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World wide VVTNS series: Wednesday, April 17 at 11am (EDT), Tim O'Leary University of Cambridge|Flip flops and toggles for effective decision making in neural circuits

by David Hansel

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture given by Tim O'Leary University of Cambridge on the topic of "Flip flops and toggles for effective decision making in neural circuits*"* The lecture will be held on zoom on *April 17, 2024*, at *11:00 am EDT * To receive the zoom link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page *Abstract: *Neural computation is inextricably bound to decisions that must be made under time pressure and uncertainty. At the level of neural circuits, single neurons need to decide whether to spike. On longer timescales, the component circuitry needs to decide whether to reconfigure to store memories and adapt to novel situations. In this talk I will focus on two fun ideas in each of these contexts by showing how nonlinearities in neural components naturally form excitable switches that enable reliable decisions to be made in fluctuating environments. I will also issue propaganda that the kind of high level, cognitive faculties that we normally associate with decision making apply equally well and are understudied at the level of neural and synaptic populations. *About VVTNS : Created as the World Wide Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), its aim is to be a platform to exchange ideas among theoreticians. 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 -- '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 Pères 75270 Paris Cedex 06 Tel (Cell): +33 607508403 - ᐧ

April 14, 2024

PhD Opportunity in AI and Neuroscience, Bordeaux, Deadline: April 23rd

by Xavier Hinaut

We are offering a PhD topic that bridges large language models with neuroscience. **Deadline for application: no later than April 23rd** Location: Bordeaux NeuroCampus (France) Laboratories: Inria & Neurological Diseases Insitute This project aims to explore the adaptation of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, to study their potential in understanding human language and identifying associated pathologies. By focusing on advanced neurocomputational models and the use of functional MRI, this work aims to decipher linguistic representations and their individual variations, particularly in pathological contexts such as dyslexia. We are seeking a candidate with an interdisciplinary research mindset, combining a strong interest in cognitive neuroscience with a solid proficiency in machine learning. The candidate should have a good command of Python scientific libraries (numpy/scipy) and be comfortable with mathematical/statistical concepts, in addition to proficiency in technical English. The project will take place in a dynamic and collaborative research environment linked to the Inria Exploratory Action project "BrainGPT", with access to imaging methods such as MRI and intensive computing clusters. The expected results have the potential to transform our understanding of the neural bases of language and open new avenues for personalized education and language pathology treatment. Applications must be submitted as soon as possible and no later than *April 23rd*, with the thesis expected to begin on October 1st, 2024. To apply, please send your CV, a cover letter, your academic transcripts since high school, and letters of recommendation to these two email addresses: gael.jobard(a)u-bordeaux.fr & xavier.hinaut(a)inria.fr For more information (please disregard the deadline mentioned in the link): https://adum.fr/as/ed/voirproposition.pl?matricule_prop=55386 or informally via email: gael.jobard(a)u-bordeaux.fr & xavier.hinaut(a)inria.fr Best regards, Xavier Hinaut Inria Research Scientist — www.xavierhinaut.com -- +33 5 33 51 48 01 Mnemosyne team, Inria, Bordeaux, France -- https://team.inria.fr/mnemosyne & LaBRI, Bordeaux University -- https://www4.labri.fr/en/formal-methods-and-models & IMN (Neurodegeneratives Diseases Institute) -- http://www.imn-bordeaux.org/en — Our Reservoir Computing library: https://github.com/reservoirpy/reservoirpy

April 11, 2024

Postdoc position available at UChicago

by Jorge Jaramillo

Dear Comp-Neuro community, https://neuroscience.uchicago.edu/postdoctoral-fellow-computational-neurosc… We are looking for an outstanding applicant to develop large-scale circuit models for decision making within a collaborative consortium that includes the Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics, New York University, and the University of Chicago. This ambitious NIH-funded project requires the creativity and expertise to integrate multimodal data sets (e.g., connectivity, large-scale neural recordings, behavior) into a comprehensive modeling framework. The successful applicant will join Jorge Jaramillo’s Distributed Neural Dynamics and Control Lab at the Grossman Center at the University of Chicago. The Grossman Center Core Faculty | Neuroscience Institute<https://neuroscience.uchicago.edu/grossman-center-core-faculty> Throughout the course of the postdoctoral training, there will be opportunities to visit the other sites in Seattle (Karel Svoboda) and New York (Adam Carter, Xiao-Jing Wang) for additional training and collaboration opportunities. Appointees will join as Grossman Center Postdoctoral Fellows at the University of Chicago and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and additional opportunities for collaboration with exceptional experimental labs within the Department of Neurobiology, as well as other labs from the departments of Physics, Computer Sciences, and Statistics. The Grossman Center offers competitive postdoctoral salaries in the vibrant and international city of Chicago, and a rich intellectual environment that includes the Argonne National Laboratory and the Data Science Institute. Postdoctoral fellows will also have the possibility to work in additional projects with other Grossman Center faculty members. Application: Please send your application before May 1st 2024 as a single PDF file including: i) a CV with publications highlighted; ii) a motivation letter specifying how you can contribute to large-scale circuit modeling and data analysis based on current and previous work; iii) the contact details of two academic references to jorgejaramillo(a)uchicago.edu<mailto:jorgejaramillo@uchicago.edu>. A doctoral degree and sufficient computational background is required; informal enquiries are welcome. Starting date: The position is available immediately, starting date can be defined via mutual agreement. The University of Chicago is committed to sustaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

April 11, 2024

Sleep spindles in hippocampal axons

by Gregory J Brewer

We are pleased to announce our latest publication out today in Scientific Reports, Spindle oscillations in communicating axons within a reconstituted hippocampal formation are strongest in CA3 without thalamus. (open access) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1038/s41598-024-58002-0?utm_source=rct… Grace to you, Greg Gregory J. Brewer, Ph.D., Professor University of California Irvine, Dept Biomedical Engineering 92697-2715 Institute for Memory Impairment and Neurological Disorders (MIND) Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (CNLM) AGE Fellow of the American Aging Association Nat. Sci, 2, Office Rm 3101, Lab 3432 GJBrewer(a)uci.edu<mailto:GJBrewer@uci.edu>, 217-502-4511 http://brewer.eng.uci.edu/

April 10, 2024

New on the van Vreeswijk Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (VVNTS) website and YouTube channel

by David Hansel

[image: VVTNS.png] > > <https://streaklinks.com/B7FpUrTOTmFafqa5pAf069mO/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> > https://www.wwtns.online > <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> > - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide > New on the VVTNS website and YouTube channel Biologically motivated learning dynamics: parallel architectures and nonlinear Hebbian plasticity talk given on April 10, 2024 by Michael Buice Allen Institute https://www.wwtns.online/past-seminars-2023-2024 ------------------------------------ *VVTNS: VVTNS is a weekly digital seminar on Zoom targeting the theoretical neuroscience community. Created as the World Wide Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), its aim is to be a platform to exchange ideas among theoreticians. 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

April 10, 2024

New virtual colloquium series: Brains in Space

by Vinita Samarasinghe

On behalf of Sen Cheng, Sandhiya Vijayabaskaran and Laurenz Wiskott from the Institute of Neural Computation, Faculty for Computer Science, Ruhr University Bochum, I invite you to attend a new colloquium series "*Brains in Space: An Interdisciplinary Research Colloquium on Spatial Navigation*". In this colloquium, speakers will present their research in various areas of spatial navigation, including behavioral, neuroscientific, and theoretical approaches. The goal is to foster interdisciplinary discussions along the lines of the review article "A Map of Spatial Navigation for Neuroscience" (Parra-Barrero et al., 2023) that proposes a taxonomy of spatial navigation processes in mammals. The talks will cover a diverse range of topics, from the neural underpinnings of navigation to complex navigation behaviors. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how the mammalian brain represents and navigates through space, as well as learn about several cognitive processes such as learning and memory through the lens of spatial navigation. The colloquium takes place virtually on Tuesday's from 16:00 to 17:30 (CEST) and the complete schedule can be found at https://www.ini.rub.de/teaching/courses/colloquium_brains_in_space_an_inter… . The first talk is on April 16th 2024. *Confirmed speakers:* Elizabeth Chrastil, Marko Nardini, Laure Rondi-Reig, Denis Sheynikhovich, Aaron Wilber, Sandhiya Vijayabaskaran, Francesca Sargolini and Eloy Parra Barrero. This colloquium is open to the public. Please feel free to forward this information to any of your colleagues who may be interested. *Zoom link*: https://ruhr-uni-bochum.zoom.us/j/68766911124?pwd=MFErK284UmN5V25wZzd5L1FCa… We look forward to seeing you. Kind regards, -- Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A. Science Manager Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience Institut für Neuroinformatik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/73 Postfachnummer 110 Universitätstr. 150 44801 Bochum Tel: +49 (0) 234 32 27996 Email:samarasinghe@ini.rub.de

April 10, 2024

EITN Fall School in Computational Neuroscience 2024: Applications are now open!

by DEPANNEMAECKER Damien

EITN Fall School in Computational Neuroscience 2024 <https://eitnschool2022.sciencesconf.org/> Marseille, 16-25 October 2024 The EITN Fall School in Computational Neuroscience consists of a 10-day course in theoretical and computational neuroscience, from cellular to whole-brain levels. The course is structured in thematic days with lectures, tutorials, and project work. The course is typically aimed at PhD students, young postdocs, or master students interested to learn more about techniques of computational neuroscience, and the use of various simulation environments for model building. The students will form thematic groups to work on predefined subjects, with the help of tutors. The course will cover cellular models, models of brain signals, circuit models and networks, mean-field models, and whole-brain models. There will be lectures and tutorials associated with these topics. Why join? 10 days of intensive training in computational neuroscience provided by researchers from all over Europe. A complete program: • Cellular models, and models of brain signals • Circuit models and networks • Mean-field models • Whole-brain models Hands-on learning schedule based on: • Morning classes and tutorials • Group projects in the afternoon • Free time in the evenings and on Sunday to visit Marseille How to apply? This training has a limited capacity of 28 students, therefore a selection will be performed by a scientific organizing committee. Applications are open until 09 June 2024. Application: a one-page CV, a motivation letter to explain why you would like to attend this course, and a recommendation letter. The file names must start with your name (e.g., NAME_CV.pdf, etc....). Send your application by email at eitnfs2024(a)groups.emdesk.com<mailto:eitnfs2024@groups.emdesk.com> You will receive a confirmation your application has been received within 5 working days (or on the day the application period closes (whichever comes the soonest). If not, please consider a technical issue and submit your application again. Contact eitnfs2024(a)groups.emdesk.com<mailto:eitnfs2024@groups.emdesk.com> for any questions or assistance. This training is designed to be attended in person in Marseille. It will not be recorded nor accessible remotely. Organizers: Damien Depannemaecker (AMU), Alain Destexhe (CNRS), Viktor Jirsa (AMU) Preliminary list of Faculty and Speakers: Viktor Jirsa (AMU, Marseille France)` Alain Destexhe (NeuroPSI, Paris, France)) Sacha Van Alba (Research Centre Jülich and University of Cologne, Allemagne) Egidio D’Angelo (University of Pavia, Italie) Michaele Migliore (National Research Council, Palerme, Italie) Andrea Brovelli (AMU, Marseille France) Matthieu Gilson(AMU, Marseille France) Marja-Leena Linne (Tempere University, Finlande) Spase Petkoski (AMU, Marseille France) Damien Depannemaecker(AMU, Marseille France) HuifangWang (AMU, Marseille France) ...

April 10, 2024

[CFP] Modern Machine Learning Methods for robust and real-time Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) - ESANN 2024 - Deadline 02 May

by Jaime Andres Riascos Salas

CALL FOR PAPERS CFP – SPECIAL SESSION MODERN MACHINE LEARNING METHODS FOR ROBUST AND REAL-TIME BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACES (BCI) Paper Submission Deadline: 2 MAY 2024 EUROPEAN SYMPOSIUM ON ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS, COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING (ESANN 2024) OCTOBER 9-11, 2024 Bruges, Belgium. Online and on-site http://www.esann.org [1] Contact Special Session: jariascos(a)correo.iue.edu.co THE EUROPEAN SYMPOSIUM ON ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS, COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING (ESANN) is a leading annual conference dedicated to cutting-edge research and applications within these fields. Since 1993, ESANN has provided a vital platform for researchers from academia, industry, and government to share their latest findings, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and network with others in the field. The conference covers core topics like artificial neural networks, computational intelligence, and machine learning, and explores wide-ranging applications in areas such as bioinformatics, engineering, and finance. The 32nd edition of ESANN (ESANN 2024) will take place in Bruges, Belgium in hybrid mode (both in-person and online participation), from Wednesday 9 to Friday 11 October 2024. Bruges (also called the "Venice of the North") is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe. Bruges is situated about 100 km. from Brussels and can very easily be reached by train from Brussels' main stations. Bruges is unique in Europe: a living city of human proportions where you can wander to your heart's content in virtually unspoiled surroundings. Inside ESANN 2024, the special session "MODERN MACHINE LEARNING METHODS FOR ROBUST AND REAL-TIME BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACES (BCI)” aims to spotlight and consolidate the latest advancements, innovations, challenges, and prospects in modern machine learning algorithms for BCI, which are both accurate and fast enough for real-time use, and ideally assessed for real-time use. BCIs are communication and control systems that enable users to interact with computers using brain activity only. They are very promising for various applications, such as assistive technologies, rehabilitation, or mental state monitoring, but suffer from a lack of robustness. Their robustness mostly relies on advances in machine learning and signal processing. Simple models offer a quick response to real-time constraints but often without high accuracies. In contrast, artificial neural networks and more elaborate models compromise speedy responses for reaching sometimes higher accuracies. Thus, ideally, there is a need for a trade-off in complexity in signal processing and machine learning stages to obtain the best combination, i.e., both high accuracy and speed. Therefore, we aim to foster interdisciplinary collaborations and pave the way for future breakthroughs in this field. We invite authors to submit original research articles, reviews, and case studies on the following topics: 1. Signal Processing and Feature Extraction: I. Novel methods for preprocessing EEG signals II. Feature extraction techniques for real-time BCI applications 2. Classification Algorithms: I. Advanced machine learning algorithms for BCI signal classification II. Deep learning approaches in BCI research 3. Real-time BCI Systems: I. Development of real-time BCI systems II. Applications and challenges in deploying BCI systems in real-time. Prospective authors are invited to contribute to the conference by electronically submitting papers through the ESANN portal following the instructions provided at https://www.esann.org/node/6 [2] and choosing our session's title as Target Session on the paper submission form. Papers must not exceed 6 pages, including figures and references. All papers will be submitted to a single-blind peer-review process. LaTeX and Word-style files are available. They must be used for generating the PDF file (see author guidelines at https://www.esann.org/author_guidelines [3]). Accepted papers will be presented as either talks or posters (in-person or online), to favor interaction with the ESANN attendees. There is no difference in quality between talks and posters; all papers will be published in the conference proceedings. At least one author must register for the conference and pay the registration fee. We ask prospective authors to send us an e-mail with the tentative title of their contribution to the special session as soon as possible. IMPORTANT DATES: Paper submission deadline: 2 MAY 2024 Notification of acceptance: 16 JUNE 2024 The ESANN 2023 conference: 9-11 OCTOBER 2024 SPECIAL SESSION ORGANISERS: Fabien Lotte (Inria, France) Marta Molinas (NTNU, Norway) Jaime A Riascos (Potsdam University - Institution University of Envigado, Germany - Colombia) Bests regards! Links: ------ [1] http://www.esann.org/ [2] https://www.esann.org/node/6 [3] https://www.esann.org/author_guidelines

April 10, 2024

Survey regarding large-scale neuroimaging datasets

by Eline Kupers

Dear all, In recent years, we have seen an increase in the usage, acquisition, and open sharing of rich, large-scale neuroimaging datasets. This is an exciting development in human neuroscience and suggests that we are entering a new era of big open data. To understand users' experiences with current large-scale datasets as well as needs for future datasets, we invite you to this anonymous survey. The survey is anonymous to ensure that we get honest opinions. We welcome participation from all researchers regardless of their experience and/or background. You can find the survey here: https://umn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6fAxIDk3pYdwC6W This survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and closes on *May 15, 2024*. Eline Kupers & Kendrick Kay

April 9, 2024

Ph.D. Positions in Computational Neuroscience in Padova

by Samir Suweis

Dear colleagues, I would like to share with you the opening of the official call for the PhD program in Neuroscience hosted at the "Padova Neuroscience Center". This is a unique opportunity for young researchers to join a vibrant, active and interdisciplinary community of international faculty and to perform cutting-edge research in Neuroscience. The call offers 10 fully funded PhD positions with more than 45 research lines in diverse neuroscience fields, like Circuits & Systems, Cognitive, Affective, Behavioral, Computational Neuroscience, Neuroimaging, Translational and Clinical Neuroscience. This is is an incredible opportunity for aspiring neuroscientists to dive into a dynamic and multidisciplinary field, collaborating with more than 35 distinguished faculty members from 7 academic departments. Program Highlights: Deadline for Applications: 13th May 2024, 1 pm CET Interviews Scheduled: 28th May - 20th June 2024 Research Areas: The program covers five main lines: Multimodal Neuroimaging Methods Circuit and Systemic Neuroscience Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Neuroscience Translational and Clinical Neuroscience Computational Neuroscience Facilities and Support: Gain access to our in-house preclinical, PET, MRI, and EEG facilities. Benefit from superb computing, administrative, and technical supports. Duration: A comprehensive 3-year program. The University of Padova is not just a hub of academic excellence but also lies in the heart of a vibrant city known for its history, culture, and lively university atmosphere. Padova offers a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern innovation, making it an ideal place for both study and exploration. Don't miss this chance to step into the world of neuroscience research in one of Italy's most historic and dynamic university cities. We encourage all interested candidates to apply before the deadline and join us in this exciting journey of discovery and learning. For more details and application procedures, please visit our website https://pnc.unipd.it/admission <https://pnc.unipd.it/admission>. Best regards, Samir Suweis ***************** Samir Suweis www.liphlab.com Tel: +39 049 827 71 74

April 9, 2024

Postdoc vacancy DBS modelling

by Bernadette van Wijk

Dear (future) post-docs, Our vacancy for a post-doc position in Amsterdam on the biophysical modelling and optimisation of deep brain stimulation treatment for Parkinson’s disease is still open until April 15: https://workingat.vu.nl/vacancies/post-doc-position-amsterdam-1065164?utm_c… Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an undeniable clinical success in the treatment of movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Yet, DBS exhibits a large outcome variability in individual patients and patients might suffer from stimulation-induced side effects. The sophistication of DBS systems is far ahead of the present understanding and clinical exploitation of the available stimulation features offered by the technology. Finding the right frequency, amplitude, and pulse width settings for an individual patient can be a cumbersome process. Within our European research consortium (Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Uppsala, Berlin), we aim to optimize DBS treatment through biophysical and statistical modelling, with a strong focus on electrophysiology (local field potential recordings) in Amsterdam. We are looking for a postdoc who could contribute to one or more of the following research aims: 1) localizing spatial origins of LFP oscillations through inverse source modelling; 2) biophysical modelling of the effect of stimulation on electrophysiological activity; 3) applying optimization algorithms for optimal navigation through the stimulation parameter landscape. You are expected to take initiative in conducting the work and to present the project’s outcomes in scientific papers and at international conferences. There is an opportunity to supervise student projects, participate in data collection, and to take part in working visits to partners in the consortium. The work in this project will be conducted in close collaboration with the DBS Neurology group at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers location AMC. You are expected to regularly visit the AMC hospital for attending research meetings and to conduct parts of your work, as appropriate. The project will be supervised by Dr. Bernadette van Wijk (VU University Amsterdam) and Dr. Martijn Beudel (Amsterdam University Medical Centers). Please consider applying if you’re interested. Kind regards, Dr. Bernadette van Wijk Department of Human Movement Sciences Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam The Netherlands

April 9, 2024

NEST Conference 2024 - reminder for abstract submission deadline on 15 April 2024

by Hans Ekkehard Plesser

Dear all, The abstract submission deadline for the virtual NEST Conference 2024 is approaching (15 April 2024). We are looking forward to your contributions! 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. This year's conference will again take place as a virtual conference on Monday/Tuesday 17/18 June 2024. We are inviting contributions to the conference, including talks, "posters" and workshops on specific topics. Important dates 15 April 2024 - Deadline for submission of contributions 26 April 2024 - Deadline for NEST Initiative membership applications eligible for fee reduction 08 May 2024 - Notification of acceptance 07 June 2024 - Registration deadline 17 June 2024 - NEST Conference 2024 starts For more information on how to submit your contribution, register and participate, please visit the conference website https://nest-simulator.org/conference We are looking forward to seeing you all in June! Hans Ekkehard Plesser and the conference organizing committee -- Prof. Dr. Hans Ekkehard Plesser 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

April 9, 2024

Postdoc positions in Cognitive Neuroscience, Computational Psychiatry and Developmental Psychology, University of Tuebingen, Germany

by Susan Fischer

**Apologies for cross-posting** Dear colleagues, The "Developmental Computational Psychiatry" lab and the W3 professorship "Computational Psychiatry" led by Tobias Hauser at the University of Tübingen (Germany) is currently hiring new postdocs. The focus of the lab is to better understand the computational and neural mechanisms underlying decision making and learning, and how these processes go awry in patients with mental illnesses. The successful candidates will have the chance to work in a highly dynamic and inspiring environment and to collaborate closely with Prof Peter Dayan and the Max-Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics. Concretely, we are looking for the following candidates: * Postdoc with developmental psychology background * Postdoc with experimental & neuroimaging (MEG / MRI) background More information about the positions can be found here: https://devcompsy.org/join-the-lab/ Interested candidates are encouraged to reach out to Tobias Hauser directly to informally discuss the positions. Best regards, Susan. ************************************************ Susan Fischer Coordinator Alexander von Humboldt Professorship Prof Peter Dayan & W3-Professorship ‘Computational Psychiatry’, Prof Tobias Hauser Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics & Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen & Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie AI Research Building R 20-7/A21 Maria-von-Linden-Str. 6 72076 Tübingen Germany ************************************************

April 9, 2024

Online workshop: Dendritic computation, synaptic plasticity & molecular mechanisms

by O'Donnell, Cian

Please join us for our free, online and global workshop on 22/23/25 April 2024 on: Dendritic computation, synaptic plasticity & molecular mechanisms One of the workshop goals is to try to bring together computational and experimental researchers working on molecular mechanisms of neurons. Each session is in a different time window to help reach people in different parts of planet earth: 9-13h CET Monday 22nd April 15-19h CET Tuesday 23rd April 17-21h CET Thursday 25th April Schedule, speaker list, and registration link at: http://tchumatchenko.de/Workshop/workshop_homePage.html Current speakers * Haruhiko Bito, University of Tokyo, Japan * Brenda Bloodgood, University of California San Diego, USA * Spiros Chavlis, IMBB-FORTH, Greece * Julijana Gjorgjieva, Technical University of Munich, Germany * Seth Grant, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom * Anne-Sophie Hafner, Donders Centre for Neuroscience, Netherlands * Sybille Krauss, Naturwissenschaftlich-Technische Fakultät Universität Siegen, Germany * Boaz Mohar, HHMI's Janelia Research Campus, USA * Cian O'Donnell, Ulster University, United Kingdom * Thomas Oertner, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg Germany * Silvio Rizzoli, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Germany * Erin M. Schumann, MPI for Brain Research Frankfurt, Germany * Walter Senn, University of Bern, Switzerland * Jason Shepherd, University of Utah, USA * Tatjana Tchumatchenko, University Clinic Bonn, Germany * Noam Ziv, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Israel Short talks by * Cornelius Bergmann, University Clinic Bonn, Germany * Edita Bulovaite, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom * Arno Granier, University of Bern, Switzerland * Sofia Raak, University of Bristol, United Kingdom * Annika Reisbitzer, Naturwissenschaftlich-Technische Fakultät Universität Siegen, Germany Best, Tatjana Tchumatchenko & Cian O’Donnell This email and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee and may contain information which is covered by legal, professional or other privilege. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager at postmaster(a)ulster.ac.uk and delete this email immediately. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Ulster University. The University's computer systems may be monitored and communications carried out on them may be recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes. Ulster University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of a separate attachment, the text of email is not intended to form a binding contract. Correspondence to and from the University may be subject to requests for disclosure by 3rd parties under relevant legislation. The Ulster University was founded by Royal Charter in 1984 and is registered with company number RC000726 and VAT registered number GB672390524.The primary contact address for Ulster University in Northern Ireland is Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT52 1SA

April 8, 2024

CFP: Workshops in conjunction with FRCCS 2024, Montpellier, France May 28, 2024

by Hocine Cherifi

We encourage researchers to participate in the FRCCS 2024 <https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/ccs-france/> workshops to share their insights and foster interdisciplinary collaborations in the study of complex systems. *Workshops* · Modeling Cities and Regions as Complex and Evolving Systems · Beauty in Complexity · Network Sparsification & beyond *Important dates* Submission Deadline: *April 14, 2024* Final Decisions Released:* April 17, 2024* Camera-Ready Deadline: *April 30, 2024* *1) **Modeling Cities and Regions as Complex and Evolving Systems* <https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/ccs-france/workshop-on-modeling-cities-and-…> Cities consist of interacting entities, such as people and infrastructure, and exhibit emergent properties, which appear additionally to the sum of the isolated properties. This makes cities a prime example of complex systems. Accordingly, complexity theories and methods are particularly relevant to their study. By focusing on the commonalities that underpin urban systems, the workshop seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and explore novel approaches to studying cities as complex entities. *More info at: * *https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/ccs-france/workshop-on-modeling-cities-and-regions-as-complex-and-evolving-systems/* <https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/ccs-france/workshop-on-modeling-cities-and-…> *Workshop chair* *Daniela Cialfi - NRCouncil of Italy - **danielacialfi(a)gmail.com* <danielacialfi(a)gmail.com> *2) **Beauty in Complexity* <https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/ccs-france/beauty-in-complexity/> The Beauty in Complexity exhibition invites researchers to share the visual wonders of their work with a wide and diverse audience. Whether it's a photograph, diagram, visualization, or montage, we encourage submissions that evoke curiosity and wonder. We seek captivating visuals showcasing the beauty found within complex systems research. More info at: https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/ccs-france/beauty-in-complexity/ *Workshop chairs* Benjamin Renoust - *Median Technologies,- **renoust@gmail* <benjamin.renoust(a)mediantechnologies.com> *.com *Arnaud Sallaberry - *LIRMM *- *arnaud.sallaberry(a)lirmm.fr* <arnaud.sallaberry(a)lirmm.fr> *3) **Network Sparsification & beyond* <https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/ccs-france/complex-network-sparsification/> Numerous algorithms are designed to construct simpler or smaller network representations to address scalability and performance issues. This workshop aims to bring together researchers working on the broad theme of network simplification and discuss graph reduction methods and their applications. More info at: https://iutdijon.u-bourgogne.fr/ccs-france/complex-network-sparsification/ *Workshop chairs* Hamida Seba -* University Lyon 1- **Hamida.seba(a)univ-lyon1.fr* <Hamida.seba(a)univ-lyon1.fr> Hocine Cherifi* - University of Burgundy - **hocine.cherifi(a)u-bourgogne.fr* <hocine.cherifi(a)u-bourgogne.fr> Join us at COMPLEX NETWORKS 2024 <https://www.complexnetworks.org/> *-------------------------* Hocine CHERIFI University of Burgundy Franche-Comté Laboratoire* I*nterdisciplinaire *C*arnot de *B*ourgogne - ICB UMR 6303 CNRS Editor in Chief Plos Complex Systems <https://plos.org/complex-systems-research-journal/#:~:text=PLOS%20Complex%2….> Founding & Adisory Editor Applied Network Science <https://appliednetsci.springeropen.com/> Editorial Board member PLOS One <https://journals.plos.org/plosone/>, IEEE ACCESS <https://ieeeaccess.ieee.org/?http%3A%2F%2Fieeeaccess_ieee_org%2F>, Scientific Reports <https://www.nature.com/srep/>, Journal of Imaging <https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jimaging>, Quality and Quantity <https://www.springer.com/journal/11135/>, Computational Social Networks <https://computationalsocialnetworks.springeropen.com/>, Complex Systems <https://www.complex-systems.com/>

April 8, 2024

PhD funded application

by Eirini Mavritsaki

Dear all, I would like to advertise the below PhD funded application. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for any help. Best wishes, Eirini Project 1: Using machine learning, AI and computational modelling to predict recovery from stroke from brain-scans across a range of language and cognitive deficits. This funding model includes a 36 month fully funded PhD Studentship, in-line with the Research Council values, which comprises a tax-free stipend paid monthly (2024/5 - £19,237) per year and a Full Time Fee Scholarship for up to 3 years, subject to you making satisfactory progression within your PhD. All applicants will receive the same stipend irrespective of fee status. Application Closing Date: 23:59 on Tuesday 30th April 2024 for a start date of the 2nd September 2024. How to Apply To apply, please complete the project proposal form,<https://www.bcu.ac.uk/Download/Asset/d3f86737-6b53-ec11-981f-501ac52d968f> <https://www.bcu.ac.uk/Download/Asset/d3f86737-6b53-ec11-981f-501ac52d968f>ensuring that you quote the project reference, and then complete the online application<https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/social-sciences-research-degrees-2024-25> where you will be required to upload your proposal in place of a personal statement as a pdf document. You will also be required to upload two references, at least one being an academic reference, and your qualification/s of entry (Bachelor/Masters certificate/s and transcript/s). Project Title: Using machine learning, AI and computational modelling to predict recovery from stroke from brain-scans across a range of language and cognitive deficits. Project Lead: Professor Eirini Mavritsaki Eirini.Mavritsaki(a)bcu.ac.uk<mailto:Eirini.Mavritsaki@bcu.ac.uk> Reference: PreSReB Project Description Stroke can be caused when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, this can take place either by blockage or through a traumatic event. Several cognitive deficits can be caused by stroke ranging from paralysis or weakness on one side of the body to problems with memory, attention, vision, thinking, emotional changes and language problems. For the best possible recovery from stroke, the correct rehabilitation is vital. However, predicting the best treatment and outcomes is challenging since every patient is different, and each case of stroke is unique. Machine learning has been previously used, but it is difficult to interpret the outcomes due to complex interactions of the large data used. To overcome these challenges, we are planning to combine machine learning with AI and computational modelling. To achieve the best outcomes, we are collaborating with University of Birmingham and UCL and we have access to the Predicting Language Outcome and Recovery After Stroke (PLORAS) database with over 2000 stroke patients. Anticipated Findings and Contribution to Knowledge This research work aims to contribute towards the development of new approaches for predicting stroke recovery. This will not only advance research in this area, but it will also lead to development of new tools that clinicians can use to predict outcomes for rehabilitation approaches. In addition, this work will make significant contributions towards the advancement of research in computational neuroscience. By combining machine learning, AI and computational modelling, it will help improve our understanding of this complex field. More information on the project can be found using the link below https://www.bcu.ac.uk/research/our-phds/phd-opportunities/using-machine-lea… and the application and process https://www.bcu.ac.uk/research/our-phds/phd-opportunities Please note that I think your work-life balance and your right to disconnect from your work or studies is very important. Therefore, if this message arrives in an evening or on a weekend, I really would not expect you to attend to it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Prof. Eirini Mavritsaki, Ph.D., CPsychol Professor in Cognitive Psychology Faculty Research Strategy Deputy and Research Development Framework Lead eirini.mavritsaki(a)bcu.ac.uk<mailto:eirini.mavritsaki@bcu.ac.uk> 0121 331 6361 Faculty of Business Law and Social Sciences Birmingham City University ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Disclaimer This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately, delete this email from your system and do not use, copy, or disclose the information contained in this message or in any attachment. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Birmingham City University. Birmingham City University accepts no liability for any loss or damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email and the recipient must ensure that the email (and attachments) is virus free.

April 8, 2024

Abstracts & registration for UK Neural Computation meeting July 8-10th, Sheffield

by Mark Humphries

Abstract submission and registration are now open for the UK Neural Computation meeting 2024 (Sheffield 8-10th July). Abstracts: https://neuralcomputation.uk/submission.html Deadline of 17th May 2024 4 submitted abstracts will be selected for main meeting talks Registration: https://neuralcomputation.uk/registration.html Deadline of 21st June 2024 Discounted accommodation options also available. 8 July: ECR day. ~40 places are available 9-10 July: main meeting Please spread the word! All info: https://neuralcomputation.uk/ Enquiries: uknc24(a)sheffield.ac.uk<mailto:uknc24@sheffield.ac.uk> Organisers Hannes Saal (Sheffield) Stuart Wilson (Sheffield) Mark Humphries (Nottingham) This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored where permitted by law.

April 8, 2024

Deadline approaching - Brains for Brains Young Researcher Award

by Alexander Lammers

International early career scientists who have shown their outstanding potential at a very early career stage are invited to apply for the Brains for Brains Award. You can win a 2000 € travel grant to join the Bernstein Conference 2024 and visit labs of Bernstein members. ____ Who can apply? International students of all nationalities from relevant disciplines (biology, medicine, physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, psychology, etc.) who plan to pursue a research career in computational neuroscience and who have at least one peer reviewed publication (as co-author) or peer reviewed conference abstract (as first author). ____ The award is endowed with: * a travel grant of 2.000 € for a one-week trip to Germany, including free participation at the Bernstein Conference 2024 in Frankfurt * the chance to present your research as a talk and as a poster at the Bernstein Conference 2024 * individually planned visits to labs of the Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience ____ Application deadline: April 21, 2024, 23:59 CEST ____ Details & application https://bernstein-network.de/en/network/awards-and-initiatives/brains-for-b… ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH 52425 Jülich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Jülich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Düren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Stefan Müller Geschäftsführung: Prof. Dr. Astrid Lambrecht (Vorsitzende), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Dr. Ir. Pieter Jansens ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 8, 2024

TA applications now open for Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo, 12 January to 2 February 2025

by Spyridon Chavlis

Dear Colleagues, We are looking for teaching assistants for the Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo, a computational neuroscience summer school held in Cape Town, South Africa (https://imbizo.africa/) We are looking for post-doctoral or advanced PhD researchers to join our team as Teaching Assistants (TAs) for the Imbizo in January 2025. Please apply via the link: https://imbizo.africa/ta-application/. Before you apply, you should have the following documents/information ready: 1) A brief CV (2-4 pages is fine) 2) A short motivational statement about your scientific interests and background, why you would be a good fit, and your favourite topics for teaching tutorials and supervising student projects. 3) Contact details of one referee. *The application deadline is April 25, 2024 (20:00 UTC), and the reference letter submission deadline is April 29, 2024 (20:00 UTC).* Please notify your referee beforehand to meet the deadline. *About the Imbizo:* The school hosts 28-30 students for an amazing 22 days of lectures, tutorials, projects and forging new friendships. All this takes place on Noordhoek beach, between the mountain and the ocean. It's a spectacular location. * / Arrival day: Sunday 12 January 2025/ * / Imbizo dates: Monday 13 January to Saturday 1 February 2025/ * / Departure day: Sunday 2 February 2025/ The Imbizo is a special experience, with students being totally immersed in academic, social, touristic and cultural activities, and has resulted in student and TA groups from previous schools becoming very close, personally and scientifically. This is fantastic, as a major goal of the Imbizo project is to help young African researchers grow their academic peer and friend group. About being a TA: * Each TA runs one afternoon tutorial in the first week of the school, which they design themselves. * Each TA will teach a different topic, which the TA's choose among themselves, to provide students with a broad exposure to problems and methods in computational neuroscience. * Each TA is also assigned 5 students to supervise for project work during the last 2 weeks of the school. * TAs will be asked to help process student applications. TAs are integral in helping run the school. In addition to academic support, they foster good social interactions and academic discussions among students, and they help 'shy' students meet faculty. They also act as 'social glue’, helping to notice and support students who may be feeling ill, not fitting in socially, or generally having difficulties. To fulfill these roles, TAs need to be at all school meals and activities. We will also need a little help processing student applications. *What we provide:* We cover as direct as possible, economy class tickets to Cape Town, as well as all board and lodging during the school. *We will start assessing applications on May 1, 2024.* A call for student applications will follow soon. We hope to hear from you soon! Let us know if you have any questions. Thanks and regards Demba Ba, Arif Hamid, Peter E Latham, Spiros Chavlis, and Emma Vaughan Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo Committee 2025 Twitter: @CompNeuroImbizo email: isicn.imbizo[AT]gmail.com -- *Spyridon Chavlis, PhD* Postdoctoral Researcher and Systems Administrator Poirazi Lab Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Nikolaou Plastira, 100 GR 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece Tel: (+30) 2810 39 1264 Εmail: schavlis(a)imbb.forth.gr Webpage: dendrites.gr <https://www.dendrites.gr>

April 8, 2024

Research Summit on Fundamental Challenges for AI. Mountain View, April 15th.

by Battleday, Ruairidh

We are most excited to announce the final line-up and substantially reduced ticket prices for the AE Spring Summit on Fundamental Challenges for AI <http://bit.ly/springsummitaievent>. Computer History Museum, Mountain View; April 15th. This is a day of keynote talks and panels by leading AI researchers on what the open problems for ML/AI development are, and promising scientific and engineering strategies for solving them. Keynotes Professor Jay McClelland (Stanford / DeepMind) Professor Bin Yu (UC Berkeley) Professor Diyi Yang (Stanford) Professor Sergey Levine (UC Berkeley) Panels New Landscapes for AI Research New Professional Pathways Challenges for AI in Biomedicine Fundamental Challenges We have invited speakers and representatives from the following five technical stakeholder groups to this Summit: Academia Tech FROs / nonprofits Start-up VCs / Funders By soliciting answers and discussions from scientists and leaders at these different groups we hope to also examine what their different roles will be in the next period of AI research, and to foster the sharing of research. Full details can be found at www.algopreneurship.org. This should be an exciting and productive day, and we have made lower-priced tickets available for students and early-stage researchers. Lunch and a reception will be provided. We look forward to seeing some of you there, and please feel free to share news about the event on social media. The Thinking About Thinking Team Twitter / X: https://bit.ly/springsummitaix LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/springsummitaiLI -- Dr Ruairidh McLennan Battleday BMBCh (Oxon) PhD President Thinking About Thinking <http://www.thinkingaboutthinking.org> Postdoctoral Research Fellow Center for Brain Science, Harvard University Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines, MIT

April 8, 2024

Fwd: Available Positions in Computer Science at the University of Plymouth

by Amir Aly

Dear All The University of Plymouth has several available positions in Computer Science. More details are available in this advertisement (deadline is 27th May 2024): https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DGN533/lecturer-associate-professor-in-computer-… If you have any remarks, pls don't hesitate to contact me, Regards ---------------- *Dr. Amir Aly* Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Programme Manager of Artificial Intelligence Center for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS) School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics Room A307 Portland Square, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA University of Plymouth, UK

April 7, 2024

Fwd: [seminar.wwtns] World wide VVTNS series: Wednesday, April 10 at 11am (EDT), Michael Buice, Allen Institute |Biologically motivated learning dynamics: parallel architectures and nonlinear Hebbian plasticity

by David Hansel

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture given by Michael Buice Allen Institute on the topic of "Biologically motivated learning dynamics: parallel architectures and nonlinear Hebbian plasticity*"* The lecture will be held on zoom on *April 10, 2024*, at *11:00 am EDT * To receive the zoom link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page *Abstract: *Learning in biological systems takes place in contexts and with dynamics not often accounted for by simple models. I will describe the learning dynamics of two model systems that incorporate either architectural or dynamic constraints from biological observations. In the first case, inspired by the observed mesoscopic structure of the mouse brain as revealed by the Allen Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas, as well as multiple examples of parallel pathways in mammalian brains, I present a mathematical analysis of learning dynamics in networks that have parallel computational pathways driven by the same cost function. We use the approximation of deep linear networks with large hidden layer sizes to show that, as the depth of the parallel pathways increases, different features of the training set (defined by the singular values of the input-output correlation) will typically concentrate in one of the pathways. This result is derived analytically and demonstrated with numerical simulation with both linear and non-linear networks. Thus, rather than sharing stimulus and task features across multiple pathways, parallel network architectures learn to produce sharply diversified representations with specialized and specific pathways, a mechanism which may hold important consequences for codes in both biological and artificial systems. In the second case, I discuss learning dynamics in a generalization of Hebbian rules and show that these rules allow a neuron to learn tensor decompositions of higher-order input correlations. Unlike the case of the Oja rule and PCA, the resulting learned representation is not unique but selects amongst the tensor eigenvectors according to initial conditions. *About VVTNS : Created as the World Wide Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), its aim is to be a platform to exchange ideas among theoreticians. 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 ᐧ ᐧ ᐧ -- '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 ᐧ

April 7, 2024

Call for Participation & Papers - ACAIN 2024 - 4th Int. Advanced Course & Symposium on Artificial Intelligence & Neuroscience, September 22-25 2024, Riva del Sole Resort & SPA, Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto) Tuscany, Italy -> Deadline: April 23

by ICAS Organizing Committee

Call for Participation & Call for Papers (apologies for multiple copies) ________________________________________________________________________ The 4th International Advanced Course & Symposium on Artificial Intelligence & Neuroscience, September 22-25, 2024, Riva del Sole Resort & SPA, Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto) Tuscany, Italy W: https://acain2024.icas.events E: acain(a)icas.cc FB: https://www.facebook.com/ACAIN.LakeDistrict/ Symposium Deadlines Paper Submission (Symposium): by April 23, 2024 (AoE). https://acain2024.icas.events/symposium-call-for-papers/ https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=acain2024 Notification of Decision for Papers (Symposium): by July 10, 2024. Camera Ready Submission (Symposium): by July 20, 2024. Author Registration (Symposium): by July 20, 2024. Course Deadlines Regular Registration (Course): by April 23, 2024. https://acain2024.icas.events/registration/ Late Registration (Course): from April 24, 2024. Oral Presentation Submission (Course): by April 23, 2024. Notification of Decision for Oral Presentation (Course): by August 31, 2024. SCOPE & MOTIVATION: ACAIN 2024: AI meets Computational Neuroscience and Cognitive Science The ACAIN 2024 symposium and course is an interdisciplinary event featuring leading scientists from AI and Neuroscience, providing a special opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research in the fields of AI, Neuroscience, Neuroscience-Inspired AI, Human-Level AI, and Cognitive Science. The 4th Advanced Course and Symposium on Artificial Intelligence & Neuroscience (ACAIN) is a full-immersion four-day Course and Symposium in Tuscany on cutting-edge advances in Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience with lectures delivered by world-renowned experts. The Course provides a stimulating environment for academics, early career researchers, Post-Docs, PhD students and industry leaders. Participants will also have the chance to present their results with oral talks or posters, and to interact with their colleagues, in a convivial and productive environment. Two days of keynote talks and oral presentations, the ACAIN Symposium, (September 24-25), will be preceded by lectures of leading scientists, the ACAIN Course, (September 22-23). Bringing together AI and neuroscience promises to yield benefits for both fields. The future impact and progress in both AI and Neuroscience will strongly depend on continuous synergy, exchange, collaboration and efficient cooperation between the two research communities. These are the goals of the International Course and Symposium - ACAIN 2024, which is aimed both at AI experts with interests in Neuroscience and at neuroscientists with an interest in AI. ACAIN 2024 accepts rigorous research that promotes and fosters multidisciplinary interactions between artificial intelligence and neuroscience. The Advanced Course is suited for scholars, academics, early career researchers, Post-Docs, PhD students and industry leaders. The Event (Course and Symposium) will involve a total of 36-40 hours of lectures. Academically, this will be equivalent to 8 ECTS points for the PhD Students and the Master Students attending the Event. LECTURERS https://acain2024.icas.events/course-lecturers/ * Maria Eckstein, Google DeepMind, London, UK * Auke Jan Ijspeert, EPFL, Switzerland * Zeb Kurth-Nelson, Google DeepMind & UCL, London, UK * Loic Matthey, Google DeepMind, London, UK * Kevin J. Miller, DeepMind & UCL, London, UK * Thomas Parr, Oxford University, UK * Melika Payvand, Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Switzerland * Alessandro Treves, International School for Advanced Studies, Italy More Lecturers TBA COURSE DESCRIPTION: https://acain2024.icas.events/course-description/ SYMPOSIUM CALL FOR PAPERS: https://acain2024.icas.events/symposium-call-for-papers/ SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM COMMITTEE (partial list, confirmed members): https://acain2024.icas.events/program-committee/ ORGANIZING COMMITTEE: https://acain2024.icas.events/symposium-committee/ VENUE & ACCOMMODATION: https://acain2024.icas.events/venue/ ACAIN 2024 is a *Residential Conference*, all participants (invited speakers, authors, organizers, chairs, participants) must book and stay at the Riva del Sole Resort and Spa. No exceptions are allowed. https://lod2024.icas.events/lod-2024-a-residential-conference/ Riva del Sole Resort & SPA a: Località Riva del Sole - Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto) CAP 58043, Tuscany - Italy p: +39-0564-928111 f: +39-0564-935607 e: booking.events(a)rivadelsole.it w: www.rivadelsole.it/en ACTIVITIES: https://acain2024.icas.events/activities/ REGISTRATION: https://acain2024.icas.events/registration/ See you in Tuscany in September! ACAIN 2024 Organizing Committee. E: acain(a)icas.cc W: https://acain2024.icas.events FB: https://www.facebook.com/ACAIN.LakeDistrict --

April 6, 2024

Applications Open for Analytical Connectionism Summer School 2024

by Matthew Turner

Analytical Connectionism Summer School 2024 Analytical Connectionism is a 2-week summer course on analytical tools, including methods from statistical physics and probability theory, for probing neural networks and higher-level cognition. The course brings together neuroscience, psychology and machine-learning communities, and introduces attendees to analytical methods for neural-network analysis and connectionist theories of higher-level cognition and psychology. Connectionism, a key theoretical approach in psychology, uses neural-network models to simulate a wide range of phenomena, including perception, memory, decision-making, language, and cognitive control. However, most connectionist models remain, to a certain extent, black boxes, and we lack a mathematical understanding of their behaviors. Recent progress in theoretical neuroscience and machine learning has provided novel analytical tools that have advanced our mathematical understanding of deep neural networks, and can help us unravel these ‘black boxes’. This course will introduce (1) mathematical methods for neural-network analysis, providing a solid theoretical and analytical overview of the tools available to understand neural-network models, and (2) key connectionist models with links to experimental observations, and which provide important targets for analytical results. To provide context for the applications of these methods, we will discuss phenomena in psychology that still lack an explanation. During the 2-week course you will: - Attend lectures on theoretical methods and applications, key connectionist models, and experimental observations - Participate in tutorials, Q&A sessions, and panel discussions - Take part in activities such as poster and networking sessions The course will run from Aug. 12 to Aug. 23, 2024, Mondays-Fridays and will end with a 2-day hackathon, during which students will apply what they have learned in group projects. There are no course fees, but attendees are expected to cover their own travel, visa expenses, and any meals not offered by the summer school (morning and afternoon coffee breaks and lunch will be provided Monday-Friday). Accommodation in NYC (for students not living in NYC and surrounding) will be provided by the school. Travel grants inclusive of the above named expenses will be offered to individuals whose participation furthers the goal to promote diversity in systems and computational neuroscience, in particular among populations underrepresented in the scientific workforce as defined by NIH <https://diversity.nih.gov/about-us/population-underrepresented>, including but not limited to racially underrepresented individuals, women, individuals with disabilities and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Organizers: - Chi-Ning Chou (CCN) - SueYeon Chung (CCN/NYU) - Francesca Mignacco (Princeton/CCN) - Stefano Sarao Mannelli (UCL) - Andrew Saxe (UCL) For more information and to apply, please visit: https://events.simonsfoundation.org/event/e070287e-741e-4809-adea-726914273… Administrative Contact: Alicja Jankowska, CCN Administrative Coordinator, ajankowska(a)flatironinstitute.org Cordially, MATTHEW B. TURNER any pronouns Senior Manager for Center Administration | Center for Computational Neuroscience Flatiron Institute 917.363.1095 mobile mturner(a)flatironinstitute.org 162 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010 simonsfoundation.org/flatiron <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/>

April 5, 2024

Available PhD Position at the intersection between AI and Marine Conservation

by Amir Aly

Dear All, We have an available PhD position (*Monitoring health and unlocking social behaviour in bottlenose dolphins with interdisciplinary next-generation technology*) at the intersection of Marine Conservation and AI. More details are available here: Link <https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools/school-of-biological-and-marine-sciences…> . The closing date for applications is *22/04/2024**.* Project description Monitoring health and social behaviour in cetacean populations is required for population management and quantification of human impacts. Measures of individual fitness, survival, reproductive success, and sociality can have far-reaching implications for wildlife management and conservation, as populations adapt, or not, to human disturbance. Quantifying individual interactions is the foundation of social behaviour and cetaceans arguably demonstrate some of the most complex social systems in the mammalian world. However, the nature of social relationships in cetaceans remains poorly studied. Cetaceans provide unique research challenges that can constrain data collection and prevent multimodal inference. Recent developments in marine robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and bioacoustics open opportunities for a technology-driven approach for conservation and behavioural research. AI-based techniques employing machine learning to analyse unoccupied aerial systems (UAS)-captured footage, and acoustic data need integration into tools to extract behavioural patterns and allow application to conservation research. The Scottish bottlenose dolphin project is one of the longest running individual-based studies of dolphins in the world, with multi decade sighting histories and life history data. This population has high societal importance, with core habitat impacted by coastal developments and in key areas for UK renewable energy. This project is an opportunity to integrate new generation technologies and contribute vital population and individual level information for conservation management and compliance monitoring for UK renewables. *Project aims and methods* This PhD project will integrate technology-driven data collection across bioacoustics, marine robotics and artificial intelligence to advance animal behaviour research. The project has four main research objectives: - Synchronise and integrate data collection of vocal signals and movement patterns of wild dolphin groups. - Determine social relationships, group behaviour and population demographics from boat-based and UAS still and video imagery. - Explore the boundaries of social behaviour using AI for tracking individuals. - Integrate and disseminate data across research and industrial sectors for policy and conservation management of this protected population. *Research Methodology* The student will collect acoustic, behavioural and UAS data during the annual summer field campaigns run by the Lighthouse Field Station based in Cromarty, Scotland. They will use a modified multi-rotor UAS, fitted with a laser altimeter to collect high-resolution still and video imagery of dolphin groups to verify individual identity information from known bottlenose dolphins within the population, and deploy hydrophones to record underwater acoustics. The student will explore dolphins’ fine-scale spatial interactions and individual movement trajectories and their link to acoustics, as well as morphometric and demographic data. The student will utilize and integrate a suite of AI methodologies to test hypotheses relating to the influence of social relationships and individual identity on group movement and acoustics in dolphins. Training This project will provide the student with multi-disciplinary skills development and training across bioacoustics, behavioural ecology and artificial intelligence. They will complete small boat work and field data collection at a world leading field station enhancing their data collection skills and providing benefits of interaction across two institutions. The student will also benefit from access to the Scottish bottlenose dolphin project longitudinal dataset to inform the individual level analysis that underpins this project, as well as a highly skilled field team to facilitate data collection and individual training. They will receive dedicated training in UAS operation and maintenance and depending on background may receive training in ecology, bioacoustics, artificial intelligence applications and R and Matlab programming. *Supervisory team* The project will be supervised by Dr. Nicola Quick <https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/nicola-quick>, Dr. Clare Embling <https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/clare-embling>, Dr. Barbara Cheney <https://www.abdn.ac.uk/sbs/people/profiles/b.cheney>, and Dr. Amir Aly <https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/amir-aly> If you have questions, pls don't hesitate to ask, Regards ---------------- *Dr. Amir Aly* Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Programme Manager of Artificial Intelligence Center for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS) School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics Room A307 Portland Square, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA University of Plymouth, UK

April 5, 2024