- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Postdoc: color neurophysiology, modeling and visual prosthesis, SUNY, New York City
by Youping Xiao 27 Sep '14

27 Sep '14

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Want to build a fly brain?
by Aurel A. Lazar 27 Sep '14

27 Sep '14

Join us in an open-source collaborative effort aimed at (i) building in silico fruit fly brain circuits, and (ii) in vivo validation of these circuits. Neurokernel: An open source platform for emulating fruit fly brains on GPUs http://neurokernel.github.io Neurokernel Requests for Comments (RFCs): http://neurokernel.github.io/docs.html Aurel A. Lazar http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu

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December10-13th : Workshop and Course on "Neural Information Dynamics, Causality and Computation close to Criticality"
by Michael Wibral 26 Sep '14

26 Sep '14

Dear colleagues, please find below an invitation to a joint workshop by LOEWE-NeFF and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS). Best Regards, Michael Wibral Matthias Kaschube ----------------------- LOEWE-NeFF and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) jointly invite you to a “Workshop on Neural Information Dynamics, Causality and Computation near Criticality” December 12-13th, 2014 The workshop is preceded by a “Software course on Neural Information Dynamics with TRENTOOL, the Java Information Dynamics Toolkit and MuTE” December 10-11th, 2014 Venue: Workshop and student course will be held at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS, www.fias.uni-frankfurt.de) Ruth-Moufang-Straße 1, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany The workshop addresses the analysis of neural computation in large neural systems and covers three tightly related topics in the field of modern analysis of neural data: Causality The analysis of causal interactions yields important insights into the biophysical substrate of neural dynamics that enable emergent computation. It is one of the goals of the workshop to discuss the link between causal analysis and the analyses of information processing proper, in order to clarify the dividing line and the mutual benefit of these two types of analyses. Neural information dynamics Information theoretic quantities separate and measure key elements of distributed computation in neural systems, such as the storage, transfer, and modification of information. These concepts can help to better understand the computational algorithms implemented by the dynamics of a neural system, providing the link between these algorithms and their biophysical implementation. Large scale organisation and criticality Neural systems orchestrate the activity of a large number of interacting neurons to achieve their computational capabilities. Recent advances in recording technology make it possible to reveal the activity patterns of hundreds of neurons distributed across the brain. This offers the unique opportunity to identify the large-scale organising principles of neural activity, such as operation near a critical point, that support computation in the system. Confirmed speakers: Adam Barrett Demian Battaglia Sakyasingha Dasgupta Luca Faes Esther Florin Moritz Grosse-Wentrup Andreea Lazar Anna Levina Daniele Marinazzo Oliver Obst Gordon Pipa Alberto Porta Viola Priesemann Karin Schiecke Raul Vicente The supporting software course addresses young scientists who intend to apply information theoretic measures for neuroscience hands on, and that would like to contribute code to one of the open source toolboxes on the topic. Some minimal experience with MATLAB or GNU-Octave is necessary for participation. Some prior knowledge in information theory is a plus. Applications for the student course should include a brief statement of motivation. Student course faculty: Alessandro Montalto (MuTE) Michael Wibral (TRENTOOL, Java Information Dynamics Toolkit) Patricia Wollstadt (TRENTOOL) ---------------------------------------------------------- Please apply/register by email before October 24th to wibral(a)em.uni-frankfurt.de as places for course and workshop are limited. Registration fees Student course: 50,00 EUR Workshop: 75,00 EUR Course+Workshop: 100,00 EUR Upon successful registration please wire the registration fees to: Account holder: Universitätsklinikum Account: 37 99 99, BLZ: 50050201 IBAN: DE 32 500 502 01 0000 37 9999 SWIFT-Code: HELADEF 1822 Reference: 21000521

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ICCM 2015
by ICCM 2015 26 Sep '14

26 Sep '14

############################# Call for papers ICCM 2015 April 9 - 11, 2015 Tutorials: April 8, 2015 Groningen, The Netherlands ############################# We would like to invite you to the 13th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling: the premier conference for research on computational models and computation-based theories of human cognition. ICCM is a forum for presenting and discussing the complete spectrum of cognitive modeling approaches, including connectionism, symbolic modeling, dynamical systems, Bayesian modeling, and cognitive architectures. Research topics can range from low-level perception to high-level reasoning. In 2015 we specifically welcome contributions that use computational models to better understand neuroscientific data. We are pleased to announce three world-class invited speakers: Pieter Roelfsema (Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience), Mark Steyvers (University of California, Irvine), and John Anderson (Carnegie Mellon University). All types of submissions (full papers, poster abstracts, symposia, and pre-conference tutorials) are due on December 8, 2014, 11.59pm CEST. More information can be found on our website: http://www.iccm2015.org We hope to see you in Groningen! Niels Taatgen Marieke van Vugt Jelmer Borst Katja Mehlhorn #############################

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Invitation - 4th International Conference " Aspects of Neuroscience" Warsaw, Poland, November 14th to 16th 2014
by Daniel Borek 25 Sep '14

25 Sep '14

Dear Friend, On behalf of the Board of the Student Neurobiology Society operating at the Faculty of Biology of the University of Warsaw (Poland) we would like to invite you to *the 4**th** International Conference " Aspects of Neuroscience"* that will be held in Warsaw, Poland, *from November 14**th** to 16**th** 2014* at the Faculty of Biology of the University of Warsaw. As in the following years, this time the Conference also consists of poster and report symposia*. *November symposia will be devoted to*: Neurobiology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience, Neuroinformatics and Neuroscience Borderlines*. Each of the thematic symposium will be preceded by a lecture delivered by one of the guests, a specialist of a given domain. The IV edition of Aspects of Neuroscience Conference will be opened by *prof. Krzysztof Palczewski *from Department of Pharmacology (Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, USA) with the lecture entitled "Chemistry of vision and inherited retinal disease". The closing lecture will be delivered by *prof. Wiesław Nowiński* from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research <http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agency_for_Science,_Technology_and_Research> who is a *creator of 3D human brain atlase.* Among our special guests are *dr Bruce Graham* from University of Stirling in Scotland (Neuroinformatics session), *prof. Leszek Kaczmarek* from Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences (Neurobiology session), *dr Valeria Gazzolla* from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience in Amsterdam, assistant professor at the University of Groningen in Netherlands (Cognitive neuroscience session) and *prof. Semir Zeki – *the Head of the Wellcome Laboratory of Neurobiology (Vislab) at the University of College London (Borderlines of neuroscience session). The student lectures will take place simultaneously in two rooms, in *basic* version *and* in *extended version*. Language of conference is *English*. The event is intended for students, doctoral students and research workers related to neuroscience, but also for people who do not have any experience in this field of knowledge. *Registration for the conference is already open! * http://www.neuronauka.org/eng/?page_id=69 More information about conference and the whole Project: www.neuronauka.org/eng. Find us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspectsOfNeuroscience?fref=ts Yours sincerely, Student Neurobiology Society at the University of Warsaw Organizing Committee of the International Conference of Students and Young Scientists "The Aspects of Neuroscience"

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POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE AT BROWN UNIVERSITY
by Wilson Truccolo 24 Sep '14

24 Sep '14

POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE AT BROWN UNIVERSITY: Applications for NIH-funded post-doctoral positions are invited for the Laboratory of Dr. Wilson Truccolo in the Department of Neuroscience at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. The positions are for the development of data-driven stochastic and biophysical models of multiscale neural dynamics in human epilepsy. Data consist of simultaneous intracortical microelectrode array recordings of ensembles of single neurons and local field potentials, as well as ECoGs, during seizure and non-seizure states in individuals with intractable epilepsy. The project involves a collaboration between the labs of Dr. Truccolo and Dr. Sydney Cash (Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in computational/theoretical neuroscience and modeling of stochastic neural dynamics. Related recent publications can be found on the Truccolo lab website ( http://www.truccololab.com/ <http://dl.dropbox.com/u/983891/Truccolo_home.htm>). Inquiries should be addressed to Dr. Truccolo (wilson_truccolo(a)brown.edu) Applications including a CV, statement of research interests, and the names and full contact details of three referees should be sent to wilson_truccolo(a)brown.edu. -- Wilson Truccolo, Ph.D. Pablo J. Salame '88 Goldman Sachs Assistant Professor of Computational Neuroscience Institute for Brain Science & Department of Neuroscience, Brown University Lab website: http://www.truccololab.com/

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PhD position in systems neuroscience at the Queensland Brain Institute (Australia).
by Allen Cheung 24 Sep '14

24 Sep '14

Dear Colleagues, We are seeking a suitable PhD candidate to investigate the computational underpinnings of spatial representations in the rodent hippocampus. The candidate will use in vivo electrophysiology and new wireless recording technologies to record from individual neurons in behaving rodents. The work will be carried out in state-of-the-art facilities at the Queensland Brain Institute in Brisbane, Australia. Further information about the PhD project and the Queensland Brain Institute can be found at: http://jobs.uq.edu.au/caw/en/job/496483/phd-position-in-systems-neuroscienc… Allen ________________________________________________ Dr Allen Cheung Group Leader | Computational Neuroscience | Spatial Navigation Queensland Brain Institute | The University of Queensland Email: a.cheung(a)uq.edu.au ________________________________

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Recruitment: Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour
by Peter Dayan 23 Sep '14

23 Sep '14

Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour Under the Directorship of Professor John O’Keefe, the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour at UCL will commence operations in early 2015 bringing together world-leading scientists to investigate how brain circuits process information to create neural representations and guide behaviour. The Centre has been created through substantial investment from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and the Wellcome Trust, and is being structured to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, enquiry and excellence. The Centre will be accommodated in a new, purpose-designed, seven-storey building located in Central London and offering an outstanding and unparalleled research environment through its provision of state-of-the-art research laboratories with integral biological services capability, cutting-edge scientific equipment, technologically-advanced prototyping and fabrication laboratories, significant in-house high-performance computing facilities and extensive data storage systems to support both experimental analysis and theoretical modelling. Neuroscientists working in the Centre will use the latest advanced molecular and cellular biology, imaging, electrophysiology and behavioural techniques. The Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit will be located at the heart of the Centre, facilitating broad and deep collaborations in data analysis and computational modelling. The full complement of scientists in the Centre is expected to reach 150 together with around 50 dedicated support staff. Scientists joining the Centre will become part of UCL Neuroscience which brings together over 450 principal investigators located primarily within the UCL School of Life and Medical Sciences and offers extensive opportunities for interaction and collaboration. Neuroscience is a strategic priority for UCL as it positions itself to become the world’s leading neuroscience institution. The Centre will offer additional opportunities for collaboration, networking and intellectual stimulation through its visitor programme, regular seminar series and the hosting of world-class scientific conferences and workshops. Formal teaching commitments will be minimal allowing scientists to focus on their research. The Centre is recruiting high-achieving, highly-motivated collaborative scientists with backgrounds in neuroscience as well as related physical and biological sciences, at all career levels. We invite applications from outstanding, innovative scientists who can evidence the highest levels of academic excellence through substantial peer-reviewed publications and significant scientific achievement. Given the technologically- advanced research proposed for the Centre, we are particularly interested in scientists wishing to extend the boundaries of technological development in areas such as high-density electrophysiological probes, telemetry, optical recording, molecular and genetic tools, new anatomical mapping techniques, and the use of virtual reality and other novel behavioural approaches such as video image analysis. Recruitment will take place on a continuing ad hoc basis and at dedicated residential recruitment workshops. The first recruitment workshop has been scheduled for 3-4 November 2014 with a focus on Fellowship applications. Senior scientist interviews will be scheduled from November onwards. Competitive salaries, tailored research space and generous relocation and recruitment packages, including research support, will be offered. For further details about vacancies and how to apply online, please visit: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/swc/opportunities

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Tenure-track faculty position in computational cognitive neuroscience at Dartmouth
by James V. Haxby 23 Sep '14

23 Sep '14

********** Assistant Professor, Computational Cognitive Neuroscience: The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College expects to make a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor (entry-level or advanced) in Computational Cognitive Neuroscience effective July 1, 2015. We seek an individual who is able to provide high-quality teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels and who has exhibited excellence in independent research. We are interested in applicants who investigate how information is encoded in neural activity and who develop and use methods for decoding information from population responses and neural circuits. Our department has particular strength in Cognitive Neuroscience, Social Neuroscience, and Behavioral/Systems Neuroscience. We are particularly interested in applicants whose work focuses on high-level cognitive functions, such as, but not limited to, high-level vision and audition, attention, working memory, social cognition, and decision making. The department is housed in a state-of-the-art research and teaching facility that includes a dedicated 3T MRI scanner for brain imaging research and animal research facilities. Dartmouth also is home to the Neukom Institute for Computational Science, the Geisel School of Medicine, and the Thayer School of Engineering, which provide further opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaborations. With an even distribution of male and female students and over a third of the undergraduate student population from minority groups, Dartmouth is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities. Please submit an application including curriculum vita, a statement of research interests, pdf files of representative journal reprints or manuscripts, and contact information for three references. Applications should be submitted via http://apply.interfolio.com/25762. Questions can be addressed to James Haxby, Chair, Computational Cognitive Neuroscience Search Committee, by email (preferred; james.v.haxby(a)dartmouth.edu<mailto:james.v.haxby@dartmouth.edu>) or regular mail (Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, 6207 Moore Hall, Hanover, NH 03755). Review of applications will begin in November and continue until the position is filled. ----------------------- James Haxby Director, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences 6207 Moore Hall Dartmouth College Hanover, NH 03755 Professor Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC University of Trento, Italy email: james.v.haxby(a)dartmouth.edu<mailto:james.v.haxby@dartmouth.edu>

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CFP: Special Issue on "Information Theoretic Incentives for Cognitive Systems"
by Keyan Ghazi-Zahedi 23 Sep '14

23 Sep '14

Dear Colleagues, we would like to draw your attention to the forthcoming special issue on "Information Theoretic Incentives for Cognitive Systems <http://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy/special_issues/information-theoretic>" in the open access journal Entropy and invite you to contribute -- deadline February 28th, 2015. In recent years, ideas such as "life is information processing" or "information holds the key to understanding life" have become more common. However, how can information, or more formally Information Theory, increase our understanding of life, or life-like systems? Information Theory not only has a profound mathematical basis, but also typically provides an intuitive understanding of processes, such as learning, behavior and evolution terms of information processing. In this special issue, we are interested in both: a.) the information-theoretic formalization and quantification of different aspects of life, such as driving forces of learning and behavior generation, information flows between neurons, swarm members and social agents, and information theoretic aspects of evolution and adaptation and b.) the simulation and creation of life-like systems with previously identified principles and incentives. Topics with relation to artificial and natural systems: information theoretic intrinsic motivations information theoretic quantification of behavior information theoretic guidance of artificial evolution information theoretic guidance of self-organization information theoretic driving forces behind learning information theoretic driving forces behind behavior information theory in swarms information theory in social behavior information theory in evolution information theory in the brain information theory in system-environment distinction information theory in the perception action loop information theoretic definitions of life Christoph Salge Georg Martius Keyan Ghazi-Zahedi Daniel Polani - Guest Editors - Further Information: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/entropy/special_issues/information-theoretic With best wishes, Keyan Ghazi-Zahedi -- Keyan Ghazi-Zahedi, Dr. rer. nat. Information Theory of Cognitive Systems Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences phone: (+49) 341 9959 545, fax: (+49) 341 9959 555, office A11

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