[image: VVTNS.png] https://www.wwtns.online <https://streaklinks.com/A9c7PbbpKY7PxB6PaAJWGD3-/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwtns.onl...> - on twitter: wwtns@TheoreticalWide You are cordially invited to the lecture Jakob Macke Tubingen University on the topic of *Learning mechanistic models that link cells, circuits, and computations* The lecture will be held on zoom on December 17, 2025, at *11:00 am ET *

To receive the link: https://www.wwtns.online/register-page

*Abstract: *Modern experimental techniques now reveal the structure and function of neural circuits at unprecedented scale and resolution. How can we use this wealth of data to understand how cells and circuits implement computations underlying behaviour? Achieving this goal requires models that are consistent with biophysical mechanisms and circuit dynamics, yet flexible enough to capture behaviourally relevant computations. We develop simulation-based machine learning methods that address this challenge. I will show how these approaches—in combination with connectomic measurements—make it possible to build large-scale mechanistic models of the fruit fly visual system. Our methods generalize across systems and scales, defining a new way to study biological systems by algorithmically learning interpretable models that reveal how structure and dynamics gives rise to behaviour. *About VVTNS : Launched as the World Wide Theoretical Neuroscience Seminar (WWTNS) in November 2020 and renamed in homage to Carl van Vreeswijk in Memoriam (April 20, 2022), Speakers have the occasion to talk about theoretical aspects of their work which cannot be discussed in a setting where the majority of the audience consists of experimentalists. The seminars, **held on Wednesdays at 11 am ET,** are 45-50 min long followed by a discussion. The talks are recorded with authorization of the speaker and are available to everybody on our YouTube channel.* ᐧ