- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Human Brain Project: calls are open to join the project in the next project phase

by "Lührs, Anna"

Dear colleagues, As most of you know, the Human Brain Project (HBP) is a Horizon2020 FET Flagship project with a duration of 10 years. One of the main objectives is to build and operate a European Scientific Research Infrastructure for brain research, cognitive neuroscience and other brain-inspired sciences. The HBP recently opened four Calls for Expression of Interest (CEoI), through which new partners can join the HBP Consortium in the next project phase, April 2018 - March 2020. One of the Calls is about "Co-designing the HBP digital infrastructure for advancing the understanding of multilevel brain organisation”. The available budget of EUR 1,839,424.00 will be split between two selected proposals. The submission deadline for this and the others calls is 30 September 2017, 17:00 CEST. More information about the call mentioned above: http://opencalls.humanbrainproject.eu/forms/16/overview <http://opencalls.humanbrainproject.eu/forms/16/overview> The overview of all open calls is published here: https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/en/collaborate/open-calls/ <https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/en/collaborate/open-calls/> Questions regarding the CEoI about co-designing the HBP infrastructure can be sent to: codesigning-hbp(a)opencalls.humanbrainproject.eu <mailto:codesigning-hbp@opencalls.humanbrainproject.eu> Best regards, Anna Lührs Simulation Lab Neuroscience Division HPC in Neuroscience Phone: +49 2461 61 8931 Jülich Supercomputing Centre E-mail: a.luehrs(a)fz-juelich.de Institute for Advanced Simulation http://www.fz-juelich.de/ias/jsc Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

July 27, 2017

One PhD and one PostDoc Position in Theoretical Neuroscience at the Georg-August University of Göttingen available

by Tetzlaff, Christian

The research groups of Prof. Florentin Wörgötter and Dr. Christian Tetzlaff offer one fully-funded PhD and one fully-funded PostDoc position for 4 years. Both groups are based in the Faculty of Physics of the University of Göttingen and work interdisciplinary on the field of self-organizing neural networks with focus on learning, plasticity, and memory. The research goals of both positions are to develop and analyze new theoretical models of learning-related molecular dynamics in dendritic spines. These projects will be in direct cooperation with experimental groups from the Göttingen Campus (e.g., together with the labs of Prof. Silvio Rizzoli and Prof. Stefan Hell) and they are part of a new established collaborative research center (SFB 1286 - "Quantitative Synaptology") at the University of Göttingen, Medical Center Göttingen, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, and Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry. The PhD student will have the opportunity to become member of the Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences. Ideal candidates have experience and interest for mathematical and computational methods as well as for fundamental cell biology. The closing date is 30th of September 2017. Start date is as soon as possible. Applications should be send electronically (preferably one pdf-document) to: tetzlaff(a)phys.uni-goettingen.de<mailto:tetzlaff@phys.uni-goettingen.de> and worgott(a)gwdg.de<mailto:worgott@gwdg.de>

July 26, 2017

PhD and Postdoc positions in cognitive neuroscience in Bordeaux

by Alexandre Zenon

PhD and Postdoc positions in Cognitive Neuroscience in Bordeaux, France Applications are invited for a PhD and a post-doctoral position in cognitive neuroscience at the INCIA, Bordeaux, France. The 3-year positions are funded by the Junior Chair from IDEX Bordeaux. The successful candidates will work on the theoretical development and experimental validation of a neurobiological model of cognitive effort and cognitive fatigue, based on information theory. This work will involve behavioural experiments, neuroimaging and computational modelling. Requirements: Postdoctoral applicants must hold a PhD in neuroscience with strong experience in computational modelling and/or neuroimaging. PhD applicants must hold a Master's degree in a neuroscience-related field (e.g. medicine, biology, psychology, ...). Previous experience in research and data analysis will be valued. Expected start date: Autumn 2017 Send applications with CV, 2 letters of recommendation and motivation letter to alexandre.zenon(a)u-bordeaux.fr<mailto:alexandre.zenon@u-bordeaux.fr>

July 25, 2017

Please post: postdoctoral fellowship available

by Andy Edwards

Postdoctoral fellowship in computational neuroscience: Simula, Oslo Simula Research Laboratory is pleased to offer a 4-year postdoctoral fellowship in computational modelling of multiscale processes in neuroplasticity. Please see the full position description and requirements at our applications page: https://www.simula.no/about/job/postdoctoral-fellowship-neur al-systems-modeling Andy Edwards Senior Scientist Simula Research Laboratory

July 25, 2017

MBCC 2017: ICCV Workshop on Mutual Benefits of Cognitive and Computer Vision - Call For Papers

by Christopher Kanan

## CALL FOR PAPERS (CfP) ## ICCV International Workshop on ‘Mutual Benefits of Cognitive and Computer Vision (MBCC)’ 29 October 2017 Venice, Italy (https://sites.google.com/site/mbcc2017w/home) _____________ Aim and Scope As researchers working at the intersection of biological and machine vision, we have noticed an increasing interest in both communities to understand and improve on each other’s insights. Recent advances in machine learning (especially deep learning) have led to unprecedented improvements in computer vision. These deep learning algorithms have revolutionized computer vision, and now rival humans at some narrowly defined tasks such as object recognition (e.g., the ImageNet Large Scale Visual Recognition Challenge). In spite of these advances, the existence of adversarial images (some of which have perturbations imperceptible to humans) and rather poor generalizability across datasets point out the flaws present in these networks. On the other hand, the human visual system remains highly efficient at solving real-world tasks and capable of solving many visual tasks. We believe that the time is ripe to have extended discussions and interactions between researchers from both fields in order to steer future research in more fruitful directions. This workshop will compare human vision to state-of-the-art machine perception methods, with specific emphasis on deep learning models and architectures. Our workshop will address many important questions. They include: 1) What are the representational differences between human and machine perception? 2) What makes human vision so effective? and 3) What can we learn from human vision research? Addressing these questions is not as difficult as previously thought due to technological advancements in both computational science and neuroscience. We can now measure human behavior precisely and collect huge amounts of neurophysiological data using EEG and fMRI. This places us in a unique position to compare state-of-the-art computer vision models and human behavioral/neural data, which was impossible to do a few years ago. However, this advantage also comes with its own set of problems: Which task/metric to use for comparison? What are the representational similarities? How different are the computations in a biological visual system when compared to an artificial vision system? How does human vision achieve invariance? This workshop is a great opportunity for researchers working on human and/or machine perception to come together and discuss plausible solutions to some of the aforementioned problems. ______ Topics for submission include but are not limited to: - architectures for processing visual information in the human brain and computer vision (e.g. feedforward vs feedback, shallow vs deep networks, residual, recurrent, etc) - limitations of existing computer vision/deep learning systems compared to human vision - learning rules employed in computer vision and by the brain (e.g. unsupervised/semi-supervised learning, Hebb rule, Spike timing dependent plasticity) - representations/features in humans and computer vision - tasks/metrics to compare human and computer vision (e.g. eye fixation, reaction time, rapid categorization, visual search) - new benchmarks (e.g. datasets) - generalizability of machine representation to other tasks - new techniques to measure and analyze human psychophysics and neural signals - the problem on invariant learning - conducting large-scale behavioral and physiological experiments (e.g., fMRI, cell recording) ______________ Invited Speakers We have invited leading researchers from both Cognitive Science and Computer Vision to inspire discussions and collaborations. 1. Michael Tarr, Carnegie Mellon University 2. Davide Zoccolan, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy ___________________ Submission Guidelines We are inviting both full paper (5-8 pages) and extended abstract (2-4 pages) submissions to the workshop. Submitted papers must follow the ICCV paper format and guidelines (available on the ICCV 2017 webpage). All submissions will be handled via the CMT website: https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/MBCC2017/ Full papers: The submitted papers should have a maximum length of 8 pages, including figures and tables; additional pages must contain only cited references. The review will be double-blind. Please make sure all authors or references to authors are anonymized. Full paper submissions must not have been published before. Extended abstracts: We invite submissions of extended abstracts of ongoing or already published work as well as demos or prototype systems (ICCV format). Authors are given the opportunity to present their work to the right audience. The review will be single-blind. ______________ Important Dates Full Paper submission: August 1st, 2017 Extended Abstract submission: August 5th, 2017 Notification of acceptance: August 15th, 2017 Camera-ready paper due: September 30th, 2017 Workshop: October 29th, 2017 (Morning Session) _____________________________ Workshop Organizing Committee Ali Borji, University of Central Florida Pramod RT, Indian Institute of Science Elissa Aminoff, Fordham University Christopher Kanan, Rochester Institute of Technology _______ Contact mbccw.iccv2017(a)gmail.com

July 23, 2017

BCBT2017 Summer School. Registration deadline August 1st!

by BCBT, Bústia Compartida

*Registration deadline postponed: 1 August 2017* For more information on how to apply, please go to BCBT2017-Eventum UPF <https://eventum.upf.edu/9240/detail/bcbt-2017.html> ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------ *Barcelona Cognition, Brain and Technology Summer School -BCBT2017* University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain. 28 August - 8 September 2017 BCBT2017-Eventum UPF <https://eventum.upf.edu/9240/detail/bcbt-2017.html> Join us for the 10th edition of *"Barcelona Cognition, Brain and Technology summer school - BCBT2017 *" be held 28 August-8 September 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. The BCBT summer school is positioned at the interface between biology and future and emerging technologies with an emphasis on the principles underlying brains and their translation to avant-garde technologies. BCBT promotes a shared systems-level understanding of the functional architecture of the brain and its possible emulation in artificial systems. The summer school has been part of a series of events organized by the European coordination action Convergent Science Network of Biomimetics and Neurotechnology (*http://csnetwork.eu/ <http://csnetwork.eu/>*). This year the school is supported by the ERC project CDAC <http://specs.upf.edu/projects/2810> that investigates the role of consciousness in adaptive behavior combining empirical, computational and robot-based approach. BCBT is also supported by EPISENSE <https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/sp3>, a subproject of the Human Brain Project <https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/>(HBP) that investigates brain mechanisms of perception and memory. This is the 10th year of BCBT, which has run with great success in previous years thanks to an excellent line-up of outstanding speakers (see bcbt.upf.edu for previous editions of the school). BCBT lectures <https://www.youtube.com/user/ConvergentScienceNw/playlists> are available online with the BCBT *Podcast interviews *with many of the BCBT speakers. BCBT caters to students and researchers involved in projects that are in the ambit of “BIO-ICT convergence”, "Brain Inspired ICT", “Cognitive systems-robotics”, “Cognitive and neural systems”, “Foundations of social cognition”. BCBT will offer up to 30 student slots for the practical workshops, while as many researchers can register to attend the presentations and discussion sessions as they are interested. The atmosphere of the BCBT summer school is informal with the goal to stimulate in-depth discussion. There are 1 or 2 presentations in the morning, with the afternoons reserved for tutorials and projects for student participants and road-mapping workshops or further discussion for senior scientists. For the 2017 edition, we plan a *1st week* of the school addressing *Neural basis of Consciousness *while the *2nd week* will include presentations aimed at the investigation of *Evolutionary and Developmental aspects of nervous systems and behavior.* Friday 8 is reserved for the presentation of the student projects to which everybody is invited. *BCBT is organized by* Paul Verschure, ICREA and University Pompeu Fabra Barcelona, ES, Tony Prescott, Sheffield University, UK Anna Mura, University Pompeu Fabra Barcelona, ES

July 23, 2017

NeuroMorpho.Org v7.2 released July 19th, 2017

by NeuroMorpho Administrator

Dear colleagues, We’re pleased to announce the July 19, 2017 release of Version 7.2 of NeuroMorpho.Org<http://neuromorpho.org/>, adding 7721 reconstructions from 83 new datasets. The repository now provides access to 70,025 cells and passed 7 million downloads in 163 countries. Please visit the What’s new page<http://neuromorpho.org/WIN.jsp> for details on the added data and other updates. The literature coverage was also updated to include publications through June 2017. We are continuously grateful to all the data contributors<http://neuromorpho.org/acknowl.jsp#DC> who freely share their hard-won tracings with the community. We appreciate any and all feedback and comments. Our apologies if you receive multiple versions of this message through cross-listing. Sincerely, The NeuroMorpho.Org team<http://neuromorpho.org/acknowl.jsp#NMO> ---------------- Giorgio Ascoli<http://krasnow1.gmu.edu/cn3/ascoli>, PhD University Professor Bioengineering Department<http://bioengineering.gmu.edu/>, Volgenau School of Engineering<http://volgenau.gmu.edu/> Neuroscience Program<http://neuroscience.gmu.edu/>, Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study<http://krasnow1.gmu.edu/> Director, Center for Neural Informatics, Structures, & Plasticity<http://krasnow1.gmu.edu/cn3> MS2A1 - George Mason University<http://gmu.edu/>, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444 Ph. +1(703)993-4383/+1(703)673-8894 Author of “Trees of the Brain, Roots of the Mind<http://www.amazon.com/Trees-Brain-Roots-Giorgio-Ascoli/dp/0262028980/>” (MIT Press, 2015<http://mitpress.mit.edu/books/trees-brain-roots-mind>) Founding Editor-in-Chief, Neuroinformatics<http://link.springer.com/journal/12021>

July 21, 2017

8th NeuralEnsemble CodeJam workshop

by Andrew Davison

Dear colleagues, You are invited to participate in the 8th NeuralEnsemble CodeJam workshop, which will take place 13th-15th September 2017 in Lausanne, Switzerland. http://neuralensemble.org/meetings/CodeJam8/ The goal of the CodeJam is to catalyze open-source, collaborative software development in computational and systems neuroscience and neuroinformatics, by bringing together researchers, students and engineers to share ideas, present their work, and write code together. Mornings are dedicated to invited and contributed talks, leaving the afternoons free for discussions, tutorials and code sprints. CodeJam #8 is sponsored by the Human Brain Project Best regards, Andrew -- Andrew Davison, PhD Unité de Neurosciences, Information et Complexité (UNIC) Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 1, avenue de la Terrasse 91198 Gif sur Yvette France Tel: +33 1 69 82 34 51 http://www.andrewdavison.info/

July 21, 2017

PhD studentship in Computational Neuroscience/Machine Learning

by Vassilis Cutsuridis

PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience/Machine learning MLearn Research Group School of Computer Science University of Lincoln UK Applications are invited for a PhD position in the MLearn Research Group at the University of Lincoln. Projects involve the development and simulation of models of neurons and neuronal networks hippocampal memory functions (Cutsuridis V, et al. (2010). Encoding and retrieval in the hippocampal CA1 microcircuit model. *Hippocampus*, 20(3): 423-446) <http://vassiliscutsuridis.com/docs/Journal_papers/CutCobGraHippo2010.pdf> and/or applications of machine learning (deep learning) techniques for the analysis of data. A description of our research interests and a list of publications can be found on our webpage (http://mlearn.lincoln.ac.uk/) Applicants should have excellent computational and numerical skills and a very good first degree in computer science, biology, maths, physics, neuroscience, or a related discipline. Successful candidates are eligible for a research studentship award from the University (GBP 14,553 per annum bursary plus payment of the student fees). This studentship is only open to UK and EU students. The ideal candidate should be highly motivated, technically skilled, a team player and driven to push forward the development of the next generation of deep associative memory neural-networks. Your written and spoken English skills should be excellent. As a PhD student, you may also have the opportunity to teach as a demonstrator in the School of Computer Science. Research in Computer Science at the University of Lincoln has been recognised as internationally excellent and world leading. The School of Computer Science provides a very stimulating environment, offering a large number of specialised and interdisciplinary seminars as well as general training and researcher development opportunities. The University is situated in Lincoln, two hours north of London. Please contact Dr Vassilis Cutsuridis (vcutsuridis(a)lincoln.ac.uk) or Prof. Stefanos Kollias (skollias(a)lincoln.ac.uk) for informal enquiries. If you’re interested in this position and you would like to apply, please send your CV, statement of research interests, three reference letters and a photo to Dr. Vassilis Cutsuridis: vcutsuridis(a)lincoln.ac.uk Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as possible. Kind regards, Vassilis --- Dr Vassilis Cutsuridis School of Computer Science University of Lincoln Lincoln LN6 7TS U.K. Tel: +44 (0) 1522 83 5107 Email: vcutsuridis(a)lincoln.ac.uk Web: http://staff.lincoln.ac.uk/vcutsuridis Personal Web: http://www.vassiliscutsuridis.com/

July 20, 2017

Neuromodulation of Neural Microcircuits NM2 Conference 2017

by Ramaswamy Srikanth

We are delighted to announce the upcoming <https://nm2.epfl.ch> Neuromodulation of Neural Microcircuits (<https://nm2.epfl.ch>NM2) Conference 2017<https://nm2.epfl.ch>. The NM2 Conference will be held at the EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland on the 18th and 19th of Sep. 2017 and at the Campus Biotech in Geneva, Switzerland on the 20th of Sep. 2017. Neuromodulators dynamically reconfigure neural microcircuits and shape brain states by controlling the function of neurons and glia, dendrites, and synapses. NM2 will bring together world-leading experts to: • Identify the state-of-the-art mechanisms of the neuromodulation of neural microcircuits • Illuminate various strategies enabling the measurement of neuromodulatory states in brain health and disease • Integrate knowledge to build a unifying view of the neuromodulation of different brain regions • Inform and attract new talent to drive forward neuromodulation research • Inspire future directions that will transform our understanding of the neuromodulation of brain function and dysfunction and therapeutic intervention NM2 has an exciting program<https://nm2.epfl.ch/page-145616-en.html> with a stimulating lineup of speakers<https://nm2.epfl.ch/page-145624-en.html>! Please mark your calendars to participate in shaping the future course of neuromodulatory research! Registration<https://nm2.epfl.ch/page-145625-en.html> includes coffee breaks, lunch, refreshments and poster sessions. PhD. students and postdocs are particularly encouraged to apply for several travel awards<https://nm2.epfl.ch/page-146294-en.html> by submitting poster abstracts<https://nm2.epfl.ch/page-146294-en.html>. Some abstracts will be selected for flash talks. Early bird registration is open until July 31st, 2017. Abstract submission is open until August 13th, 2017. We look forward to welcoming you at NM2 in beautiful Switzerland! Best regards from the scientific committee of NM2, Srikanth Ramaswamy Henry Markram Mriganka Sur Anita Disney Menahem Segal Michael Hasselmo Seung-Hee Lee Alexander Thiele Amy Arnsten [cid:CCBC7D9D-9041-4146-88BA-CC744BDBB811@epfl.ch]

July 20, 2017

PhD scholarship "Deep Learning in clinical neuroimaging", Charité Berlin

by Kerstin Ritter

Dear all, I am offering a PhD scholarship in "Deep Learning in clinical neuroimaging" at Charite Berlin, starting in October 2017 (initially for 2 years). See announcement below: _________________________________________ Deep Learning in clinical neuroimaging PhD scholarship (starting October 2017, initially for 2 years) At the Berlin Center for Advanced Neuroimaging and Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (Charite), we are looking for a motivated and highly talented PhD student for various research questions within the interdisciplinary field of deep learning and clinical neuroimaging. In particular, we employ convolutional neural networks for finding new representations from neuroimaging data in order to predict disease conversion and future clinical disability in neurological as well as psychiatric diseases. Whereas previous disease decoding approaches mostly relied on expert-based extraction of features in combination with standard classification algorithms and thus strongly depend on the choice of data representation, convolutional networks are capable of learning hierarchical information directly from raw imaging data. By this, they have a great potential for finding unexpected and latent data characteristics and might perform as a real “second reader”. A major focus will be on visualization techniques to make the learned content of convolutional neural networks visible. Requirements for the PhD student: - Very good degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, psychology, computational neuroscience or related subject. - Very good programming skills (e.g. Python) - Experience in machine learning - Good writing and communication skills (in English) Please send your application (motivation+CV) in one pdf-file (in English or German) to: Dr. Kerstin Ritter Berlin Center for Advanced Neuroimaging, Bernstein-Zentrum für Computational Neuroscience Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Sauerbruchweg 4, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin Tel.: + 49 30 450 539364; Email: kerstin.ritter(a)bccn-berlin.de _________________________________________________ Thank you very much! Best wishes, Kerstin Ritter _______________________________________________ Dr. rer. nat. Kerstin Ritter, nee Hackmack Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin Center for Advanced Neuroimaging Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Sauerbruchweg 4, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

July 20, 2017

Creating a list of important computational predictions

by Yiota Poirazi

Dear all, I believe you would agree that, the greatest recognition of our computational work comes with the experimental verification of our computational predictions. To highlight the most important outcomes of our theoretical work and facilitate a closer interaction with experimental labs so as to increase the chances of our predictions being experimentally tested, I would like to encourage you to nominate your favorite prediction at the following google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJZ2RrXJ0nZonIuyNzN0Cl gXDKDb7xTzoJOiqZTGxm9Kh7ow/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link This effort started during the CNS 2017 meeting in Antwerp with the support of the OCNS Board. The resulting list will be posted on the CNS 2017 web site and disseminated in social media, as a reference for experimentalists. Thank you very much for supporting this important effort! Best wishes, Yiota Poirazi -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Research Director Computational Biology Laboratory Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385, GR 70013, Heraklion, Crete GREECE Tel: +30 2810 391139 Fax: +30 2810 391101 Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr Lab site: www.dendrites.gr FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence <http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/> -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by *E.F.A. Project* <http://www.efa-project.org>, and is believed to be clean. Click here to report this message as spam. <http://mailgate1.imbb.forth.gr/cgi-bin/learn-msg.cgi?id=4BCD7A00A1.A57D7&to…> -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Research Director Computational Biology Laboratory Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385, GR 70013, Heraklion, Crete GREECE Tel: +30 2810 391139 Fax: +30 2810 391101 Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr Lab site: www.dendrites.gr FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence <http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/>

July 20, 2017

2nd Announcement: Computational Neuroscience in Africa: isiCN IMBIZO 18

by Tim Vogels

Dear all, we would like to draw your attention to the IBRO SIMONS COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE IMBIZO #isiCNI2018 Get to know (and help to build) African Computational and Theoretical Neuroscience. from 7 - 28 January 2018, Muizenberg Beach, Cape Town, South Africa http://isicni.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk <http://isicni.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/> Application deadline: 15th August 2017 The #isiCNI2018 is a southern hemisphere summer school aiming to promote computational neuroscience in Africa. It will bring together international and local students under the tutelage of the world's leading experts in the field. Like its international sister courses, this three-week summer school aims to teach central ideas, methods, and practices of modern computational neuroscience through a combination of lectures and hands-on project work. Mornings will be devoted to lectures on topics across the breadth of experimental and computational neuroscience. The rest of the day will be spent working on research projects under the close supervision of expert tutors and faculty. Individual research projects will focus on the modelling of neurons, neural systems, behaviour, the analysis of state-of-the-art neural data, and the development of theories to explain experimental observations. Who should apply? This course is aimed at Masters and PhD level students though Honours or Postdoctoral students may also apply. Students should sufficient quantitative skills, (e.g. a background in mathematics, physics, computer science, statistics, engineering or related field). Some knowledge of neural biology will be useful but not essential. Experimental neuroscience students are encouraged to apply, but should ensure that they have a reasonable level of quantitative proficiency (i.e. at least second-year level mathematics or statistics and have done at least one course in computer programming). Please distribute this information as widely as you can. Essential details * Fee (which covers tuition, lodging, and meals): 1100 EUR * Generous scholarships and travel stipends are available based on merit and need * Application deadline: 15th August 2017 * Notification of results: End of September 2017 Information and application http://isicni.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk <http://isicni.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/> Application form http://tinyurl.com/yc6zbvpo <http://tinyurl.com/yc6zbvpo> Questions? isicn.imbizo(a)gmail.com <mailto:isicn.imbizo@gmail.com> What is an Imbizo? \ɪmˈbiːzɒ\ | Xhosa - Zulu A gathering of the people to share knowledge. FACULTY Larry Abbott - Columbia University Adrienne Fairhall - Washington University Surya Ganguli* - Stanford University Peter Latham - University College London Blake Richards - University of Toronto Timothy Lillicrap - Google DeepMind Mate Lengyel - University of CambridgeJoseph Raimondo - University of Cape Town Yiota Poirazi - Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas Srikanth Ramaswamy - EPFL Lausanne Tim Vogels - University of Oxford Byron Yu - Carnegie Mellon University Alex Antrobus (Gatsby Unit, UCL) Athanasia Papoutsi (Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas) William Podladski (University of Oxford ) Friedemann Zenke (Stanford University / University of Oxford) and others, to be announced *not confirmed DIRECTORS Peter Latham (Gatsby Unit for Computational Neuroscience, UCL, UK) Joseph Raimondo (University of Cape Town, South Africa) Tim Vogels (University of Oxford, UK) Sponsors The isiCNI is made possible by the generous support from the Simons Foundation (https://www.simonsfoundation.org <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/>) and IBRO, the International Brain Research Organisation (http://ibro.info <http://ibro.info/>) Organizational Affiliates University of Cape Town, University College London, University of Oxford, TReND in Africa <http://trendinafrica.org/>, CNCB <http://www.cncb.ox.ac.uk/>, Gatsby Foundation <http://www.gatsby.org.uk/>, IBRO African Center for Advanced Training in Neurosciences at UCT

July 19, 2017

Aspects of Neuroscience - Hackathon: Call for proposals (01.08) - Warsaw, 18-19th November

by Daniel Borek

On the weekend of 18-19th November, the first edition of Aspects of Neuroscience - Hackathon will take place. During this two-day event dedicated to students and PhD students, we will work in teams on neuroscience-related projects. The aim of the event is to meet new, enthusiastic researchers, to share the knowledge on data mining and brain research, but also to share the data and promote open science. We provide with a list of proposed open-access datasets, but we also encourage participants to share their own data during the event. At the moment, we opened the call for project proposals. The proposals can include various forms of a group activity, e.g., data analysis, app development, a discussion club on a particular topic, developing a software etc. Each proposal should indicate: [1] a title and abstract for the project; [2] a list of 1-5 key papers summarising the subject (which the participants should become familiar with before starting the project); [3] a list of requirements for taking part in the project (education level / English level / programming language required); [4] a maximum number of participants [5] a name of an author of the project, and a name of a senior researcher which will supervise the project during the Hackathon [6] what can the participant gain from the project? [7] an information on whether or not there is a plan for extending this work to a paper in case the results are promising An exemplary proposal is in link https://www.dropbox.com/s/ojui2h0wcz82mgy/EXEMPLARYPROPOSAL.pdf?dl=0 Location: University of Warsaw (Further information will be provided soon) Deadline for project proposals: 01.08.2017 Announcement of projects: 15.08.2017 Deadline for registration of participants: 01.11.2017 Please send your proposals to the conference email: neuroaspects(a)uw.edu.pl Proposals will be evaluated by members of our scientific committee before 15.08.2017 Main organizers: Michał Bola, PhD (Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, Warsaw, Poland) Natalia Bielczyk, MSc (Statistical Imaging Neuroscience Research Group, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, The Netherlands) Daniel Borek, MSc (Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland) Beata Goźlińska (Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland) LIST OF EXAMPLARY OPEN ACCESS DATASETS: [1] calcium imaging datasets: Karl Svoboda https://crcns.org/data-sets/ssc [2] fMRI + DTI: Human Connectome Project http://www. humanconnectome.org/data/ [3] gene expression open-access database: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/ + information on gene function: www.uniprot.org [4] EEG, MRI & behavioural data from N=644 children & adolescents: http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2017/06/13/149369 [5] EEG data: http://neurotycho.org/ [6] Research data supporting "Brain connectivity during propofol sedation https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/252736

July 19, 2017

PhD positions on Translational Neurosciences and Neurotechnologies - IIT@UniFe

by Alessandro D'Ausilio

PHD PROGRAM in TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCES AND NEUROTECHNOLOGIES The Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication (CTNSC) at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) is looking for up to 4 highly motivated, full-time PhD students to work in the core research areas of the Center. At the CTNSC we focus our efforts in two integrated directions. On one side we are studying how the brain builds communicative and linguistic representations. On the other side we are designing new brain interfaces, specifically conceived for human use, to record and computationally decode neural signals. The CTNSC is hosted by the Section of Physiology of the University of Ferrara, one of the oldest in Italy (founded in 1391). In terms of its size, facilities, quality and quantity of education and research, the university is a point of excellence within Italy. The PhD student will work in Ferrara, in an international and multidisciplinary team including biomedical engineers, biologists, computer scientists, psychologists and medical doctors. The PhD positions will cover the following core areas of CTNSC: A01 Improving performance and biocompatibility of electrode arrays for brain-computer interfaces A02 Functional investigation of innovative neural interfaces A03 Investigation of sensorimotor functions in animal models (NH primates and rats) A04 Machine learning applications to multimodal brain and speech signals A05 Human neurophysiology of speech and sensorimotor communication A06 Cortical recordings in human patients during awake Neurosurgery A07 Hardware and software development for innovative exploration of brain signals DEADLINE: 1st AUGUST 2017 CTNSC Info: https://www.iit.it/centers/ctnsc-unife PhD page [ITA]: http://www.unife.it/studenti/dottorato/corsi/riforma/neuroscienze How to participate to the selection [ITA/ENG]: http://www.unife.it/studenti/dottorato/modulistica/Guidaconcorso.pdf

July 19, 2017

Postdoc + 2 PhD students in limbo, SISSA, Trieste

by Alessandro Treves

A postdoc is sought to join a HFSP-funded project to study analog cortical computations in linguistic processes. A collaboration with Naama Friedmann (TAU) and Remi Monasson (ENS). Ideal candidates have a flair for (some) language, come from a background we have not thought of and seek to get to places where they have not been, at the crossroads between neuroscience, complex systems, and poetry. Two PhD students from outside Italy are sought to later join as ESRs the EU Training Network M-GATE, on hippocampal memory functions. A network of 7 institutes + 4 companies, coordinated by Francesco Battaglia (Nijmegen). Ideal candidates, who can be of any nationality but must not have spent much time in Italy in the last 3 years, enjoy analytical, mathematical and computational excursions when in search of fundamental network understanding. Deadline August 31st, 2017. Formal applications eventually needed, but please see first obsolete limbo information http://people.sissa.it/~ale/limbo.html and contact ale(a)sissa.it well in advance. -- Alessandro Treves http://people.sissa.it/~ale/limbo.html SISSA - Cognitive Neuroscience, via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy +39-040-3787623 Ambassador (BlaBlaCar) +39-349-2504602

July 18, 2017

CNS 2017 workshop:

by s.a.vangils＠utwente.nl

Please post: Dear all, We cordially invite you to attend our workshop at CNS2017, Thursday July 20: “Recent Developments in Epilepsy Modelling” Epilepsy is a chronic disease of the CNS characterized by the occurrence of seizures. It affects ~1% of the people worldwide, and ⅓ of the affected population does not respond to anticonvulsant drugs. This limited success of anticonvulsant treatment is, in part, due to our limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms that are responsible for the pathological behavior. Translational research can play an important role in the unravelling of the mechanisms that may be responsible. As more and better experimental data become available, it is important to be able to integrate these data with modeling approaches in order to test hypotheses and to improve insight and produce more individualized models. In this workshop a number of active researchers in the field come together to discuss their latest results ranging from computational models on different scales to statistical methods to evaluate the use of biomarkers. Speakers: Victor Jirsa, Fabrice Wendling, Wytse Wadman, Geertjan Huiskamp, Jurgen Hebbink, Bill Lytton, Peter Taylor, Stiliyan Kalitzin, Marc Goodfellow and Stephan van Gils. For details visit: http://wwwhome.math.utwente.nl/%7Egilssa/cns2017/?<http://wwwhome.math.utwente.nl/~gilssa/cns2017/?> With kind regards, Wim van Drongelen en Stephan van Gils Prof. Dr. S.A. (Stephan) van Gils Department of Applied Mathematics University of Twente P.O. Box 217 7500 AE Enschede Chair: Applied Analysis +31-53-4894272 (tel Secretary) +31-53-4893410 (tel Office)

July 17, 2017

Review article: Towards building a more complex view of the lateral geniculate nucleus: Recent advances in understanding its role

by Masoud Ghodrati

Dear vision scientists, We would like to draw your attention to our recent review paper entitled "Towards building a more complex view of the lateral geniculate nucleus: Recent advances in understanding its role <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301008215300757>" published in Progress in Neurobiology, Jun 2017. We hope that this review can link different findings about the LGN function and opens new research avenues in the field. *Recent evidence shows that lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) has more sophisticated functions than a mere relaying hub. We provide a rather unfiltered and eclectic review of the LGN functions, with some focus on its computational role, as well as its role in higher level cognitive process (specifically higher level vision). **In particular, we argue that the LGN has a variety of complex nonlinear behaviors (perhaps the most interesting nonlinearity involves feedback from cortex). We suggest further development of feedback models of high-level vision considering the LGN function. Because of LGN’s contribution in temporal aspects of object processing, modeling LGN function particularly becomes more important when considering non-stationary stimuli (such as videos). Predictive coding and expectation coding models are in this direction.* Actual link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301008215300757 Here is authors’ free PDF version of the manuscript: https://goo.gl/KCmUR7 Best -- *_____________________________________________________________* Masoud Ghodrati, Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. E-mails: masoud.ghodrati(a)monash.edu Web pages (Personal) : https://sites.google.com/site/masoudghodrati1985/ *_____________________________________________________________*

July 17, 2017

Open postdoctoral position in human intracranial electrophysiology: Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University

by Shuo Wang

*** Sorry for multiple postings*** We invite applicants with strong motivation in investigating the neural mechanisms of face processing and visual attention/saliency to apply for a postdoctoral position at the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute (BRNI), West Virginia University. The applicant will work on intracranial single-unit recordings from human subjects, investigating questions related to face processing and/or visual attention and visual saliency. This will include experimental work with patients (electrophysiology and behavior), data processing and analysis, spike-train analysis, and experimental design. The applicant will have access to state-of-the art equipment, facilities and analytical methods and this research will be in a highly collaborative environment. The applicant will not only collaborate with investigators at the BRNI, but also be part of an established team of investigators at both Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Dr. Ueli Rutishauser) and the California Institute of Technology (Dr. Ralph Adolphs), with ample opportunity to learn new techniques and methods. Candidates should have a recent PhD in systems, cognitive, or computational neuroscience with a track-record of first-author publications. Strong programming (Matlab or similar), data analysis, statistics and electrophysiology skills are essential. Excellent written and oral English communication skills are required, including the ability to communicate with patients and their families. Individuals with previous human intracranial EEG experience and/or macaque single neuron recordings that wish to expand into human single-unit recordings are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should send a CV, including a list of publications, a brief description of research interests and analysis skills, and contact information for 2-3 reference letters to Shuo Wang (shuo.wang(a)mail.wvu.edu) Informal inquiries are welcome. Further information about the lab can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/shuowangsocialneuroscience/.

July 17, 2017

Methods of Information Theory workshop at CNS*2017

by Joseph Lizier

Dear all, Please note that the final schedule and speaker abstracts are available for the following workshop at CNS*2017 in Antwerp this week: Workshop on Methods of Information Theory in Computational Neuroscience 19 and 20 July 2017 Methods originally developed in Information Theory have found wide applicability in computational neuroscience. Beyond these original methods there is a need to develop novel tools and approaches that are driven by problems arising in neuroscience. A number of researchers in computational/systems neuroscience and in information/communication theory are investigating problems of information representation and processing. While the goals are often the same, these researchers bring different perspectives and points of view to a common set of neuroscience problems. Often they participate in different fora and their interaction is limited. The goal of the workshop is to bring some of these researchers together to discuss challenges posed by neuroscience and to exchange ideas and present their latest work. The workshop is targeted towards computational and systems neuroscientists with interest in methods of information theory as well as information/communication theorists with interest in neuroscience. Program: Wed 19 July (Room C.101): * 09:00 Raul Vicente, University of Tartu -- "Estimating and applying partial information decomposition to complex systems" * 09:45 Jil Meier, Delft University of Technology -- "The epidemic spreading model and the direction of information flow in brain networks" * 11:00 Karl Friston, University College London -- "Active inference and artificial curiosity" * 11:45 Taro Toyoizumi, RIKEN Brain Science Institute -- "A Local Learning Rule for Independent Component Analysis" * 14:00 Fleur Zeldenrust, Radboud Universiteit -- "Estimating the information extracted by a single spiking neuron from a continuous input time series" * 14:30 Pedro Martinez Mediano, Imperial College London -- "Integrated Information Theory Without the Hot Air" * 15:00 Mehrdad Salmasi, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich "Information rate of a synapse during short-term depression" * 16:00 Tatjana Tchumatchenko, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt -- "Information coding of mean and variance modulating signals in cortical neurons" * 16:45 Renaud Jolivet, University of Geneva -- "Energy-efficient information transfer at synapses" * 17:30 Rodrigo Cofre, University of Geneva and Universidad de Valparaíso -- "Information Entropy Production and Large deviations of Maximum Entropy Processes from Spike Trains" Thu 20 July (Room C.101): * 09:00 Lionel Barnett, University of Sussex -- "Information Transfer in Continuous and Discrete Time" * 09:45 Joseph T. Lizier, The University of Sydney "An estimator for transfer entropy between spike trains" * 11:00 Viola Priesemann, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-organization, Goettingen -- "Quantifying Information Storage and Modification in Neural Recordings" * 11:45 Demain Battaglia, Aix-Marseille University -- "Discrete information processing states in anesthetized rat recordings" * 14:00 Selin Aviyente, Michigan State University "Directed Information: Application to EEG during cognitive control" * 14:45 Adrià Tauste, Universitat Pompeu Fabra -- "Directed information flow within the thalamo-cortical network" * 16:00 Daniele Marinazzo, University of Ghent -- "Synergy and redundancy in dynamical systems: towards a practical and operative definition" * 16:45 Lubomir Kostal, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic -- "Reference frame independence as a constraint on the mutual information decomposition" * 17:30 Robin Ince, University of Glasgow -- "Quantifying representational interactions in neuroimaging and electrophysiological data using information theory" Organisers: Joseph T. Lizier -- chair, The University of Sydney Viola Priesemann, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-organisation Justin Dauwels, Nanyang Technological University Taro Toyoizumi, RIKEN Brain Science Institute Alexander G. Dimitrov, Washington State University Lubomir Kostal, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Michael Wibral, Goethe University, Frankfurt

July 16, 2017

CNS2017 workshop on "Neuronal Oscillations: mechanisms and functionality"

by Frances Skinner

Please post: Dear all, We invite you to attend our workshop an CNS2017 tthis year. "Neurona*l Oscillations: mechanisms and functionality"* Oscillations at various frequency ranges have been observed in several brain structures (hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, olfactory bulb and others). They are believed to be important for cognitive functions such as learning, memory, navigation and attention. These rhythms have been studied at the single cell level, as the result of the interaction of a neuron’s intrinsic properties, at the network level, as the result of the interaction between the participating neurons and neuronal populations in a given brain region, and at higher levels of organization involving several of these regions. Recent advances in this field have benefited from the interaction between experiment and theory, and models with varying levels of detail. The purpose of this workshop is to bring together modelers, experimentalists and theorists with the goal of sharing and discussing their current results and ideas on the underlying mechanisms that govern the generation of these rhythms at various levels of organization, and their functional implications. An additional goal is to discuss what we mean by an explanation in the context of this workshop. To this end, speakers will be encouraged to address this issue from the perspective of Aristotle's four causes (efficient, material, formal and final causes) <http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2015/entries/aristotle-causality/>. Please see 'What is computational neuroscience? (XVI) What is an explanation?' <http://romainbrette.fr/2013/06/>. Speakers: Day 1: F Skinner, J White, M Bezaire, V Cutsuridis, J Guzman, L Rubchinsky, D Levenstein, F Battaglia, M Bartos, J Mejias Day 2: C. Borgers, C Canavier, M Cunningham, J Lefebvre, A Peyrache, H Rotstein, B Pesaran, A Saudargiene For more details, please visit http://vassiliscutsuridis.com/workshop/CNS2017web.htm Thank you, Frances (on behalf of the organizers) -- Frances Skinner, PhD Krembil Research Institute/UHN and Univ Toronto www.skinnerlab.org

July 14, 2017

postdoc in Barcelona to do single cell recordings in humans

by Quian Quiroga, Rodrigo (Prof.)

*** Apologies for multiple postings*** Dear all, Please see below details of a postdoc position at the Barcelona ßeta Brain Research Center to study memory mechanisms by performing single cell recordings in humans in collaboration with Hospital del Mar. Cheers, Rodrigo Postdoc Position Barcelona ßeta Brain Research Center (BBRC) The Barcelona ßeta Brain Research Center (BBRC) offers a fully funded postdoc position at the research group headed by Professor Rodrigo Quian Quiroga. The group is part of a new Research Program on Memory, complementary to ongoing research at BBRC dealing with the Prevention of Alzheimer Disease. The group is associated to the epilepsy group headed by Dr. Gerardo Conesa at Hospital del Mar, a health center close to BBRC. Research will involve the study single cell recordings in humans. These recordings are performed in epileptic patients for curative surgery. In particular, the project will investigate concept cells (a.k.a. Jennifer Aniston neurons) – that means, neurons in the hippocampus and surrounding areas that selectively fire to specific concepts, like different pictures and the written or spoken name of a particular person (e.g. Quian Quiroga et al, Nature 2005; Quian Quiroga Nature Reviews Neuroscience 2012), which are involved in declarative memory functions. The successful candidate will contribute to performing recordings with patients at the Hospital del Mar and the analysis of the data to investigate the role of these neurons in memory formation, consolidation, long-term coding and recall. Candidates should have excellent quantitative skills (data processing, and programming, preferably in Matlab) and ideally, a strong background in neuroscience and experience with neurophysiology recordings. They should be able to work both independently and as part of a research team within the BBRC. The position is initially offered for 2 years, with the possibility to extend it for another 2 years. Salary will be competitive, depending on experience. The closing date for the applications is Monday 25th August 2017. Start date will be in October 2017. For application details and further particulars see: https://fpmaragall.org/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2014/07/Postdoc_Neural… Informal inquiries are welcome and should be submitted electronically to: rh(a)fpmaragall.org Rodrigo Quian Quiroga Centre for Systems Neuroscience University of Leicester www.le.ac.uk/csn

July 14, 2017

CNS meeting 2017 workshop on "Recent methods and analyses for neuronal population recordings"

by Valentina Pasquale

Dear all, I would like to remind you about the WORKSHOP "RECENT METHODS AND ANALYSES FOR LARGE-SCALE NEURONAL POPULATION RECORDINGS" | JULY 19TH-20TH IN ANTWERP @ CNS MEETING 2017 http://www.computational-neuroscience-of-sensory-systems.org/workshop-on-re… Abstract: Understanding how assemblies of neurons encode information requires recording large populations of cells in the brain. In recent years, progress in population calcium imaging and multichannel electrophysiology opened the possibility to record from hundreds or even thousands of neurons simultaneously. While these techniques offer unprecedented chances to monitor large neural circuits, they also push for the design of new algorithms to gather and process information from such high-dimensional datasets. The workshop "Recent methods and analyses for large-scale neuronal population recordings", which will be held on July 19th-20th in Antwerp at the CNS meeting 2017, will gather leading experimentalists and theoreticians to discuss latest computational methods and analyses used to process such large-scale neuronal population recordings, both in vivo and in vitro. Focusing on high-density electrophysiology and calcium imaging, it will review recent advances in neuroinformatics research, including spike sorting techniques and characterization of neural assemblies' spatio-temporal activity. Organizers: Valentina Pasquale (IIT), Michela Chiappalone (IIT), Pierre Yger (Institut de la Vision, France) Speakers: July 19th * Matthias Hennig (University of Edinburgh, Scotland) * Felix Franke (ETH Zurich, Switzerland) * Nick Steinmetz (University College London, UK) * Pierre Yger (Institut de la Vision, France) * Thomas Deneux (UNIC, CNRS, France) * Marius Pachitariu (University College London, UK) * Stephen J. Eglen (University of Cambridge, UK) * Adrien Peyrache (McGill University, Canada) July 20th * George Dimitriadis (Sainsbury Welcome Centre, UK) * Gaute Einevoll (NMBU, Norway) * Yannick Bornat (IMS Bordeaux, France) * Ulisse Ferrari (Institut de la Vision, France) * Sonja Grün (Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany) * Valentina Pasquale (Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Italy) * Arno Onken (Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Italy) * Paolo Bonifazi (Ikerbasque, Bilbao, Spain) For further information, please visit: http://www.computational-neuroscience-of-sensory-systems.org/workshop-on-re… Best, Valentina Pasquale valentina.pasquale(a)iit.it<mailto:valentina.pasquale@iit.it> ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA Optical Approaches to Brain Function Lab Via Morego, 30 16163 Genova t: +39 010 71781 475 f: +39 010 71781 230 www.iit.it<http://www.iit.it/>

July 14, 2017

Open PhD position computational neuroscienceB

by Claudius Gros

I would like to brink your attention our PhD-program in Computational Neurosciences / Complex Dynamical Systems at the Institute of Theoretical Physics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany Field(s): computational neurosciences, complex systems, theory neural networks, simulated robotics, dynamical systems. Application deadline: August 11, 2017 Contact: Prof. Claudius Gros, cgr[(a)]itp.uni-frankfurt.de We are developing new models and generative principles for the brain using a range of toolsets from dynamical systems theory and computational neurosciences. Examples are new objective functions and generating functionals for the sensori-motor loop, transient state dynamics and self-limiting Hebbian plasticity rules. Several subjects are available for the announced PhD thesis including the generation of transient state dynamics through short-term synaptic plasticity, the study of the stationarity principle for statistical learning and/or the generation of motor primitives through self-organized embodiment within the sensori-motor loop. The work will include analytic investigations and numerical simulations of neural networks and/or of simulated robots, using the toolset of dynamical systems theory. The candidate must have a Diploma/Master in physics, an excellent academic track record and good computational skills. Experience or strong interest in the fields of complex systems, computational neurosciences, dynamical systems theory and/or artificial or biological cognitive systems is expected. The degree of scientific research experience needs to be on the level of a German Diploma/Master The appointment will start summer/fall 2017, for up to three years. Interested applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, a list of publications and copies of the academic record. Name, affiliation and email of one or more potential references are to be given. Claudius Gros http://www.itp.uni-frankfurt.de/~gros General information on the University of Frankfurt and its employment policy. With its around 46000 students and 4600 employees, the Goethe University in Frankfurt is the largest university in the state of Hessen and an internationally renowned, important regional employer. Numerous quality and performance oriented internal reforms have been initiated in the recent years. The reorganized campuses for natural sciences and humanities offer an ideal environment for research and education. Since 2008, the Goethe University is a foundation under public law and enjoys full administrative autonomy. The fixed-term employment of the academic staff is subject to the provisions of the Temporary Science Employment Law (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz) and the Hessian Higher Education Act (Hessisches Hochschulgesetz). The University advocates gender equality and therefore strongly encourages women to apply. People with disabilities are given preference if equally qualified. ### ### Prof. Dr. Claudius Gros ### http://itp.uni-frankfurt.de/~gros ### ### Complex and Adaptive Dynamical Systems, A Primer ### A graduate-level textbook, Springer (2008/10/13/15) ### ### Mageia, das Buch der Farben ### http://www.buchderfarben.de ###

July 12, 2017

Vice Chancellor's 5-year Research Fellowship in Biocomputation, Mental Health and Wellbeing (University of Hertfordshire, U.K.)

by Steuber, Volker

Research Fellow: Biocomputation, Mental Health and Wellbeing University of Hertfordshire - School of Computer Science Location: Hatfield Salary: £32,004 to £38,183 Grade 7 p.a. Hours: Full Time Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract Placed on: 27th June 2017 Closes: 21st August 2017 Job Ref: 014834 FTE 1.0 FTE working 37 hours per week Duration of Contract: Fixed term contract 5 years from October 2017 Qualifications required: Very strong PhD degree in a quantitative research-oriented discipline, examples are computer science, mathematics, physics and neuroscience; excellent programming skills in at least one major computer language (essential), and very strong mathematical background, with particular emphasis on areas such as computer algebra, Krohn-Rhodes algebraic automata theory and language theory, discrete/continuous/constructive dynamical systems theory, group theory, algebraic topology, information theory, probability theory and statistics, and mathematical methods for computational intelligence. Background in computational neuroscience, including processing and analysis of EEG data, especially EEG microstates, is highly desirable. Experience writing high-quality research publications (essential) and grant applications (desirable), as well as excellent communication skills (essential). Successful history of working in multidisciplinary teams (highly desirable). Description of the research activity and area: Algorithms and Biocomputation are growing areas of research excellence at the University of Hertfordshire. This Fellowship targets the development and application of our novel computational and mathematical methods (e.g., automata-, language-theoretic and algebraic methods; computational mechanics and Krohn-Rhodes computational algebraic biology) to biological systems. The Research Fellow will support ongoing and future work characterizing the neurodynamical spatio-temporal structure of human mental states led by Professor Chrystopher L. Nehaniv and external collaborator Dr Elena Antonova (Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London). Our current BIAL Foundation grant focuses on using EEG microstate ‘grammars’ to distinguish different mental states in expert meditators. EEG microstates are quasi-stable maps of electric potential landscapes of short duration, typically classed in a small number of discrete types analogous to ‘letters’ of an alphabet. The tendency for simple EEG microstate transitions between certain pairs of these discrete types has already been shown to characterize clinical populations (people with schizophrenia or Alzheimer’s vs. healthy controls). Our current research targets finer understanding of richer temporal neurodynamical structure and patterns, using these novel computational methods, toward harnessing their potential eventually for applications in Health and Wellbeing as a diagnostic tool for different clinical populations. The Fellow will reinforce the established collaboration with KCL, supporting validation and development of our methods toward their eventual application in clinical diagnosis and mental illness prevention, as well as in promotion of wellbeing. The Fellow will be expected to publish in high-impact journals and present conference papers together with Professor Nehaniv and Dr Antonova, to contribute to writing grant applications to national and international funding bodies [e.g., Wellcome Trust, EPSRC/BBSRC/MRC, European Commission, and other funding agencies], and contribute to REF outputs of the School of Computer Science. In accord with the CONCORDAT for professional development of researchers, the candidate may be afforded the opportunity to undertake a limited amount of appropriate teaching (upon mutual agreement). The Royal Society / Wolfson Biocomputation Research Laboratory at the University of Hertfordshire has a long history of interdisciplinary innovation in computational methods for systems biology and neural systems, as well as applications of bioinspired-methods to other fields. It enjoys close interdisciplinary links to the Adaptive Systems and Algorithms Research Groups, whose interests include mathematical computer science, compilers, security, networks, artificial Intelligence robotics, artificial life, language acquisition, human-robot interaction, etc., and have labs equipped with humanoid and non-humanoid robots, as well as 3D printing facilities. External research connections to UK, European and international partners (e.g. University of California, Berkeley; Univ. Debrecen and Renyi Institute, Hungary; Sardex, Italy; etc) are supported through numerous research council and EC-funded collaborations and projects. Skills and experience needed: The Fellow will have established him/herself as an independent researcher, capable of establishing a programme of research activity within the scope of the project. S/he will have excellent oral and written communication skills in both spoken and written English and a track record of publications in high impact journals. The Fellow will be expected to build capacity in the area of Biocomputation and participate in attracting external funding, previous success being a desirable attribute. S/he should be able to establish good working relationships, and work closely with members of the Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research and the School of Computer Science, at the University of Hertfordshire and with partner organisations as appropriate. The fellow should have knowledge of research methodology appropriate for the subject area and knowledge of appropriate databases for the discipline and ability to conduct literature searches in the discipline using appropriate electronic resources. Contact Details: Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Chrystopher L. Nehaniv, email: C.L.Nehaniv(a)herts.ac.uk<mailto:C.L.Nehaniv@herts.ac.uk> tel: +44 1707 284470<tel:01707%20284470> The University offers a range of benefits including a pension scheme, professional development, family friendly policies, child care vouchers, a fee waiver of 50% for all children of staff under the age of 21 at the start of the course, discounted memberships at the Hertfordshire Sports Village and generous annual leave. To make a formal application, follow links and apply on-line: http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BCH822/research-fellow-biocomputation-mental-heal…

July 12, 2017

Postdoc Position: Learning Dynamics in Recurrent Networks

by Shouval, Harel

A postdoc position is available in the Shouval lab. The Postdoc will work on a project funded by the BRAIN grant: “Learning spatio-temporal statistics from the environment in recurrent networks”. In this project we will model both recurrent network models, and also the learning rules that allow them to learn their dynamics from environmental cues. This project is a collaboration between the lab of Harel Shouval at the University of Texas in Houston, and the lab of Nicolas Brunel at Duke. This is a two-year position and it can start immediately. The Shouval lab is a leader in developing models of synaptic plasticity and understanding their impact on learning and memory. The models we develop span from the molecular level and up to the systems level. In our some of our recent work we study the impact of synaptic plasticity on recurrent network dynamics and on incorporating reinforcement learning into biophysical plasticity models. We use both computational and analytical techniques to study these issues. The Shouval lab is located in the department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, in the UT medical school. Houston has a thriving Neuroscience community and it is an excellent environment for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience. There is a high concentration of Theoretical Neuroscience labs at the different Houston area Universities (Baylor, Rice, UH, UT). Our Theoretical Neuroscience community is highly collaborative and there is a joint organization to foster these collaborations; the Gulf Coast Consortium in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience (GCC-TCN). We hold an annual conference, joint graduate courses and a journal club. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Computational Neuroscience with strong analytical and computational skills. I will also consider candidates with a background in the Physical or Computational Sciences who would like to become a Theoretical Neuroscientists. If you want to apply please send me your CV, and a brief cover letter that includes names of possible references. I will also be happy to answer any question you might have about the project or the position. Harel Shouval Professor Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy The University of Texas Medical School, Houston Director of the Neuroscience Graduate program Email: harel.shouval(a)gmail.com<mailto:harel.shouval@gmail.com> Web: https://med.uth.edu/nba/faculty/harel-shouval/

July 11, 2017

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN COMPUTATIONAL MODELING OF BRAIN NETWORKS at Stanford University

by Aarthi Padmanabhan

The Stanford Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in human brain network analysis and modeling. We seek candidates with strong research backgrounds in one or more of the following areas: resting-state and task-evoked fMRI connectivity, structural HARDI-based connectivity, neurophysiological modeling of brain networks, Bayesian modeling, machine learning, and deep neural networks. Candidates must have strong computational skills and a PhD in computational neuroscience, computer science, physics, biomedical engineering or related fields. This is an exciting opportunity to work on multiple NIH- and Stanford-funded projects using multimodal (fMRI, optogenetic, DTI, EEG) brain imaging techniques in multiple clinical populations and normative groups. The successful candidate will develop a vigorous research program that contributes to, and complements, ongoing research studies. The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art brain imaging and HPC/GPU facilities. Please email a CV, statement of research interests and relevant background, and names of three referees to Drs. Vinod Menon and Aarthi Padmanabhan at scsnl.stanford+postdoc(a)gmail.com<mailto:scsnl.stanford@gmail.com> Aarthi Padmanabhan, PhD Scientific Research Director Stanford Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Laboratory Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Stanford University School of Medicine

July 11, 2017

Neuroscience Gateway Workshop at SFN 2017 meeting

by Ted Carnevale

Using the Neuroscience Gateway Portal for Parallel Simulations Saturday, Nov. 11 from 9 AM to noon at downtown Washington DC location. This workshop combines didactic presentations and hands-on instruction on how to use the Neuroscience Gateway Portal (NSG) for computationally intensive simulations and data analysis. NSG eliminates most technical and adminstrative barriers to using high performance computing resources, and even gives away free CPU time on parallel supercomputers. Software currently installed on NSG includes BluePyOpt, Brian, CARLsim, Freesurfer, GENESIS, MATLAB, MOOSE, NEST, NEURON, PyNN, and the Virtual Personalized Multimodal Connectome Pipeline. The registration deadline for this workshop is Friday Oct. 27, but you should sign up early because space is limited. See https://www.neuron.yale.edu/neuron/static/courses/nsg2017/nsg2017.html for more information and a link to the registration form. --Ted

July 11, 2017

NEURON course at SFN 2017 meeting

by Ted Carnevale

Using NEURON to Model Cells and Networks Friday, Nov. 10 from 9 AM to 5 PM at a downtown Washington DC location. This course provides a practical introduction to building and using models of neurons and networks with NEURON. Covered topics include basic concepts, workflow for building and using models, speeding up simulations with parallel hardware from multicore personal computers to massively parallel supercomputers, using Python with NEURON, and modeling reactive diffusion with the RxD class. The registration deadline for this course is Friday Oct. 27, but you should sign up early because space is limited. See http://www.neuron.yale.edu/neuron/static/courses/dc2017/dc2017.html for more information and a link to the registration form. --Ted

July 11, 2017

Announcing the workshop on cloud-based BCIs at the BCI Conference 2017

by Vinay Jayaram

Dear all, We are happy to announce to potential attendees of the 7th BCI Conference in September 2017 that Workshop 1 (Cloud-based BCIs: challenges and opportunities of home-use systems for big data collection) is now calling for abstracts about work on BCIs for home use. This workshop is intended to bring together the various subfields of the BCI community to focus on some of the most pressing issues in the field: Robust machine learning with large datasets, low-cost and robust hardware, and applications for use without expert assistance. We are also happy to confirm Dr. Tim Mullen (Qusp Neurotechnologies) and Prof. Brian Murphy (BrainWaveBank) as keynote speakers for our workshop. More information and the workshop schedule can be found here https://webdav.tuebingen.mpg.de/graz2017/. Interested parties are invited to submit a 200-word abstract about the work they would like to present either via the website or to cloudbci(a)tuebingen.mpg.de by 4 August. Looking forwards to seeing you in Graz, Vinay Jayaram -- Vinay Jayaram PhD Student Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems Spemannstrasse 34, 72076 Tübingen, Germany

July 11, 2017

Two PI positions in Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Trento, Italy

by moritzwurm

Call for Expression of Interest for two Assistant Professor positions. More senior candidates will also be considered. *Cognitive Neuroimaging Principal Investigator, University of Trento, Neuroimaging Labs (LNiF), Center for Mind-Brain Sciences (CIMeC), Trento, Italy* The Center for Mind-Brain Sciences (CIMeC) at the University of Trento, Italy, invites expressions of interest from highly motivated scholars in view of the opening of two principal investigator positions at the level of assistant professor (3 years + potential 2 year extension). Candidates who have already a tenured position elsewhere would be considered directly for a tenure-track assistant professor/tenured associate professor. /Research Profile/ The ideal candidate should have an established track record of _research in any area of cognitive neuroimaging studies, preferably fMRI_. The successful candidates will work in the Neuroimaging Labs (LNiF: http://www.cimec.unitn.it/en/69/neuroimaging-labs-lnif) at the Center for Mind-Brain Sciences (CIMeC: http://web.unitn.it/en/cimec) They are expected to develop their own research program but also to interact actively with other CIMeC faculty using different methodologies to address various aspects of cognitive functioning. Knowledge of Italian is appreciated but not required. /Teaching/ The successful candidates are expected to contribute to the Center’s teaching mission at the PhD and MSc level. Instruction is in English. Successful candidates will negotiate the possibility of supervising PhD students who are fully funded by the University. The teaching duties at the MSc level vary depending on academic rank. Assistant professors are expected to teach 60 hrs/year, tenure-track assistant professors 90 hrs/year, tenured associate professors 120 hrs/year. UniTN and CIMeC The University of Trento consistently ranks as a top Italian university in both national Research Assessment Evaluations (RAE) and University Surveys.In the latest RAE the University of Trento as a whole ranks 1st among medium-sized universities. The CIMeC's goal is to foster cutting-edge research on cognition and its neural basis, and to support the dissemination of these findings internationally and within the local community. As an interdisciplinary research and teaching center, it draws on faculty from several departments, including Psychology and Cognitive Science, Linguistics and Philosophy, Physics, Mathematics, and Information Engineering and Computer Science. Current faculty members come from Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, USA, Canada, Argentina, Israel, and the United Kingdom. Although a relatively small group, CIMeC faculty have won many competitive national and international grants, including 1 European Research Council (ERC) advanced grant, 1 ERC consolidator grant, 6 ERC starting grants, other European Framework grants, and highly competitive grants awarded by the local government. The Center has consistently been ranked the leading cognitive neuroscience research unit in Italy. It is part of the Erasmus Mundus European Master Program in Language and Communication Technologies. Expressions of interest in English should include a brief motivation letter and a Curriculum Vitae and should be addressed to Dr. Alfonso Caramazza (alfonso.caramazza(a)unitn.it) <mailto:alfonso.caramazza@unitn.it%29>, who chairs a committee that includes Drs. Mel Goodale and Alex Martin.

July 11, 2017

PhD studentship: "The risk of unknowingly disclosing personal information through eye tracking and webcam technology"

by Durant, Szonya

Leverhulme Magna Carta Doctoral Scholarship Department of Psychology and Department of Computer Science, Royal Holloway, University of London Project: The risk of unknowingly disclosing personal information through eye tracking and webcam technology Supervisors: Dr Szonya Durant (Dept. of Psychology), Dr Dawn Watling (Dept. of Psychology) and Dr Zhiyuan Luo (Dept. of Computer Science) Applications are invited for a funded full-time studentship for doctoral research, Awarded under the Leverhulme Magna Carta Doctoral Centre starting in September 2017 (with the possibility of extending the start date until January 2018 at the very latest). The scholarship covers UK and European Union tuition fees and an annual stipend towards living expenses. The 2017/18 value of the stipend is £16,553. The Research Project This project will assess the risk of unknowingly disclosing personal information over social media, simply through how we move our eyes when interacting with or scanning social media. We aim to examine what personal information (e.g. age, sex, aspects of personality) can be determined from eye movement patterns whilst scanning social media using machine learning. This interdisciplinary PhD project draws on the fields of sensory neuroscience, in particular, the experimental study of eye movements and the latest cutting edge computer science developments in machine learning. The novelty of the proposed interdisciplinary approach promises to yield original insights that will expand the knowledge and understanding in both fields of study and have impact for our understanding of issues around internet privacy. This project is supervised by three experts in their field, the primary PhD supervisor (Dr Szonya Durant<https://pure.royalholloway.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/szonya-durant(64105598-7…>) and two co-supervisors (Dr Dawn Watling<https://pure.royalholloway.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/dawn-watling(70194d88-af…>and Dr Zhiyuan Luo<https://pure.royalholloway.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/zhiyuan-luo(cb78d990-b10…>). Both Dr Durant and Dr Watling are based in The Department of Psychology, which has an active and expanding postgraduate research community, is well-equipped for research. It was ranked 6th out of 82 UK Psychology Departments in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), with 93% of the research classified as world-leading or internationally excellent. Research in the Department spans a breadth of topics across psychological sciences and neuroscience and is supported by excellent facilities - further information on the research environment can be found here<https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/psychology/research/home.aspx>. Dr Luo is based in the Department of Computer Science, one of the UK's leading centres for research into Computer Science - further information on the research environment can be found here<https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/computerscience/research/home.aspx>. In the most recent Research Excellent Framework (REF 2014), it was ranked 11th in the UK for the quality of research output, with a third of publications recognised as world leading, and a further half internationally excellent (87% in total). Both departments are situated on a beautiful campus close to London. Applicants should ideally hold, or be predicted to achieve, a first class undergraduate degree or equivalent in Cognitive or Computer Sciences or related disciplines (minimum requirement: 2.1). An MSc in a Cognitive or Computer Sciences related subject is desirable but not essential. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in computer programming and data analysis. Eye tracking and experimental design experience would be advantageous. The Scholarship The scholarship will fund a full-time PhD for three years, during which time a full academic training programme will be provided. The successful candidate will be engaged in all aspects of the research project, including engaging with and disseminating findings to external stakeholders. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the activities of the Magna Carta Doctoral Centre as well as the postgraduate research community in the Department of Psychology including contributing to teaching. For further details about the Leverhulme Magna Carta Doctoral Centre, please see: https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/iquad/news/articles/leverhulmemagnacartadoc… https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studyhere/researchdegrees/feesandfunding/le… Informal enquiries about the project should be directed to: szonya.durant(a)rhul.ac.uk<mailto:szonya.durant@rhul.ac.uk>. Fulldetails on how to make an application are shown on our Departmental Website<https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/psychology/prospectivestudents/postgraduate…>(select tab "3. Leverhulme Magna Carta Studentships") and in the College Webpages<https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studyhere/researchdegrees/applying/applicat…>. For further details on the application process please contact: Sharon Clutterbuck on psyoffice(a)rhul.ac.uk<mailto:psyoffice@rhul.ac.uk>. Closing date: 5pm on Tuesday 1st August 2017 (may be extended if not enough applications are received for the September start date) Interview dates: 7-18 August (can be flexible around existing commitments) ********************************************************************** Szonya Durant Department of Psychology Royal Holloway, University of London Egham TW20 0EX 01784 276522

July 11, 2017

2 PhD in computational cognitive neuroscience / comp linguistics, Uni Birmingham, UK

by Uta Noppeney

The Computational Cognitive Neuroimaging Group at the University of Birmingham, UK, is seeking two enthusiastic PhD candidates with strong analytical and quantitative abilities for the projects: 1. Robust audiovisual speech recognition in man and machine https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=87556 2. Who does what to whom - Syntactic parsing in man and machine https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=87595 Applicants should have a background in computer science, neuroscience, computational linguistics, psychology, physics or related areas. Prior experience in statistical analysis and/or machine learning would be an advantage. The PhD positions are open to UK and EU nationals. A full 4 year studentship award comprises of an annual stipend at £14,553 for 2017/18 (pro rota for part-time) and full payment of tuition fees at UK/EU level of £4,195 in 2017/18. Application deadline 28th July 2017. For further information, please see http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgr/epsrc-studentships/index.aspx, links above or email Prof Uta Noppeney (U.Noppeney(a)bham.ac.uk)

July 11, 2017

Job position: PhD / Post-Doc researcher: Deep-Learning and EEG/ECG

by Martijn Arns

Dear colleagues, We have a vacancy for a PhD or Post-Doc researcher with a focus on applying and developing Deep Learning on EEG and ECG data. See below application text and also: https://www.brainclinics.com/vacature Feel free to distribute with interested colleagues. Research Institute Brainclinics is specialized in applied neuroscience with a focus on mood, concentration, and sleep problems as often seen in psychiatric disorders such as depression, ADHD, OCD, and insomnia. Furthermore, Brainclinics is specialized in research into neuromodulation techniques such as rTMS, tDCS and neurofeedback, personalized medicine, Research Domain Criteria (RDoC), chronobiology, sleep and the circadian system. Within our team we are currently looking for a PhD-candidate or Post-Doc Researcher that will focus on developing and evaluating Deep-Learning techniques applied to psychophysiological data such as EEG and ECG, to extract new knowledge from large datasets to foster the RDoC and personalized medicine approaches we investigate. As PhD-candidate/Post-Doc at Brainclinics, you will work in a varied research team consisting of several PhD-candidates as well as senior researchers. You will contribute to innovation in EEG/ECG analysis techniques, support current PhD-candidates with your technical skills, and develop your own research line focusing on Deep-Learning techniques applied to EEG/ECG. To be eligible for application, you need to have demonstrable experience with the techniques listed below. Especially experience with Deep-Learning techniques is a requirement. We expect: • A Master’s degree and/or PhD in a relevant discipline, e.g., (cognitive) neuroscience, physics etc. • Scientific ambition and drive • Knowledge of python and one more higher programming language (e.g. C#) • Knowledge in matrix computation (e.g. MATLAB) • Knowledge of AI-concepts • Knowledge of time series computation • Accented knowledge of Deep learning techniques with net architectures and layer structures such as convolutional layers and LSTM layers • Experience with neuropsychiatric disorders We offer: • A professional, efficient and innovative research team • A minimum contract for 32 hrs, with possible extension to 40 hrs. • A salary in line with the University CAO Apply If you’re interested in this position and you would like to apply, please send your motivation with CV and photo to Dr. Martijn Arns: martijn(a)brainclinics.com<mailto:martijn@brainclinics.com> Only applications that meet the criteria above will be evaluated. Closing date for this application is August 21st, 2017. Kind regards, Martijn Arns, PhD Research Institute Brainclinics Utrecht University Dept. of Experimental Psychology Twitter: @Brainclinics Bijleveldsingel 34 6524 AD Nijmegen The Netherlands Tel: +31(0)24-7503505 GSM: +31 (0)6-48177919 E-mail: martijn(a)brainclinics.com<mailto:martijn@brainclinics.com> URL: www.brainclinics.com<http://www.brainclinics.com/>

July 11, 2017

Tenure track and mid-career positions at ELSC

by Yoram Burak

Please see the two ads below, for faculty positions at the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences. The application deadline for the searches is September 1, 2017. --- *Tenure Track Positions at ELSC* Following the recent inauguration of the new home <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/index.php?q=building> for the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC) <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/>, we are offering tenure-track positions at the lecturer and senior lecturer levels (roughly equivalent to assistant professor level). We are looking for excellent *early-stage scientists* who aspire to establish active innovative and interdisciplinary research programs *in neuroscience*. *ELSC builds upon Hebrew University’s <http://new.huji.ac.il/en> record of excellence and innovation in its multidisciplinary approach to brain sciences. * *ELSC provides a thriving interface between theoretical and experimental neuroscience across levels.* We offer: ü State-of-the-art, individually-designed laboratories and research facilities ü Competitive start-up funding ü Top ranking Ph.D. interdisciplinary program ü Ph.D. and post-doc fellowships ü State-of-the-art central research facilities ü Outstanding academic milieu *We seek to recruit scientists in the following areas:* 1. Theoretical and computational neuroscience 2. Cognitive neuroscience & human brain imaging 3. Neural circuits and behavior 4. System neuroscience in NHP 5. Molecular neuroscience *Application requirements:* ü Curriculum vitae ü A letter of intent ü An outline of future research and scientific vision ü Reference letters from the PhD advisor and Post-Doctoral host ü Three to five publications that best represent their research work ü Names of 2-3 additional colleagues willing to provide letters of reference *Applications Deadline: Sep 1, 2017* *Applications materials have to be submitted on-line <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/content/new-academic-tenure-track-positions-elsc>* *For further information, please contact Ms. Idit Nusilevitz:* *brain(a)elsc.huji.ac.il* <brain(a)elsc.huji.ac.il>*; phone: 972-2-6585375 <02-658-5375>* *Mid-Career Neuroscientists Positions at ELSC* Following the recent inauguration of the new home <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/index.php?q=building> for the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC) <https://elsc.huji.ac.il/>, we are looking for excellent *Mid-career neuroscientists* (associate or full professor) who aspire to establish active innovative and interdisciplinary research. *ELSC builds upon Hebrew University <http://new.huji.ac.il/en>’s record of excellence and innovation in its multidisciplinary approach to brain sciences.* *ELSC provides a thriving interface between theoretical and experimental neuroscience across levels.* We offer: ü Large, individually-designed *laboratories* ü State-of-the-art central *research facilities* ü Competitive *transition* and *start-up* funding ü Ph.D. and *post-doctoral fellowships* ü An Outstanding academic milieu *We seek to recruit mid-career scientists with a proven track record, in all areas of neuroscience.* To apply, please send *Curriculum Vitae* and a *Letter of Intent* directly to <elsc-director(a)elsc.huji.ac.il> *Applications Deadline: Sep 1, 2017* For information about ELSC see *http://elsc.huji.ac.il/ <http://elsc.huji.ac.il/>* For information please contact Ms. Idit Nusilevitz: brain(a)elsc.huji.ac.il; phone: 972-2-6585375 <02-658-5375>

July 11, 2017

Subject:, postdoc position at Georgia Tech: intersection of visual modeling and computer vision

by Christopher Rozell

A postdoc position at the intersection of Computational Neuroscience, Machine Learning, and Computer Vision is available with the group of Christopher Rozell at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA). We are looking for a highly motivated and creative individual who enjoys working in an exciting interdisciplinary research environment. The research project centers around modeling the visual perception of objects undergoing attribute changes. Applicants should hold a PhD in a related discipline with a strong research record. Experience in areas such as modeling of visual perception, manifold learning, and general computer vision are all positives. The position has significant flexibility and the lab is committed to the professional development of the members, making it valuable preparation for people who are interested in academic, industrial or entrepreneurial careers. The position has no mandatory teaching or administrative duties, but the successful candidate will take an active role in mentoring students and further developing the research program. Excellent (written and oral) communication skills in English, strong coding skills, and ability to work on an interdisciplinary team are all required. The start date is flexible but ideally would be as soon as possible. The position is initially for 12 months with the possibility of renewal. Compensation will be commensurate with relevant experience. Georgia Tech has competitive benefits (including comprehensive medical insurance) and is an equal opportunity employer. Georgia Tech's campus in the heart of midtown Atlanta, which is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas (and entrepreneurial communities) in the United States. Atlanta boasts a wide range of opportunities for recreation, culture, and easy access to domestic and international transportation. Candidates should send a CV, a statement of research experience and interests, expected date of availability, and the contact information for three references to Dr. Rozell at (crozell -at- gatech -dot- edu). Applications are currently being reviewed and will continue until the position is filled.

July 10, 2017

3 Phd/PostDoc position PhD position Industrial Robotics and Design of Electronics Equipment - University of Cadiz (Spain).

by Arturo Morgado

University of Cadiz (Spain) are available 3 Phd/PostDoc position at the Applied Robotics Research Group to participate in R&D collaborative projects with companies. You can find details here: <http://vrteit.uca.es/convocatorias/personal-conv/programa-de-atraccion-de-t…> http://vrteit.uca.es/convocatorias/personal-conv/programa-de-atraccion-de-t… Doctorates with experience in the field of transference and innovation in Industrial Robotics and Design of Electronics Equipment. A minimum of 15-year seniority in their grade (Distinguished Researcher) is required for 1 of them (VTIT‐IDROB‐4 position). For the 2 remaining (ASCETI) the minimum applied is two years since the completion of the doctoral thesis (VTIT‐AROB‐13 and VITI‐ADEE‐17 positions). Candidates must speak Spanish and English. Contracts will have a duration of 4 years with a gross salary of 52000 EUR per year plus a yearly bonus of 3000 EUR, in the case of the young researcher (ASCETI), for reaching a minimum of objectives. In the case of the Distinguished Researcher, this amount will rise up to 100.000 EUR. The researchers object of the contract, will be part of a multidisciplinary team and will undertake industrial development, research and innovation projects for the University of Cádiz (Spain) in collaboration with companies of international scope in the area of Cadiz. Moreover, each researcher will be mentoring a doctoral candidate (who will hold a pre-doctoral contract) and will be his/her Thesis Director. The areas of work are as follows: Industrial Robotics and Design of Electronics Equipment. The period established for receiving application goes from 30th of June to 19th of July 2017. The incorporation of the researcher in the University of Cádiz is due in September 2017. Please, click on the following <http://www.uca.es/personal/portal.do?TR=C&IDR=288> http://www.uca.es/personal/portal.do?TR=C&IDR=288 in order to submit your application form. Any question don’t hesitate to contact us: <mailto:industrial.innovation@uca.es> industrial.innovation(a)uca.es and <mailto:arturo.morgado@uca.es> arturo.morgado(a)uca.es. Best regards. --------------------------------- Arturo Morgado Estévez. <mailto:arturo.morgado@uca.es> arturo.morgado(a)uca.es Head Applied Robotics Research Group. TEP-940. Department of Engineering in Automation, Electronics, Architecture and Computer Networks. Faculty of Engineering. University of Cadiz (Spain). Avenida de la Universidad de Cádiz, nº 10, CP 11519, Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain.

July 10, 2017

PhD position in Computational Neuroscience/Nonlinear Dynamics on synaptic plasticity - INRIA Sophia Antipolis France

by Romain Veltz

A PhD scholarship in mathematical and computational neuroscience on The modelling of excitatory synapses in healty / pathological condition is available at INRIA Sophia Antipolis <https://www.inria.fr/centre/sophia/>, within the Team MathNeuro <https://team.inria.fr/mathneuro/> in collaboration with Dr Marie's team at the Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC, Sophia Antipolis). This 3 year funded PhD scholarship starts in September 2017 or January 2018. Candidate The ideal candidate should have a background in nonlinear dynamics, stochastic analysis and computational neuroscience. He/she should also have strong ability to program in Python / C / Matlab / Julia. French is not a requirement if fluent in English, but willingness to learn would be beneficial. Applications Send CV, transcripts and contact informations of two persons we could reach for recommendation to romain.veltz(a)inria.fr <mailto:romain.veltz@inria.fr> and marie(a)ipmc.cnrs.fr <mailto:marie@ipmc.cnrs.fr>. Supervisors Dr Romain Veltz (INRIA) Dr Helene Marie (IPMC) Project description Synaptic plasticity is one of the fundamental phenomena which shape neural networks. It is thought to be the basis of our memory and learning capabilities. Synaptic plasticity have been modelled recently [1,2,3] but at a phenomenological level. It is for example quite difficult to link these model internal variables to the synapse biophysics. Another issue is noise. Whereas in many models, noise is added as cherry on top, it is in fact internally generated given the small number of synaptic constituants [4]. The project will focus on the development of a stochastic model of the postsynaptic side of an excitatory synapse, in healthy / Alzheimer conditions, which describes the behaviour of the first biochemical molecules targeted upon arrival of Glutamate. More precisely, the project will first aim at modelling the early phase plasticity (LTP, LTD, STDP) in light of recent experimental data [5,6] with aim to take into account data provided by Dr Marie's lab concerning deficient synapses observed in Alzheimer’s disease like conditions. The project will involve a mix of high performance scientific computation, nonlinear dynamics, stochastic analysis, and an enthusiasm for learning about plasticity mechanisms in general. References Clopath, Claudia, Lars Büsing, Eleni Vasilaki, et Wulfram Gerstner. « Connectivity reflects coding: a model of voltage-based STDP with homeostasis ». Nature Neuroscience 13, nᵒ 3 (mars 2010): 344‑52. doi:10.1038/nn.2479. Graupner, Michael, et Nicolas Brunel. « Calcium-Based Plasticity Model Explains Sensitivity of Synaptic Changes to Spike Pattern, Rate, and Dendritic Location ». Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 22 février 2012. doi:10.1073/pnas.1109359109. Costa, Rui Ponte, Robert C. Froemke, P. Jesper Sjöström, et Mark CW van Rossum. « Unified Pre- and Postsynaptic Long-Term Plasticity Enables Reliable and Flexible Learning ». ELife 4 (26 août 2015): e09457. doi:10.7554/eLife.09457. Ribrault, Claire, Ken Sekimoto, et Antoine Triller. « From the Stochasticity of Molecular Processes to the Variability of Synaptic Transmission ». Nature Reviews Neuroscience 12, nᵒ 7 (juillet 2011): 375‑87. doi:10.1038/nrn3025. Fujii, Hajime, Masatoshi Inoue, Hiroyuki Okuno, Yoshikazu Sano, Sayaka Takemoto-Kimura, Kazuo Kitamura, Masanobu Kano, et Haruhiko Bito. « Nonlinear Decoding and Asymmetric Representation of Neuronal Input Information by CaMKIIα and Calcineurin ». Cell Reports 3, nᵒ 4 (25 avril 2013): 978‑87. doi:10.1016/j.celrep.2013.03.033. Tigaret, Cezar M., Valeria Olivo, Josef H.L.P. Sadowski, Michael C. Ashby, et Jack R. Mellor. « Coordinated activation of distinct Ca2+ sources and metabotropic glutamate receptors encodes Hebbian synaptic plasticity ». Nature Communications 7 (13 janvier 2016): 10289. doi:10.1038/ncomms10289.

July 10, 2017

[call for papers] Entropy: special issue on "Information Theory in Neuroscience"

by Eugenio Piasini

(apologies for cross-posting) Dear all, The journal Entropy is currently running a Special Issue entitled "Information Theory in Neuroscience", that we believe could be of interest for the members of this list. As the ultimate information processing device, the brain naturally lends itself to be studied with information theory. Application of information theory to neuroscience has spurred the development of principled theories of brain function, has led to advances in the study of consciousness, and to the development of analytical techniques to crack the neural code, that is to unveil the language used by neurons to encode and process information. In particular, advances in experimental techniques enabling precise recording and manipulation of neural activity on a large scale now enable for the first time the precise formulation and the quantitative test of hypotheses about how the brain encodes and transmits across areas the information used for specific functions. This Special Issue emphasizes contributions on novel approaches in neuroscience using information theory, and on the development of new information theoretic results inspired by problems in neuroscience. Research work at the interface of neuroscience, Information Theory and other disciplines is also welcome. Deadline for manuscript submission: 1 December 2017 For more information: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy/special_issues/neuro Eugenio Piasini and Stefano Panzeri, Italian Institute of Technology Guest Editors

July 10, 2017

3 PhD/PostDoc positions in neuromorphic systems

by elisabetta chicca

Dear colleagues, 2 PhD/PostDoc positions are available at the Neuromorphic Behaving Systems group (https://www.cit-ec.de/en/nbs) Faculty of Technology and Center of Excellence Cognitive Interaction Technology at Bielefeld University. You can find details here: http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/Universitaet/Aktuelles/Stellenausschreibungen/ Anzeigen/Wiss/wiss17164_englisch.pdf Another PostDoc position is available at the Cognitronics and Sensor Systems Group (http://www.ks.cit-ec.uni-bielefeld.de, same affiliation as above) for a project in collaboration with the Neuromorphic Behaving Systems group. Unfortunately the call is written in German (see link below), but you can contact me (chicca(a)cit-ec.uni-bielefeld.de) if you are interested in details. http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/Universitaet/Aktuelles/Stellenausschreibungen/ Anzeigen/Wiss/wiss17151.pdf The deadline for all positions is July 19. Best regards, Elisabetta Chicca -- Prof. Dr. Elisabetta Chicca CITEC - Bielefeld University Inspiration 1 33619 Bielefeld - Germany Email: chicca(a)cit-ec.uni-bielefeld.de Tel.: +49 521 106-12043 Fax : +49 521 106-12348

July 7, 2017

tDCS workshop with Frank Padberg and Andre Brunoni

by Martijn Arns

Dear colleagues, we are happy to announce a special 2-day tDCS workshop with Frank Padberg and Andre Brunoni to be held in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. This workshop is particularly suited to researcher, psychologists and psychiatrists interested in applying the technique of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), looking for a unique opportunity to learn and discuss its clinical application with highly regarded experts in the field. Professor Dr. Frank Padberg (Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich) will offer expert insight into how tDCS can be applied in a range of psychiatrist disorders, followed by the state-of-the-art application of tDCS in Depression with Dr. Andre Brunoni (University of São Paulo, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich). Working closely with our guest presenters, participants wil gain an understanding of basic applications of tDCS to build up to advanced methods. Also see following link for more information and sign-up information: http://www.neurocaregroup.com/brunoni-padberg-tdcs-workshop-october-2017.ht… Kind regards, Martijn Arns, PhD Director / Researcher Research Institute Brainclinics Chief Scientific Officer neuroCare Group Twitter: @brainclinics / @neuroclinics Bijleveldsingel 34 6524 AD Nijmegen The Netherlands Tel: +31 24-7503505 GSM: +31 6-48177919 Fax: +31 24-8901447 E-mail: martijn(a)brainclinics.com<mailto:martijn@brainclinics.com> URL: www.brainclinics.com<http://www.brainclinics.com/>

July 7, 2017

Computational Neuroscience Job at the Krembil Research Institute

by Frances Skinner

https://www.recruitingsite.com/csbsites/uhncareers/JobDescription.asp?SiteI… <https://www.recruitingsite.com/csbsites/uhncareers/JobDescription.asp?SiteI…> Job Posting #8045761 Position: Computational Neuroscience Research Scientist Site: Krembil Research Institute/Toronto Western Hospital Department: Research Reports to: Director Status: Permanent Full-time The Krembil Research Institute at the University Health Network in Toronto Canada invites applicants to apply for a Scientist position in the area of Computational Neuroscience. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field, research expertise and experience in mathematical and computational modeling, and research interests that complement those of the Institute in neurobiology and neurodegeneration. Candidates whose research interests encompasses cellular, micro/macro circuits and/or large scale brain models, and who have collaborative experimental experience are especially encouraged. The successful candidate will have the ability to establish an independent, well-funded program and will be eligible for appointment at the appropriate level within the University of Toronto. The Krembil is one the principal research institutes of the University Health Network of academic teaching hospitals associated with the University of Toronto; the Krembil is also one of the largest research institutes in Canada focusing on human neurological disease from both a basic science and clinical research perspective. The University Health Network (UHN) is Canada's largest academic medical centre, comprising four major teaching hospitals. Qualified applicants must attach their letter of interest, research plan, resume PDF format to the online application and complete some initial screening questions. The search committee will begin to review applications in September with a potential start date in Winter 2018. Posted Date: June 22, 2017 Closing Date: Until filled UHN thanks all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. UHN is a respectful, caring, and inclusive workplace. We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity and equal opportunity. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the Bona-fide requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known when contacted.

July 6, 2017

Summer school on Advanced Computational Neuroscience, Germany

by Alexander Schmidt

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Advanced COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE Summer School in Göttingen, Germany “Neural circuit theories for primate cognition” September 02nd - 10th, 2017 *REGISTRATION **DEADLINE *Ju**ly**2**3**, 201**7**** %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Please, feel free to distribute this email to students and postdocs potentially interested in the school. The aCNS school within the Advanced Computational Neuroscience School in the Emotion-Cognition-Link-Series is a *9**-day intensive course* in *mathematical and computational neuroscience*. It offers an intensive pedagogy of advanced mathematical and computational tools to students working in computational neuroscience and already familiar with its interdisciplinary nature and is designed to qualify young researchers to push the frontiers of the field. The following researchers are in charge of the 4 two-day theoretical blocks and 4 evening lectures: * Nicolas Brunel <https://galton.uchicago.edu/%7Enbrunel/>, /University of Chicago/, Chicago, USA * Alexander Gail <https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/57950.html>, /German Primate Center/, Göttingen, Germany * Raoul Memmesheimer <https://memmesheimer.net/>, /University of Bonn/, Bonn, Germany * John Beggs <http://www.indiana.edu/%7Eiubphys/faculty/jmbeggs.shtml>, /University of //Indiana/, Bloomington, USA * Julia Fischer <http://www.dpz.eu/en/unit/cognitive-ethology/about-us.html>, /German Primate Center/, Göttingen, Germany * Eckart Altenmüller <https://www.immm.hmtm-hannover.de/en/institute/people/eckart-altenmueller/>, /University for Music and Theater/, Hanover, Germany * Annekathrin Schacht <http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/356202.html>, /University of Göttingen/, Göttingen, Germany * Georg Martius <https://is.tuebingen.mpg.de/person/gmartius>, /M//PI//for Intelligent Systems/, Tübingen, Germany The consecutive two day thematic blocks are dedicated to mathematical approaches to circuit dynamics. Each lecturer will give a self-contained introduction to a particular set of theoretical tools in a block of two morning lectures. In the afternoon, participants will work on problem sets designed to develop proficiency in both the mathematical and computational tools learned earlier that day. An additional set of evening ‘easy’ lectures will give the opportunity to discuss significant advances in the field. The course takes place at the Department of Nonlinear Dynamics of the Max-Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen. Registration fee is 200 €. Course language is English. Housing is provided by the school. Travel grants can be applied for. *Only 15 participants will accepted. We invite applicants to apply by filling out the application form at:* *www.bccn-goettingen.de* <http://www.bccn-goettingen.de/events/cns-course> *and have their reference letters submitted by *July 23, 2017*.* Best regards and looking forward to seeing you in Göttingen, B. Feulner, D. Regel, A. Schmidt and J. Wilting (local committee, PhD students) on behalf of the course directors Prof. F. Wolf and Prof. A. Schacht

July 6, 2017

New Book: The Rewiring Brain

by Arjen van Ooyen

Dear colleagues, We would like to draw your attention to our recently published book: *The Rewiring Brain: A Computational Approach to Structural Plasticity in the Adult Brain*, van Ooyen, A, and Butz-Ostendorf, M, eds, Academic Press, June 2017. For more information (preview) and to order the book, go to https://www.elsevier.com/books/the-rewiring-brain/van- ooyen/978-0-12-803784-3 Also see https://anvooyen.home.xs4all.nl/papers/TheRewiringBrain.html *Description* The adult brain is not as hard-wired as traditionally thought. By modifying their small- or large-scale morphology, neurons can make new synaptic connections or break existing ones (structural plasticity). Structural changes accompany memory formation and learning, and are induced by neurogenesis, neurodegeneration and brain injury such as stroke. Exploring the role of structural plasticity in the brain can be greatly assisted by mathematical and computational models, as they enable us to bridge the gap between system-level dynamics and lower level cellular and molecular processes. However, most traditional neural network models have fixed neuronal morphologies and a static connectivity pattern, with plasticity merely arising from changes in the strength of existing synapses (synaptic plasticity). In *The Rewiring Brain*, the editors bring together, for the first time, contemporary modeling studies that investigate the implications of structural plasticity for brain function and pathology. Starting with an experimental background on structural plasticity in the adult brain, the book covers computational studies on homeostatic structural plasticity, the impact of structural plasticity on cognition and cortical connectivity, the interaction between synaptic and structural plasticity, neurogenesis-related structural plasticity, and structural plasticity in neurological disorders. Structural plasticity adds a whole new dimension to brain plasticity, and *The Rewiring Brain* shows how computational approaches may help to gain a better understanding of the full adaptive potential of the adult brain. The book is written for both computational and experimental neuroscientists. Key features: · Reviews the current state of knowledge of structural plasticity in the adult brain. · Gives a comprehensive overview of computational studies on structural plasticity · Provides insights into the potential driving forces of structural plasticity and the functional implications of structural plasticity for learning and memory · Serves as inspiration for developing novel treatment strategies for stimulating functional repair after brain damage *Book Contents* Editorial *Arjen van Ooyen and Markus Butz-Ostendorf* Section I. Experimental background 1. Structural plasticity and cortical connectivity *Vassilis Kehayas and Anthony Holtmaat* 2. Structural plasticity induced by adult neurogenesis *Gregory W. Kirschen, Kurt A. Sailor, and Shaoyu Ge* 3. Structural neural plasticity during stroke recovery *Kimberly Gerrow and Craig E. Brown* 4. Is lesion-induced synaptic rewiring driven by activity homeostasis? *Markus Butz-Ostendorf and Arjen van Ooyen* Section II. Homeostatic structural plasticity 5. Network formation through activity-dependent neurite outgrowth: a review of a simple model of homeostatic structural plasticity *Arjen van Ooyen* 6. Clustered arrangement of inhibitory neurons can lead to oscillatory dynamics in a model of activity-dependent structural plasticity *Rosanna C. Barnard, Istvan Z. Kiss, Simon F. Farmer, and Luc Berthouze* 7. A detailed model of homeostatic structural plasticity based on dendritic spine and axonal bouton dynamic *s**Markus Butz-Ostendorf and Arjen van Ooyen* 8. Critical periods emerge from homeostatic structural plasticity in a full-scale model of the developing cortical column *Sebastian Rinke, Mikael Naveau, Felix Wolf and Markus Butz-Ostendorf* 9. Lesion-induced dendritic remodeling as a new mechanism of homeostatic structural plasticity in the adult brain *Steffen Platschek, Hermann Cuntz, Thomas Deller, and Peter Jedlicka* Section III. Structural plasticity and connectivity 10. The role of structural plasticity in producing nonrandom neural connectivity *Paul Miller* 11. Structural plasticity and the generation of bidirectional connectivity *Daniel Miner, Felix Z. Hoffmann, Florence Kleberg, and Jochen Triesch* 12. Spike timing-dependent structural plasticity of multicontact synaptic connections *Moritz Deger* 13. Selection of synaptic connections by wiring plasticity for robust learning by synaptic weight plasticity *Naoki Hiratani and Tomoki Fukai* Section IV. Structural plasticity and learning and memory 14. Within a spine's reach *Will DeBello and Karen Zito* 15. Impact of structural plasticity on memory capacity *Panagiotis Bozelos and Panayiota Poirazi* 16. Long-term information storage by the interaction of synaptic and structural plasticity *Michael Fauth, Florentin Wörgötter, and Christian Tetzlaff* 17. Impact of structural plasticity on memory formation and decline *Andreas Knoblauch* Section V. Neurogenesis-related structural plasticity 18. Adult neurogenesis and synaptic rewiring in the hippocampal dentate gyrus *Arjen van Ooyen, Gertraud Teuchert-Noodt, Keren Grafen, and Markus Butz-Ostendorf* 19. Modifications in network structure and excitability may drive differential activity dependent integration of granule cells into dentate gyrus circuits during normal and pathological adult neurogenesis *Quinton Skilling, James Roach, Alison L. Althaus, Geoffrey G. Murphy, Leonard Sander, and Michal Zochowski* 20. Computational perspectives on adult neurogenesis *Kristofor D. Carlson, Fredrick Rothganger, and James B. Aimone* 21. Restricted boltzmann machine models of hippocampal coding and neurogenesis *Rory Finnegan, Mark Shaw, and Suzanna Becker* Section VI. Structural plasticity and pathology 22. Modeling the impact of lesions in the brain *Sol Lim, Frances Hutchings, and Marcus Kaiser* 23. Network models of epilepsy-related pathological structural and functional alterations in the dentate gyrus *Ivan Raikov, Mark Plitt, and Ivan Soltesz* 24. Computational models of stroke recovery *Vittorio Sanguineti* 25. Neural plasticity in human brain connectivity: the effects of deep brain stimulation *Tim J. van Hartevelt, Henrique M. Fernandes, Angus B. A. Stevner, Gustavo Deco, and Morten L. Kringelbach*

July 6, 2017

CFP - HAI 2017 Workshop: Representation Learning for Human and Robot Cognition

by Amir Aly

CALL FOR PAPERS **Apologies for cross posting ** The full day workshop: "*Representation Learning for Human and Robot Cognition*" In conjunction with the *5th International Conference on Human-Agent Interaction* *- Bielefeld - Germany - October * *17th, 2017* *Webpage: **http://cognitive-mirroring.org/en/events/hai2017_workshop/* <http://cognitive-mirroring.org/en/events/hai2017_workshop/> *I. Aim and Scope *Creating intelligent and interactive robots has been subject to extensive research studies. They are rapidly moving to the center of human environments so that they collaborate with human users in different applications, which requires high-level cognitive functions so as to allow them to understand and learn from human behavior. To this end, an important challenge that attracts much attention in cognitive science and artificial intelligence, is the “Symbol Emergence” problem, which investigates the bottom-up development of symbols through social interaction. This research line employs representation learning based models for understanding language and action in a developmentally plausible manner so as to make robots able to behave appropriately on their own. This could open the door to robots to understand syntactic formalisms and semantic references of human speech, and to associate language knowledge to perceptual knowledge so as to successfully collaborate with human users in space. Another interesting approach to study representation learning is “Cognitive Mirroring”, which refers to artificial systems that could make cognitive processes observable, such as the models that could learn concepts of objects, actions, and/or emotions from humans through interaction. A key idea of this approach is that robots learn individual characteristics of human cognition rather than acquiring a general representation of cognition. In this way, the characteristics of human cognition become observable and can be measured as modifications in model parameters, which is difficult to verify through neuroscience studies only. In this workshop, we invite researchers in artificial intelligence, cognitive science, cognitive robotics, and neuroscience to share their knowledge and research findings on representation learning, and to engage in cutting-edge discussions with other experienced researchers so as to help promoting this research line in the Human-Agent Interaction (HAI) community. *II. Keynote Speakers * 1. *Beata Joanna Grzyb *– Radboud University – The Netherlands 2. *Thomas Hermann*– Bielefeld University – Germany 3. *Tetsuya Ogata *– Waseda University – Japan 4. *Erhan Oztop *– Ozyegin Universiy – Turkey 5. * Stefan Wermter *– University of Hamburg – Germany *III. Submission * 1. For paper submission, use the following EasyChair web link: *Paper Submission <https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=rlhrc2017>*. 2. Use the ACM SIGCHI format: *ACM SIGCHI Templates <http://www.sigchi.org/publications/chipubform>*. 3. Submitted papers should be limited to 2-4 pages maximum. The primary list of topics covers the following points (but not limited to): - Computational model for high-level cognitive capabilities - Predictive learning from sensorimotor information - Multimodal interaction and concept formulation - Human-robot communication and collaboration based on machine learning - Learning supported by external trainers by demonstration and imitation - Bayesian modeling - Learning with hierarchical and deep architectures - Interactive reinforcement learning * IV. Important Dates * 1. Paper submission: *01-September-2017* 2. Notification of acceptance: *15-September-2017* 3. Camera-ready version: *30-September-2017* 4. Workshop: *17-October-2017* *V. Organizers * 1. *Takato Horii *– Osaka University – Japan 2. *Amir Aly *– Ritsumeikan University – Japan 3. *Yukie Nagai *– National Institute of Information and Communications Technology – Japan 4. * Takayuki Nagai *– The University of Electro-Communications – Japan -- *Amir Aly, Ph.D.* Senior Researcher Emergent Systems Laboratory College of Information Science and Engineering Ritsumeikan University 1-1-1 Noji Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577 Japan

July 5, 2017

TECHNE AHRC Funded PhD Studentship: "Using Depth of Field to Guide Attention and Convey Narrative Structure"

by Durant, Szonya

TECHNE AHRC Funded PhD Studentship: "Using Depth of Field to Guide Attention and Convey Narrative Structure" Royal Holloway, University of London - The Department of Psychology and the Department of Media Arts Qualification type: PhD Location: London, Egham Funding for: UK Students, EU Students Funding amount: £16,553 plus fees at Home/EU rate. Closes: 1st August 2017 Supervisors: Dr Szonya Durant (Dept. of Psychology) and Mr Adam Ganz (Dept. of Media Arts). Applications are invited for a National Productivity Investment Fund PhD studentship funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council starting in October 2017. The studentship includes a stipend of £16,553 (plus fees at home/EU rates) for three years. There is an additional NPIF £550 per year to facilitate engagement with the Partner, and students can apply for an additional six months stipend to engage in extended development activities such as work placements. As a TECHNE student, the person selected will have full access to the TECHNE Doctoral Training Partnership development activities and networking opportunities, joining a cohort of about 50 students per year from across seven universities in London and the south-east. See www.techne.ac.uk<http://www.techne.ac.uk/>. TECHNE students can apply for additional funding to support individual or group training and development activities. This interdisciplinary PhD project draws on the fields of sensory neuroscience, in particular, the experimental study of eye movements and film and media studies, and in particular the study of visual perception, narrative comprehension, and affective response in relation to film editing. The novelty of the proposed interdisciplinary approach promises to yield original insights that will expand the knowledge and understanding in both disciplines. It expands the new discipline of psychocinematics by looking at how audiences perceive (and thus how filmmakers can use) a new element of film grammar - the ability to vary depth of field within in a shot which has been developed by our industrial partner Cinefade. The primary PhD supervisor is based in the Department of Psychology, which has an active and expanding postgraduate research community, is well-equipped for research. It was ranked 6th out of 82 UK Psychology Departments in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), with 93% of our research classified as world-leading or internationally excellent. Research in the department spans a breadth of topics across psychological sciences and neuroscience and is supported by excellent facilities - further information on the research environment can be found here<https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/psychology/home.aspx>. The second supervisor is based in the Media Arts Department, a top 10 REF department led by award-winning world-class experts and leading industry practitioners, which provides a professional working environment for the development of media practice skills and creativity. Both departments are situated on our beautiful Egham campus close to London. Applicants should ideally hold, or be predicted to achieve, a first class undergraduate degree or equivalent in Psychology, Media Arts, or related disciplines (minimum requirement: 2.1). An MSc in a psychology- or cinematography-related subject is desirable but not essential. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in experimental design and statistical analysis, and some experience of lens-based media, film editing, computer programming, and eye tracking would be advantageous. The project will involve a 6 months placement working with CineFade Ltd which will involve trips to various UK locations to meetings with their clients. Applicants must meet the RCUK residency requirements as described in paragraphs 43-46 of the 'Conditions of Research Council Training Grants<http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/documents/documents/termsconditionstraininggrants-pdf/>' and comply with conditions set out in the AHRC Training Grant Funding Guide<http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/skills/phdstudents/currentawardholders/>. Informal enquiries about the project should be directed to szonya.durant(a)rhul.ac.uk<mailto:szonya.durant@rhul.ac.uk> or adam.ganz(a)rhul.ac.uk<mailto:adam.ganz@rhul.ac.uk>. Full details on how to make an application are shown on our Departmental Website<https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/psychology/prospectivestudents/postgraduate…> (select "tab 2 - Research Council UK Funded Studentships") and in the College Webpages<https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studyhere/researchdegrees/applying/applicat…>. For further details on the application process please contact Sharon Clutterbuck (psyoffice(a)rhul.ac.uk<mailto:psyoffice@rhul.ac.uk>). Closing date: 5pm on Tuesday 1st August 2017. Interview dates: 7-18 August (can be flexible around existing commitments). Szonya Durant Department of Psychology Royal Holloway, University of London Egham TW20 0EX 01784 276522

July 5, 2017

Bernstein Conference 2017 in Göttingen - early room booking strongly recommended !

by Kerstin Schwarzwaelder

Dear colleagues, Please let me remind you that the number of available accommodation for the Bernstein Conference 2017 in Göttingen is very limited due to several concurrent events. Thus, we strongly recommend early room booking! Many Hotels in Göttingen are already booked out for that week! The local organizers of the Bernstein Conference arranged for room contingents in a variety of hotels that you may book by yourself by email or phone. Please follow the instructions at the Accommodations Website (www.nncn.de/de/bernstein-conference/2017/venue/accommodation<http://www.nncn.de/de/bernstein-conference/2017/venue/accommodation>). We would like to emphasize that these room contingents will be held open up to different expiration dates depending on the hotel (or until they are filled). Many expiration dates were already mid of June 2017. We strongly encourage participants to share rooms and to book rooms as a group. We emphasize that it will be very difficult to book accommodation beyond the expiration dates. Please find a list of the hotels at the Accommodations Website of the Bernstein Conference. Dates of the Bernstein Conference 2017: ************************************************************** Satellite Workshops September 12-13, 2017 Main Conference September 13-15, 2017 PhD Symposium September 12 & 15, 2017 ************************************************************** Venue of the Bernstein Conference 2017: ************************************************************** The Central Lecture Hall (Zentrales Hörsaal Gebäude, ZHG) Platz der Göttinger Sieben 5 37073 Göttingen, Germany ************************************************************** Website of the Bernstein Conference 2017: ************************************************************** www.bernstein-conference.de<http://www.bernstein-conference.de> ************************************************************** Best regards, Kerstin Schwarzwälder -- Dr. Kerstin Schwarzwälder Scientific Coordination / Management Officer Please note: Our email addresses have changed. Please use k.schwarzwaelder(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:k.schwarzwaelder@fz-juelich.de> Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience | Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Jülich at the University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9589 mail: k.schwarzwaelder(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:k.schwarzwaelder@fz-juelich.de> web: www.nncn.de<http://www.nncn.de> Twitter: NNCN_Germany<https://twitter.com/NNCN_Germany> YouTube: Bernstein TV<https://www.youtube.com/user/BernsteinNetwork> Facebook: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.facebook.com/BernsteinNetwork/> LinkedIn: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

July 4, 2017

Research positions in Neuromorphic computing in Singapore

by Yansong Chua

Multiple scientist and engineer positions are open for a 4-year neuromorphic program in Singapore, at the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), A*STAR. The program is a multi-disciplinary effort, that straddles across the hardware (neuromorphic chip with RRAM, on-chip learning), middleware (emulator) and software (learning algorithms), and we aim to develop a demonstrating application system at end of the program. The program hence presents an unique research opportunity for candidates hoping to build a complete neuromorphic learning system. We are now in the early stages of the program and are actively recruiting talented scientists who would be excited to work on any aspects of the program (hardware, middleware, software and system integration). Multiple top-ranked universities and research institutes in Singapore (NUS, NTU, IME, IHPC, I2R) are working on the program. The work package I am in-charge of is primarily involved in the design of better algorithms for spiking neural networks. To this end, successful candidates will conduct research in one or more of the following areas: - Neuronal encoding: how to better encode external stimuli into spike based representations to facilitate decoding with high fidelity and also better learning performance (in terms of accuracy and power efficiency). - Supervised learning: given that spiking neural networks are asynchronous and sparse in their activities, the design of supervised learning algorithms that can fully capitalize on these properties becomes critical. - Mapping of state-of-art deep learning networks to spiking networks. Neuromorphic learning algorithms are still solving fairly simple problems compared to deep learning. For this, we would like to systematically borrow from the deep learning community networks and learning algorithms that can quickly boost the capabilities of spiking neural networks. - Unsupervised learning. STDP is well suited for unsupervised learning in spiking neural networks, and we would like to further advance STDP learning in spiking neural networks (both theory and applications). Preference will be given to candidates who can document knowledge in deep learning, spiking neural networks or signal processing (with interest in spiking neural networks). Candidates must have a PhD (for scientists) or MS/BS (for engineers) in computer science, computational neuroscience or related fields. Strong programming and quantitative skills are highly desired. Candidates should be proficient in spoken and written English. The appointment will be for 3 years, and extended for another 1 year, after review. Salaries are commensurate with internationally-competitive salaries and benefits. The start date is flexible and applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Other benefits include: - Funding for international conferences and training courses - Collaboration opportunities with an excellent network of international scientists Candidates please send your curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and three references to Dr. Yansong Chua (chuays(a)i2r.a-star.edu.sg ).

July 4, 2017

Computer scientist or Scientific programmer in the Department of Neural Systems and Coding

by Friedrich Kretschmer

Computer scientist or Scientific programmer The Max Planck Institute for Brain Research <https://www.mpg.de/151405/hirnforschung?section=all> in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, is an innovative and growing research facility of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science. The Department of Neural Systems and Coding <https://brain.mpg.de/research/laurent-department.html> (Prof. Dr. Dr. Gilles Laurent) is part of the interdisciplinary neuroscience campus in Frankfurt/Riedberg where the new MPI building is located. Research in the Department aims to understand the physiology of perception with an experimental focus centered on neural computation, neuronal coding and integration. To support our international team of biologists, computer scientists and physicists, we invite applications for a full time staff position as Computer scientist or Scientific programmer, starting as soon as possible, initially with a fixed-term contract for two years. Your profile & our requirements We seek a self-driven and interactive individual with the following skill set: * advanced programming skills and strong understanding of OOP concepts * strong experience working with MATLAB or Python. * proficient understanding of code versioning tools * practical knowledge of best coding practices * experience with management, storage and access of large datasets * cross platform development for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux platforms. Applicants should be familiar with a scientific environment. Knowledge of computational neuroscience and practice in other programming languages (C, C++, R), as well as computer vision, image processing, object recognition, automatic processing and control of behavioral experiments would be of advantage. Candidates are expected to hold a degree in a quantitative field involving computational work, such as computer science, physics, applied math, electrical engineering or comparable research experience. Graduate work at Masters or PhD level (science exposure) is a plus. Our offer We offer a competitive salary based on the collective wage agreement for government service wWorkers (TVöD Bund) depending on qualifications and professional experience as well as various fringe benefits in accordance with public service provisions. You can expect an interesting, responsible and varied job in a young, international and interdisciplinary team. Your application The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer and is striving to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are under-represented. It therefore expressly encourages female applicants. The Max Planck Society is striving to employ more individuals with disabilities. It therefore expressly encourages applicants with disabilities. Please submit your application (in English, single PDF file) by email (HR(a)brain.mpg.de <mailto:HR@brain.mpg.de>) until *July 31, 2017* to Max Planck Institute for Brain Research -Human Resources- Max-von-Laue-Str. 4 60438 Frankfurt am Main Germany

July 3, 2017

Neuroinformatics 2017 in Kuala Lumpur!

by congress

Dear all, It is high time to register for Neuroinformatics 2017, August 20-21, in Kuala Lumpur! See full program and speakers here: *http://neuroinformatics2017.org/program/* <http://neuroinformatics2017.org/program/> *Register by July 15th to get early bird registration rates: * *http://neuroinformatics2017.org/register/ <http://neuroinformatics2017.org/register/>* The annual INCF Congress provides a meeting place for researchers in all fields related to neuroinformatics. Join us for keynotes from top neuroscientists, community sessions and poster- and demo sessions. This meeting is especially useful for anyone who is developing neuroscience tools and methods, working on better ways to handle neuroscience data, and looking for cross-disciplinary collaborations. *http://neuroinformatics2017.org/* <http://neuroinformatics2017.org/> Please spread this information to anyone you feel might be interested in attending! *The International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF) is an international non-profit organization devoted to advancing the field of neuroinformatics and global collaborative brain research. Learn more about INCF www.incf.org <http://www.incf.org/>* *We look forward to seeing you in Kuala Lumpur!* Best Regards INCF Secretariat

July 3, 2017