- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

FSL Neuroimaging Course 2026 - Registration

by Rezvan Farahibozorg

Dear all, Registration is still open for FSL Course 2026, which will be held in-person June 22nd – 26th in Bordeaux, France. You can find details and registration info here: https://open.oxcin.ox.ac.uk/pages/fslcourse/website/upcoming.html This comprehensive neuroimaging course will cover basic and more advanced analysis tools, as available in FSL software. The course will cover the theory and practice of functional, structural, diffusion and resting state brain image analysis. Background concepts and the practicalities of analyses are taught in detailed lectures. These lectures are interleaved with hands-on practical sessions, where attendees learn how to carry out analysis for themselves on real data. The contents covered in the course are primarily aimed at applications in basic science and clinical research (not clinical practice). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact: fslcourse(a)ndcn.ox.ac.uk We hope to see you at the course! The FSL Course team

May 21, 2026

Two open PhD positions at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics

by Roxana Zeraati

Dear all, I recently started my research group at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen, Germany, and we currently have two open PhD positions. In "Natural Decision Making Group <https://www.kyb.tuebingen.mpg.de/906930/natural-decision-making>", we aim to understand how animals learn the dynamics of their environment across different timescales and adapt their decisions accordingly. We study this in the context of foraging behavior, which allows us to link neural, behavioral, and environmental dynamics in naturalistic settings. Specifically, we develop data-driven, species-specific computational models by integrating methods from reinforcement learning, dynamical systems, and AI. Here you can find more information about the PhD positions and the application process: https://nextcloud.tuebingen.mpg.de/index.php/s/bYwTJibWPXW6NMH I would appreciate it if you could share this call with anyone who might be interested in your academic network. Best wishes, Roxana Zeraati Minerva Fast Track Group Leader Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics

May 20, 2026

Call for participation & posters - workshop “Cortex Structure and Function in Monkey, Mouse and Man” (Sep 21-24, 2026)

by von Behren, Christina

Dear all, hereby, we would like to draw your attention to the upcoming workshop “Cortex Structure and Function in Monkey, Mouse and Man”. This workshop aims to bring together researchers from the fields of systems neuroscience, comparative transcriptomics, connectomics, and primate palaeobiology in one place to foster mutual awareness and interdisciplinary discussions as well as identify yet unknown principles in the development, organization and function of the primate brain from computational and experimental points of view. * when: Sep 21-24, 2026 * where: Hanse Wissenschaftskolleg (HWK) Delmenhorst, Germany * pre-registration by May 31, 2026 via https://www.uni-bremen.de/hwk-workshop-2026 workshop outline: Evolution in mammal brains has formed basic building blocks that might superficially look similar, but are organized in different structures and are obviously specialized for distinct computations. Accumulating evidence indicates that, while rodents are close evolutionary relatives to our own primate lineage, fundamental changes on all levels of brain organization occurred at the primate-rodent-split. In addition, subsequent primate evolution appears to be marked by apparently qualitative grade shifts. Recent progress across distinct disciplines provides a springboard to take a fresh perspective on what makes primate brains special. This workshop aims to enhance this comparative cognition perspective by contributions on avians and machines, which, despite having very different “brain” structures, perform functions that are surprisingly similar to those of mammals. Confirmed speakers: Tatjana Engel, Katja Nowick, Marieke Schölvinck, Matthias Kaschube, Henner Koch, Ken Miller, Huib Mansfelder, Wiktor Młynarski, Fabian Sinz, Andreas Neef, Dan Eric Nilsson, Madineh Sedigh-Sarvestani, Ziad Hafed, Fred Wolf, Daniel Huber, Alessandro Treves, David Dahmen, Neda Shahidi, Jonas Rose, Andreas Kreiter and Udo Ernst. For further information and pre-registration visit https://www.uni-bremen.de/hwk-workshop-2026. The workshop is co-funded by the Priority Program SPP 2205 Evolutionary Optimization of Neuronal Processing <https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/618311.html> and NeuroNex Working Memory <https://www.nxwm.io/> . We are very much looking forward to meeting you in September! Best regards (on behalf of the organizers), Britta **************** Dr. Britta Korkowsky Coordinator Goettingen Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks (CIDBN) Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Graduate Program in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience SPP 2205 Evolutionary Optimization of Neuronal Processing University of Goettingen Heinrich-Düker-Weg 12 37073 Göttingen Tel.: +49-551-39-26675

May 20, 2026

IMOL Online Seminar – Karl Friston: “The Physics of Motivation” – 17 June 2026

by Nicola Catenacci

[Apologies for multiple posts; please distribute to interested people] Dear colleagues, We are pleased to launch the *Intrinsically Motivated and Open-ended Learning (IMOL) Online Seminar Series*. IMOL research explores how learning systems can autonomously generate goals, acquire skills, and continually adapt through open-ended interactions with the environment. Inspired by mechanisms observed in humans and animals, such as intrinsic motivations and self-motivated behaviour, the field brings together ideas from AI, robotics, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and cognitive science. The series will host leading scientists presenting recent advances and perspectives on IMOL themes and related topics. We are honoured to announce that the first seminar in the series will be delivered by *Professor Karl Friston (UCL, UK), who will present a talk entitled “The Physics of Motivation” the 17th of June 2026*. More information about the talk, together with the online meeting link, is provided below. The seminar series is organised by the IMOL Community, which also coordinates the IMOL workshop series and related initiatives. If you are interested in learning more about IMOL, or getting involved in the community, we encourage you to apply for membership ( http://www.imol-community.org/) and subscribe to the mailing list ( https://groups.google.com/g/imol-community) We look forward to seeing you on June 17th. Best regards, Nicola ************ MEETING DETAILS ************ - TITLE: The physics of motivation - WHEN: 17th of June, 16:30 (UCT+1; BST) - LINK: IMOL seminar - Karl Friston | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams <https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/332210692358706?p=W4WlQZzUA9yOALkuK5> - ABSTRACT: This overview of the free energy principle offers an account of embodied exchange with the world that associates neuronal operations with actively inferring the causes of our sensations. Its agenda is to link formal (mathematical) descriptions of dynamical systems to a description of perception in terms of beliefs and goals. The argument has two parts: the first calls on the lawful dynamics of any (weakly mixing) ergodic system – from a single cell organism to a human brain. These lawful dynamics suggest that (internal) states can be interpreted as modelling or predicting the (external) causes of sensory fluctuations. In other words, if a system exists, its internal states must encode probabilistic beliefs about external states. Heuristically, this means that if I exist (am) then I must have beliefs (think). The second part of the argument is that the only tenable beliefs I can entertain about myself are that I exist. This may seem rather obvious; however, it transpires that this is equivalent to believing that the world – and the way it is sampled – will resolve uncertainty about the causes of sensations. We will consider the implications for functional anatomy, in terms of predictive coding and hierarchical architectures, and conclude by looking at the epistemic behaviour that emerges – using simulations of active inference. - SPEAKER: *Karl J. Friston*, MBBS, MA, MRCPsych, MAE, FMedSci, FRBS, FRS. Professor: Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London. Honorary Consultant: The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. Karl Friston is a theoretical neuroscientist and authority on brain imaging. He invented statistical parametric mapping (SPM), voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and dynamic causal modelling (DCM). These contributions were motivated by schizophrenia research and theoretical studies of value-learning, formulated as the dysconnection hypothesis of schizophrenia. Mathematical contributions include Variational Laplace and generalized filtering for hierarchical Bayesian model inversion. Friston currently works on models of functional integration in the human brain and the principles that underlie neuronal interactions. His main contribution to theoretical neurobiology is a free-energy principle for action and perception (active inference). Friston received the first Young Investigators Award in Human Brain Mapping (1996) and was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (1999). In 2000 he was President of the international Organization of Human Brain Mapping. In 2003 he was awarded the Minerva Golden Brain Award and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2006. In 2008 he received a Medal, College de France and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of York in 2011. He became of Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology in 2012, received the Weldon Memorial prize and Medal in 2013 for contributions to mathematical biology and was elected as a member of EMBO (excellence in the life sciences) in 2014 and the Academia Europaea in (2015). He was the 2016 recipient of the Charles Branch Award for unparalleled breakthroughs in Brain Research and the Glass Brain Award, a lifetime achievement award in the field of human brain mapping. He holds Honorary Doctorates from the Universities of York, Zurich and Radboud University. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Nicola Catenacci Volpi, PhD Research Fellow in Information Theory for AI & Robotics Adaptive Systems Research Group The University of Hertfordshire School of Computer Science College Lane Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9AB United Kingdom E-mail: n.catenacci-volpi(a)herts.ac.uk

May 19, 2026

Open Faculty Position – Department of Computer Engineering, Universidad de Santiago de Chile

by Javier Baladron

Dear colleagues, The Department of Computer Engineering at the Universidad de Santiago de Chile invites applications for an open faculty position. We seek candidates who meet the following requirements: - Undergraduate degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields. - Ph.D. in Informatics, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, or related areas. - Teaching experience in the relevant area of specialization. - Record of scientific publications indexed in WoS and Scopus, consistent with the candidate’s academic trajectory. - Participation in research projects. - For applicants whose native language is not Spanish, ability to teach in Spanish within the first year of employment. Priority will be given to candidates conducting research in Cybersecurity or Artificial Intelligence. Preferably, candidates should also demonstrate: - Active national and international scientific collaboration networks. - Experience supervising undergraduate and graduate theses. - Proficiency in English. In the event of equal merit between candidates, preference will be given to female applicants. Questions and informal applications may be sent directly to me at javier.baladron(a)usach.cl We would appreciate it if you could share this call with potentially interested candidates and relevant academic networks. Best regards, Javier Baladrón Department of Computer Engineering Universidad de Santiago de Chile

May 19, 2026

Open PhD Position at the Institute of Machine Learning and Neural Computation, TU Graz

by Ozan Özdenizci

Dear all, We have an open PhD position in our research group at the Institute of Machine Learning and Neural Computation, Graz University of Technology, Austria. We are offering a 3-year doctoral researcher position focused on reliable and resource-efficient deep learning techniques, with an emphasis on spike-based neural computation in modern learning systems. The doctoral research will address both fundamental and applied algorithmic questions in learning methods and neural architectures. More information on the position and how to apply: https://www.tugraz.at/institute/iml/institute/open-positions#c725665 Best regards, Ozan Özdenizci -- Dr. Ozan Özdenizci Assistant Professor Institute of Machine Learning and Neural Computation Graz University of Technology Inffeldgasse 16b/I, 8010 Graz, Austria

May 18, 2026

World wide VVTNS series (6th season): Towards a general model of human reward-based learning | Maria Eckstein Google Deepmind | Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 11:00 am ET

by David Hansel

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture Maria Eckstein Google Deepmind on the topic of Towards a general model of human reward-based learning The lecture will be held on Zoom on May 20, 2026 at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page >> > > *Abstract: *Traditional work in the study of human reward-based learning involves designing an experimental task---often inspired by Reinforcement Learning (RL) theory---and fits a small set of computational models---often inspired by RL algorithms---to that dataset. For example, researchers often model human behavior on bandit tasks using variants of Q-learning. While this approach has been highly productive, leading to landmark discoveries such as the dopamine reward prediction error hypothesis, it also has limitations. This talk focuses on the lack of generalizability of such models: Even if they closely fit behavior on the original task, models derived from the one-task-one-model paradigm usually predict behavior on other tasks quite poorly. I argue that this lack of generalizability is a fundamental problem for the cognitive sciences: we intuitively expect our models to be robust to superficial task differences, such as variations in the number of choice options, reward probabilities, or the exact kind of non-stationarity. I will propose potential solutions to this problem along two dimensions: the behavioral dataset and the computational model. Regarding computational models, I will introduce work in which we moved beyond the limitations of hand-crafted one-off models by employing flexible, data-driven methods. These methods allowed us to compare classes of models instead of individual model instances, allowing us to cover the space of possible models more exhaustively, and innovate cognitive mechanisms very efficiently. For the behavioral dataset, we move from using single learning tasks to a comprehensive task space that encompasses most existing paradigms in the literature, while closing the gaps between them in a near-continuous fashion. Our results suggest that more general models in conjunction with broader datasets can pave the road toward increasingly general models of human reward-based learning and decision making, and a persistent departure from many aspects of RL theory. *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

May 17, 2026

Postdoc and PhD student position at EPFL about investigating human locomotion using neuromechanical simulations and humanoid robots

by Auke Ijspeert

*Postdoc and PhD student position for a project investigating and leveraging the neuromechanics of human locomotion using humanoid robots (Fall 2026)* The Biorobotics laboratory (Biorob, https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/) at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland) has one Postdoc and one PhD student position for a project aiming at investigating and leveraging the neuromechanics of human locomotion using humanoid robots. See https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/openings/ The objectives of the project are (1) to investigate the principles of healthy and pathological human locomotion using numerical models (neuromechanical simulations), and (2) to use insights from biology to develop bio-inspired locomotion controllers to be used together with reinforcement learning on humanoid robots. *Background:* The versatility of human locomotion is still not well understood from a neuroscience point of view nor well replicated in humanoid robots. In particular, the interactions between higher centers (e.g. the motor cortex), the spinal cord and the musculoskeletal system are poorly understood. The goal of this project is to develop a computational architecture that (i) integrates both spinal cord circuits and supraspinal control; (ii) uses deep reinforcement learning for supraspinal planning and learning, (iii) allows testing hypotheses about human motor control and pathologies at a conceptual level, and (iv) can serve as basis for controlling and learning versatile motor skills in humanoid robots. *Requirements:* The goal would be to hire one researcher with a background in computational neuroscience (idealy with experience in numerical models of human locomotion) and one researcher with a background in robotics (ideally with expertise in the control of legged or humanoid robots). The ideal candidates should also have strong backgrounds in math and programming, and an interest in interdisciplinary research. *Deadline and starting date:* Applications will be considered starting from now on, and then continuously until the position is filled. A good starting date would be *September 2026.* *Application: *See https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/openings/ -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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 -----------------------------------------------------------------

May 16, 2026

NeuroAI Research Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer — University of Rome Tor Vergata × Tether.io

by nicola toschi

Dear Comp Neuro community, We are looking for a highly motivated NeuroAI Research Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer to join a collaborative research effort between the University of Rome Tor Vergata and Tether.io<https://Tether.io> The position sits at the intersection of computational neuroscience, machine learning, foundation models, and brain-computer interfaces. The work will focus on developing open, reproducible methods for encoding and decoding brain activity from invasive and non-invasive neural recordings, including fMRI, EEG/MEG, ECoG, iEEG, and related data modalities. The successful candidate will contribute to projects involving neural decoding and encoding, multimodal representation learning, generative reconstruction of images, music, speech and other perceptual content, cross-subject and cross-modality alignment, and the study of how brain activity maps onto the latent spaces of modern vision, language, and audio foundation models. We are particularly interested in candidates with a background in machine learning, computational neuroscience, neuroimaging, signal processing, physics, computer science, engineering, or related quantitative fields. Strong Python and deep-learning experience, especially with PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow, is expected. Experience with real neural data and/or modern generative and representation-learning models is highly valued. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact publications, open-source tools, international collaborations, and ongoing research at the interface of AI, neuroscience, and neural interface technologies. Remote-friendly arrangements may be possible depending on the role and project needs. The LinkedIn announcement is available here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7461095365547741184/ To apply, please send a CV, a brief statement of research interests, and optionally 1–2 representative publications, projects, or GitHub links to: nicola.toschi(a)uniroma2.eu<mailto:nicola.toschi@uniroma2.eu> and matteo.ferrante(a)tether.io<mailto:matteo.ferrante@tether.io> Best regards, Nicola Toschi Prof. Nicola Toschi Scholar Profile<https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=kyI6AJ8AAAAJ&view_op=list_w…> | Lab Website<https://fismed.uniroma2.it/> | Bookable Time<https://calendar.app.google/vXmx4XiWRvkf23XQ7> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-toschi-5680923/> Full Professor of Medical Physics Medical Physics Section - Department of Biomedicine and Prevention University of Rome "Tor Vergata" Via Montpellier 1 - 00133 Rome (IT) Email: toschi(a)med.uniroma2.it<mailto:toschi@med.uniroma2.it> Research Staff, Investigator A.A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging - Harvard Medical School/MGH 149 13th street, 02129 Boston (MA), USA Email: nicola(a)nmr.mgh.harvard.edu<mailto:nicola@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu>

May 15, 2026

Call for contributed talks: CNS*2026 Information Theory Workshop

by Marilyn Gatica

Dear all, We are pleased to announce that the Workshop on Methods of Information Theory in Computational Neuroscience <https://jlizier.github.io/CNS2026-InfoTheoryWorkshop/> will be held once again as part of the 35th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting ( CNS*2026 <https://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2026>), in Halifax, Canada. The full CNS*2026 conference will take place from July 11–15, 2026, with workshops held on July 14–15, 2026. Our confirmed and tentatively confirmed *invited speakers *so far include: - Demian Battaglia, CNRS / University of Strasbourg, France - Marilyn Gatica, Northeastern University London, UK - Jaroslav Hlinka, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic - Joseph Lizier, The University of Sydney, Australia - Patricio Orio, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile - Maria Pope, Indiana University, USA - Thomas Varley, University of Vermont, USA - ...more TBA! We would like to *call for contributions* to talks. If you are interested in contributing a talk, please send a title and abstract to Joseph T. Lizier (joseph.lizier(a)sydney.edu.au) and Marilyn Gatica ( marilyn.gatica(a)nulondon.ac.uk) Earlier submissions and submissions from speakers from underrepresented groups will be prioritised. We will review submissions weekly starting May 25, and the call will remain open until all available slots have been filled. Please pay attention to the registration for CNS*2026 deadlines and fees, as workshop registration at least is required for attendance, and see our website <https://jlizier.github.io/CNS2026-InfoTheoryWorkshop/> <https://jlizier.github.io/CNS2026-InfoTheoryWorkshop/>for more details. We hope you will join us there! *Organising Committee:* Joseph T. Lizier, Chair, The University of Sydney, Australia Marilyn Gatica, Co-Chair, Northeastern University London, UK Demian Battaglia, CNRS / University of Strasbourg, France

May 14, 2026

Master 2 computational neurosciences, Lyon (France)

by DI VOLO MATTEO

Dear colleagues, Applications for EU students are now open for the Master 2 in Computational Neuroscineces<https://masterneuro.univ-lyon1.fr/m2-cns/> at the University of Lyon (France). The CNS program in Lyon trains students in modern computational and analytical methods to study the brain: from the electrical activity of single neurons to neural networks, interacting brain regions, and animal behavior. Students learn the principles of brain function by applying statistics, signal processing, and computational modeling to real neuroscientific datasets, gaining extensive hands-on experience through practical Python-based work. The main objective of CNS is to equip students with the skills and critical perspective needed to design, conduct, and interpret analyses of electrophysiological and behavioral data from a mechanistic point of view. Applications are done through the e-candidat platform <https://ecandidat.univ-lyon1.fr/#!accueilView> Best regards, Matteo Di Volo ---- Matteo Di Volo Professor, University Claude Bernard Lyon1 Co-Director Master 2 Computational Neurosciences https://masterneuro.univ-lyon1.fr/m2-cns/ Stem Cell and Brain Research institute INSERM, NEF team: https://sbri.fr/teams/neurobiology-of-executive-functions/ Personal website: https://matteodivolo.wordpress.com/

May 13, 2026

NITMB Ideathon, August 10-12, 2026: Applications are open

by William L. Kath

The National Institute for Theory and Mathematics MathBio Ideathon will take place August 10–12, 2026 in Chicago! The goal of this workshop is to bring together researchers with interests at the interface of biology and mathematics to tackle unsolved problems through interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants will share their expertise via lightning talks and form vertically integrated teams (PIs and trainees) around the most promising ideas. The teams will tackle these problems and formulate actionable research plans. Teams will have the opportunity to continue their work to solve these problems at a later date through NITMB's Focused Research Award Program. Here is a link to more information: https://www.nitmb.org/nitmb-mathbio-ideathon A application form for the workshop is available on the website. Applications close Monday, June 8th. Participation is limited to approximately 40 people. We are looking for people who know of interesting unsolved problems at the interface between mathematics and biology (or who would like to learn about them) and who will be fully engaged and actively contribute throughout the workshop — starting with initial discussions and team formation to the development of collaborative research plans and beyond. This may be of particular interest to early-career researchers, including postdocs and graduate students, who are looking for new topics to add to their research portfolios. We will cover travel and accommodation for selected participants. We also provide meals while people are engaged at the NITMB (typically breakfast and lunch). We look forward to the possibility of having you join us in Chicago! Best regards, - Bill Kath

May 12, 2026

Workshop on Theory of Neuromorphic Computing, Liverpool UK, 9th June 2026

by john.sylvester＠liverpool.ac.uk

Dear All, We invite you to a workshop Theory of Neuromorphic Computing Date: 9 June 2026 with the first talk starting at 11am Location: School of Computer Science and Informatics, Ashton Building, University of Liverpool Website: https://neuromorphic-theory.github.io Cost: Free (but registration required, see webpage) Neuromorphic computing is a computing paradigm inspired by biological neural systems. It is based on spiking, event-driven architectures in which memory and computation are closely integrated. Neuromorphic chips have already shown several promising advantages over conventional von Neumann architectures, particularly in terms of energy efficiency. This workshop will explore the theoretical foundations of neuromorphic computing, with a focus on algorithms and computational complexity. Although the hardware has developed rapidly, the theory has not kept pace. Our aim is to create a forum for discussion on rigorous models of neuromorphic systems, allowing researchers to study their computational power and compare them with classical models of computation. These models must capture not only time and space, but also energy-related resources such as spikes and synaptic operations. Many thanks, John Sylvester & David Purser

May 12, 2026

World wide VVTNS series (6th season): Mean-field dynamics in networks with clustered connectivity and dendritic nonlinearities | Gabriel Ocker, Boston University | Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:00 am ET

by David Hansel

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture Gabriel Ocker Boston University on the topic of Mean-field dynamics in networks with clustered connectivity and dendritic nonlinearities The lecture will be held on Zoom on May 13, 2026 at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > > *Abstract: *Networks of interconnected neurons display diverse patterns of activity. Relating these patterns to the structure of the network is a central goal of theoretical neuroscience. Classic neural field and rate models have been powerful tools for this purpose due to their analytical tractability. Here, we show that the recently-developed combinatorial threshold-linear network (CTLN) model is a mean-field theory for excitatory-inhibitory Hawkes networks, with clustered connectivity, in an inhibition-stabilized regime. This mapping allows us to leverage powerful analytical results for CTLN networks to predict diverse macroscopic dynamics of clustered Hawkes networks, including metastability between various macroscopic fixed points, limit cycles, and chaotic attractors. We will then examine an extension of this approach to models with nonlinear dendritic dynamics, focusing on dendritic calcium spikes.We uncover a marked point process mean-field theory for these networks and use this to examine how somatic vs dendritic-targeting connectivity shapes the mean-field equilibrium phase diagram. *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

May 10, 2026

Human-AI Workshop at IJCAI 2026

by Guozhang Chen

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce that our proposal for the Human-AI Workshop at IJCAI 2026 has been accepted. Workshop website: https://hbai2026.github.io/ Date: One day between August 16–21, 2026 Place: Bremen, Germany Paper submission link: https://openreview.net/group?id=ijcai.org/IJCAI-ECAI/2026/Workshop/HBAI Submission deadline: May 15, 2026 Please share this information within your networks. Thank you for your support. Best regards, Guozhang Chen Assistant Professor School of Computer Science Peking University

May 7, 2026

Postdoctoral Position in Human Brain–Computer Interfaces

by João Barbosa

Dear all, The Neuromodulation Institute (Paris) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position (full-time, 2-year contract with the possibility of extension) to join a human brain–computer interface project led by Philippe Domenech <http://computationalbrainteam.com/en/people> (Neuromodulation Institute, Paris) in direct collaboration with João Barbosa <http://jbarbosa.org/> (Neuromodulation Institute, Paris) and Guillaume Bellec <http://guillaume.bellec.eu/> (Technical University of Vienna). The work will be carried out in the center of Paris and the newly created Neuromodulation Institute. The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled. About the Project This position is part of an interdisciplinary collaboration involving computational neuroscientists, clinicians, and engineers. The goal is to establish model-driven, multi-site stimulation experiments in human patients and move towards novel therapies for psychiatric disorders through the control of human brain dynamics via closed-loop stimulation. As an initial step toward these broader goals, the postdoctoral researcher will work with electrophysiological data collected from epilepsy patients implanted with ~124 intracranial LFP electrodes, enabling simultaneous recording and multi-site stimulation. We already collected several datasets (open-loop) and up to 4 subjects are collected per month through a national network of clinicians. The work carried out by the successful applicant will sit at the intersection of machine learning, computational neuroscience and data analyses of human intracranial electrophysiology. The medium-term ambition is to expand this work to additional patient populations, including individuals with treatment-resistant major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and to incorporate recording techniques such as large-scale multi-unit activity and sub-second neuromodulation (e.g. dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, etc) detection using ML-augmented voltammetry. Key responsibilities include developing data-driven state-space models of neural dynamics for optimal control policies for stimulation as well as inference pipelines for predicting network responses of intracranial recordings. The position emphasizes computational modeling, theory, and algorithmic development, rather than hands-on experimental data collection. Candidate Profile We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with strong quantitative and computational skills, and demonstrated research experience in at least one of the following areas: machine learning, simulation-based inference, reinforcement learning, generative/diffusion models and dynamical systems. Required Skills and Experience - Strong scientific programming skills in Python, in particular proficiency in PyTorch, Jax or related - Demonstrated experience in machine learning - Excellent written and spoken English. - Direct experimental experience is not required. However, the successful candidate should be enthusiastic about interacting with clinicians, neurosurgeons, and patients during experimental planning and execution. Preferred but not required - Experience working with time series data, in particular intracranial recordings (LFP, ECoG, depth electrodes) in humans or other animals. We strongly encourage applications from individuals that are underrepresented in academia. What We Offer - Opportunity to contribute to multiple ongoing projects at the forefront of human intracranial research - A highly interdisciplinary research environment spanning computational neuroscience, machine learning and cognitive neuroscience - A collaborative lab culture with close mentorship from senior investigators. - Support for career development, including opportunities to co-supervise students, present at conferences and workshops - Paris has an increasingly tight network of systems and computational neuroscience and offers many possibilities for collaborations How to apply Please send a statement of your past work and future research interests (one page each), CV and at least one manuscript demonstrating required experience to palerma(a)gmail.com with the subject “Postdoctoral Position in Human Brain–Computer Interfaces”. Joao Barbosa

May 6, 2026

OPM-FLUX Toolkit 2026 - Register now!

by Evgeniya Anisimova

Dear all, We are delighted to announce that the OPM-FLUX toolkit will be held on the 13th-16th July 2026 at St. Catherine’s College at the University of Oxford! We encourage everyone who is interested in OPM-MEG data analysis to apply (ECRs and more senior researchers and clinicians included!). The OPM-FLUX toolkit course provides a comprehensive introduction to analysing OPM-MEG data using OPM-FLUX, an advanced analysis pipeline for human electrophysiological data. Originally designed for SQUID-based MEG, the FLUX pipeline has been adapted for OPM-MEG. While OPM-MEG offers exciting opportunities in cognitive and clinical neuroscience, analysing its data can be challenging due to technical complexities and a lack of standardised methods. To meet the increasing demand for accessible training in this area, we have developed the FLUX toolkit, built on MNE-Python, a leading MEG analysis toolbox. Participants will be taught the theoretical foundations of OPM sensors and human electrophysiology and gain practical experience with OPM FLUX. In the mornings we will have lectures on the basics of data analysis as well as examples on novel cognitive neuroscience research-based MEG or OPM-MEG. In the afternoon, we will have hands-on data analysis workshops applying the OPM-FLUX pipeline on a data set collected from the local OPM systems. Will cover the analysis of FieldLine as well Cerca/QuSpin data. The analysis sections will include the BIDS format, preprocessing, event-related fields, spectral analysis, source modelling, and multivariate pattern analysis. We will not provide hands-on training on the actual data acquisition, but we will outline the general steps required. For details and registration please see https://www.neuosc.com/fluxtoolkit2026 or contact me at jenny.anisimova(a)psych.ox.ac.uk<mailto:jenny.anisimova@psych.ox.ac.uk>. The registration will be open until 9 AM (BST) on the 15th of May 2026. We look forward to receiving your application! All the best, The Neuronal Oscillations Team www.neuosc.com<http://www.neuosc.com/>

May 5, 2026

Re: Call for applications: School on Computational approaches in systems neurophysiology (Rome, Italy – June 16-18, 2026)

by Andrea d'Avella

The application deadline has been extended to *May 12, 2026.* Best regards, Andrea d'Avella Il 30/03/2026 22:11, Andrea d'Avella ha scritto: > > Applications will open on April 8 for the XXVIII *School of Physiology > and Biophysics > <https://www.fisiologiaitaliana.org/scuola_fisiologia.php>* on > *Computational approaches in systems neurophysiology* organized by the > *Italian Physiological Society *(SIF), which will be held from *June > 16 to June 18, 2025*, in *Rome, Italy*. > > Here you can find the announcement > <https://www.fisiologiaitaliana.org/_docs/260330_SIF_SchoolofPhysiologyandBi…> and > th program > <https://www.fisiologiaitaliana.org/_docs/260330_SIF_SchoolofPhysiologyandBi…>. > > Enquires: sif.sfb.2026(a)gmail.com > > Application deadline: *May 4, 2026* > > The school is organized by a team of neurophysiologists from the > University of Rome Tor Vergata, coordinated by Francesco Lacquaniti. > The program includes an opening lecture introducing the rationale for > computational approaches in systems neurophysiology, followed by a > series of eight thematic lectures covering topics such as > computational analysis of human locomotion, muscular and kinematic > synergies, vestibular system computation, eye-movement analysis, > structural and functional MRI, psychophysical modeling, and > quantitative neuromodulation. These lectures are complemented by four > keynote lectures addressing neural coding of joint action, multiscale > brain modeling and digital twins, machine-learning approaches to > spinal pattern generators, and multimodal quantitative neurophysiology > applied to neurostimulation. > > Most lectures are accompanied by hands-on tutorials, during which > participants will analyze real experimental datasets using MATLAB and > R, with sample datasets and analysis scripts provided. Throughout the > course, tutors will be available to support participants, encourage > discussion, and facilitate scientific interaction with the lecturers. > > Best regards, > > Andrea d’Avella and the Organizing Committee > > > -- > Andrea d'Avella, Ph.D. > Professor of Physiology > Department of Biology > University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy > Team leader > Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology > IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy -- Andrea d'Avella, Ph.D. Professor of Physiology Department of Biology University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy Team leader Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy -- <http://www.hsantalucia.it/5x1000-sostieni-la-nostra-ricerca> Le informazioni contenute in questo messaggio e negli eventuali allegati sono riservate e confidenziali. Il loro utilizzo è consentito esclusivamente al destinatario del messaggio, per le finalità indicate nel messaggio stesso. Qualora Lei non fosse la persona a cui il presente messaggio destinato, La invitiamo ad eliminarlo dal Suo sistema ed a distruggere le varie copie o stampe, dandocene gentilmente comunicazione. Ogni utilizzo improprio e'contrario ai principi del D.Lgs. 196/2003 e del Regolamento UE 2016/679. The information contained in this message as well as the attached file(s) is confidential/privileged and is only intended for the person to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, or you have received this communication in error, please be aware that any dissemination, distribution or duplication is strictly prohibited, and can be illegal. Please notify us immediately and delete all copies from your mailbox and other archives. *Rispetta l'ambiente: se non ti è necessario, non stampare questo messaggio - Please consider the environment before printing this email.*

May 5, 2026

PhD position available at Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre, Lyon, France

by giulio.bondanelli＠univ-lyon1.fr

A PhD position is available at the Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre (CRNL) in Lyon (France) in the group of Giulio Bondanelli (https://sites.google.com/view/giuliobondanelli) The group develops dynamical system and statistical models to constrain circuit models of brain function from multimodal neural data at the cellular level (recordings, connectome data, intervention), with the goal of understanding how neural computations arise from collective network interactions. We are looking for candidates with a strong quantitative background and solid programming skills, as well as an interest in exploring neuroscientific questions. Experience with the analysis of neural data is a plus. The successful applicant will be based at the Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre (https://www.crnl.fr/en?language=en; Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1), within an international and highly dynamic environment situated on the Campus Le Vinatier in Lyon. The centre brings together groups with diverse experimental and computational approaches spanning multiple scales of neuroscience. The position will start between September and December 2026, although the precise starting date is flexible. The contract will have a duration of 3 years. Candidates should send a CV and a brief statement of interest (up to 1 page) to giulio.bondanelli(a)univ-lyon1.fr *before June 15th, 2026*. -- Giulio Bondanelli Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 giulio.bondanelli(a)univ-lyon1.fr

May 4, 2026

World wide VVTNS series (6th season): Weak, weird, coordinated: functional transient oscillations | Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11:00 am ET - Demian Battaglia, CNRS, Strasbourg, France

by David Hansel

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture Demian Battaglia CNRS, Strasbourg on the topic of Weak, weird, coordinated: functional transient oscillations without a metronome The lecture will be held on zoom on May 6, 2026 at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > *Abstract: *Neural oscillations are often proposed to support brain computation by routing information, organizing cell assemblies, or shaping coding dynamics. Yet these ideas usually assume rhythms that are strong, sustained, and regular, whereas in vivo oscillations are often weak, transient, noisy, and variable in frequency and phase. In this talk, I will argue that such “no-metronome” oscillations are not just noisy fluctuations, but coordinated complex dynamics with functional consequences. Combining analyses of neural activity recordings during actual behavior (mice and non-human-primate LFPs and human EEG) with computational modelling, I will discuss evidence that transient oscillatory events can carry task-relevant information and support flexible communication through spatiotemporally structured relationships across populations, timescales, and frequencies. Together, these results suggest that oscillatory weakness and weirdness are not just imperfections, noise to average-out, but part of the functional repertoire of neural computation. *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

May 3, 2026

Applications Open for Distinguished Researcher leading to permanent position program ATRAE 2026

by Bernabé Linares Barranco

The Spanish Research Agency (AEI) has announced the call ATRAE 2026: https://www.aei.gob.es/en/announcements/announcements-finder/grants-encoura… to hire established researchers of recognized international prestige for a 4-year period leading to a permanent position. Total funding for the period is 1 milllion euros (1.2 million for researchers linked to a USA research institution for at least 5 years since 2020), including a gross annual salary between 80-150k€. If you are interested in applying and collaborate with our Neuromorphic Group at IMSE (http://www2.imse-cnm.csic.es/neuromorphs) we are happy to help you in preparing your application. Please send your CV to the email in my signature to evaluate if you have good chances. Best regards --

April 30, 2026

Seminar Series: Thinking About Thinking (May 7th)

by Ruairidh Battleday

We are pleased to announce the inaugural session of the Thinking About Thinking Fellowship Seminar Series, bringing together researchers working at the forefront of computational research into intelligence across AI, neuroscience, and cognitive science. Seminar title: Automated Scientific Discovery of Mind and Behavior Date: 7 May 2026 Time: 6pm BST Link: https://luma.com/ej1jk7bo For our first session, Dr Sebastian Musslick will present a framework for automated scientific discovery in cognitive science, exploring how AI systems can support the generation and testing of theories of mind and behaviour. We’ll do these every two weeks! Please come along (link in individual talk below). —----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seminar title: Automated Scientific Discovery of Mind and Behavior Speaker: Dr Sebastian Musslick Date: Thursday 7 May 2026 Time: 6pm BST Link: https://luma.com/ej1jk7bo Abstract: Artificial intelligence is transforming scientific discovery across disciplines, from predicting protein structures in biology to identifying novel quantum states in physics. In the natural sciences, automated discovery systems now enable researchers to navigate vast experimental and hypothesis spaces, moving beyond the limits of human intuition. In this talk, Sebastian will explore how these methods can be adapted to the study of mind and behavior, introducing automated scientific discovery as a paradigm for cognitive science. He will present AutoRA, an open-source framework for automating key stages of empirical research, including experimental design, data collection and model inference. Through case studies in psychophysics, learning, decision-making and cognitive control, Sebastian will show how closed-loop discovery systems can support more integrative and scalable approaches to understanding human cognition. The session will also address the unique challenges that automated scientific discovery faces in cognitive science, including experimental fragmentation and the need for multi-level explanations, before outlining future directions for the field. -- Dr Ruairidh McLennan Battleday BMBCh (Oxon) PhD President Thinking About Thinking <https://that.build>

April 30, 2026

Extended CFP: Foundations of Computation Symposium, at AISB-2026, University of Sussex, UK, 1 to 2 July 2026

by Simon Bowes

As part of the AISB conference to be held at the University of Sussex, UK, 1 to 2 July 2026 The conference is organised by The Society for the Study of Artificial Intelligence and Simulation of Behaviour (AISB) http://www.aisb.org.uk/ OVERVIEW: The symposium will be a one-day session of talks, Q&A’s, and panel discussions, structured around two themes: foundations, and applications. Each session will open with a keynote speaker (45 min presentation +15 min Q&A), include up to four further talks (15-30 min slots), and will wrap up with a panel discussion and audience questions. Confirmed speakers: * Prof. Gualtiero Piccinini * Dr. Fernando Rosas * Dr. Kate Nave * Dr. Nathaniel Virgo TOPICS OF INTEREST 1- Foundations: Foundational debates concerning the nature of computational processes, the status of formal and physical models, and the relationship between abstraction and implementation - have been reopened by both theoretical developments and increasingly powerful real-world systems. Against this backdrop, the symposium’s foundations strand invites critical reflection on the conceptual terrain of computation, motivating the following guiding questions: • What makes a process computational? • Are classic distinctions between syntax and semantics, or implementational, algorithmic, and computational levels of description sound? • Is computation subjective or objective, abstract or concrete, mathematical or physical? • What are the limits of computation? Is undecidability restricted to a mathematical realm? 2- Applications: The applications strand of the symposium will re-examine the role of computational concepts and tools across various research contexts relating to intelligence and adaptive behaviour. To further discussion of this topic, we seek contributors to address the below questions: • What are the distinctive strengths and limitations of computational explanations —generally, and in specific fields? • Is cognition a computational process? If so, what makes certain computational processes cognitive, and others not? • What is gained, and is anything lost, by treating cognition, life, and other processes computationally? • What is the explanatory role of representations and algorithmic models in the cognitive sciences? • What are the prospects for and obstacles to the development of a “computational phenomenology”? SUBMISSION AND PUBLICATION DETAILS We invite abstracts of up to 500 words on any of the above and related topics. Each paper will receive at least two reviews. Selected papers will be published in the general proceedings of the AISB Conference, with the proviso that at least ONE author attends the symposium, in person, in order to present the paper and participate in general symposium activities. Accepted talks will be allotted 20, 30, 45-minute slots, plus a sit in the discussion panel. Submission deadline: 15/05/2026 Decision will be made and communicated to all contributors by the end of May. SYMPOSIUM ORGANISERS: Adam Rostowski (a.rostowski(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:a.rostowski@sussex.ac.uk>), Department of Informatics, University of Sussex Ben White (b.white(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:B.White@sussex.ac.uk>), Department of Informatics, University of Sussex. Fernando Rodriguez-Vergara (f.rodriguez-vergara(a)sussex.ac.uk<mailto:f.rodriguez-vergara@sussex.ac.uk>), Sussex Neuroscience, University of Sussex SYMPOSIUM WEBSITE: https://sites.google.com/view/foundations-of-computation

April 28, 2026

Fully funded PhD in Network Science — Higher-Order Coordination (Northeastern University London, Sep 2026)

by Giovanni Petri

Hello all, We are recruiting a fully funded PhD student to join NPLab at Northeastern University London, under the ERC Consolidator Grant RUNES. Project: Higher-Order Coordination and Emergent Communication Across Human, AI and Animal Systems. The project investigates how coordination and communication emerge in groups whose interaction structure goes beyond pairwise contact — developing new higher-order network theory and testing it across human social systems, animal collectives, and AI ensembles. *Funding:* Full UKRI-rate stipend + tuition for 3.5 years. Start date September 2026. *Candidate profile:* MSc in physics, mathematics, computer science, or a quantitative field. Background in network science, statistical mechanics, multi-agent systems, or computational social science. Strong programming skills (Python, Julia, or equivalent). *Application*: via jobs.ac.uk — search DRF217, or follow this link: https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DRF217/ Informal enquiries welcome at giovanni.petri(a)nulondon.ac.uk. Please share with anyone who might be interested. Best, G. -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Higher-Order Systems* Available through all good bookshops, or direct from SpringerLink <https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-91374-8> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Giovanni Petri, PhD Professor, Network Science Institute Northeastern University London Department of Physics, College of Sciences Northeastern University, Boston MA https://nplresearch.github.io/ - lordgrilo.github.io ------ Network Science Lead, Project CETI <https://www.projectceti.org/>, Director, ERC Consolidator Grant RUNES <https://nplresearch.github.io/#/projects/runes> ------

April 26, 2026

World Wide VVTNS series (6th season): Dynamic Expectations Wednesday | April 29, 2026, at 11:00 am ET - Dvora Marciano, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

by David Hansel

[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.on…> - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture Dvora Marciano The Hebrew University of Jerusalem on the topic of Dynamic Expectations The lecture will be held on zoom on April 29, 2026 at *11:00 am ET * > To receive the link > https://www.wwtns.online/register-page > > *Abstract: *Reward expectations – one’s prediction about the likelihood of future outcomes - play a central role in shaping the satisfaction derived from those outcomes. Most existing research treats expectations as static, assuming they remain fixed in time. However, real-life expectations are often dynamic, fluctuating as new information becomes available. For example, during a soccer game, your expectations of seeing your team winning will likely rise and fall as the game unfolds. In the main part of this talk, I will present a series of studies demonstrating that human expectations can be tracked at sub-second timescales. Using slot machines as a case study, we leverage the continuous deceleration of the reels to elicit moment-by-moment fluctuations in reward expectations. To capture these dynamics, we take complementary approaches: we use the high temporal resolution of electroencephalography (EEG) to track neural signatures of evolving expectations, and we develop a novel behavioral paradigm (“Slot or Not”) designed to measure changes in expectations via betting behavior. Across four studies, we show that expectations fluctuate continuously and can be tracked both behaviorally and neurally. Extending these findings, a subsequent intracranial study shows that the human orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) encodes the moment-by-moment changes of reward expectations. In the second part of this talk, I will return to the relationship between expectations and satisfaction. If expectations shape satisfaction, and if they are best conceptualized as dynamic trajectories rather than static quantities, a key question arises: does the trajectory leading up to an outcome influence how that outcome is evaluated? I will outline a new research direction aimed at formalizing this relationship using computational modeling. This is ongoing work, and I welcome feedback on how best to formalize these ideas. Finally, I will discuss potential extensions of this framework to psychopathology, asking whether alterations in dynamic expectations may characterize conditions such as Major Depressive Disorder and Gambling disorder. Together, this work introduces a new framework for studying expectations as dynamic processes, offering a richer understanding *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

April 26, 2026