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11ᵗʰ Advanced Scientific Programming in Python in Camerino, Italy, 3—8 September, 2018

by Jakob Jordan

11ᵗʰ Advanced Scientific Programming in Python ============================================== a Summer School by the G-Node and the University of Camerino https://python.g-node.org Scientists spend more and more time writing, maintaining, and debugging software. While techniques for doing this efficiently have evolved, only few scientists have been trained to use them. As a result, instead of doing their research, they spend far too much time writing deficient code and reinventing the wheel. In this course we will present a selection of advanced programming techniques and best practices which are standard in the industry, but especially tailored to the needs of a programming scientist. Lectures are devised to be interactive and to give the students enough time to acquire direct hands-on experience with the materials. Students will work in pairs throughout the school and will team up to practice the newly learned skills in a real programming project — an entertaining computer game. We use the Python programming language for the entire course. Python works as a simple programming language for beginners, but more importantly, it also works great in scientific simulations and data analysis. We show how clean language design, ease of extensibility, and the great wealth of open source libraries for scientific computing and data visualization are driving Python to become a standard tool for the programming scientist. This school is targeted at Master or PhD students and Post-docs from all areas of science. Competence in Python or in another language such as Java, C/C++, MATLAB, or Mathematica is absolutely required. Basic knowledge of Python and of a version control system such as git, subversion, mercurial, or bazaar is assumed. Participants without any prior experience with Python and/or git should work through the proposed introductory material before the course. We are striving hard to get a pool of students which is international and gender-balanced: see how far we got in previous years <https://python.g-node.org/wiki/archives#stats>! Date & Location =============== 3–8 September, 2018. Camerino, Italy. Application =========== You can apply online: https://python.g-node.org/wiki/applications Application deadline: 23:59 UTC, 31 May, 2018. There will be no deadline extension, so be sure to apply on time. Be sure to read the FAQ before applying: https://python.g-node.org/wiki/faq Participation is for free, i.e. no fee is charged! Participants however should take care of travel, living, and accommodation expenses by themselves. Program ======= • Version control with git and how to contribute to open source projects with GitHub • Best practices in data visualization • Organizing, documenting, and distributing scientific code • Testing scientific code • Profiling scientific code • Advanced NumPy • Advanced scientific Python: decorators, context managers, generators, and elements of object oriented programming • Writing parallel applications in Python • Speeding up scientific code with Cython and numba • Memory-bound computations and the memory hierarchy • Programming in teams Also see the detailed day-by-day schedule: https://python.g-node.org/wiki/schedule Faculty ======= • Ashwin Trikuta Srinath, Cyberinfrastructure Technology Integration, Clemson University, SC USA • Jenni Rinker, Department of Wind Energy, Technical University of Denmark, Roskilde Denmark • Juan Nunez-Iglesias, Melbourne Bioinformatics, University of Melbourne Australia • Nicolas P. Rougier, Inria Bordeaux Sud-Ouest, Institute of Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Bordeaux France • Pietro Berkes, NAGRA Kudelski, Lausanne Switzerland • Rike-Benjamin Schuppner, Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Germany • Tiziano Zito, freelance consultant, Berlin Germany • Zbigniew Jędrzejewski-Szmek, Red Hat Inc., Warsaw Poland Organizers ========== For the German Neuroinformatics Node of the INCF (G-Node) Germany: • Tiziano Zito, freelance consultant, Berlin Germany • Caterina Buizza, Personal Robotics Lab, Imperial College London UK • Zbigniew Jędrzejewski-Szmek, Red Hat Inc., Warsaw Poland • Jakob Jordan, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Switzerland Switzerland For the University of Camerino Italy: • Flavio Corradini, Computer Science Division, School of Science and Technology, University of Camerino Italy • Barbara Re, Computer Science Division, School of Science and Technology, University of Camerino Italy Website: https://python.g-node.org Contact: python-info(a)g-node.org -- Jakob Jordan Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6) Computational and Systems Neuroscience & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Theoretical Neuroscience Jülich Research Centre and JARA Jülich, Germany tel.: +49 2461 61-96450 http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 25, 2018

PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience

by Obermayer, Klaus, Prof. Dr.

PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience & Machine Learning Neural Information Processing Group, Fakultät IV, Technische Universität Berlin and Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Berlin, Germany Salary grade E13 (TV-L Berliner Hochschulen) Duration: max. 5 years Starting date: October 1st, 2018 Working field: The successful candidate is expected to join collaborative research projects at the interface of computational neuroscience and machine learning. The position is also affiliated with the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin (https://www.bccn-berlin.de/) and the candidate is welcome to participate in its scientific and training activities. Teaching responsibilities include the supervision of two tutorials per week during the semester associated with the courses taught by the Neural Information Processing Group. For more information about our current research projects see: http://www.ni.tu-berlin.de/. Requirements: Successfully completed university degree (Master, Diplom or equivalent) in Computational Neuroscience, Computer Science or another MINT subject; very good knowledge of machine learning and Computational Neuroscience; experience in teaching (supervision of tutorials) is desirable; very good German and English skills. How to apply: Please send your written application with the reference number (IV-158/18) and the usual documents to Technische Universität Berlin - Der Präsident - Fakultät IV, Institut für Softwaretechnik und Theoretische Informatik, FG Neuronale Informationsverarbeitung, Prof. Dr. Obermayer, Sekr. MAR 5-6, Marchstr. 23, 10587 Berlin or - preferably - by e-mail to klaus.obermayer(a)tu-berlin.de. Closing date: April 20th, 2018 To ensure equal opportunities between women and men, applications by women with the required qualifications are explicitly desired. Qualified individuals with disabilities will be favored. The TU Berlin values the diversity of its members and is committed to the goals of equal opportunities. Please send copies only. Original documents will not be returned.

March 25, 2018

Methods in Neuroscience at Dartmouth (MIND) 2018 Computational Summer School

by Matthijs van der Meer

Methods in Neuroscience at Dartmouth (MIND) 2018 Computational Summer School https://summer-mind.github.io/ July 30th - August 7th, 2018 Application Deadline: April 29th, 2018 We are delighted to welcome applications for the second annual Methods in Neuroscience at Dartmouth (MIND) Computational Summer School. The theme of this year’s summer school is Narratives and Natural Contexts. There has been renewed interest in extending the study of neural and psychological phenomena in highly controlled laboratory settings to more naturalistic paradigms that more closely reflect the rich spatiotemporal structure of the real world. Bridging this divide requires developing new experiments and analytic methods. The goal of our summer school is to provide a forum for gaining hands-on experience with some of the latest computational tools that can help gain insight into understanding how our brains process naturalistic stimuli and contexts. We will offer a mix of expertise at a broad range of spatiotemporal scales and domains (e.g. behavioral, cognitive, social; circuit, whole-brain, and social networks; etc.). In addition, we will maintain our special focus on training students to use and contribute to open-source tools, data sharing, and other “best practices” for open science. For more information, and/or to apply, please visit our website, https://summer-mind.github.io/. Please note that this year’s application deadline is April 29, 2018. You may also find information about last year’s summer school (theme: multiscale network dynamics) along with all course materials here, https://summer-mind.github.io/2017.html. We anticipate a diverse and talented mix of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty will participate in the summer school, and we hope to see you this summer in Hanover! Kind regards, Luke Chang, Jeremy Manning, and Matt van der Meer Directors Jim Haxby, Thalia Wheatley, and Dan Rockmore Advisory Committee This event is sponsored by the Center for Social Brain Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Dartmouth Research Computing, and Neukom Institute for Computational Sciences at Dartmouth.

March 23, 2018

Job openings at Jülich Supercomputing Centre

by Jochen Martin Eppler

Dear all, at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany, we currently have two open positions in the context of the Human Brain Project: * Scientific programmer in computational neuroscience<http://www.fz-juelich.de/SharedDocs/Stellenangebote/_common/dna/2018-061-EN…> * Senior scientific developer in computational neuroscience<http://www.fz-juelich.de/SharedDocs/Stellenangebote/_common/dna/2018-062-EN…> For details about the institute and the positions, please follow the links. Best regards, Jochen! -- Dr. Jochen Martin Eppler Phone: +49(2461)61-96653 ---------------------------------- Simulation Laboratory Neuroscience Jülich Supercomputing Centre Institute for Advanced Simulation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 23, 2018

Brain Dynamics Toolbox for Matlab

by Stewart Heitmann

Dear all, The Brain Dynamics Toolbox (http://www.bdtoolbox.org <http://www.bdtoolbox.org/>) is open-source software for simulating dynamical systems in neuroscience. It is for researchers and students who wish to explore mathematical models of brain function using Matlab. It includes a graphical tool for simulating dynamical systems in real-time as well as command-line tools for scripting large-scale simulations. Custom systems of differential equations can typically be defined in less than 100 lines of standard matlab code. The graphical interface is designed to be used as both a research tool and a teaching tool. Its hub-and-spoke architecture allows new combinations of numerical solvers and interactive plots (time plots, phase plots, bifurcation diagrams, space-time plots, etc) to be applied to any model with no additional programming effort. Version 2018a of the Brain Dynamics Toolbox has just been released and is available from http://www.bdtoolbox.org <http://www.bdtoolbox.org/> The Handbook for the Brain Dynamics Toolbox is available from https://www.amazon.com/dp/198057250X <https://www.amazon.com/dp/198057250X> The toolbox will be featured at the at the Australian Connectomics School (ACS-2018) in Melbourne, 30 May to 1 June 2018. Best Regards Stewart Heitmann & Michael Breakspear QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Systems Neuroscience Group

March 23, 2018

Now hiring: The Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, CAMH - Toronto, Canada

by Sean Hill

The Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics (www.krembilneuroinformatics.ca<http://www.krembilneuroinformatics.ca>) based at CAMH (www.camh.ca<http://www.camh.ca>), and fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, Canada, is hiring world-leading specialists to transform our understanding of mental health by organizing, integrating, analyzing, visualizing and modelling data across all levels of the brain —from genes to circuits to behaviour. This multimodal data is gathered across the clinical environment including genetic, epigenetic, MRI, DTI, fMRI, hd-EEG, actigraphy and electronic medical record data. Teams will employ state-of-the-art techniques including topological data analysis, machine learning and multiscale computational modeling to accelerate identification and treatment of mental health disorders. Research is performed in an open, team science environment, with an emphasis on reproducible data-driven research and a patient-centric approach. A focus on global collaboration is key to transforming our understanding of mental health and its treatment. The centre will operate as an incubator for medical technologies to identify, manage and treat mental illness, while shaping policy at national and global levels. The centre is expanding with the following openings (see http://krembilneuroinformatics.ca/apply for full details and to apply): *Independent Scientist for Computational Genomics The Independent Scientist for Computational Genomics will build and lead a team of talented bioinformatics researchers, computational biologists, and computer scientists who employ and develop state-of-the-art genetic, epigenetic and transcriptomic analyses and predictive models to provide new insights into mental health and brain disorders in a data driven way, making outcome predictors and identifying optimal intervention opportunities. *Independent Scientist for Brain Circuit Modelling The Independent Scientist for Brain Circuit Modelling will build and lead a team responsible for the development, simulation and analysis of dynamic and perturbable computational models of biophysically detailed brain circuitry (for both preclinical and human brains), integrating genetic, epigenetic and transcriptomic data, and ion channel, cellular and synaptic biophysics. The team will work in close collaboration with other groups involved in detailed biophysical modeling, e.g. the Blue Brain Project and Allen Institute for Brain Science. The team will also be responsible for curating and maintaining data, literature and models to enable data-driven modeling of brain circuitry in health and disease, in addition to the concurrent construction of atlases, development of analysis approaches and identification of biomarkers to define mental health and brain disorders in a data driven way, such as aberrant dynamical processes. *Independent Scientist for Whole Brain Modelling The Independent Scientist for Whole Brain Modelling will build and lead a team responsible for the development of dynamic and perturbable causal models of the human brain, in health and in the context of mental illness, incorporating multi-modal neuroimaging and expression data including, but not limited to, structural, functional, diffusion and spectrometry MRI, PET/CT and EEG. The team will also be responsible for the concurrent construction of atlases, development of analysis approaches and identification of biomarkers to define mental health and brain disorders in a data driven manner. *Independent Scientist for Whole Person Modelling The Independent Scientist for Whole Person Modeling will build and lead a team responsible for the development and application of predictive modeling approaches for individual citizen, patient and population trajectories and outcomes. This includes tools, pipelines and approaches for the exploration, visualization and analysis of complex high-dimensional data, with the aim of the data-driven definition of mental health and brain disorders, and the establishment of outcome predictors and identification of optimal intervention opportunities. *Independent Scientist for Brain and Health Knowledge Management The Independent Scientist for Brain and Health Knowledge Management will build and lead a team responsible for organizing and disseminating data, models and literature related to the definition and treatment of mental health disorders to support both researchers and clinicians. This team will maintain and curate ontologies of brain disorders and link to data, analyses, visualizations, literature and models supporting their definition. This clinical support platform will support reasoning and inference across definitions and datasets to bridge psychiatric and neurological disorders. *Knowledge Engineering Lead The Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics is launching a knowledge engineering initiative to structure and map vast quantities of clinical and research data into a unified schema and develop a knowledge graph. This initiative will lay the technical foundation to support supervised and unsupervised content discovery, enable data mining, and facilitate interactive modes of engagement with our data corpus. A new Knowledge Engineering team is being established to spearhead the implementation of this initiative. This is a unique opportunity to partner with world-class researchers in the creation of unprecedented knowledge discovery tools. *Brain Imaging Data Engineer The Brain Imaging Data Engineer role will be accountable for managing and enhancing the solution for collecting, storing, curating and integrating brain imaging data sets across the organization, including, but not limited to the following modalities: MRI, PET and EEG. You will work closely with the senior architects on the technology team as well as collaborating with scientific leads. You will be accountable to evolve the technology solution to keep up with industry changes to ensure the solution remains optimal. *Molecular Data Engineer The Molecular Data Engineer role will be accountable for managing and enhancing the solution for collecting, storing, curating and integrating molecular data sets across the organization. You will work closely with the senior architects on the technology team as well as collaborating with scientific leads. You will be accountable to evolve the technology solution to keep up with industry changes to ensure the solution remains optimal. *Senior Project Manager – BrainHealth Databank The Senior Project Manager will work with multiple stakeholders both internal and external to CAMH and be responsible for the hands-on leadership and oversight for the development and execution of work plans, accountabilities, and timelines associated with the BrainHealth Databank initiative. The BrainHealth Databank platform will be specifically designed to support multidimensional phenotyping studies that combine digital phenotyping and laboratory-based data across existing and future clinical studies at CAMH. All data will be organized within the knowledge graph of the BrainHealth Databank. The platform will support configuration of studies that integrate common data elements and CRFs, wearable and mobile devices, voice samples, electronic medical record (EMR) extracts, outcome assessments and health care system usage. CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. AVIS DE CONFIDENTIALITÉ : Ce message électronique, ainsi que tout fichier qui y est joint, est reserve à l'usage exclusif du destinataire visé et peut contenir des renseignements confidentiels et privilégiés. Toute lecture, utilisation, divulgation ou distribution non autorisée est interdite. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire visé, veuillez en aviser l'expéditeur par retour de courriel et détruire toutes les copies du message original.

March 22, 2018

Re: [Comp-neuro] [meetings] **DEADLINE EXTENDED to APRIL 2ND, 2018** Final CFP, Special session - Hybrid Life: Approaches to integrate biological, artificial and cognitive systems, ALife 2018 (Tokyo)

by Manuel Baltieri

**DEADLINE EXTENDED to APRIL 2ND, 2018** ********** Final Call for Papers ********** Special session - Hybrid Life: Approaches to integrate biological, artificial and cognitive systems https://sites.google.com/view/hybrid-life/ <https://sites.google.com/view/hybrid-life/> 2018 Artificial Life conference (ALife) Tokyo, JAPAN, 23-27 July 2018 - http://2018.alife.org/ <http://2018.alife.org/> Invited panelists: Ryota Kanai, Jun Tani, Masahiko Inami and Mizuki Oka. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DESCRIPTION: The main focus of ALife research is the study of natural systems with the goal of understanding what life is. More concretely, ALife defines ways to investigate processes that contribute to the formation and proliferation of living organisms. In this session we focus on three common approaches to tackle this investigation, proposing ways to integrate, extend and possibly improve them. More specifically we refer to: 1) the formalisation of the necessary properties for the definition of life, 2) the implementation of artificial agents, and 3) the study of the relation between life and cognition. For this special session we propose to start from these well-established Alife methodologies, and extend them through: a unified formal language for the description and modelling of living, as well as artificial and cognitive systems, e.g. control theory, Bayesian inference, dynamical systems theory, etc., the exploration of biological creatures enhanced by artificial systems (or artificial systems augmented with organic parts) in order to investigate the boundaries between living and nonliving organisms, and the evaluation of coupled biological-artificial systems that could shed light on the importance of interactions among systems for the study of living and cognitive organisms. This special sessions aims to invite contributions from alife as well as the fields of psychology, computational neuroscience, HCI, theoretical biology, artificial intelligence, robotics and cognitive science to discuss current research on the formalisation, combination and interaction of artificial/living/cognitive systems from theoretical, modelling and implementational perspectives. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: Formalisation of life and cognition (e.g. dynamical systems theory, stochastic optimal control, Bayesian inference, etc.) Cognitive robotics Autopoiesis Life-mind continuity thesis Systems biology Origins-of-life theories with relationships to artificial and cognitive systems Animal-robot interaction Bio-inspired robotics Bio-integrated robotics Human-machine interaction Augmented cognition Sensory substitution Interactive evolutionary computation Artificial perception PANELISTS: Ryota Kanai Ryota Kanai is a neuroscientist working on the computational principles underlying consciousness and the brain, and the founder and CEO of an AI startup, Araya, Inc. in Tokyo. His goal is to create artificial consciousness using intrinsic motivation, deep neural networks, and integrated information while taking inspirations from neuroscience. He formerly led a cognitive neuroscience lab at the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science at the University of Sussex, Brighton, UK. Araya Inc.: http://www.araya.org/ <http://www.araya.org/> <http://www.araya.org/>Jun Tani Jun Tani is a Full Professor at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Okinawa, Japan. He is directing the Cognitive Neurorobotics Research Unit. He has investigated the problem of embodied cognition by applying the predictive coding framework to neurorobotics experimental study for more than 20 years. His study has been summarized in his book, “Exploring Robotic Minds: Actions, Symbols, and Consciousness as Self-Organizing Dynamic Phenomena." published from Oxford Univ. Press in 2016. CNRU at OIST: https://groups.oist.jp/cnru <https://groups.oist.jp/cnru> Masahiko Inami Masahiko (Masa) Inami is a Professor in the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo, Japan. He is also directing the Inami JIZAI Body Project, JST ERATO. His research interest is in Augmented Human, human I/O enhancement technologies including perception, HCI and robotics. He received BE and MS degrees in bioengineering from the Tokyo Institute of Technology and PhD in the Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) from the University of Tokyo in 1999. He joined the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Tokyo, and in 1999, he moved to the University of Electro-Communications. In April 2008, he joined Keio University, where he served as a Professor of the Graduate School of Media Design and the Vice-director of the International Virtual Reality Center till October 2015. In November 2015, he rejoined the University of Tokyo. His installations have appeared at Ars Electronica Center. He proposed and organized the Superhuman Sports Society. InamiLab at Todai: https://inamilab.org <https://inamilab.org/> Mizuki Oka Mizuki Oka is an associate Professor at the University of Tsukuba, Japan. Obtained the International Baccalaureate at the United World College of the Adriatic in 1998. Studied computer science at the University of Tsukuba where she obtained the Doctor of Engineering in 2008. Served also as a research fellow for the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science from 2005 to 2008. Worked at the Center for Knowledge Structuring at the University of Tokyo as a post-doc from 2008 to 2013 in Japan. Gave a talk at TEDxTokyo in 2012 and at TEDxTsukuba in 2013. Her current research interests are Web Science and Artificial Life. She is also a founder of ALife Lab. and CO-CEO of Alternative Machine Inc. Personal website: http://mizoka.jp/english/ <http://mizoka.jp/english/> Important Dates 2nd April 2018 – Paper submission deadline 7th May 2018 – Paper acceptance notification 4th June 2018 – Camera-ready version 23-27th July 2018 – Artificial Life conference (ALife), Tokyo, Japan Paper Submission Papers and abstracts submitted to this special sessions will be reviewed by a selected group of experts from the a-life community as well as from other key areas, specifically chosen for this review process. If you are submitting to a special session you will be given the opportunity to select it during the submission process. Submissions to special sessions follow the same format, instructions and deadlines of regular ALife papers, as specified here http://2018.alife.org/instructions-for-authors/ <http://2018.alife.org/instructions-for-authors/>. Organizers Manuel Baltieri, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK. m.baltieri(a)sussex.ac.uk <mailto:m.baltieri@sussex.ac.uk> Keisuke Suzuki, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK. k.suzuki(a)sussex.ac.uk <mailto:filippo.m.bianchi@uit.no> Hiroyuki Iizuka, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan hiroyukiiizuka(a)gmail.com <mailto:hiroyukiiizuka@gmail.com> Contacts For questions, enquiries and more information please check our website https://sites.google.com/view/hybrid-life/ <https://sites.google.com/view/hybrid-life/> or get in touch with Manuel, m.baltieri [at] sussex.ac.uk. All the best, Manuel, Keisuke, Hiro

March 21, 2018

Abstract submission for Neuroinformatics 2018 in Montréal, Canada is open!

by congress

Dear all, Abstract submission for Neuroinformatics 2018 in Montréal, Canada on August 9-10 is now open! 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. Neuroinformatics 2018 will be a great opportunity to introduce new participants to the field of neuroinformatics and highlight new and innovative tools and approaches. Providing a forum for infrastructure providers and developers of tools, standards, and best practices to help define the capabilities of the global network, receive training on how to participate in the Open, FAIR and Citable global network and learn how to provide better services to their constituents. *Abstract submission deadline is April 30: **neuroinformatics2018.org/abstracts <http://neuroinformatics2018.org/abstracts>* Registration will open shortly. More information: *neuroinformatics2018.org <http://www.neuroinformatics2018.org>* Please spread this information to anyone you feel would 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 Montréal!* Best Regards The INCF Secretariat <http://www.neuroinformatics2018.org> <http://www.neuroinformatics2018.org>

March 21, 2018

DynaSim: A MATLAB/GNU Octave Toolbox for Neural Modeling and Simulation

by Jason Sherfey

Dear Colleagues, We are happy to announce the release of DynaSim, an open-source MATLAB/GNU Octave toolbox for rapid prototyping of neural models and batch simulation management. It was designed to speed up and simplify the process of generating, sharing, and exploring network models of neurons with one or more compartments; it is the first, comprehensive neural modeling and simulation platform developed in MATLAB. It provides C compilation, optimized vector calculations, multi-core processing, and support for compute clusters to overcome the traditionally slow simulation speeds of MATLAB. It is also available for high performance computing via the Neuroscience Gateway web portal. A paper introducing DynaSim was recently published in Frontiers in Neuroinformatics: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fninf.2018.00010/full. Documentation is available online at http://dynasimtoolbox.org. We hope this tool reduces barriers for investigating dynamics in neural models, facilitates collaborative modeling, and complements other tools being developed in the neuroinformatics community. Most of all, we hope you find this toolbox useful! Please direct questions to the lead developer, Jason Sherfey < sherfey(a)mit.edu> or the user mailing list: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/dynasim-users. Best regards, Jason Dr. Jason Sherfey Postdoctoral Research Fellow Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University Massachusetts Institute of Technology The Picower Institute for Learning & Memory http://JasonSherfey.com

March 20, 2018

PhD/postdoc in Sensory and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gjorgjieva and Grunwald Kadow Labs in Frankfurt/Munich

by Gjorgjieva, Julijana

Reminder and deadline extension: The labs of Julijana Gjorgjieva (Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany) and Ilona Grunwald Kadow at the TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Germany invite applications for a fully-funded position (Postdoc or PhD student). We are looking for highly-motivated individuals with a strong quantitative background (in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, or related fields), experience in programming and data analysis, and a desire to develop cutting-edge experimental techniques. Previous background in neuroscience, imaging or behavioral analysis is a plus! The project will examine the neural basis of need and effort-based decision-making in a collaboration between the Gjorgjieva lab, which develops theoretical models of neural circuit processing, and the Grunwald Kadow lab, which studies neural circuits underlying sensory processing and decision making in animal models. The project aims to uncover circuit principles and behavioral readouts of motivation, persistence, and value perception as a function of internal state or experience (e.g. hunger). In particular, the Grunwald Kadow lab is collecting rich data sets of behavioral trajectories of single Drosophila flies as well as functional imaging data (i.e. multiphoton and light-sheet) of neuronal populations (e.g. modulatory neurons). The project will aim to develop advanced analysis techniques that extract key statistical features of the behavioral trajectories and imaging data, and build mathematical models that reproduce the data and make new predictions to be further tested experimentally. By combining behaviour, genetics and imaging, we will also develop neural circuit models that involve several brain areas, including sensory brain areas and higher cognitive regions of the fly brain (i.e. mushroom body). References: S. Sayin J. Gjorgjieva, I. C. Grunwald Kadow (2018). A neural circuit arbitrates between perseverance and reward in hungry Drosophila. BioRxiv doi.org/10.1101/259119<http://doi.org/10.1101/259119> J. Gjorgjieva, G. Drion and E. Marder (2016). Computational implications of biophysical diversity and multiple timescales in neurons and synapses for circuit performance. Curr Opin Neurobiol 37:44-52. Lewis L, Siju KP, Aso Y, Friedrich AB, Bulteel AJB, Rubin GM, Grunwald Kadow IC (2015). A higher brain circuit for immediate integration of conflicting sensory information in Drosophila. Current Biology PMID: 26299514, doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.07.015 Application: The position will be based at the Technical University of Munich, with frequent visits to the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt, two of the most exciting and international cities in Germany. The application deadline has been extended to: April 15, 2018. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled. For further information please visit: http://www.cns.wzw.tum.de and http://www.neuro.wzw.tum.de or email gjorgjieva(a)brain.mpg.de and ilona.grunwald(a)tum.de. To apply, please email the following to: neuro(a)wzw.tum.de (ref. GGK application) 1. A curriculum vitae 2. A letter of motivation explaining your scientific interests, your strengths when working on a problem, why us etc. 3. Contact details for 2 referees 4. A written sample of scientific research, e.g. a manuscript, thesis, or code etc. ----------------------------------------- Julijana Gjorgjieva, PhD Research Group Leader Max Planck Institute for Brain Research Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, Frankfurt Assistant Professor of Computational Neuroscience Technical University of Munich, WZW Freising office: +49 69 850033 3600 http://cns.wzw.tum.de

March 20, 2018

Cajal Course in Computational Neuroscience -- Deadline April 2

by Jakob Macke

Dear colleagues, final reminder and line-up for the Cajal Computational Neuroscience Course in Lisbon this summer. We extended the deadline to April 2, so there is still time to apply! Best, Jakob Macke CAJAL COURSE IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE 12 August - 1 September 2018, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal http://www.cccn.pt Applications deadline: 2 April 2018 (midnight, CET time) DIRECTORS • Joe Paton (Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Portugal) • Jakob Macke (TU Darmstadt & Research Center Caesar Bonn, Germany) • Christian Machens (Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Portugal) Computational Neuroscience is a rapidly evolving field whose methods and techniques are critical for understanding and modelling the brain, and also for designing and interpreting experiments. Mathematical modeling is an essential tool to cut through the vast complexity of neurobiological systems and their many interacting elements. This three-weeks school teaches the central ideas, methods, and practice of modern computational neuroscience through a combination of lectures and hands-on project work. Each morning is devoted to lectures given by distinguished international faculty on topics across the breadth of experimental and computational neuroscience. During the rest of the day, students work on research projects in teams of 2-3 people under the close supervision of expert tutors and faculty. Research projects will be proposed by faculty before the course, and will include the modeling of neurons, neural systems, and behavior, the analysis of state-of-the-art neural data (behavioral data, multi-electrode recordings, calcium imaging data, connectomics data, etc.), and the development of theories to explain experimental observations. The course is designed for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from a variety of disciplines, including neuroscience, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics and psychology. Students are expected to have a keen interest and basic background in neurobiology, a solid foundation in mathematics, as well as some computer experience. A four-day pre-school in mathematics and programming is offered for students that want to catch up on their math and programming skills. A maximum of 24 students will be accepted. Students of any nationality can apply. We specifically encourage applications from researchers who work in the developing world. Stipends are available. More information on the course website, http://www.cccn.pt Apply here: http://www.fens.org/Training/CAJAL-programme/CAJAL-courses-2018/CCCN-2018/A… Contact address: Simone Zacarias, simone.zacarias(a)research.fchampalimaud.org Confirmed faculty: Matthias Bethge, University of Tübingen Kevin Briggman, Research Center Caesar, Bonn, Germany Megan Carey, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Portugal Claudia Clopath, Imperial College London, UK Sophie Deneve, ENS Paris, France Rainer Engelken, Columbia University, US Julijana Gjorgjieva, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Germany Pedro Goncalves, Research Center Caesar, Bonn, Germany Michael Häusser, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, UK Andreas Herz, Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Munich, Germany Simon Laughlin, University of Cambridge, UK Gilles Laurent, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Germany Máté Lengyel, University of Cambridge, UK Jennifer Linden, UCL Ear Institute, UK Elliot Ludvig, Warwick University, UK Anthony Movshon, New York University, USA Maneesh Sahani, Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, UCL, UK Cristina Savin, New York University, USA Jeffrey Taube, Dartmouth College, USA Eero Simoncelli, New York University, USA Tim Vogels, Oxford University, UK Byron Yu, Carnegie Mellon University, USA Jakob Macke www.mackelab.org

March 20, 2018

postdoctoral positions in theoretical neuroscience at the Kavli Institute in Trondheim

by Yasser Roudi

Postdoctoral positions in theoretical/computational neuroscience are available at the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience/Centre for Neural Computation in Trondheim, Norway. The position(s) is a part of the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience. The Centre for Neural Computation is a recently established centre of excellence funded for 10 years by the Norwegian Research Council. We offer an international and multidisciplinary environment in which creativity and scientific discourse is valued and stimulated. Through our widespread network of international collaborations, unique career possibilities are offered. See http://www.ntnu.no/cbm/ for detailed information. The position will be part of the group headed by Professor Yasser Roudi. The position/s will be for 2 years. The successful applicant will take part in mainly independent research in theoretical neuroscience and statistical inference within the Roudi group. The specifics of the projects are up to agreement and discussion and new and novel ideas are highly welcome. Developing models of grid cells and their interactions with hippocampus as well as analysis of neural data from these areas will be one possible directions of research that can be taken during the tenure of the position. For more Information and details about how to apply please see https://www.jobbnorge.no/ledige-stillinger/stilling/149615/post-doc-kavli-i…

March 19, 2018

FENS Satellite Meeting on "Receptive Fields: Analysis, Models and Applications": 6 July 2018 - applications open

by Anthony Burkitt

Dear Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the FENS Satellite Meeting on "Receptive Fields: Analysis, Models and Applications", to be held on 6th July 2018. Applications are open at the Workshop website: fenscibf2018.eventbrite.com.au<http://fenscibf2018.eventbrite.com.au> RECEPTIVE FIELDS: ANALYSIS, MODELS AND APPLICATIONS At this FENS satellite meeting, eight world-leading researchers will discuss the latest advances on the formation and analysis of visual receptive fields and place maps, bringing together insights and discoveries from around the world. Topics will include state-of-the-art experimental and computational approaches to receptive field analysis, visual pathways, place maps and adaptation to the statistics of the visual environment. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: • Tatyana Sharpee SALK Institute, USA • Michael Ibbotson National Vision Research Institute, Australia • Yves Fragnac CNRS, France • Jose-Manuel Alonso State University of New York, USA • TR Vidyasagar University of Melbourne, Australia • Dirk Jancke Ruhr University, Germany • Elizabeth Zavitz Monash University, Australia • Simon Schultz Imperial College, UK MEETING DETAILS DATE: Friday, 6 July 2018 TIME: 9am – 5pm CEST / Germany (Berlin) Time VENUE: Hotel NH Collection Berlin Friedrichstraße, Friedrichstraße 96, 10117 Berlin, Germany COST: Early bird fee by 6 April 2018 - €30 ; Standard fee by 22 June 2018 - €50 ; Registration includes refreshments, lunch and snacks. REGISTER HERE URL: fenscibf2018.eventbrite.com.au<http://fenscibf2018.eventbrite.com.au> CONTACT Email: Tenille Ryan (tryan(a)aco.org.au<mailto:tryan@aco.org.au>)

March 18, 2018

Failures of adaptively timed hippocampal learning during memory consolidation and Fragile X syndrome

by Grossberg, Stephen

The following two articles model how failures of adaptively timed learning and incentive motivational support by hippocampus (i.e., failure of “time cells”) can cause clinical problems in memory consolidation and Fragile X syndrome: ***************** Franklin, D. J., and Grossberg, S. (2017). A neural model of normal and abnormal learning and memory consolidation: Adaptively timed conditioning, hippocampus, amnesia, neurotrophins, and consciousness. Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Neuroscience, 17, 24-76. http://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13415-016-0463-y This article explains and simulates the kinds of data that many cognitive neuroscientists have reported after the famous case of the amnesic patient HM; namely, how, after some learning occurs, early vs. late lesions of amygdala, hippocampus, or orbitofrontal cortex can cause very different memory consolidation problems. ***************** Grossberg, S., and Kishnan, D. (2018). Neural dynamics of autistic repetitive behaviors and Fragile X syndrome: Basal ganglia movement gating and mGluR-modulated adaptively timed learning. Frontiers in Psychology, Psychopathology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00269. This article explains how Fragile X syndrome can be caused when mGluR-mediated adaptively timed hippocampal learning and support of motivated attention fail.

March 17, 2018

Call for papers - Special issue on Operations Research for Neuroscience II

by Ruben A. Tikidji-Hamburyan

Dear Colleagues, ~~~ Apologies for cross-posting ~~~ We are happy to announce a second special issue on Operations Research for Neuroscience. The special issue will be published in the journal Annals of Operations Research, Springer. We strongly encourage the submission of manuscripts which propose further developments of modern formal theories (such as the free-energy principle, integrated information, Bayesian inference, etc). The use of methods from modern operations research in neuroscience is a prerequisite for any paper submitted to this special issue to enter the reviewing process. Submission deadline: December 1, 2018 Please find the CfP as plain text below or as a pdf file here: CfP - ANOR SI OR for Neuroscience <https://sites.google.com/site/rubentikidjihamburyan/research/CfP-ANOR_SI_OR…> Best, Ruben ____________________________________________________ ― Call for Papers ― Annals of Operations Research Special Issue Operations Research for Neuroscience II ____________________________________________________ After the positive and encouraging response from the scientific and wider community to the special issue Operations Research for Neuroscience, the journal Annals of Operations Research (Springer) now invites submissions of papers to a second special issue on the same subject, called Operations Research for Neuroscience II. Neuroscience, a multidisciplinary science, is concerned with the study of the structure and functions of the nervous system. It comprises aspects of physiology, cellular and molecular biology, as well as behavioral and cognitive science. Recent technological and theoretical advances offer promising opportunities for better understanding of the nervous system at the quantitative level. New optogenetic, in vitro and in vivo multielectrode recording, neuroimaging, brain imaging, and other modern techniques provide high-quality data that can be used in elucidating the fundamental mechanisms of information processing in the nervous system. The rapidly growing pool of experimental data has triggered the development of new mathematical models that can provide new insights into the functioning of the nervous system at various scales, ranging from that of molecular biology to that of the organizational principles of behavior and cognition. Sophisticated analyses of intracellular signaling or dynamics in heterogeneous neural networks, conditional behavior, or connections of brain regions in decision-making lead to theoretical problems, addressed by operations research. Although, operations research is actively used in bottom-up approaches--from experimental observation to consistent theory-- it also widely overlaps modern and rapidly developing formal theories, for example the free-energy principle, integrated information theory, and may others. The special issue will cover a broad range of topics in the field of neuroscience using operations research approaches, methods, and theories. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following areas and methodologies of neuroscience: o intracellular signaling and regulation o synaptic plasticity o dynamics in heterogeneous neural networks o intelligent systems and control o perceptual, cognitive, and behavioral functions o learning and memory o spatio-temporal network analysis o behavioral economics and finance o linguistics and cognition o combinatorial optimization o signal and information processing o neuroimaging and functional brain imaging processing o computational modeling and simulation o formal theoretical approaches: the free-energy principle, integrated information, Bayesian inference, etc. The use of methods from modern operations research in neuroscience is a prerequisite for any paper submitted to this special issue to enter the reviewing process. Annals of Operations Research is abstracted and indexed in the following databases: Science Citation Index, Science Citation Index Expanded (SciSearch), Journal Citation Reports/Science Edition, SCOPUS, INSPEC, Zentralblatt Math, Google Scholar, EBSCO, CSA, ProQuest, ABS Academic Journal Quality Guide, Academic OneFile, Academic Search, Computer Abstracts International Database, Computer Science Index, CSA Environmental Sciences, Current Contents/Engineering, Computing and Technology, DBLP, ECONIS, Expanded Academic, International Abstracts in Operations Research, Mathematical Reviews, OCLC, SCImago, STMA-Z, Summon by ProQuest. The Special Issue is officially endorsed by EURO Conference 2018, Valencia. Guest Editors: Erik Kropat, Ruben A. Tikidji-Hamburyan, Gerhard-Wilhelm Weber Important Date: Submission deadline of full papers: December 1, 2018. Submission Details: The format of manuscripts for the Annals of Operations Research as well as guidelines can be found on the web page of Springer, the publisher of the journal: http://www.springer.com/journal/10479/submission. Authors should submit a cover letter mentioning that the paper is for a special issue and a manuscript via the journal's online submission site: http://www.editorialmanager.com/anor. When prompted, please select the article type “S.I.: OR in Neuroscience II”. All papers submitted for publication will be carefully refereed. In case of any question please contact by e-mail one of the following guest editors: Dr. Erik Kropat Department of Computer Science Universität der Bundeswehr München Werner-Heisenberg-Weg 39 85577 Neubiberg, Germany E-mail: erik.kropat(a)gmx.de Dr. Ruben A. Tikidji-Hamburyan Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy Health Sciences Center, Louisiana State University New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA E-mail: rtikid(a)lsuhsc.edu Prof. Dr. Gerhard-Wilhelm Weber Faculty of Engineering Management Chair of Marketing and Economic Engineering Poznan University of Technology ul. Strzelecka 11 60-965 Poznan, Poland E-mail: gerhard.weber(a)put.poznan.pl

March 15, 2018

ACT-R Summer School application deadline approaching

by db30＠andrew.cmu.edu

The deadline for applications, April 15th, is now only one month away. 2018 ACT-R Summer School and Master Class Carnegie Mellon University July 9-13, 2018 ACT-R is a unified theory of cognition that has been implemented in a software system called a cognitive architecture that can be used to develop computational cognitive models. It has been applied to modeling tasks that range from experimental tasks like simple reaction time and list learning, to real world tasks like driving a car and air traffic control. The 2018 ACT-R Summer School will take place at CMU in Pittsburgh from July 9-13. It consists of both a Summer School for beginning users and a Master Class for more experienced users. The Summer School will train researchers in the use of ACT-R for cognitive modeling using the ACT-R tutorial. Each day will consist of a morning theory lecture covering one or two tutorial units, an afternoon discussion session on the topics of the day, and modeling assignments which participants are expected to complete during the day and evening. The Master Class is organized in parallel with the Summer School. The Master Class offers the opportunity for ACT-R modelers to work on their own projects with guidance from experienced ACT-R researchers. There is no curriculum for the Master Class, but Master Class students are welcome to attend the Summer School lectures and discussion sessions. To provide an optimal learning environment, admission to the Summer School and Master Class will be limited. To apply for the Summer School, please email a curriculum vitae and a statement of purpose to db30(a)andrew.cmu.edu. Demonstrated experience with a modeling formalism similar to ACT-R will strengthen a Summer School application. To apply for the Master Class please email a curriculum vitae along with some information about your level of experience with ACT-R and some details on the project you expect to work on during the Master Class. Applications are due by April 15th and applicants will be notified of admission by April 30th. Admission to the Summer School and Master Class is free. Housing will be available in the CMU dormitories for approximately $65/day (single) or $50/day (shared). More information about ACT-R, including papers published by the ACT-R community, can be found on the ACT-R web site: <http://act-r.psy.cmu.edu/>. For more information on the Summer School and Master Class you can email Dan Bothell at db30(a)andrew.cmu.edu.

March 15, 2018

Call for papers - Special issue on Brain-Computer Interfaces for Human Augmentation

by Davide Valeriani

Dear all, I thought some of you might be interested in contributing to this special issue of Brain Sciences about BCI for human augmentation. The deadline for manuscript submissions is *30 April 2018*. Please do get in touch if you are interested. More info at: *http://bit.ly/bcihuman <http://bit.ly/bcihuman> *or http://www.mdpi.com/journal/brainsci/special_issues/Brain_Computer_Interface P.S. Apologies for cross-posting. Best regards, Davide -- *Dr Davide Valeriani* Senior Research Officer BCI-NE Lab University of Essex *E* dvaler(a)essex.ac.uk *W* www.davidevaleriani.it

March 15, 2018

CFP: The OMG-Emotion Recognition Challenge

by Pablo Barros

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION The One-Minute Gradual-Emotion Recognition (OMG-Emotion) held in partnership with the WCCI/IJCNN 2018 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. https://www2.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/wtm/OMG-EmotionChallenge/ I. Aim and Scope Our One-Minute-Gradual Emotion Dataset (OMG-Emotion Dataset) is composed of 420 relatively long emotion videos with an average length of 1 minute, collected from a variety of Youtube channels. The videos were selected automatically based on specific search terms related to the term ``monologue''. Using monologue videos allowed for different emotional behaviors to be presented in one context and that changes gradually over time. Videos were separated into clips based on utterances, and each utterance was annotated by at least five independent subjects using the Amazon Mechanical Turk tool. To maintain the contextual information for each video, each annotator watched the clips of a video in sequence and had to annotate each video using an arousal/valence scale and a categorical emotion based on the universal emotions from Ekman. We release the dataset with the gold standar for arousal and valence as well the invidivual annotations for each reviewer, which can help the development of different models. We will calculate the final Congruence Correlation Coefficient against the gold standard for each video. We also distribute the transcripts of what was spoken in each of the videos, as the contextual information is important to determine gradual emotional change through the utterances. The participants are encouraged to use crossmodal information in their models, as the videos were labeled by humans without distinction of any modality. We also will let available to the participant teams a set of scripts which will help them to pre-process the dataset and evaluate their model during in the training phase. We encourage the use of neural-computation models based on deep learning, sel-organization and recurrent neural networks, just to mention some of them, as they present the sate-of-the-art performance in such tasks. II. How to Participate To participate, please send us an email to barros(a)informatik.uni-hamburg.de with the title "OMG-Emotion Recognition Team Registration". This e-mail must contain the following information: Team Name Team Members Affiliation Each team can have a maximum of 5 participants. You will receive from us the access to the dataset and all the important information about how to train and evaluate your models. For the final submission, each team will have to send us a .csv file containing the final arousal/valence values for each of the utterances on the test dataset. We also request a link to a GitHub repository where your solution must be stored, and a link to an ArXiv paper with 4-6 pages describing your model and results. The best papers will be invited to submit their detailed research to a journal yet to be specified. Also, the best participating teams will hold an oral presentation about their solution during the WCCI/IJCNN 2018 conference. III. Important Dates Publishing of training and validation data with annotations: March 14, 2018. Publishing of the test data, and an opening of the online submission: April 11, 2018. Closing of the submission portal: April 13, 2018. Announcement of the winner through the submission portal: April 18, 2018. IV. Organization Pablo Barros, University of Hamburg, Germany Egor Lakomkin, University of Hamburg, Germany Henrique Siqueira, Hamburg University, Germany Alexander Sutherland, Hamburg University, Germany Stefan Wermter, Hamburg University, Germany -- Dr.rer.nat. Pablo Barros Postdoctoral Research Associate - Crossmodal Learning Project (CML) Knowledge Technology Department of Informatics University of Hamburg Vogt-Koelln-Str. 30 22527 Hamburg, Germany Phone: +49 40 42883 2535 Fax: +49 40 42883 2515 barros at informatik.uni-hamburg.de https://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/people/barros.html https://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/wtm/

March 15, 2018

Postdoc position in neuroscience / math biology at NJIT

by Victor Matveev

*Postdoctoral position in mathematical biology at the Department of Mathematical Sciences at New Jersey Institute of Technology* Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the field of mathematical and computational biology in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at NJIT. The position is initially for one year starting September 1, 2018, with the possibility of renewal of one additional year, subject to satisfactory performance. In addition to research duties, the candidate is expected to teach one course per academic year. Currently, research interests of the NJIT mathematical biology group are focused on mathematical and computational neuroscience, perception of timing and rhythm, cell physiology, circadian rhythms, cell calcium dynamics, and biofluids, emphasizing the applications of parameter estimation techniques, stochastic analysis and the theory of dynamical systems and partial differential equations to problems in mathematical biology. Candidates should hold a PhD in applied mathematics or a related discipline. To apply, follow the link below to submit a cover letter with a brief research statement, a CV, and names and email addresses of three references. https://njit.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?site=1&id=243 NJIT is in the University Heights neighborhood next to vibrant downtown Newark, about 12 miles west of New York City. The Department of Mathematical Sciences has close collaborative ties to the Department of Biological Sciences at NJIT. Excellent potential for outside collaboration is also afforded by the close geographic proximity of NJIT to other prominent centers for biological research such as the Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience at Rutgers-Newark, New Jersey Medical School, NYU, Columbia University, and Rockefeller University. NJIT is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer and strongly encourages women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply. Inquires can be sent to Dr. Victor Matveev at matveev(a)njit.edu. -- ___________________________________ Victor Matveev, Professor Applied Math, Biophysics & Neuroscience Department of Mathematical Sciences Graduate Faculty, Dept of Biological Sciences New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, NJ 07102-1982 Office: Cullimore Hall 616 E-mail: matveev(a)njit.edu http://web.njit.edu/~matveev/

March 14, 2018

Call for contributions: Grenoble Workshop on Models and Analysis of Eye Movements, June 06-08 2018

by Simon Barthelmé

Grenoble workshop on models and analysis of eye movements: June 06-08 2018 Eye movements are easy to acquire and highly valuable for the study of cognitive processing. Their analysis presents interesting statistical challenges: scanpaths are complex spatiotemporal signals with relevant information at different spatial and temporal scales, from microsaccades to fixation patterns. The goal of this workshop is to bring together researchers who develop and use models to understand eye-movement data. We welcome contributions on all aspects of eye movement modelling and analysis, from saliency prediction to latent state models. Possible forms of contribution are: oral presentation, poster or demonstration. Deadline for abstract submission: April 22 2018 Deadline for registration: May 13 2018 Invited speakers: - Antje Nuthmann, University of Kiel - Yulia Sandamirskaya, University of Zurich & ETH - Jean Lorenceau, CNRS, LSP, ENS - Jean-Michel Boucheix, LEAD-CNRS, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté Location: Grenoble is the largest city in the French Alps, with a large and vibrant academic community. It is easy to get to, with two major airports (Lyon & Geneva) in the vicinity and a TGV connection to Paris. More information and registration at: eyemovements.sciencesconf.org

March 14, 2018

Bernstein Conference 2018 - Call for Workshops - New Deadline: March 28, 2018, 3 pm CET

by Kerstin Schwarzwaelder

The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience invites proposals for Satellite Workshops directly preceding the Bernstein Conference 2018 in Berlin. ************************************************************** Important Dates: Satellite Workshops: September 25 - 26, 2018 Main Bernstein Conference: September 26 - 28, 2018 New Deadline for Satellite Workshop proposal submission: March 28, 2018, 3 pm CET Notification of Workshop acceptance: April 2018 ************************************************************** Since 2013, the Bernstein Conference hosts pre-conference workshops which provide a stage to discuss topical research questions, novel scientific approaches and challenges in Computational Neuroscience and related fields. Workshops addressing controversial issues, open problems, and comparisons of competing approaches are encouraged. The format should be designed to foster debate, rather than a mere series of talks. The selection criteria for Workshop proposals will include scientific excellence, topical relevance and gender diversity. The Bernstein Conference started out as the annual meeting of the Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience and has become the largest annual single-track Computational Neuroscience conference in Europe in recent years. Satellite Workshop schedule: September 25, 2018, 2:00 pm - 6:30 pm September 26, 2018, 8:30 am - noon Workshop proposals are welcome for either half-day or full-day workshops. Workshop costs – FINANCIAL SUPPORT: All organizers and speakers of accepted workshops will receive a waiver for the workshop fee. Organizers of accepted workshops additionally receive a waiver for the main conference. Up to 10 selected workshops can receive financial support up to 1.500,00 € each. Coffee break catering will be provided. For further information about the conference, please visit the conference website http://www.bernstein-conference.de. INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSAL PREPARATION Workshop proposals must contain: 1) Workshop Title 2) Concise description of workshop topic 3) List of potential speakers indicating speaker commitment 4) Optional: a comment on how the organizers plan to achieve gender diversity among speakers Please use the Workshop Proposal Form that can be downloaded here: http://www.nncn.de/de/bernstein-conference/2018/satellite-workshops New Deadline for submission of Workshop proposals: March 28, 2018, 3 pm CET CONTACT: bernstein.network(at)fz-juelich.de We are looking forward to seeing you in Berlin! WORKSHOP SELECTION COMMITTEE: Jakob Macke (Workshop Chair) Tatjana Tchumatchenko (Workshop Vice Chair) Axel Borst Nicolas Brunel Anne Churchland Claudia Clopath Gaute Einevoll Adrienne Fairhall Gilles Laurent (Program Chair) Mate Lengyel Elad Schneidman Susanne Schreiber (Program Vice Chair) Terry Sejnowski Henning Sprekeler (Conference Host) Fred Wolf -- 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 14, 2018

University of Melbourne - LECTURER (5 Positions; Female Applicants Only)

by Uwe Aickelin

Dear Colleagues, International Women’s Day provided us with the opportunity to reflect upon the diversity within our School. The Melbourne School of Engineering has 182 women academic staff, but this represents just 22 per cent of our total academic numbers. We are committed to remedying this imbalance and lifting the representation of women to 30 per cent by 2022. To help enact this change, I’m pleased to announce five new continuing positions that we are making available to women of exceptional calibre, in all fields of engineering, computing and information systems. The five positions are across the School and we are accepting applications from all related areas. To view complete position descriptions, click here<http://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/caw/en/job/894257/lecturer-5-positions-female-ap…>. These positions are a key component of a broad suite of programs we have implemented at MSE that are aimed at increasing the recruitment, retention and promotion of women. Successful appointees will be given the opportunity to play a significant role in realising the industry engagement targets of MSE 2025, develop internationally recognised research portfolios, establish funding streams to support these portfolios, and to enhance interdisciplinary research within and outside the University, whilst contributing to teaching and curriculum development within MSE. Applications for part-time or other flexible working arrangements will be welcomed and will be fully considered subject to meeting the inherent requirements of the position. Close date: 8 Apr 2018 Uwe Aickelin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Professor Uwe Aickelin – Head of School School of Computing and Information Systems Melbourne School of Engineering Level 8, Doug McDonell Building University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia T. +613 8344 3635 E: uwe.aickelin(a)unimelb.edu.au <mailto:uwe.aickelin@unimelb.edu.au> W: http://aickelin.com<http://aickelin.com/>

March 14, 2018

Translational Neurophysiology - RA, Postdoc, or Staff Scientist

by Platt, Jo Ann

The Translational Neurophysiology Laboratory at the Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, headed by Assistant Professor Stavros Zanos MD PhD, focuses on physiological and translational research and development of bioelectronic devices and therapies in small (rodents) and large animal (swine) models. The lab utilizes a variety of techniques from neurophysiology and cardiovascular physiology, acute and chronic implants, experimental surgical and interventional techniques and bioelectronic systems for closed-loop neural recording and stimulation, both in health and in disease models. The ultimate goal is to develop neuromodulation therapies that will observe the state of the organism and the organ system that is targeted, to deliver individualized treatment of diseases in real-time. The successful candidate will be involved in the development of novel paradigms to record from and adaptively modulate the function of the central and peripheral nervous system (brain, spinal cord, ganglia, peripheral nerves) in rodents, in healthy animals and in disease models. Mouse and rat stereotaxic brain surgery Extracellular and/or intracellular in vivo neurophysiology Histology, tract tracing Optogenetics Optical imaging Autonomic physiology Keywords : neurophysiology, small animal, rodent, recording, stimulation, brain, peripheral nerves, chronic implants, surgery, optogenetics, optical imaging, autonomic nervous system Qualifications : Doctorate degree (Ph.D, M.D. or D.V.M.), required (MSc for research associate candidates) Authored/co-authored research papers and/or scientific abstracts, required. Research experience in rodent neurophysiology, required. In vivo optical imaging and optogenetic stimulation experience, preferred. Knowledge of data analysis software (e.g. Matlab), preferred. Send email including cover letter, CV and publications to: jojoplatt(a)theplattassociates.com The information contained in this electronic e-mail transmission and any attachments are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom or to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying or disclosure of this communication and any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and electronic mail, and delete the original communication and any attachment from any computer, server or other electronic recording or storage device or medium. Receipt by anyone other than the intended recipient is not a waiver of any attorney-client, physician-patient or other privilege.

March 13, 2018

M-GATE School at SISSA: provisional program online

by Alessandro Treves

The M-GATE school, "Under the Surface of Memory Phenomena", organized for ITN students https://www.mgate.eu/ but open to other participants now has a provisional program, see https://indico.sissa.it/e/tex2018/ The school will be at SISSA, in Trieste, Italy, June 25-July 3, 2018. Apply now for 10-night accommodation, at cost (340 Euro), or register for self-organized participation (within space constraints), and join us also for the in-set symposium Remembering Daniel Amit, and Beyond! Deadline for applications April 2. Clever inquiries from tex(a)sissa.it -- 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

March 12, 2018

MBL Methods in Computational Neuroscience Course - deadline March 20

by Stephen A. Baccus

Applications are open for the Methods in Computational Neuroscience course at the Marine Biology Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA. The course will run from July 29 to August 24, 2018, and the online application form can be found at: https://ws2.mbl.edu/studentapp/studentapp.asp?courseid=MCN The course application deadline is *March 20*. The course covers a range of topics in computational neuroscience including neuronal biophysics, neural coding & information processing, circuit dynamics, learning & memory, motor control, and cognitive processing & disease. In addition, numerous tutorials and problem sets will cover a broad range of computational and mathematical modeling methods. The course strongly emphasizes the collaboration between theory and experiment in solving neuroscience problems, and lectures will be given by a mixture of theorists and experimentalists. The final weeks of the course are primarily reserved for work on projects that students design in collaboration with the resident faculty. Further information can be found on the MCN website: http://www.mbl.edu/mcn/ 2018 Course Directors: Stephen Baccus, Stanford University Xiao-Jing Wang, New York University 2018 Confirmed Faculty: Larry Abbott, Columbia University Carlos Brody, Princeton University Emery Brown, MIT Dmitri Chklovskii, Simons Institute Claudia Clopath, Imperial Col. London Kenji Doya, Okinawa Inst. Sci. Tech. Uri Eden, Boston University Bard Ermentrout, U. of Pittsburgh Adrienne Fairhall, U. of Washington Ila Fiete, University of Texas Austin James Fitzgerald, Janelia Res., HHMI Loren Frank, UCSF Michale Fee, MIT Stefano Fusi, Columbia University Surya Ganguli, Stanford University Mark Goldman, UC Davis Kenneth Harris, U. College London James Haxby, Dartmouth University Nancy Kopell, Boston University Eve Marder, Brandeis University Bartlett Mel, Univ. of Southern California Jonathan Pillow, Princeton University David Redish, U. Minnesota Terry Sejnowski, Salk Institute Reza Shadmehr, Johns Hopkins Univ. Sara Solla, Northwestern University Haim Sompolinsky, Hebrew University Josh Tenenbaum, MIT Nao Uchida, Harvard University Greg Wayne, DeepMind Hongkui Zeng, Allen Institute

March 12, 2018

New NSF funding opportunity

by Tuller, Betty K.

APOLOGIES FOR MULTIPLE POSTINGS A new solicitation has been posted that might be of interest. It’s called The Future of Work at the Human-Technology Frontier: Advancing Cognitive and Physical Capabilities” (https://nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505528&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&fro…) and is one of NSF’s “Ten Big Ideas.” For FY2018, there are two main themes: 1) Foundations for Augmenting Human Cognition 2) Embodied Intelligent Cognitive Assistants Letters of Intent are due April 16 and Full proposals are due June 4. Please take a look at the solicitation. Our sciences have a lot to say in this domain. Betty Tuller, Ph.D. Director, Program in Perception, Action, and Cognition National Science Foundation 2415 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel: 703.292.7238 Fax: 703.292.9068 The PAC program has additional requirements for submission: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5686. A new Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide is now available at http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf18001<http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf16001>

March 12, 2018

PhD position in neuroscience available immediately (Italy/USA)

by Carlos Andres Mendez Guerrero

*PhD Position in neuroscience available immediately* A new European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator grant starts at the University of Torino, Italy, for 5 years (~ 2 million euros). The grant “LIGHTUP – Turning the cortically blind brain to see” is awarded to prof. Marco Tamietto (www.marcotamietto.com) The project investigates the neural correlates of visual awareness and of non-conscious vision in patients with *blindsight* and in non-human primates (macaques) with V1 destruction. To this aim, a broad range of methods will be used, including 3T and 7T (f)MRI, neurophysiological recordings and brain stimulation (TMS). The project is embedded in an outstanding international and interdisciplinary context, including the University of Oxford, UK, Tilburg University (NL) and NIH (USA), with granted access to their excellent facilities. We offer a full-time PhD Student post for 4 years. Applications of highly motivated candidates with interests in systems neuroscience, vision sciences and neuroimaging are welcomed. The successful applicant will be appointed by the University of Torino (Ita), but he/she will be expected to spend a significant amount of time at the NIH in Bethesda (USA). For more details (salary, requirements, contact..) please visit the laboratory website: http://www.marcotamietto.com

March 12, 2018

Two open positions in circadian patterning of neural activity

by Meredith, Andrea

Postdoctoral Positions Available in Electrophysiology and Imaging Two positions are available in the lab of Dr. Andrea Meredith, at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, to study the circadian patterning of neuronal activity. We are seeking a highly motivated team-players to contribute to our studies of the circadian regulation of intrinsic excitability and intracellular signaling in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, the brain's intrinsic 'clock.' One project is an NIH BRAIN Initiative<https://www.braininitiative.nih.gov/>-funded study involving high resolution imaging with novel FRET-based sensors to record rhythmic signals in SCN neurons and the circuit. Other projects involve deciphering the biophysical mechanisms that contribute to circadian regulation of membrane excitability by the large conductance Ca2+-activated BK channel and other ion channels (see Nature Neuroscience 9:1041<https://www.nature.com/articles/nn1740>, 2006; Nature Communications 7:10837<https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms10837>, 2016; and Journal of General Physiology 15:259<http://jgp.rupress.org/content/150/2/259.long>, 2018). The Meredith Lab (http://meredithlab.org) is focused on understanding the mechanisms that contribute to circadian regulation of membrane excitability and daily oscillations in action potential activity in the SCN circuit, using techniques such as voltage- and current-clamp, multi-electrode array recordings, imaging, molecular biology, transgenics, and in vivo telemetry. Requirements: We are seeking candidates with a PhD in neuroscience, biophysics, physiology, or other relevant field. Experience with electrophysiological recordings or imaging is required. Excellent oral and written communication skills (fluent in English) required. To apply: Please send by email to Dr. Andrea Meredith (ameredith(a)som.umaryland.edu<mailto:ameredith@som.umaryland.edu>) with: - your CV - a letter describing your research accomplishments, expertise, and career goals - contact information for three references The Department of Physiology (http://medschool.umaryland.edu/physiology) offers outstanding research and NIH-funded postdoctoral training opportunities. The University of Maryland School of Medicine, located in downtown Baltimore, is the oldest public medical school in the U.S. and the founding campus of the University of Maryland system. The School of Medicine ranks 6th among all 76 public medical schools. ___________________________________________________________ Andrea Meredith, PhD Associate Professor Dept. of Physiology and Program in Neuroscience University of Maryland School of Medicine 655 W. Baltimore Str. BRB 5-002 Baltimore, MD 21201 410-706-5991<tel:410-706-5991> office ameredith(a)som.umaryland.edu<mailto:ameredith@som.umaryland.edu> http://meredithlab.org<http://meredithlab.org/>

March 6, 2018

6th Baltic-Nordic Summer School on Neuroinformatics (BNNI 2018)

by Marja-Leena Linne

6th Baltic-Nordic Summer School on Neuroinformatics (BNNI 2018) Understanding the Brain: from Neuroscience to Deep Learning Place: Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Inženieru 101, Ventspils Latvia Time: 11-13 June 2018 More information and applications at: web.lsmuni.lt/bnni2018/en<http://web.lsmuni.lt/bnni2018/en> Important dates: 2 April 2018: Application deadline 15 April 2018: Acceptance notification 11-13 June 2018: School We invite advanced master students, doctoral students, and postdoctoral researchers to participate in the BNNI 2018 to be held at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Ventspils, Latvia in 11-13 June 2018. The course is interdisciplinary and covers modeling at different levels of organization of the brain. Additionally this year's training course is planned more diverse and will include also EEG/SEEG signal processing techniques, forward and inverse modeling of the brain and various aspects of deep learning algorithms. This school is the sixth in the series of the Baltic-Nordic Courses on Neuroinformatics (BNNI 2013 in Kaunas, Lithuania; BNNI 2014 in Tampere, Finland; BNNI 2015 in Tartu, Estonia; BNNI 2016 in Warsaw, Poland, BNNI 2017 in Kaunas, Lithuania). The target audience of the course will be advanced master students, doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers in biomedical and technology sciences, from medicine, biology, psychology, to mathematics, informatics, information technology, physics, chemistry, who would like to get an introduction to neuroinformatics and computational neuroscience. Some experience with programming and quantitative reasoning as well as strong interest in computational and mathematical modeling of the brain will be desirable but not necessary to benefit from the school. Last year we had participants from 14 countries all over the world! Faculty includes: Marja-Leena Linne, Tampere University of Technology, Finland; The Human Brain Project Ausra Saudargiene, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, and Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania Bruce Graham, University of Stirling, UK Daniel Wojcik, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland Arnd Roth, University College London, UK Peter Jedlicka, NeuroScience Center, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany Gaute Einevoll, UiO Department of Physics The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Norway Radu Ranta, CRAN, University of Lorraine, France Louis Maillard, CHRU Hôpital central - Nancy, CRAN, University of Lorraine, France Janis Hofmanis, Smart Technology Research Center, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Ventspils, Latvia and others. Venue The lectures will be held at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Inženieru 101, Ventspils, Latvia. Practical arrangements There is a small tuition fee of 50 euros. The organizers will provide teaching materials, meals and coffee during the course. The participants are expected to cover their travel and health insurance expenses as well as lodging. Although Student accommodation will be available at a reduced cost. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences can provide a student dormitory rooms - 2 students per room, 2 rooms per block. One block costs 51 EUR (12,75 EUR for one person per night). We are looking forward to welcome you at the BNNI 2018 in Ventspils, Latvia!

March 6, 2018

CFP- Special issue on Robots and Smart Environments

by Amir Aly

*Cognitive Systems Research (CSR) Journal* CALL FOR PAPERS **Apologies for cross posting ** We are happy to call for papers for the journal special issue: "*Social Cognitive Systems in Smart Environments: Approaches for Learning, Reasoning, and Adaptation*" *Webpage: **https://www.journals.elsevier.com/cognitive-systems-research/call-for-papers/special-issue-social-cognitive-systems-in-smart-environment <https://www.journals.elsevier.com/cognitive-systems-research/call-for-paper…> * <http://cognitive-mirroring.org/en/events/hai2017_workshop/> *I. Aim and Scope * A “smart” environment incorporates intelligent systems (e.g., smart home, smart factory, smart city, smart car etc.) employing heterogeneous devices, such as: sensors, actuators, cameras, networks, and screens. Within such a smart environment, autonomous agents can take on an important mediating role between human users and the environment. This is particularly true if high-level cognitive functions and computational intelligence are employed to handle the uncertainty of the complex environment so as to allow agents to act appropriately within different contexts of interaction. Using robotic systems in smart environments opens the door to several socio-cognitive applications, such as: reducing cognitive load for individuals interacting with a smart environment, assisting the elderly and people with cognitive disabilities in mobility and daily tasks (which requires robots to learn the multimodal characteristics of human behavior and to spatially perceive the environment containing other smart objects to decide the best way to employ/manipulate them in order to successfully perform tasks), and developing a cloud-connected robot system to incrementally share knowledge between robots in different smart environments about the behavioral characteristics of human users in order to interact with them adaptively. To meet the requirements of these target applications, robots need to be able to learn how to use the capabilities of their smart environments to better address the needs of the human users. Industrial applications of such technologies include factories of the future and the digital eco-system within an autonomous car. This special issue aims to shed light on cutting edge lines of interdisciplinary research in cognitive science, artificial intelligence, and robotics covering basic research and applications. Recent advances and possible future research avenues on smart robots and environments would be discussed in detail in this journal special issue. *II. Potential Topics* Topics relevant to this special issue include, but are not limited to: - Cyber-physical systems in smart environments - Multimodal human robot interaction - Cognitive modeling of human behavior - Cognitive architectures and strategies for intelligent interaction with the environment - AI and machine learning approaches applied to human-robot-environment interaction - Internet of things - Ambient assisted living - Infotainment in smart vehicles - Natural user interface design - Cloud robotics - Ubiquitous computing *III. Submission* Submissions to the special issue must include original research that has not been published nor submitted to other journals. Authors should prepare their manuscript according to the "Guide for Authors" available at the journal homepage: http://www.journals.elsevier.c om/cognitive-systems-research/. Papers should be submitted through the EVISE system: https://www.evise.com/evise/jrnl/cogsys. Authors should select "*VSI:Smart Environments"* as the article type during the submission process. *IV. Timline (Submission portal will be open on March 1, 2018)* - Deadline for paper submission: April 30, 2018 - First notification for authors: July 31, 2018 - Deadline for revised papers submission: September 30, 2018 - Final notification for authors: November 30, 2018 - Deadline for submission of camera-ready manuscripts: January 15, 2019 *V. Guest editors* Dr. Amir Aly, Ritsumeikan University, Japan (amir.aly(a)em.ci.ritsumei.ac.jp) Dr. Shashank Pathak,Visteon Corporation, Germany ( shashank.pathak(a)visteon.com) Dr. Sean Andrist, Microsoft Research, USA (sandrist(a)microsoft.com) Prof. Armando Tacchella, University of Genoa, Italy ( armando.tacchella(a)unige.it) ------ *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

March 6, 2018

NeuroBridges 2018 announcement

by Ahmed El Hady

*/NeuroBridges 2018 Summer school , Cluny, France/* */( October 2nd - October 12th, 2017 )/* I would like to bring to your attention the *NeuroBridges 2018 Computational Neuroscience School*. <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2018.html> NeuroBridges <https://www.facebook.com/NeuroBridges/>is a one-of-a-kind series of scientific meetings in brain research, which brings together Mediterranean and Middle Eastern scientists, in order to promote international scientific cooperation in system and computational neuroscience. A major goal of this school is to serve as a bridge between experimental and theoretical neuroscientists, addressing system-level questions. The organizers of NeuroBridges also believe that these scientific collaborations can lead to personal relations, which eventually may help alleviate the political distress in the Middle East. Following the success of NeuroBridges 2017 <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2017.html> school, NeuroBridges 2018 <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2018.html> will be a nine day summer school <http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2018.html>, which will take place in Cluny, France. The school is organized by Ahmed El Hady (Princeton), David Hansel (CNRS) and Yonatan Loewenstein (Hebrew University). It will be comprised of lectures delivered by a group of leading neuroscientists, experimentalists as well as theoreticians, which will address the fundamental questions in contemporary neuroscience. In addition to the lectures, the students will work in groups on small research projects. The school is intended for graduate students and postdocs, primarily from the Middle East and the Mediterranean region, either working in their home countries or abroad. We will consider applicants with some background in applied mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering or physics, interested in theoretical brain and cognitive sciences. We will also consider those with biological or medical background given that they show proof of basic mathematical knowledge. The school will take place between October 2 and October 12, 2018 in Le Centre de Conférences Internationales de Cluny (CCIC). Cluny is a small medieval town in Burgundy, France, located about 400km southeast of Paris (accessible by fast train, TGV). The deadline for application is *May 31st, 2018 *and the following is the website including the link for the online application: http://decision-making-lab.com/NeuroBridges/neurobridges2018.html For more information, please contact neurobridges2018(a)gmail.com <mailto:neurobridges2018@gmail.com>.

March 6, 2018

4th FUNCTIONAL ARCHITECTURE OF MEMORY (FAM) CONFERENCE

by Laura Montero

*Dates May 23rd, 2018 to May 25th, 2018 * *Place LEIBNIZ INSTITUT FOR NEUROBIOLOGY, Magdeburg, Germany * About the Event The Fourth international conference on the FUNCTIONAL ARCHITECTURE OF MEMORY May 23th to 25th 2018 (Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg - Germany) is organized by Prof. Dr. M. Sauvage. The FAM conference aims at bringing new insights on today's major controversies in recognition memory by bridging human and animal memory function. Twenty of the world-leading experts on the medial temporal lobe and memory function will discuss findings obtained using behavioral, imaging, electrophysiological, mutagenesis and computational techniques. The conference will start by a 5min blitz session that attendants are welcome to contribute to, and a “speakers/students-only brainstorming session” takes place each day. The number of participants is limited to 100 (first-come first-served basis) and registration can be made at https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/philosophy/famconference/# FAM conference Speakers: Jozsef Csicsvari (IST, Austria) Emrah Düzel (DZNE, Germany) Paul Frankland (Sickkids Toronto, Canada) James Knierim (Johns Hopkins Univ., USA) Pierre Lavenex (Lauzanne univ., Switzerland) Stefan Leutgeb (UC San Diego, USA) Thomas McHugh (RIKEN, Japan) Shane OMara (Trinity College, Ireland) Charan Ranganath (UC Davis, USA) Magdalena Sauvage (LIN, Germany) Steven Siegelbaum (Columbia U, USA) Wendy Suzuki (New York University, USA) Clea Warburton (Bristol University, UK) Thomas Wolbers (DZNE, Germany) Menno Witter (Kavli Institute, Norway) Motoharu Yoshida (DZNE, Germany) Contact Laura Montero Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology Functional Architecture of Memory Dpt Brenneckestrasse, 6 39118 Magdeburg Germany Phone: +49-391-6263-94531 Email: <http://www.fens.org/News-Activities/Calendar/Meetings/2018/05/4th-FUNCTIONA…> 4thfamconference(a)gmail.com Website: https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/philosophy/famconference/#

March 5, 2018

Computational & Cognitive Neuroscience (CCN) Summer School -- DEADLINE EXTENSION TO MARCH 14

by Murray, John

*** APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 14, 2018. *** We are pleased to announce the 8th Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience (CCN) Summer School which will take place June 26 — July 19, 2018, at Cold Spring Harbor Asia (CSHA) in Suzhou, China. Please distribute this announcement to your department and colleagues. The CCN summer school is a unique international summer school focusing on systems neuroscience and cognition from a computational and theoretical perspective. Lectures from leading international faculty in experimental, computational and theoretical neuroscience are tightly coupled with computational tutorials in a series of modules. Each module covers a core area, integrating experimental, theoretical and computational perspectives. The course aims to train talented and highly motivated graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from around the world. Applicants with quantitative (including Physics, Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science) or experimental backgrounds are welcome. The summer school also has the mission of training and integrating students from diverse academic, cultural and geographic backgrounds. The practical training includes learning Python-based approaches to programming, data analysis and modeling. Students work through tutorials designed with the faculty and then design, plan and complete a series of open-ended projects for each module. Course information is available on the CCN official website: http://www.ccnss.org/ Applications are being accepted now through the CSHA website: https://www.csh-asia.org/2018meetings/S-COSYNE.html The application deadline is March 14th, 2018. Course Directors: Xiao-Jing Wang (New York University) Zach Mainen (Champalimaud Neuroscience Program) Si Wu (Beijing Normal University) John D. Murray (Yale University) Eric DeWitt (Champalimaud Neuroscience Program) CCN 2018 Lecturers: Eric DeWitt (Champalimaud Research) Shaul Druckmann (Stanford) Jeff Erlich (NYU Shanghai) Birte Forstmann (U Amsterdam) David Foster (UC Berkeley) Julijana Gjorgjieva (MPI Brain Research) Michael Hausser (UCL) Alex Huth (UT Austin) Chris Honey (Johns Hopkins) Sukbin Lim (NYU Shanghai) Zach Mainen (Champalimaud Research) John Murray (Yale) Peggy Series (U Edinburgh) Maurice Smith (Harvard) Xiao-Jing Wang (NYU) Si Wu (Beijing Normal) Byron Yu (Carnegie Mellon) + more! Best regards, CCN SS Directors: Xiao-Jing Wang, Zach Mainen, Si Wu, John Murray, Eric DeWitt John D. Murray ----------------------------------------------- Assistant Professor Department of Psychiatry Yale University School of Medicine murraylab.yale.edu<http://murraylab.yale.edu/> -----------------------------------------------

March 5, 2018

CNS*2018 Abstract DEADLINE EXTENSION to March 12

by Sharon Crook

As always, apologies for multiple posts. CNS*2018 Call for Abstracts DEADLINE EXTENSION Organization for Computational Neurosciences (OCNS) 27th Annual Meeting Seattle, USA July 13-18 Local Organizers: Christof Koch, Adrienne Fairhall, Eric Shea-Brown The main meeting begins the evening of Friday July 13 and runs through Monday July 16. It will be preceded by a day of tutorials (Friday July 13) and followed by two days of workshops (Tuesday July 17 and Wednesday July 18). Invited Keynote Speakers: Eve Marder, Brandeis University Nancy Kopell, Boston University Daniel Wolpert, University of Cambridge Rajesh Rao, University of Washington The abstract submission deadline has been extended to MARCH 12, 2018 at 11pm Pacific Time. This will be the final deadline for abstract submission. Note that one of the authors must register as sponsoring author for the main meeting before abstract submission is possible. In case the abstract is not accepted for presentation, the registration fee will be refunded. Abstract Submission: http://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2018-abstract-submission Registration: https://ocns.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=mc&mcid=form_243… For up-to-date conference information, please visit: http://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OCNS is the international member-based society for computational neuroscientists. Become a member to be eligible for travel awards and more. Visit our website for more information: http://www.cnsorg.org

March 2, 2018

Postdoctoral positions in computational neuroscience and artificial intelligence

by Maxim Bazhenov

Applications are invited for post-doctoral research positions in the laboratory of Dr. Maxim Bazhenov at the University of California, San Diego to study memory and learning and to develop neuroscience inspired computer algorithms capable of continual learning and adapting to the novel situations and contexts.This project involves close collaboration with the experimental laboratory of Dr. Bruce McNaughton (UC Irvine). The ultimate goal of the work is to advance the knowledge of how human and animal brains learn from experience and apply these principles to the artificial systems to enable continuous learning without catastrophic forgetting. The successful candidate will collaborate with a team of researchers to design neural network models of dynamic interactions between the hippocampus and neocortex during learning and memory consolidation in sleep and awake based on experimental data. These models will be used to derive learning principles that can be combined with advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning. An ideal candidate should have experience in computational/theoretical neuroscience and a basic knowledge of machine learning, or, alternatively, experience in machine learning algorithms and some basic knowledge of neuroscience. Experience with hierarchical learning, reinforcement learning, and/or goal-directed decision-making would be particularly helpful. The University of California offers excellent benefits. Salary is based on research experience. Applicants should send a brief statement of research interests, a CV and the names of three references to Maxim Bazhenov at mbazhenov(a)ucsd.edu -- Maxim Bazhenov, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Medicine, Neurosciences Graduate Program, UCSD, School of Medicine http://www.bazhlab.ucsd.edu/

March 2, 2018

[publication and call for dialog] IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems

by Pierre-Yves Oudeyer

Dear colleagues, we are happy to announce the release of the latest issue of the IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems (open access). This is a biannual newsletter addressing the sciences of developmental and cognitive processes in natural and artificial organisms, from humans to robots, at the crossroads of cognitive science, developmental psychology, artificial intelligence, machine learning and neuroscience. It is available at: http://goo.gl/pA7WrH Featuring dialog: === "One developmental architecture to rule them all?" == Dialog initiated by Matthias Rolf, Lorijn Zaadnoordijk and Johan Kwisthout with responses from: Niels Taatgen, John Spencer, Gary Jones, Gerard Wolff, Clément Moulin-Frier and Paul Verschure == Topic: Humans have a unique capability to achieve and learn a wide diversity of skills of all kinds, from low-level sensorimotor skills to very abstract linguistic or mathematical skills. Is it possible to develop theories of how general cognitive architectures can display such a general flexibility for skill learning? This dialog adresses this question, and discusses whether and how it would be useful both epistemologically and in practice to aim towards the development of a “standard integrated cognitive architecture”, akin to “standard models” in physics, or whether focusing on simple and partial models should be a better approach. In particular, this question is discussed in the context of understanding development in infants, and of building developmental architectures, thus addressing the issue of architectures that not only learn, but that are adaptive themselves. Call for new dialog: === "Curiosity as Driver of Extreme Specialization in Humans" == Dialog initiated by Celeste Kidd == This dialog asks the question of why and how humans can be driven to extremely specialize. In particular, it proposes the hypothesis that curiosity may play a fundamental role in this process, and highlights many important open questions about how this could happen, and what are the actual mechanisms of curiosity-driven exploration and learning. Those of you interested in reacting to this dialog initiation are welcome to submit a response by May 30th, 2018. The length of each response must be between 600 and 800 words including references (contact pierre-yves.oudeyer(a)inria.fr) Let us remind you that all issues of the newsletter are all open-access and available at: https://goo.gl/ZjjZNz I wish you a stimulating reading! Best regards, Pierre-Yves Oudeyer, Editor of the IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems Research director, Inria Head of Flowers project-team Inria and Ensta ParisTech, France http://www.pyoudeyer.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/pyoudeyer and Fabien Benureau Assistant Editor Inria Mnemosyne team http://fabien.benureau.com

March 2, 2018

Stanford University Job Opportunities: Postdoctoral Fellowship

by Christina Atkinson

Stanford University’s Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is seeking to hire a full time post-doctoral fellow for their Cognitive & Systems Neuroscience Laboratory. This lab is headed by Dr. Vinod Menon who has broad multidisciplinary expertise that spans several scientific disciplines and has published extensively on various aspects of human cognition and brain function. Explore our lab website for more information: http://med.stanford.edu/scsnl.html. POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN COMPUTATIONAL MODELING OF BRAIN NETWORKS Currently Available: The Stanford Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in computational modeling of human brain imaging data using deep neural networks. The successful candidate will be involved in a multidisciplinary project that seeks to develop novel computational frameworks for robust identification of neurobiological signatures of psychiatric and neurological disorders combining deep learning and convolution networks and dynamic brain circuit analyses with task and resting-state fMRI. Clinical disorders currently under investigation include autism, ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders, learning disabilities, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease. We seek talented and highly-motivated individuals with a strong background in at least one of these areas: deep learning algorithms and optimization (theory and practical implementations); computational modeling, statistical inference, and machine learning, especially as applied to fMRI and MRI data. The candidate will have access to multiple large datasets and state-of-the-art computational resources, including HPCs and GPGPUs. Please email a CV, statement of research interests and relevant background, and have three letters of reference sent to Drs. Vinod Menon and Aarthi Padmanabhan at scsnl.stanford+postdoc(a)gmail.com<mailto:scsnl.stanford@gmail.com> <mailto:scsnl.stanford@gmail.com>

March 1, 2018

7th International Summer School of Neuroengineering "Massimo Grattarola"

by Paolo Massobrio

Call for applicants of the 7th International Summer School of Neuroengineering "Massimo Grattarola" Neurotechnologies and Computational Methods to Interact with the Brain The 7th International Summer School of Neuroengineering "Massimo Grattarola" aims to introduce computational and technological methods to researchers of different backgrounds (life sciences, physics, engineering) to interact with the brain. The first two days will deal with brain dynamics giving particular emphasis to the role of the connectivity and computational models of the brain at different level of abstraction, as well as hardware and software platforms to simulate such dynamics. During the 3rd day, the recent advancements for increasing the quality of the recordings and for delivering efficient stimulating protocols will be discussed. Finally, the last day will provide examples of neuroengineering paradigms for designing new neuroprostheses to interact with the brain and their clinical applications to increase the quality of life. A practical experimental session using high-density EEG set-up and multi-electrode arrays for in vitro/in vivo applications is foreseen. Dates: 18th-22nd June 2018 Location: Genova (Italy) Registration: Registrations will open during the first week of March. Participation is limited to 60 attendees (students, post-docs, .). Website: www.neuroengineering.eu <http://www.neuroengineering.eu> Poster session: Students attending the school will have the opportunity to present their results in a two-days poster session. Confirmed speakers: Miguel Nicolelis (Duke University), Shimon Marom (Technion Israel Institute of Technology), Matias Palva (Univ. Helsinki), Andreas Hierlemann (ETH), Tim Harris (Janelia Research Campus), Lucilla de Arcangelis (Univ. of Campania), Annalisa Bonfiglio (Univ. Cagliari), Sylvie Renaud (Bordeaux INP), Valentina Pasquale (Italian Institute of Technology), Michele Giugliano (Univ. Antwerp), Michele Migliore (CNR), Silvia Casarotto (Univ. Milano), Michela Chiappalone (Italian Institute of Technology), Stanisa Raspopovic (ETH). Best regards Paolo Massobrio _________________________________________________ Paolo Massobrio, PhD Assistant Professor of Bioengineering Neuroengineering and Bio-Nano Technology - NBT - Lab Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering - DIBRIS University of Genova Via Opera Pia 13, 16145, GENOVA, ITALY Phone: +39-010-3532761 Fax: +39-010-3532764 URL: <http://www.dibris.unige.it/> www.dibris.unige.it; <http://www.nbt.unige.it> www.nbt.unige.it E-mail: <mailto:paolo.massobrio@unige.it> paolo.massobrio(a)unige.it

March 1, 2018

Post-doctoral position in Computational Neuroscience, Moreno-Bote Lab, Barcelona, Spain

by Ruben Moreno Bote

Post-doctoral position Computational Neuroscience, Moreno-Bote Lab University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain We are looking for strong post-doctoral candidates interested in joining the group of Theoretical Neuroscience of Rubén Moreno-Bote lab. We are looking for excellent post-doctoral candidates with Physics, Mathematics or Machine Learning background, ideally with knowledge of Neuroscience or Computational Neuroscience, and interested in theory and applications. The publication record of the candidate should be very strong in his/her respective discipline. The candidate will develop state of the art mathematical techniques to understand neuronal dynamics and will have access to multielectrode recording neural data. He/she could also be involved in the design of electrophysiology experiments through our collaborators. The candidate will benefit from the stimulating environment of Barcelona area in Theoretical and Systems Neuroscience and will have the opportunity of enjoying a lively city. Our lab (http://www.upf.edu/pdi/ruben-moreno-bote) forms part of a larger network of neuroscience labs in Barcelona (http://www.barcelonaneuroscience.com) Financial support is provided by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Spanish MINECO. APPLICATION: A full CV in pdf format, a 1 page project in pdf format, and names and email addresses of 2 referees should be sent to the following address: ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu Informal inquiries are welcome. DEADLINE: up to the position is filled STARTING DATE: any time between September 2018 and January 2019 -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter & ICREA Academia Professor Center for Brain and Cognition & Dept. of Information and Communications Technologies University Pompeu Fabra Campus Ciutadella, Building 24, office 331 Ramon Trias Fargas, 24-27 08005 Barcelona, Spain http://www.upf.edu/pdi/ruben-moreno-bote

March 1, 2018

Summer course: CAMP@Bangalore 2018 Announcement email

by U.S.Bhalla

Subject:Course announcement: CAMP@Bangalore 2018 We would like to announce CAMP@Bangalore 2018 from 1-16 July 2018. Please see the course website at http://camp.ncbs.res.in/. CAMP @ Bangalore (Computational Approaches to Memory and Plasticity at NCBS, Bangalore) is a 16-day summer school on the theory and simulation of learning, memory and plasticity in the brain. The flavour of this year's CAMP is "Sequences in the brain". The course consists of 3 modules covering sub-cellular electrical models, micro-circuits and network models, detailed models with electrical and chemical components, and systems level models, all with an emphasis on learning, memory and plasticity. All modules will have their own hands-on projects. Students worldwide are encouraged to apply. Accommodation and food will be free for the selected students. There is no registration fee. Students are advised to obtain independent travel grants. Confirmed instructors include: Arvind Kumar (KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm) Charan Ranganath (University of California, Davis) Collins Assisi (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune) Dean Buonomano (University of California, Los Angeles) Moshe Abeles (Bar Ilan University, Israel) Rishikesh Narayanan (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore) Robert Guetig (Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Germany) Sachin Deshmukh (Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru) Suhita Nadkarni (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune) Upinder Bhalla (National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore) Course Organizers: Arvind Kumar (KTH Stockholm) Rishikesh Narayanan (IISc, Bangalore) Upinder Bhalla (NCBS, Bangalore)

March 1, 2018

Re: [Comp-neuro] [meetings] 2nd CFP, Special session - Hybrid Life: Approaches to integrate biological, artificial and cognitive systems, ALife 2018 (Tokyo)

by Manuel Baltieri

[Apologies for cross-posting] ********** 3nd Call for Papers ********** Special session - Hybrid Life: Approaches to integrate biological, artificial and cognitive systems https://sites.google.com/view/hybrid-life/ <https://sites.google.com/view/hybrid-life/> 2018 Artificial Life conference (ALife) Tokyo, JAPAN, 23-27 July 2018 - http://2018.alife.org/ <http://2018.alife.org/> Invited panelists: Ryota Kanai, Jun Tani, Masahiko Inami and Mizuki Oka. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DESCRIPTION: The main focus of ALife research is the study of natural systems with the goal of understanding what life is. More concretely, ALife defines ways to investigate processes that contribute to the formation and proliferation of living organisms. In this session we focus on three common approaches to tackle this investigation, proposing ways to integrate, extend and possibly improve them. More specifically we refer to: 1) the formalisation of the necessary properties for the definition of life, 2) the implementation of artificial agents, and 3) the study of the relation between life and cognition. For this special session we propose to start from these well-established Alife methodologies, and extend them through: a unified formal language for the description and modelling of living, as well as artificial and cognitive systems, e.g. control theory, Bayesian inference, dynamical systems theory, etc., the exploration of biological creatures enhanced by artificial systems (or artificial systems augmented with organic parts) in order to investigate the boundaries between living and nonliving organisms, and the evaluation of coupled biological-artificial systems that could shed light on the importance of interactions among systems for the study of living and cognitive organisms. This special sessions aims to invite contributions from the fields of psychology, computational neuroscience, HCI, theoretical biology, artificial intelligence, robotics and cognitive science to discuss current research on the formalisation, combination and interaction of artificial/living/cognitive systems from theoretical, modelling and implementational perspectives. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: Formalisation of life and cognition (e.g. dynamical systems theory, stochastic optimal control, Bayesian inference, etc.) Cognitive robotics Autopoiesis Life-mind continuity thesis Systems biology Origins-of-life theories with relationships to artificial and cognitive systems Animal-robot interaction Bio-inspired robotics Bio-integrated robotics Human-machine interaction Augmented cognition Sensory substitution Interactive evolutionary computation Artificial perception PANELISTS: Ryota Kanai Ryota Kanai is a neuroscientist working on the computational principles underlying consciousness and the brain, and the founder and CEO of an AI startup, Araya, Inc. in Tokyo. His goal is to create artificial consciousness using intrinsic motivation, deep neural networks, and integrated information while taking inspirations from neuroscience. He formerly led a cognitive neuroscience lab at the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science at the University of Sussex, Brighton, UK. Araya Inc.: http://www.araya.org/ <http://www.araya.org/> <http://www.araya.org/>Jun Tani Jun Tani is a Full Professor at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Okinawa, Japan. He is directing the Cognitive Neurorobotics Research Unit. He has investigated the problem of embodied cognition by applying the predictive coding framework to neurorobotics experimental study for more than 20 years. His study has been summarized in his book, “Exploring Robotic Minds: Actions, Symbols, and Consciousness as Self-Organizing Dynamic Phenomena." published from Oxford Univ. Press in 2016. CNRU at OIST: https://groups.oist.jp/cnru <https://groups.oist.jp/cnru> Masahiko Inami Masahiko (Masa) Inami is a Professor in the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo, Japan. He is also directing the Inami JIZAI Body Project, JST ERATO. His research interest is in Augmented Human, human I/O enhancement technologies including perception, HCI and robotics. He received BE and MS degrees in bioengineering from the Tokyo Institute of Technology and PhD in the Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) from the University of Tokyo in 1999. He joined the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Tokyo, and in 1999, he moved to the University of Electro-Communications. In April 2008, he joined Keio University, where he served as a Professor of the Graduate School of Media Design and the Vice-director of the International Virtual Reality Center till October 2015. In November 2015, he rejoined the University of Tokyo. His installations have appeared at Ars Electronica Center. He proposed and organized the Superhuman Sports Society. InamiLab at Todai: https://inamilab.org <https://inamilab.org/> Mizuki Oka Mizuki Oka is an associate Professor at the University of Tsukuba, Japan. Obtained the International Baccalaureate at the United World College of the Adriatic in 1998. Studied computer science at the University of Tsukuba where she obtained the Doctor of Engineering in 2008. Served also as a research fellow for the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science from 2005 to 2008. Worked at the Center for Knowledge Structuring at the University of Tokyo as a post-doc from 2008 to 2013 in Japan. Gave a talk at TEDxTokyo in 2012 and at TEDxTsukuba in 2013. Her current research interests are Web Science and Artificial Life. She is also a founder of ALife Lab. and CO-CEO of Alternative Machine Inc. Personal website: http://mizoka.jp/english/ <http://mizoka.jp/english/> Important Dates 19th March 2018 – Paper submission deadline 23rd April 2018 – Paper acceptance notification 21st May 2018 – Camera-ready version 23-27th July 2018 – Artificial Life conference (ALife), Tokyo, Japan Paper Submission Papers and abstracts submitted to this special sessions will be reviewed by a selected group of experts from the a-life community as well as from other areas key to our proposal, specifically chosen for this review process. If you are submitting to a special session you will be given the opportunity to select it during the submission process. Submissions to special sessions follow the same format, instructions and deadlines of regular ALife papers, as specified here http://2018.alife.org/instructions-for-authors/ <http://2018.alife.org/instructions-for-authors/>. Organizers Manuel Baltieri, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK. m.baltieri(a)sussex.ac.uk <mailto:m.baltieri@sussex.ac.uk> Keisuke Suzuki, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK. k.suzuki(a)sussex.ac.uk <mailto:filippo.m.bianchi@uit.no> Hiroyuki Iizuka, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan hiroyukiiizuka(a)gmail.com <mailto:hiroyukiiizuka@gmail.com> Contacts For questions, enquiries and more information please check our website https://sites.google.com/view/hybrid-life/ <https://sites.google.com/view/hybrid-life/> or get in touch with Manuel m.baltieri(a)sussex.ac.uk <mailto:m.baltieri@sussex.ac.uk>. All the best, Manuel, Keisuke, Hiro

Feb. 28, 2018

Postdoc to study hippocampal information processing in Canavier lab

by Canavier, Carmen C.

A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in the computational neuroscience lab of Carmen Canavier in the School of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. The position is to study cholinergic contributions to hippocampal information processing in close collaboration with electrophysiologist Sonia Gasparini. The successful candidate will construct a morphologically and biophysically realistic model of a hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neuron to explain the observed frequency selectivity of different dendritic regions for slow versus fast gamma band inputs. Some network modeling will also be required for the project. If interested, please apply, preferably by March 31st 2018 at https://www.lsuhsc.edu/Administration/hrm/CareerOpportunities/Home/Detail/1… The primary duties will involve linear and non-linear analyses, writing code, calibrating single neuron models, and generating predictions that lead to additional experiments. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or a related field of study. The ideal candidate would have experience with the simulation package NEURON and some knowledge of the hippocampus. Familiarity with nonlinear dynamics, signal processing, and coding in C and or python in a Linux environment is also desirable. If you have questions, please email Dr. Canavier at ccanav(a)lsuhsc.edu. LSUHSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer for females, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Feb. 28, 2018

Postdoc, Deep Microscopy, Berlin

by Judkewitz, Benjamin

Postdoc position available at the Judkewitz Lab! Join our team of neuroscientists, engineers, biologists and physicists in Berlin. Your mission: develop deep brain microscopy techniques and boldly focus where no one has shaped wavefronts before. http://jlab.berlin/jobs

Feb. 27, 2018

4-year fully-funded Ph.D. Position in Computational Neuroscience at the Donders Institute

by Bernhard Englitz

Dear List, please distribute the following position announcement to finishing M.Sc. students with strong skills in (computational) neuroscience interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Thanks & best wishes, Bernhard Bernhard Englitz, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Neurophysiology Donders Centre for Neuroscience Faculty of Science, Radboud Universiteit Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Project : As a PhD Candidate you will work on a project entitled ‘Neural Mechanisms of Processing and Recognizing Complex, Statistical Sounds’. This project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and will be conducted at Radboud University in Nijmegen. The main research question is how the brain represents and processes acoustic stimuli which are only defined on a statistical level. These stimuli have a high behavioural relevance, since many natural stimuli have this character. The PhD project will involve a combination of neural population recordings from multiple areas of the auditory and parietal cortex of behaving mice, and their subsequent data analysis. Individual cells will be identified using specific genetically modified mouse lines and matched optogenetic tools. The main outcome of the research will be an expansion of our knowledge of auditory processing, which may have far-reaching implications for the processing of sounds in hearing aids and smart phones. Scientific Environment : The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour consists of three research centres, the Centre for Cognition, the Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging and the Centre for Neuroscience. It focuses on state-of-the-art cognitive neuroscience in a multidisciplinary approach, and offers excellent lab and neuroimaging facilities. The position will be hosted at the Neurophysiology department, which provides a high-quality neuroscience environment with facilities for chronic and non-chronic multi-channel recordings, imaging and computational modelling. The department’s research questions address issues in fundamental and applied research, and enable the interaction of theory and experimental work in a single location. The Donders Institute is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and as such encourages applications from women and minorities. Radboud University offers a parental leave scheme and day care on campus. Qualifications : MSc degree in (computational) neuroscience, engineering or biology; experience with animal physiology, programming and data analysis; a proactive attitude, good communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team. Application Link : http://www.ru.nl/english/working-at/jobopportunities/details/details-vacatu… <http://www.ru.nl/english/working-at/jobopportunities/details/details-vacatu…> Closing Date of Call : 30.3.2018 Planned Starting Date : 1.9.2018

Feb. 27, 2018

Postdoctoral Position in Systems Neurophysiology of Social Bonding in Rodents

by Liu, Robert C

Postdoctoral Position in Systems Neurophysiology of Social Bonding in Rodents Yerkes National Primate Research Center and the Department of Biology Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia The laboratories of Robert Liu, Gordon Berman and Larry Young at Emory University are accepting applications for a postdoctoral scientist working in a collaborative team to study pro-social interactions in rodents. The research combines recent advances in computational ethology (Berman et al, Interface, 2014) with in vivo electrophysiology and optogenetics in socially interacting prairie voles (Amadei, Johnson et al, Nature, 2017), a premier rodent model for the formation of social bonds (Lim et al, Nature, 2004). The research aims to use behavioral and neurophysiological activity to build predictive models of social dynamics leading to a pair bond, and investigate the role that oxytocin plays in mediating these activities. PhD required. We are looking for a candidate who approaches neuroscience with a systems or circuit perspective and is interested in the neuroscience of social behavior. Training in any of the following areas would be viewed favorably: in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, computational data analysis, sensorimotor integration, reward and reinforcement. Emory University and the Yerkes National Primate Research Center have a rich, collaborative neuroscience community (http://biomed.emory.edu/PROGRAM_SITES/NS/) especially in the areas of translational social neuroscience (http://ctsn.emory.edu/) and computational neuroscience (http://compneurosci.college.emory.edu/) Research at Emory in the neurobiology of social behavior extends across many labs from the molecular level through the organismal level in animal models and humans, with a particular interest in the functions of oxytocin (http://www.oxytocin.emory.edu/) Ongoing efforts include both elucidating normal processes and ameliorating deficits found in human conditions, like autism spectrum disorder. To inquire or apply, please email robert.liu(a)emory.edu<mailto:robert.liu@emory.edu>. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue at least through March 31, or until the position is filled. Applications should include a CV, the names and full contact information of 3 references, and at least one representative publication. Emory University is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. References: Amadei EA*, Johnson ZV*, Kwon YJ, Shpiner AC, Saravanan V, Mays W, Ryan S, Walum H, Rainnie D, Young LJ, Liu RC (2017). Dynamic corticostriatal activity biases social bonding in monogamous female prairie voles, Nature, 546(7657):297-301. doi:10.1038/nature22381<http://www.nature.com/articles/doi:10.1038/nature22381> Berman GJ, Choi DM, Bialek W, Shaevitz JW (2014). Mapping the stereotyped behaviour of freely moving fruit flies. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 11(99):20140672. doi:10.1098/rsif.2014.0672<http://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2014.0672> Lim, MM, Wang Z, Olazábal DE, Ren X, Terwilliger EF, Young LJ (2004). Enhanced partner preference in promiscuous species by manipulating the expression of a single gene. Nature, 429(6993):754-757. doi:10.1038/nature02539<http://www.readcube.com/articles/10.1038/nature02539> Robert C. Liu, PhD Associate Professor Department of Biology Emory University O. W. Rollins Research Center Rm 2131 1510 Clifton Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30322 USA Phone: +1 404-727-5274 Email: robert.liu(a)emory.edu<mailto:robert.liu@emory.edu> Lab Website<http://www.biology.emory.edu/research/Liu/html/index.php> ________________________________ This e-mail message (including any attachments) is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender by reply e-mail message and destroy all copies of the original message (including attachments).

Feb. 27, 2018

Postdoctoral fellowships at the Gatsby Unit

by Maneesh Sahani

The Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit invites applications for one or more postdoctoral training fellowships in theoretical neuroscience and related areas. Neuroscience research in the unit focuses on the interpretation of neural data, population coding, perceptual processing, neural dynamics, neuromodulation, and learning. We have strong connections with experimental neuroscience and cognitive science groups at UCL (particularly in the Sainsbury-Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour with which the Unit shares a new purpose-built home) and at institutions around the world. The Unit also has significant interests across a range of areas in machine learning, and is perhaps unique in the way these fields are brought together. The fellowships are suitable for candidates with a doctoral degree and previous experience in relevant theoretical neuroscience or machine learning research. We are especially keen to recruit fellows with expertise in the modelling of perception or population-scale neural data. Full details of the fellowships, and information on how to apply, are available at http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/vacancies/TN%20Fellows/TN-2018.html The closing date for applications is 23rd Mar 2018. If you have questions unanswered by the website, please contact me by email or in person at Cosyne. -- Maneesh Sahani, Ph.D. Professor of Theoretical Neuroscience and Machine Learning, Director, Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit UCL, 25 Howland Street, London W1T 4JG

Feb. 27, 2018

Post-doc in Neurophysiology of Attention at UCLA

by Bisley, James

Apologies for cross-posting We invite applications for a fully funded post-doc position studying the neurophysiology of attention. The work will include recording from &/or the reversible inactivation of cortical areas MT, LIP and FEF while animals perform a visual search task utilizing moving dot patterns. For more information about the sort of work done in the lab, check out our publications at http://www.bri.ucla.edu/people/james-w-bisley-phd. Applicants should have a strong background in systems neurophysiology, behavioral training or computational neuroscience and be comfortable working independently on all aspects of the project. Previous experience with NHP recording and data analysis is desirable. Candidates should hold a PhD in neuroscience, psychology or a related discipline. The position is initially for 12 months with the possibility of renewal. Compensation will be commensurate with relevant experience. Candidates should send a CV, a brief statement of research experience and interests, expected date of availability, and the contact information for two references to James Bisley (jbisley(a)mednet.ucla.edu<mailto:jbisley@mednet.ucla.edu>). Cheers, James ________________________________ UCLA HEALTH SCIENCES IMPORTANT WARNING: This email (and any attachments) is only intended for the use of the person or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. You, the recipient, are obligated to maintain it in a safe, secure and confidential manner. Unauthorized redisclosure or failure to maintain confidentiality may subject you to federal and state penalties. If you are not the intended recipient, please immediately notify us by return email, and delete this message from your computer.

Feb. 27, 2018

Computational Postdoc - Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory - Long Island, New York

by Engel, Tatiana

The Engel and Churchland labs in the Department of Neuroscience at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory invite applications from highly motivated candidates for a postdoctoral position working on a collaborative project between the two labs. The position is entirely computational and truly interdisciplinary with equal (50/50) effort in the Churchland (experimental) and Engel (computational) labs. The project’s goal is to unravel functional roles of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the decision-making microcircuit through computational analyses of large-scale neural activity recordings and biophysical circuit modeling. In particular, we will develop and deploy novel machine learning frameworks for discovering collective network dynamics from large-scale activity recordings in mice with genetically identified excitatory and inhibitory neurons. These data analyses will provide hard constraints for biophysical models of the decision-making microcircuit, which will be then inferred using deep learning methods. We are looking for theoretical/computational scientists to work at the exciting interface of systems neuroscience, machine learning, and biophysics, embedded within the computational and experimental labs. The postdoctoral scientist is expected to exhibit resourcefulness and independence, developing computational models of large-scale neural activity recordings with the goal to elucidate excitatory/inhibitory neural circuits underlying decision making. Interested candidates should e-mail their application to Tatiana Engel (engel(a)cshl.edu<mailto:engel@cshl.edu>) and Anne Churchland (churchland(a)cshl.edu<mailto:churchland@cshl.edu>) as a single pdf file with subject: Postdoc Application. The application file should include: (1) CV with the publication list, (2) a brief description of research interests, (3) contact information for three references. In addition, the candidates should upload their application online at http://cshl.peopleadmin.com/postings/13170 Position requirements: - PhD in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering or related quantitative discipline - Expertise in scientific programming, e.g., Python, Matlab, C/C++, CUDA - Expertise in statistics, data analyses, and/or machine learning - Experience with deep learning methods is a plus - Experience with database software is a plus - Track record of publications in scientific journals - Effective communication skills, both written and oral - Dedication and passion for solving hard scientific problems -- Tatiana Engel, PhD Assistant Professor Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (+1) 408 409 3647

Feb. 27, 2018

2 year postdoc : Graph Signal Processing at IMT Atlantique

by Nicolas Farrugia

IMT Atlantique has an opening for a fully-funded two-year postdoctoral fellowship open immediately and starting no later than June 2018, to work on Graph Signal Processing and potential applications to Neuroimaging. The host team is Br.A.In. (Brain-inspired Artificial Intelligence http://www.brain.bzh) and is in the Brest Campus. The call for the position can be downloaded here : http://recherche.telecom-bretagne.eu/brain/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/postd… Scientific context Several application domains rely on multivariate spatiotemporal signals such as transportation networks, energy network, social networks or neural networks. Under the natural assumption that the signal properties are related to the topology of the graph where they are supported, graph signal processing (GSP) offers algorithms that fruitfully leverage this relational structure, and can make inferences about these relationships when they are only partially observed. Developing GSP tools specifically intended to advance modeling and analytics of multivariate signals is a new, fertile area of investigation. In particular, the positionning of the Br.A.In. project regarding GSP is targetted towards the following issues: (1) finding optimal graph representations and adapting machine learning approaches accordingly, (2) generalizing GSP approaches to dynamic graphs in order to fully capture the spatiotemporal complexity of multivariate signals, and finally (3) developing new approaches to enhance the understanding and interpretability of machine learning and deep learning methods using metrics derived from GSP. We are seeking a candidate that will contribute to our research effort on GSP by proposing innovative theoretical approaches, or extensions to existing approaches, related to at least one of the aforementioned issues. Our main target application is the analysis, decoding and interpretability of Neuroimaging data (Electroencephalography EEG or functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging fMRI), but candidates with interest or background in other application domains are encouraged to apply as well. Details and requirements The present postdoctoral fellowship is funded by the Sustainable Attractivity Strategy of the Brittany Region, with the goal of attracting high profile junior researchers from all over the world, offering exceptional conditions for long-term academic development. IMT Atlantique is a public technological university focusing on the training of engineers at the MSc. level and junior researchers at the PhD level. Being a technological university, IMT Atlantique benefits from a advantageous status compared to french public universities. As such, we offer very competitive salary packages, with postdoc wages corresponing to a junior assistant professor level. Successful candidates will also benefits from 49 annual paid holidays, as well as access to multiple benefits from the institutions' union (such as campus activities or sea sports). In addition, living costs in the Brest bay area are exceptionally low, with a high quality of life, and the Brest campus of IMT Atlantique is ideally located at the sea front. The position is open immediately and must start no later than June 2018, for a duration of 24 months. The postdoc fellowship is accompanied with overheads for travel expenses covering (a) the participation to international conferences, (b) article processing charges for open-access publications and (c) acquisition of a computation server dedicated to the postdoc project. The postdoc fellowship will be fully devoted to his research projects, and may optionally (but will not be required to) contribute to teaching activities in machine learning, computer science, signal processing or electronical engineering. Candidates must have defended a Ph.D. related to machine learning or computer science, or signal/image processing. Candidates with a PhD in neuroimaging with solid programming skills and a strong interest for machine learning are also welcome to apply. An additional requirement pertains to the attractivity strategy related to the regional funding; in order to attract international applications, candidates must have spent a minimum 12 months outside France after June 2014. Please send your CV, contacts for two references, as well as a cover letter to nicolas.farrugia(a)imt-atlantique.fr . Nicolas Farrugia Associate professor IMT Atlantique - Department of electronics +33 (0) 2 29 00 16 53

Feb. 27, 2018

Postdoc in computational neuroscience at University of Sheffield

by Hannes Saal

Postdoc in computational neuroscience at the University of Sheffield Closing date: 26th March 2018 We are looking to recruit a Research Associate to work on the Wellcome Trust funded project Modelling synaptic and intrinsic plasticity in primate somatosensory cortex. In short, the project will investigate somatosensory plasticity in human cortex and specifically the effect of different learning rules on somatosensory representations. To this end, you will develop a computational framework that will simulate the effects of different plasticity rules on sensory cortical representations and make predictions that can be empirically tested using existing fMRI paradigms. The project involves close collaboration with partners at UCL and Oxford, who will gather empirical data using a state-of-the-art neuroimaging setup. This post is suitable for a candidate with a background in computational neuroscience, or a closely related discipline. The ideal candidate will have experience with the analysis and simulation of large-scale spiking neuron models, mathematical models of plasticity, and/or self-organizing systems. A significant part of the project will involve collaborating with our partner helping to guide empirical data collection. As such, a background in neuroscience is highly desirable, with knowledge of tactile processing, cortical plasticity, and/or neuroimaging especially preferred. For more info, please see http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BHY156/research-associate/ or contact Dr Hannes Saal (h.saal(a)sheffield.ac.uk) -- Dr Hannes P Saal Lecturer in Cognitive Science and Computational Modelling Active Touch Laboratory (co-director) Department of Psychology & Sheffield Robotics University of Sheffield Pam Liversidge Building F.05 Sheffield S1 3JD United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)114 222 6504 Web: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/psychology/staff/academic/hannes_saal

Feb. 27, 2018