President Thinking About Thinking (www.thinkingaboutthinking.org) Postdoctoral Research Fellow Center for Brain Science, Harvard University Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines, MIT

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CNS*2025 workshop 'Linking structure, dynamics and function in neuronal networks'- July 8-9, Florence, Italy
by Wilhelm Braun June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Dear Colleagues, We are excited to announce the workshop Linking structure, dynamics and function in neuronal networks: old challenges and new directions at CNS*2025 on the mornings of July 8 and 9 in Florence, Italy. This workshop provides a platform to discuss possible approaches for integrating the fundamental aspects of structure, dynamics, and function. In particular, the workshop aims to identify the properties of neural networks that make them suitable models for neural computation. Additionally, it seeks to define a minimal set of features leading to functional neural networks, thereby addressing conserved evolutionary principles. Details about the program can be found on our workshop homepage: https://sites.google.com/view/cns2025workshop-strudynfun/ Below is the list of confirmed speakers: Gorka Zamora-Lopez Mariia Popova Douglas Zhou Friedrich Schuessler Petra Vertes Lidia Ripoll-Sánchez Anna Levina Katharina Wilmes Leo Agueci Agostina Palmigiano Melika Payvand The workshop will conclude with a panel discussion moderated by Claus C. Hilgetag. We are looking forward to seeing you soon in Florence! Best wishes from Kiel, Cambridge and Hamburg Wilhelm Braun, Kayson Fakhar and Claus C. Hilgetag --- Wilhelm Braun Junior Research Group Leader CAU Kiel, Faculty of Engineering Department of Electrical and Information Engineering Nanoelectronics Guest Research Associate, UKE Hamburg Web: wilhelmbraun.github.io

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CNS*2025 Workshop "Mechanisms for Oscillatory Neural Synchrony"
by Canavier, Carmen C. June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Dear Colleagues, We are excited to announce the upcoming CNS*2025 Workshop "Mechanisms for Oscillatory Neural Synchrony", to be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Florence, Italy. https://www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/cell_biology/cns_2025.aspx This workshop will bring together researchers who have recently published on synchronization networks of coupled oscillators, with an emphasis on phase response curve (PRC) theory. Carmen Canavier: A Mean Field Theory for Pulse-Coupled Oscillators based on the Spike Time Response Curve ; LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans Joshua A Goldberg: Empirical study of dendritic integration and entrainment of basal ganglia pacemakers using phase response curves; Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dimitri M Kullmann: Phase response curves in the hippocampus and cerebellar cortex; University College London Hermann Riecke: Paradoxical phase response of gamma rhythms facilitates their entrainment in heterogeneous networks; Northwestern University Yangyang Wang: Variational and phase response analysis for limit cycles with hard boundaries, with applications to neuromechanical control problems; Brandeis University Brandon Williams Fast spiking interneurons generate high frequency gamma oscillations in the medial entorhinal cortex; Boston University

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Call for Applications: MSc Health Data Science at the University of Plymouth
by Vesna Vuksanovic June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Dear All * Apologies for cross-posting* We are pleased to invite applications for our MSc Health Data Science programme at Swansea University, UK. Our MSc programme offers a comprehensive curriculum covering key areas including Machine Learning, Health Data Modelling, Visualisation and Linkage. The programme is designed to provide the knowledge, skills and understanding that can be used across various healthcare areas and focuses on developing practical, healthcare-ready skills alongside strong theoretical foundations. Our students benefit from hands-on projects to gain relevant, transferable technical skills and software proficiency for working with and manipulating health data, and to learn how to use and apply advanced statistical and machine learning methods with real-world data. 🔗 Learn more: MSc Health Data Science - Swansea University<https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/medicine/health-data-science-…> 📅 Applications are open for both September and January intakes. For further information or specific queries, please feel free to contact me directly. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of health data scientists! Kind regards Vesna Vuksanovic, PhD, FHEA Programme Director, MSc Health Data Science Senior Lecturer Health Data Science _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Swansea University Medical School Data Science Building Swansea SA2 8PP UK

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CNS*2025 Workshop "Modeling extracellular potentials: principles, methods, and applications" – Speaker Lineup and Schedule
by Nicolo Meneghetti June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the CNS*2025 Workshop “Modeling extracellular potentials: principles, methods, and applications” which will take place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Florence, Italy. Simulating large-scale neural activity is a key step in understanding brain dynamics and in linking in silico models to experimentally measurable signals such as LFP, EEG, and MEG. These simulations, ranging from detailed biophysical reconstructions to simplified proxies, enable us to connect microscale neuronal activity with meso- and macro-scale brain signals. They offer powerful tools to interpret experimental data, refine analytical techniques, and investigate brain function. Recent developments have underscored the clinical and theoretical relevance of such models, helping to elucidate mechanisms underlying neural oscillations, excitation-inhibition balance, and biomarkers of neurological disorders including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. This workshop will showcase state-of-the-art methodologies, and a wide array of applications for brain signals simulation. By bringing together experts from diverse fields, it aims to foster interdisciplinary exchange and advance our understanding of both healthy and disordered brain function. Abstracts of all talks are available on the workshop website: https://nicolomeneghetti.github.io/ECP_CNS2025_Wshop/ Workshop program: 09:15 – 09:50 | Dominik Peter Koller, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany Title: "How structural connectivity directs cortical traveling waves and shapes frequency gradients" 09:50 – 10:25 | Gaute T. Einevoll, Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway Title: "Modeling electric brain signals and stimulation" 10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break 11:00 – 11:35 | Johanna Senk, Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany Title: "Large-scale modeling of mesoscopic networks at single-neuron resolution" 11:35 – 12:10 | Pablo Martínez Cañada, Research Centre for Information and Communications Technologies (CITIC), University of Granada, Granada Title: "Inverse Modelling of Field Potentials from Simulations of Spiking Network Models: Applications in Neuroscience Research and Clinical Settings" 12:10 – 12:40 | Nicolò Meneghetti, The Biorobotics Institute, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy Title: "From microcircuits to mesoscopic signals: a kernel approach to efficient and interpretable LFP estimation" 12:45 - 14.00 | Lunch Break 14:15 – 14:50 | Emily Patricia Stephen, Department of Math and Statistics, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America Title: "Connecting biophysical models to empirical power spectra using Filtered Point Processes" 14:50 - 15:25 | Madeleine Lowery, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland Title: "Modelling Neural Activity During Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease" 15:30 - 16:00 | Coffee Break 16:00 – 16:35 | Meysam Hashemi, Aix Marseille University INSERM, INS, Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Marseille, France Title: "Principles and Operation of Virtual Brain Twins" 16:35 - 17:10 | Katharina Duecker, Brown University and University of Birmingham, USA/UK Title: "The Human Neocortical Neurosolver as an interactive modeling tool to study the multi-scale mechanisms of human EEG/MEG signals" We look forward to your participation in what is shaping up to be a lively and insightful workshop. With best regards, Nicolò Meneghetti and Eleonora Russo

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Gordon Research Conference in Robotics, Ventura (USA), Jan. 11-16 2026: Call for posters and participation
by Auke Ijspeert June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

Call for posters and participation, GRC Robotics, Ventura (USA), January 11-16 2026. Dear computational neuroscientists, We are happy to announce the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) in Robotics that will take place in Ventura (USA), January 11-16 2026. We have a great list of speakers and discussion leaders (see below and the website). The call for participation and for posters in now open, see https://www.grc.org/robotics-conference/2026/ This year’s conference will focus on *adaptive behavior and learning in animals and robots*. We will explore how biological inspiration drives advancements in robotics, from simple reactive behaviors to complex planning and learning systems. Insights from biomechanics, neuroscience, and animal studies are increasingly shaping the design and control of robots, making them more robust and adaptable. A key focus will be on *embodied intelligence, enabling robots to excel in locomotion, manipulation, and interactions with other agents*. Conversely, robotics research is also contributing to biology. Studies of perception and action in robotic systems are leading to new mathematical models that help integrative biologists understand locomotion, manipulation, and collective behavior in animals. By *bringing together experts from robotics, biomechanics, and neuroscience*, this conference aims to foster cross-disciplinary insights that will push the boundaries of both fields. Join us for a dynamic exchange of ideas at the intersection of robotics and biology, where engineering meets evolution. /The Robotics GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes an array of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field./ Best regards, Auke Ijspeert and Vijay Kumar, organizers./ / *Invited speakers:* Alin Albu-Schaeffer Nora Ayanian Spring Berman Oliver Brock Rod Brooks Bingni Brunton Henrik Christensen Kenji Doya Nadia Figeroa Josie Hughes Marco Hutter Dan Koditschek Cecilia Laschi Tony Prescott Amanda Prorok Daniela Rus Michael Rubenstein Dorsa Sadigh Giulio Sandini Stefan Schaal Claire Tomlin Kotaro Yasui *Invited discussion leaders:* Josie Hughes Dan Koditschek Cecila Laschi Chen Li Barbara Mazzolai Yasemin Ozkan-Aydin Stefan Schaal Giulio Sandini Barry Trimmer -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Prof Auke Jan Ijspeert (he/him) Biorobotics Laboratory EPFL-STI-IBI-BIOROB, ME D1 1226, Station 9 EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne CH 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland Office: ME D1 1226 Tel: +41 21 693 2658 Fax: +41 21 693 3705 www:http://biorob.epfl.ch Email:Auke.Ijspeert@epfl.ch -----------------------------------------------------------------

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Call for Participation - IEEE ARSO 2025 (Osaka, Japan | July 17-19)
by nagai.yukie＠mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

Dear colleagues, (Apologies for any cross-posting.) We are pleased to announce that the 2025 IEEE International Conference on Advanced Robotics and Its Social Impacts (ARSO 2025) will be held from July 17 to 19, 2025, at JAM BASE in Grand Green Osaka, a central hub in Osaka, Japan. Early registration is open until June 21, 2025. A special public session titled "Emergence of “cohabitant” robots and their ELSI implications" will be held on July 18 from 16:40 to 18:00. This session will be conducted in Japanese (AI-powered English captions projected on-screen) and is fee of charge. We warmly invite your participation in ARSO 2025 and look forward to welcoming you in Osaka. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2025 IEEE International Conference on Advanced Robotics and Its Social Impacts (ARSO 2025) https://ieee-arso.org * Date: July 17th-19th, 2025 * Venue: Blooming Camp on the 3rd floor of Grand Green Osaka "JAM BASE", Osaka, Japan * Registration: https://ieee-arso.org/registration/ Advanced robots are expected to enter in promising applications in our future society and bring substantial impacts. The increasing implementation of AI-based components even broaden their fields of application. To ensure that these impacts are positively reflected, today, we need to extend views not only on technical aspects but also on social challenges that we might face, including safety, regulation, ethics, human factors, and philosophy. The topics of ARSO 2025 include, but are not limited to the following: * Human-robot interaction in physical & psychological aspects * Safety standards for advanced robots & autonomous systems * Legal and ethical issues for advanced robots * Impact of robotics on society, e.g. robot business, marketing & economic impact * Robotics for sustainability, climate change or civil aid * Advanced industrial robots for future manufacturing * Healthcare & medical applications * Rehabilitation and transfer robotics * Service & assistance applications * Entertainment & education robotics * Robotics & autonomous driving * Bio-inspired robotics * Soft and wearable robotics Keynote Talks: 1. "The role of AI and robotics in society: Challenges and considerations" Arisa Ema (The University of Tokyo, Japan) 2. "Do robots really care?" Raja Chatila (Institut Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique (ISIR), France) 3. "Towards ethical lethal autonomy: Are reductions in noncombatant casualties achievable?" Ronald C. Arkin (Georgia Institute of Technology, USA) General Chairs: Minoru Asada, Japan Silvia Rossi, Italy Program Chairs: Kensuke Harada, Japan Emel Demircan, USA Astrid Weiss, Austria ARSO 2025 Special Public Session "Emergence of “cohabitant” robots and their ELSI implications" https://ieee-arso.org/special-public-session/ * Date: July 18th (Fri.) 16:40 - 18:00 * Venue: Blooming Camp on the 3rd floor of Grand Green Osaka "JAM BASE", Osaka, Japan * Language: Japanese (AI-powered English captions projected on-screen) * Participation fee: free of charge * Registration: https://forms.gle/xGgycTG2rHzNJ83q7 Purpose of the session: We are now entering an era in which robots are becoming part of our homes and everyday spaces—living with us as “cohabitant robots.” These robots are not mere tools; they are increasingly viewed as companions that mediate emotional connections and relationships. Cohabitant robots have the potential to enhance our well-being by supporting the elderly emotionally, assisting children’s learning, and providing personalized engagement. At the same time, however, they also raise new social and ethical concerns, such as risks to privacy and the potential for emotional manipulation. At the 21st IEEE International Conference on Advanced Robotics and Its Social Impacts (ARSO 2025), we are organizing—for the first time—a special session open to the general public. This commemorative session will begin with a keynote lecture by Mr. Yoichiro Masuda, a product designer at Panasonic Corporation, who led the development of the cohabitant robot NICOBO. In his talk, titled “NICOBO: Idea, Design, and Development,” he will share the story behind NICOBO’s creation and the philosophy that shaped it. Following the keynote, three expert talks will be delivered from the perspectives of roboethics, psychology, and anthropology, exploring the societal impacts and challenges posed by cohabitant robots. After the talks, a general discussion with the audience will be held. We warmly invite your questions and comments as we reflect together on how humans and robots may co-exist in the future. Program: 16:40–16:45 – Opening Remarks Tatsuhiko Inatani (Professor of Law, Kyoto University) 16:45–17:05 – Keynote Talk "NICOBO: Idea, Design, and Development" Yoichiro Masuda (NICOBO Project Leader, Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd.) 17:05–17:15 – Talk 1 "Rethinking Roboethics: Aesthetics of Existence, Social Transformation, and Agile Governance" Minoru Asada (Vice President, International Professional University of Technology in Osaka; Specially Appointed Professor, The University of Osaka) 17:15–17:25 – Talk 2 "Care and Learning in Human-Robot Interaction: Psychological Mechanisms and Well-Being" Hiroko Kamide (Program-Specific Associate Professor, Kyoto University) 17:25–17:35 – Talk 3 "Cultivating Polyphonic Companionship: Imperfection, Misalignment, and the Making of Robotic Intimacy in Contemporary Japan" Hirofumi Katsuno (Professor of Anthropology, Doshisha University) 17:35–17:55 – General Discussion Moderator: Tatsuhiko Inatani (Professor of Law, Kyoto University) Best regards, Yukie Nagai, on behalf of the organizing committees — Yukie Nagai, Ph.D. Project Professor, The University of Tokyo nagai.yukie(a)mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp | https://developmental-robotics.jp CREST Cognitive Feelings: https://cognitive-feeling.jp CREST Cognitive Mirroring: https://cognitive-mirroring.org

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World wide VVTNS series (fifth season): Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 11:00 am EDT| Riccardo Zecchina , Bocconi University, Milano
by David Hansel June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

[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 Riccardo Zecchina Bocconi University, Milano Local Deep Learning without Gradients in Asymmetric Recurrent Networks The lecture will be held on zoom on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at *11:00 am EDT * To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page *Abstract: * We introduce a statistical physics framework for learning in neural architectures composed of single or interconnected asymmetric attractor networks. These systems can exhibit a manifold of global fixed points capable of implementing sophisticated input-output mappings, which we characterize analytically. Learning from extensive datasets is achieved through the stabilization of fixed points via a fully distributed and local learning process, implemented at the single-neuron level. This simple mechanism yields performance comparable to that of conventional feedforward deep neural networks trained using gradient-based methods. The effectiveness of the model stems from the dense and accessible manifolds of stable fixed points, which encode the internal representations of data. Unlike other approaches to deep learning without backpropagation, our method does not attempt to estimate gradients. *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 ᐧ

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CNS*2025 Workshop "Brains and AI" – Speaker Lineup and Schedule
by Bazhenov, Maksim June 14, 2025

June 14, 2025

Dear Colleagues, We are excited to announce the upcoming CNS*2025 Workshop "Brains and AI", to be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Florence, Italy. This workshop will explore the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence - bringing together researchers applying AI to brain data and those leveraging insights from neuroscience to build better AI systems. https://users.sussex.ac.uk/~tn41/CNS2025_workshop/ Advances in neuroscience techniques have dramatically increased the volume of data we can now collect from animal and human brains. However, this surge in data has introduced new challenges in extracting meaningful insights. Fortunately, these developments have coincided with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), which holds the potential to transform how we analyze and utilize scientific information. While there is significant potential here, we are just starting to figure out how to apply modern AI models to interpret and process scientific data, and significant challenges remain. The trend of applying AI to better understand the brain concurs with another reviving trend: applying knowledge from neuroscience to developing new AI. Indeed, despite the tremendous progress, the existing generation of AI shows significant limitations, including a lack of continual learning, poor generalization, dependence on enormous amounts of data for training, bias, and safety problems. These are features where the biological brain excels, highlighting the strong need to learn once more from neuroscience how to develop the next generation of AI. The proposed workshop will combine these two complementary trends, bringing experts from the field together to discuss how AI can facilitate new scientific discoveries and how knowledge of the brain can help improve AI. Below is the list of confirmed speakers: * Fleur Zeldenrust * Vassilis Cutsuridis * Spyridon Chavlis * Andreas Tolias (online) * Robert Legenstein * Max Garagnani * Martin Trefzer * Julian Göltz * Maxim Bazhenov * Dhireesha Kudithipudi * Thomas Nowotny The workshop will conclude with a panel discussion and open debate. We look forward to your participation in what promises to be a thought-provoking and engaging event. Thomas Nowotny, Vassilis Cutsuridis, Maxim Bazhenov

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2 year Post-Doc - Charles University in Prague - Bioinspired Recurrent Neural Network Architectures
by Jan Antolik June 14, 2025

June 14, 2025

The CSNG Lab <https://csng.mff.cuni.cz/> at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at the Charles University is seeking a highly motivated *Postdoctoral Researcher* to join our team to work on *digital twin model of visual system. *Funded by the JUNIOR Post-Doc Fund <https://cuni.cz/UKEN-178.html>, this position offers an exciting opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of systems neuroscience, computational modeling and AI. *Project description:* Modern deep-learning techniques have transformed visual neuroscience by substantially improving the ability of models to predict cortical neuron responses to unseen visual stimuli. However, current deep-learning methods have two major shortcomings. First, they focus on predicting only the average neural response, failing to capture the fine temporal dynamics generated within recurrent neural populations. Second, these models rely on standard "off-the-shelf" architectures optimized for efficient training rather than reflecting the biological substrate under study. As a result, they function as black boxes, making it difficult to interpret the learned representations in terms of how visual processing is organized and implemented in biological neural circuits. These limitations hinder the ability of deep-learning models to provide meaningful insights into the principles governing vision and translate them to clinical applications such as brain-machine-interface systems. To address these challenges, in this project *we will develop novel modular, multi-layer recurrent neural **network (RNN) architectures that directly mirror the architecture of the primary visual cortex.* Our models will establish a one-to-one mapping between individual neurons at different stages of the visual pathway and their artificial counterparts. They will explicitly incorporate functionally specific lateral recurrent interactions, excitatory and inhibitory neuronal classes, complex single-neuron transfer functions with adaptive mechanisms, synaptic depression, and others. We will first train our new RNNs on synthetic data generated by a state-of-the-art biologically realistic recurrent spiking model of the primary visual cortex developed in our group. After we establish the proof-of-concept on the synthetic data, we will translate our models to publicly available mouse and macaque data, as well as additional data from our experimental collaborators. *What do we offer:* We are the Computational Systems Neuroscience Group (CSNG) <https://csng.mff.cuni.cz/> based at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University, Prague. The main goal of our group is to identify computations implemented in the neural system that underlies sensory perception, as well as applying this knowledge to the design of stimulation protocols for visual prosthetic systems. To that end, we build models of visual systems at various levels of abstraction using a variety of computational techniques including, but not limited to, machine learning and large-scale biologically plausible spiking neural network simulations. The position is *fully funded for 2 years, *and comes with a salary equivalent to ~2400 EUR/month. We offer a dynamic international working environment and collaborations with world-leading experimental labs (Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, Institute de la Vision Paris etc.). *Candidate profile:* Strong background in modern machine learning techniques. Prior experience with training recurrent neural networks, and neuroscience or related disciplines is an advantage, but not strict requirement. Interested candidates should *contact Dr. Ján Antolík* ( jan.antolik(a)mff.cuni.cz) with their CV. *Deadline 5th August 2025.*

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Computational neuroscience Post Doc position
by Thomas Funck June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

Hi everyone, We currently have a job opening for a Post Doctoral Fellow in computational neuroscience, specifically for neural mass modeling. The position is based in New York City and is for 3 years. Please see below. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to discuss further! Cheers, Thomas Funck Research Scientist Child Mind Institute JOB TITLE: Postdoctoral Fellow DEPARTMENT: Research- Center for Integrative Developmental Neuroscience LOCATION: Midtown, NY WORKPLACE SETTING: HYBRID (min. 4 days in office per week) POSITION SUMMARY: The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will focus on studying brain structure and functional connectivity at the forefront of computational neuroscience. You will work in close collaboration with internal and external partners to advance the modeling of whole-brain dynamics through the integration of microstructural brain data into large-scale simulations. You will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of neuroscientists, software developers, and data scientists to design, implement, validate, and disseminate open-source tools that integrate mesoscale neurotransmitter receptor maps into a neural mass modeling (NMM) simulation environment, and extend existing brain simulation tools to explore the biological underpinnings of brain function. RESPONSIBILITIES * Process and analyze large-scale fMRI, MRI, and DTI data from human and non-human * primate datasets using high-performance computing infrastructures. * Design and conduct simulations of whole-brain activity using surface-based cortical * meshes and brain atlases and validate simulation outputs against empirical fMRI data. * Implement Python code to integrate anatomic priors into existing NMM simulation * software. * Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and assist with grant * applications and data sharing with collaborators. * Provide guidance and support to junior research staff, including assistance with data * analysis and professional development. * Support the completion of ongoing and future grant-funded projects * Perform other job-related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Qualifications • Ph.D. in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, computer science, physics, applied mathematics, or a related field. • Publication track record demonstrating ability to conduct independent research and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team; with at least 1 first author publication or multiple middle author publications with significant contribution to the project. • 3+ years experience in Python and scientific computing (e.g., Numpy, Scipy, Scikit-Learn), and the Git version control systems. • 3+ years experience of existing neuroimaging software packages (e.g., ANTs, FreeSurfer, AFNI, FSL) file formats (e.g., NIfTI, GIFTI, CIFTI). • 3+ years of experience in neuroimaging research, including expertise with one or more imaging modalities such as fMRI, DTI, MRI, EEG, or MEG. General Qualifications • Strong interpersonal and communication skills in English, including written and oral communication. • Work cooperatively and contribute to group efforts in a very collaborative, opensource, and multidisciplinary environment. • Efficiently handle multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment ADA Qualitifactions This position is based in a professional office environment. It requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods, operate standard office equipment (including computers, phones, copiers, and printers), perform repetitive tasks, and communicate effectively with others. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may also be required. This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain information that is proprietary, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender by return email and delete the original message and any attachments

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Free and Online National Level Webinar: Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking, and Network Security
by PRANAV NERURKAR June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

Dear Esteemed Colleagues (Apologies for multiple emails) National Level Webinar: Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking, and Network Security The Department of Artificial Intelligence at Utkarsh Minds Technologies is excited to present a free webinar on: *- *Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking, and Network Security** Details - Date: June 14, 2025 - Time: 4:00 PM IST - Mode: Online Webinar Highlights - Explore the latest trends and techniques in cybersecurity - Learn about ethical hacking and network security - Gain insights from experts in the field Registration - Register here: https://internships.utkarshminds.com/sessions/Career-prospects-in-Cybersecu… Contact - For further queries, please reach out to: - Pranav Nerurkar: 9619997797 Join us to enhance your knowledge in cybersecurity and stay ahead in the field! Warm and Kind regards, *Pranav A. NERURKAR* Specialist - AI & Data science UTKARSH MINDS +91 961-999-77-97 pranav.nerurkar@ <amandine.deplantes(a)igonogo.io>utkarshminds.com www.utkarshminds.com Nirmala Sadan, Jaya Nagar, Kasturba cross road no. 1, Mumbai - 400066

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[Newsletter RTAIM] 4th Inter. Conf. Ethics of AI (24-30 July, deadline: 25 June) + 19h RTAIM Seminar + Call for Papers (JAIC)
by steven gouveia June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

Dear All, The Call for Abstracts for the 4th International Conference on Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (4ICEAI) is open until the 25 June 2025 (final deadline). Keynotes speakers are: John P. Hawthorne (Uni. Southern California), Julia Maria Mönig (Uni. Bonn), Pietro Perconti (Uni. Messina), Emília Duarte (European Uni.), Jesmin Jahan Tithi (AI Research Scientist at Intel), Christina H. Dietz (Uni. Southern California), Gabriel Ferreira (Uni. Sinos River Valley) and Raquel Simões de Almeida (Porto Polytechnic Higher School of Health). In-person submissions will be considered for the Ethics of AI Award 2025. You can find more about the conference here: https://ifilosofia.up.pt/activities/4-international-conference-ethics-ai Moreover, you are welcome to attend the 19th rTAIM Online Seminar, with the participation of Gustavo Oliva (UNISINOS, Brazil), 18 June 2025, 3:00pm - 4:30pm (Lisbon Time) via Zoom with the title “Patient Preference Predictors and the Rationality of Belief". You can find the relevant Zoom information here: Link: https://videoconf-colibri.zoom.us/j/91369601205?pwd=bsXLHK7a9pbpaoyJZuNwTuG… ID: 913 6960 1205 Password: 924448 Finally, paper submissions for a special issue on AI, 4E and Consciousness at the Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness is available here (deadline: 31 August 2025): https://www.worldscientific.com/page/jaic/callforpapers02 Sincerely yours, RTAIM Team

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Late-breaking poster abstract submission for the 32nd Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting ends on June 15
by Rubchinsky, Leonid L June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Dear Colleagues, We would like to remind that the late-breaking poster abstracts submission at CNS*2023 ends on June 15. CNS*2023, 32nd Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting, will be in Leipzig, Germany, on July 15-19, 2023. The information about the meeting and abstract submission can be found here: Registration: https://ocns.memberclicks.net/cns-2023-registration Abstract submission: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2023-abstract-submission CNS*2023 information: https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2023 With kind regards, Leonid Rubchinsky OCNS Vice President *********************** Leonid Rubchinsky, PhD Professor Department of Mathematical Sciences, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine 402 N. Blackford St Indianapolis, IN 46202-3216 lrubchin(a)iupui.edu http://www.math.iupui.edu/~lrubchin ***********************

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Ibn Sina Neurotech Autumn School, Abu Dhabi, UAE (13-17 October 2025)
by Mohamed Abdelhack June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Dear Community, Arabs in Neuroscience is pleased to announce the Ibn Sina Neurotech Autumn School that will be held at the NYU Abu Dhabi campus, UAE between 13-17 October 2025. At Ibn Sina Neurotech School 2025, we will teach hands on knowledge of data collection and analysis with a focus on fMRI. It is ideal for graduate students and postdocs who are interested in delving into the field of fMRI data collection and analysis and also those who look into fitting their models on data and would like to understand the caveats. The language of instruction is going to be English with support for Arabic speakers and it is open to everyone regardless of background. We would like to establish a collaborative environment that cross geographical boundaries. Confirmed faculty: - Nancy Kanwisher (MIT) - Rik Henson (U of Cambridge) - Moataz Assem (U of Cambridge) - Bas Rokers (NYU Abu Dhabi) - Mohamed Abdelhack (Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics) - Abdalla Mohamed (NYU Abu Dhabi) School fees: 1200 USD (international) 400 USD (Abu Dhabi locals) Scholarships available to deserving students. School is sponsored by IBRO, NYU Abu Dhabi, and the American University in Cairo So if you are interested in learning how to fMRI, make sure you apply before the deadline on June-15th and please share amongst your networks.https://arabsinneuro.org/school/isn/

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[Meetings] Call for late-breaking results - IEEE Int. Conf. Development and Learning (ICDL) 2025
by Matej Hoffmann June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

* Dear colleagues, The IEEE International Conference on Development and Learning 2025 will be held September 16–19, 2025 in Prague, Czechia. Website: https://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/ We invite submissions of: Late-breaking results as 1-page abstracts - Deadline: June 13, 2025. ----------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------- Important Deadlines ----------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------- 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/>. Late-breaking posters with 1-page abstract—deadline: June 13, 2025. To encourage discussion of late-breaking results or work that is not sufficiently mature for a full paper, we will accept 1-page extended abstracts. Accepted submissions will be presented during the poster session. These submissions will be included in the local conference proceedings but not on IEEE Xplore. In PaperPlaza, please fill in the abstract and on the next page submit a pdf document of maximum 1 page using the provided template. The submission may contain figures and references. 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/

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NEST Conference 2025 — Register by Wednesday, 11 June (23:59 CEST/UTC+2)!
by Hans Ekkehard Plesser June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

Dear Colleagues, We are looking forward to an exciting virtual NEST Conference 2025 on 17–18 June. This year’s program includes keynotes by * Marja-Leena Linne, Tampere University, Finland Astroglia in Neural Circuits: Modeling Synaptic and Network Modulation * Daniela Gandolfi, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Italy Full-scale point neuron models of mouse and human hippocampal microcircuits * Bernhard Vogginger, TU Dresden, Germany The SpiNNaker2 neuromorphic system for large-scale brain simulation and energy-efficient AI * Barna Zajzon, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany Signal propagation and denoising through topographic modularity of neural circuits complemented by contributed talks, posters and three workshops. You will find the full program at https://events.hifis.net/event/2047/timetable/#all.detailed To register, please go to https://nest-simulator.org/conference. Registration deadline is coming Wednesday, 11 June 2025 23:59 (CEST, UTC+2). We are looking forward to seeing you at the NEST Conference 2025! 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 President, NEST Initiative e.V. 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

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World wide VVTNS series (fifth season): Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 11:00 am EDT| Ulises Pereira Oblinovic Allen Institute
by David Hansel June 8, 2025

June 8, 2025

[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 Ulises Pereira Oblinovic Allen Institute Neural dynamics outside task-coding dimensions shape decision trajectories The lecture will be held on zoom on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at *11:00 am EDT * To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page *Abstract: *Decision-making unfolds within high-dimensional neural population activity, yet traditional analyses focus on low-dimensional coding subspaces that represent task-relevant variables. Whether these coding dimensions causally drive decisions or merely reflect them remains unclear. Here, we investigate the mechanistic role of residual dimensions—neural activity patterns orthogonal to coding subspaces—in shaping choice behavior. We developed a recurrent neural network model that fits large-scale neural recordings and behavior, disentangling coding and residual subspaces at the single-trial level. Applied to anterior lateral motor cortex (ALM) and motor thalamus recordings during a delayed response task, the model reveals that perturbations along residual dimensions—but not the choice axis—reliably flip decisions, recapitulating a recent paradoxical effect observed with targeted two-photon optogenetic manipulations: activity outside the task-coding subspace exerts stronger causal influence on behavior than perturbations aligned with the choice axis. These effects arise from transient, high-dimensional feedforward trajectories shaped by residual dimensions and converging onto discrete attractor states. Crucially, residual dimensions drive dynamics in coding dimensions, rather than the reverse. To probe the trial-to-trial impact of residual activity, we modeled single-trial deviations as low-dimensional inputs that shift trajectories relative to trial-averaged dynamics. This framework captures decision variability mechanistically: errors emerge when fluctuations in residual dimensions steer dynamics toward incorrect attractors. Extending the model to include thalamocortical loops, we find that inter-area communication operates primarily through residual—not choice-selective—pathways. Together, these results challenge the classical view that decisions are governed by low-dimensional, task-aligned dynamics alone, revealing a causal and computationally essential role for residual dimensions in decision-making. *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.* ᐧ

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The Wait is Over! The 2024 Best Illusion of the Year Contest
by smart＠neuralcorrelate.com June 8, 2025

June 8, 2025

Dear Illusion Enthusiasts, We know you've been waiting! The final voting round of the 2024 Best Illusion of the Year Contest was originally slated for last December, but a critical website issue required a thorough and careful complete rebuild to ensure the integrity and security of our global voting process. We appreciate your patience as we worked diligently behind the scenes-and we're delighted to announce that the wait is finally over! We're more excited than ever to share the mind-bending illusions from our incredible finalists with you! Worldwide voting for the 2024 <http://illusionoftheyear.com/> Best Illusion of the Year Contest will start on Monday, June 23rd, and will remain open until Friday, June 27th. The 1st place winner will receive $3,000, the 2nd place winner $2,000, and the 3rd place winner $1,000. The Top 10 Finalists, selected from dozens of entries from countries all around the world, will be publicly revealed at voting time. Anybody with an internet connection (that means YOU!) can vote to pick the Top 3 Winners from the Top 10 Finalists. The Neural Correlate Society thanks our 2024 Platinum Sponsor, the <https://www.museumofillusions.com/> Museum of Illusions, for their generous support of the Best Illusion of the Year Contest. On behalf of the Executive Board of the Neural Correlate Society: Jose-Manuel Alonso, Stephen Macknik, Susana Martinez-Conde, Luis Martinez, Xoana Troncoso, Peter Tse ---------------------------------------------------------- Susana Martinez-Conde, PhD Author, <x-msg://2/championsofillusionbook.com> Champions of Illusion and Sleights of Mind Professor of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Physiology & Pharmacology Director, Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience 2014 Society for Neuroscience's Science Educator Award 2014 Empire Innovator Scholar State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn NY 11203, USA Email: <mailto:smart@neuralcorrelate.com> smart(a)neuralcorrelate.com Phone: <tel:%2B1%20718-270-4520> +1 718-270-4520 http://smc.neuralcorrelate.com

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PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience of Human Motor Adaptation at Sorbonne University (Paris, France) -- deadline July 31
by Dmitrii TODOROV June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

Title: Understanding Neural Mechanisms of Human Motor Learning by Using Explainable AI for Time Series and Brain-Computer Interfaces This PhD project will focus on uncovering mechanisms of human motor adaptation by using advanced computational tools. By analyzing (and potentially collecting new) EEG and MEG + behavioral data from multiple datasets you will explore how the brain adapts movements to external perturbations. There will also be an opportunity to test the newly obtained understanding using a brain-computer interface (BCI) protocol. The project will be co-supervised by Dr. Dmitrii Todorov and Dr. Veronique Marchand-Pauvert, and will be carried out within an international interdisciplinary team. We welcome applicants with a Master's degree (or equivalent) in computational neuroscience or related fields (broadly speaking). Programming skills are essential; prior experience with computational / cognitive / motor neuroscience is a plus. Keywords: motor adaptation, MEG/EEG analysis, time series machine learning, brain computer interfaces, RNN, dynamical systems, oscillations Full details can be found here: https://sdrive.cnrs.fr/s/TPwgCpG6z8rPwBR or here https://sites.google.com/view/dtodorov-neuro/ Best regards, Dmitrii Todorov Chaire Professeur Junior Neural Connectivity and Plasticity team Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomedicale ( INSERM 1146 ) 15 rue de l'école de Médecine 75006 Paris

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Call for Abstracts & Registration: Neuro-Cybernetics at Scale (Champalimaud Research Symposium 2025)
by Memming Park June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

Dear colleagues, We are excited to announce that registration and abstract submission are now open for the upcoming Champalimaud Research Symposium: *Neuro-Cybernetics at Scale*, organized jointly by Memming Park (Champalimaud), Guillaume Hennequin (Cambridge), and Shreya Saxena (Yale). We will explore how behavior emerges through complex feedback loops across neural circuits, bodies, and varied environments. The symposium draws inspiration from the recent advances in AI and machine learning, where scaling has unlocked unprecedented performance. We believe neuroscience may be approaching a similar inflection point (e.g. foundation model for neuroscience). By convening researchers in experimental neuroscience, robotics, machine learning, control theory, and theoretical neuroscience, we aim to explore how ideas of scaling and feedback can shape the future of systems neuroscience. 🗓 Dates: *15-17th October 2025* 📍 Location: Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal 🌟 Keynote Speakers: Eva Dyer, Auke Ijspeert, Misha Ahrens, Adrienne Fairhall 🎙 Invited Speakers: Bing Brunton, Ehud Ahissar, Eugenia Chiappe, Jonathan Pillow, Máté Lengyel, Srini Turaga, Taro Toyoizumi, Bence Ölveczky, and more! We invite you to: ✅ Submit an abstract for consideration for a contributed talk or a poster presentation. 🏆 You can win monetary awards for the best posters or best talk! (thanks to support from Protocol Labs) 🏆 There are travel grants! ✅ Register to attend the symposium. Full details and submission links are available here: 👉 https://symposium.fchampalimaud.science/ Best, Memming, Shreya, and Guillaume --- Group Leader, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal Neural Dynamics = CATNIP Lab http://catniplab.github.io/

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Call for Papers – ROMAN 2025 Workshop - MoMa: Movement Matters: A Turing Test for Robot Interaction
by Doris Pischedda June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

Dear All, You are cordially invited to submit your contributions to the half-day workshop "Movement Matters: A Turing Test for Robot Interaction <https://activeself.de/movement-matters/>" (MoMa), which will be held as part of RO-MAN 2025 on August 29th in Eindhoven, Netherlands. This workshop examines how the Turing Test can be extended beyond language-based interaction to evaluate robotic intelligence through movement. The focus is on how physical behavior, such as navigation, approach strategies, and motion dynamics, can function as a basis for assessing agency, intentionality, and human-likeness in robots. We welcome submissions that investigate the role of non-verbal behavior in shaping user perception and that propose theoretical, empirical, or design-based approaches to movement as a testable dimension of intelligence. We also invite contributions from researchers working on reinterpretations of the Turing Test, embodied interaction, and the relationship between motion and perceived intelligence in artificial agents. *Important Dates* - *Paper submission*: July 3rd, 2025 - *Notification of acceptance*: July 17th, 2025 - *Camera-ready submission*: August 5th, 2025 - *Workshop date*: August 29th, 2025 *Submission Guidelines* Papers should be up to *4 pages*, including an *abstract* of up to* 300 words*. They should be submitted through the submission portal <https://easychair.org/cfp/MoMa2025>. Accepted papers will result in a poster presentation. *Topics of Interest* Key topics covered include, but are not limited to: - Turing Test in Robotics - Impact of Robotic Movement on Human Perceptions of Safety, Comfort, and Collaboration - Extensions of the Turing Test to Non-Verbal Robotic Behaviors - Evaluating "Human-Likeness" in Robotic Movements - Movement Patterns in Social and Task-Oriented Interactions - Developing Metrics for Naturalness and Adaptability in Robotic Multimodal Behavior - Computational Models of Motor Behavior with Implementation and Validation in Robot Platforms - Adaptive Movement Strategies for Robots in Human-Interactive Environments - Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Interpreting Robotic Movement Behaviors *Invited Speakers* - Dr. Pablo Lanillos - Prof. Agnieszka Wykowska - Prof. Minha Lee *Organizers* - Kristina Nikolovska, Constructor University, Germany - Jan Pohl, Dresden University of Technology, Germany - Anna Lena Lange, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany - Doris Pischedda, University of Pavia, Italy - Dimosthenis Kontogiorgos, Massachusetts Insstitute of Technology, USA - Francesco Maurelli, Constructor University, Germany - Verena V. Hafner, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany Please, contact us at *moma2025(a)easychair.org <moma2025(a)easychair.org>* for any questions or inquiries. We look forward to your submissions and engaging discussions at the workshop! [image: LOGO-UNIPV] Dr. Doris Pischedda Dipartimento di Scienze del Sistema Nervoso e del Comportamento Assistant Professor via Ferrata 5 - 27100 Pavia (Italia) <http://maps.google.com/?q=via+Ferrata+5+27100+Pavia+%28Italia%29> T. 0382.985211 <0382985211> https://sites.google.com/view/dorispischedda/home UNIFIND <https://unipv.unifind.cineca.it/individual?uri=http%3A%2F%2Firises.unipv.it…>

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