From Eugene.Izhikevich at nsi.edu Sat Dec 1 11:40:49 2007 From: Eugene.Izhikevich at nsi.edu (Eugene M. Izhikevich) Date: Sat Dec 1 13:16:11 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Results of Election of Authors in Scholarpedia Message-ID: <47513A31.8090102@nsi.edu> Scholarpedia - the free peer-reviewed encyclopedia - is conducting election of authors for certain articles with the goal to identify the best living expert to invite to write the articles. The results of five elections are: Dr. Paul J. Werbos elected for "Error Back-Propagation" Dr. Charles F. Stevens elected for "Synapse" Dr. John O'Keefe elected for "Place Cells" Dr. Daniel Johnston elected for "Electrophysiology" Dr. Miguel A. L. Nicolelis elected for "Brain-Machine Interface" All these experts have already agreed to write their corresponding articles. The lists of nominees (in the chronological order of nomination by the public) are provided below. == Error Back-Propagation == 1. James L. (Jay) McClelland 2. Terrence J. Sejnowski 3. Paul J. Werbos ** 4. James A. Anderson 5. Geoffrey Hinton 6. Yann LeCun == Synapse == 1. Charles F. Stevens ** 2. Rodolfo Llinas 3. Gordon Shepherd 4. Eric Kandel == Place Cells == 1. John O'Keefe ** 2. Bruce McNaughton 3. William Skaggs 4. Edvard Moser == Electrophysiology == 1. Daniel Johnston ** 2. Bertil Hille == Brain-Machine Interface == 1. Miguel A. L. Nicolelis ** 2. Andrew B. Schwartz 3. John Donoghue 4. Richard Andersen Scholarpedia update: Registered users: 3189 Curators: 959 Editors: 23 Reserved articles: 899 Peer-reviewed and accepted articles: 245 Top 10 Scholars (highest Scholar Index; see http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Special:Topscholars) (82.1): Yuri A. Kuznetsov, Utrecht University, The Netherlands (65.1): Jeff Moehlis, University of California, Santa Barbara, (50.0): John Guckenheimer, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA (48.1): James Meiss, Applied Mathematics University of Colorado (45.0): Edward Ott, University of Maryland, MD, USA (40.1): Skip Thompson, Radford University, Radford, Virginia (35.0): James Murdock, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa (35.0): Paul M.B. Vitanyi, University of Amsterdam (35.0): Eric T. Shea-Brown, Courant Institute, New York University (35.0): Lawrence F. Shampine, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 10 Most cited articles Dynamical Systems (293 links) Neuron (231 links) Brain (204 links) Stability (202 links) Periodic Orbit (192 links) Equilibrium (109 links) Synchronization (98 links) Attractor (89 links) Bifurcation (89 links) Complexity (85 links) 10 Most popular (viewed) pages Models of Hypothalamus (38,357 views) FitzHugh-Nagumo Model (20,216 views) Thalamus (19,387 views) Periodic Orbit (18,497 views) Basal Ganglia (17,164 views) Bursting (16,973 views) Confabulation Theory (16,461 views) Stability (15,586 views) Dynamical Systems (14,003 views) Kohonen Network (13,919 views) -- Eugene M. Izhikevich, Editor-in-Chief@scholarpedia.org The Neurosciences Institute, http://www.izhikevich.com 10640 John J. Hopkins Drive tel:(858) 626-2063 San Diego, CA, 92121, USA fax:(858) 626-2099 From m.montemurro at manchester.ac.uk Tue Dec 4 16:30:58 2007 From: m.montemurro at manchester.ac.uk (Marcelo Montemurro) Date: Thu Dec 6 10:05:48 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] PhD in Computational Neuroscience, The University of Manchester, UK Message-ID: Applications are invited for a PhD position at the Faculty of Life Sciences of the University of Manchester, UK, starting September 2008. The student will be part of the Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics group, and will work on the project "Cortical information processing by Local Field Potentials and spikes". Project outline: Local Field Potentials (LFP) correspond to the lower frequency range of the extracellular signal captured by a low impedance microelectrode located sufficiently away from any individual neuron. It is believed that LFP reflect mostly the summed dendritic activity of neurons that lie within a sphere of radius 50-300?m centred at the tip of the electrode. At variance with spikes, which reflect the output of a given area, LFP are thought to be more correlated with the input to it. In most models of cortical computation it is assumed that information is mainly encoded in the action potentials fired by neurons. However, there is increasing evidence that oscillations in the extracellular electric fields (LFP) may have an important role in the encoding of information about external stimuli. For instance, LFP may encode different information to that carried by spikes, or they may provide a local time frame that can facilitate the decoding of the information carried by spikes. The main goal of this project is to understand the mechanisms of information processing and transmission by action and Local Field Potentials, using models of cortical activity and advanced data analysis. The project will involve the development of novel data analysis methods, their application to real and simulated data, and the design of large computer simulations of networks of neurons with different degrees of biophysical realism. The project is highly interdisciplinary and will draw on methods and techniques from Computational Neuroscience, Neuroinformatics, Information Theory, and Biophysics. In addition to excellent programming skills (C / Fortran and Matlab), the candidate should have basic knowledge of Neuroscience and good Physics / Mathematics background. Entry requirements: Applicants should hold (or be about to obtain) a first or upper second class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent. For applicants whose first language is not English the minimum English language requirement is IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 577 (paper-based), 233 (computer-based) or 90 (internet-based). Studentships: There are studentships available for UK or other EU nationals. All UK students and EU nationals who have studied in the UK for 3 years or more are eligible for fees and stipend. EU students who have not studied in the UK for 3 years are only eligible for fees. For those eligible, the net stipend for 2008-09 will be approximately ?12,900 for the year. Further information: For more information about he application process please contact the Graduate Office: email:pg.lifesiences@manchester.ac.uk pone: (+44) (0)161 275 5608 For matters relating the scientific project contact the project supervisor Dr. Marcelo Montemurro at m.montemurro@manchester.ac.uk Best regards, -- Dr. Marcelo A. Montemurro Faculty of Life Sciences University of Manchester Jackson's Mill, G7 PO Box 88 Sackville St Manchester M60 1QD United Kingdom phone : +44(0)161 306 3883 fax : +44(0)161 306 3887 e-mail: m.montemurro@manchester.ac.uk From stephen.coombes at nottingham.ac.uk Tue Dec 4 14:25:20 2007 From: stephen.coombes at nottingham.ac.uk (Stephen Coombes) Date: Thu Dec 6 10:05:50 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Mathematical Neuroscience Meeting, Mar 17-19, 2008, Edinburgh Message-ID: <08BC381F-729F-4479-B8C5-481FDD1378C2@nottingham.ac.uk> Mathematical Neuroscience Meeting Mar 17-19, 2008 Royal Society of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland First announcement This three-day conference will provide an overview of the current state of research in mathematical approaches to neuroscience, bringing together both physical and life scientists. Drawing together the field in this way will allow for a critical discussion of the relevant experimental facts and of various mathematical methods and techniques that have been successfully applied to date. Importantly, it will draw attention to, and help develop, those pieces of mathematical theory which are likely to be relevant to future studies of the brain. The meeting will consist of invited speakers and registered participants, though will be limited to 75 people. The schedule will allow for a number of poster presentations. Invited speakers: Pete Ashwin (University of Exeter) Wyeth Bair (University of Oxford) Paul Bressloff (University of Utah) Rodica Curtu (University of Brasov) Brent Doiron (University of Pittsburgh) Gaute Einevoll (Norwegian University of Life Sciences) William Kath (Northwestern University) David Liley (Swinburne University of Technology) David Pinto (University of Rochester) Mark van Rossum (University of Edinburgh) Simon Schultz (Imperial College, London) Piotr Suffczynski (University of Warsaw) David Terman (University of Ohio) Henry Tuckwell (Max Planck Institute) Andre Longtin (University of Ottawa) TBC The registration fee for the conference is 50.00 GBP. A one-day training workshop for PhD students and post-docs entitled ?An introduction to Mathematical Neuroscience? will also take place prior to the meeting (on 16 Mar). Some financial assistance is available to assist graduate students who attend BOTH the training workshop and the conference. Further details of this meeting, including how to register, may be found at http://www.icms.org.uk/workshops/mathneuro Scientific Organisers Professor Stephen Coombes, University of Nottingham Dr Yulia Timofeeva, University of Warwick Training Workshop Organiser Dr Mark van Rossum, University of Edinburgh Enquiries should be addressed to Irene Moore: irene.moore@icms.org.uk ------------------------------------------------------- Stephen Coombes Professor of Applied Mathematics School of Mathematical Sciences Nottingham, UK Tel: 0115 846 7836 Fax: 0115 951 3837 http://www.maths.nott.ac.uk/~sc/ ------------------------------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.neuroinf.org/pipermail/comp-neuro/attachments/20071204/b3be74e1/attachment.html From m.montemurro at manchester.ac.uk Tue Dec 4 16:19:44 2007 From: m.montemurro at manchester.ac.uk (Marcelo Montemurro) Date: Thu Dec 6 10:05:52 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] MSc programme in Computational Neuroscience, The University of Manchester, UK Message-ID: MSc programme in Computational Neuroscience at the University of Manchester Computational Neuroscience represents a new and exciting interdisciplinary field where ideas and methods from Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Biology are synergistically applied to understand brain function. The MSc in Computational Neuroscience at Manchester is designed to enable top students from numerate and biological sciences to gain the necessary tools and training to advance our knowledge about the brain. About the programme Quantitative methods are becoming increasingly important at the cutting edge of research in biology, in general, and neuroscience, in particular. Complex experimental data sets demand new mathematical methods for their analysis. Mathematical and computer modelling are powerful tools for bridging levels of investigation from molecules, cells, and tissues, through to the whole brain. You will be based in the top-rated faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Manchester, working as part of the Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinfomatics Group. The teaching staff is highly interdisciplinary with backgrounds spanning Neuroscience, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Biology, and Computer Science. A few fully funded studentships are available due to financial support from the UK Medical Research Council. The duration of the course is 12 months, and starts September 2008. Entry Requirements Applicants should hold (or be about to obtain) a first or upper second class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent. In certain circumstances, a lower second class honours degree supplemented with appropriate relevant work experience may be acceptable. For overseas applicants whose first language is not English the minimum English language requirement is IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 577 (paperbased), 233 (computer-based) or 90 (internet-based). Please, for further information visit, www.manchester.ac.uk/lifesciences/computationalneuroscienceandneuroinformaticsmsc or write to s.panzeri@manchester.ac.uk For matters relating the application process you can contact directly the graduate office at pg.lifesciences@manchester.ac.uk, or call +44 (0)161 275 5608. Best regards, -- Dr. Marcelo A. Montemurro Faculty of Life Sciences University of Manchester Jackson's Mill, G7 PO Box 88 Sackville St Manchester M60 1QD United Kingdom phone : +44(0)161 306 3883 fax : +44(0)161 306 3887 e-mail: m.montemurro@manchester.ac.uk From daniela.pelz at bccn-berlin.de Wed Dec 5 13:09:39 2007 From: daniela.pelz at bccn-berlin.de (Daniela Pelz) Date: Thu Dec 6 10:06:23 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] mailing request Message-ID: <47569503.8080005@bccn-berlin.de> Dear neuroinf-people, my name is Daniela Pelz, I am the coordinator of the MSc and PhD Program in Computational Neuroscience at the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin. We are currently recruiting students for our graduate programs and therefore I would like to ask you to post the following text. Thanks a lot! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- International Master of Science or PhD in Computational Neuroscience Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Germany The Berlin University of Technology, the Charit? Medical School and the Humboldt University of Berlin solicit applications for an international Master and PhD program in Computational Neuroscience within the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin (http://www.bccn-berlin.de). The Master program is full-time for four semesters, the PhD program is full-time for three years. Course language is English. There are no tuition fees. Application deadline for both programs is March 15, 2008. Courses start in October 2008. The Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin comprises 24 research groups working on a single cell level up to a macroscopic level, both experimentally and theoretically. It offers a unique scientific environment to the students within the program. The master progam is unique within Germany, offering students the opportunity to work early on in their career in a cutting edge interdisciplinary research field. Teaching staff includes the four newly appointed young Bernstein professors. The program currently offers 10 places with an excellent teacher to student ratio and a sense of familiarity among students. The Master?s degree is jointly awarded by the Technische Universit?t Berlin and the Humboldt Universit?t zu Berlin. Teaching and Training follow a ?one day, one location? principle. The PhD program offers students to do research one of the Center?s 24 research groups of the center giving them a broad choice of topics and methods. At the same time they are embedded in a scientific network where they regularly meet international scientists from their field of research. Furthermore, they have the opportunity to build up a network of their own with PhD students form other neuroscience programs within Berlin and within the Germany-wide National Network for Computational Neuroscience. All students who are interested in neuroscience and have a strong mathematical background are welcome to apply. In accordance with the interdisciplinary nature of Computational Neuroscience the program encourages students form diverse disciplines such as natural sciences, engineering, or mathematics to apply. For further information please check www.computational-neuroscience-berlin.de or send an email to graduateprograms@bccn-berlin.de ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Dr. Daniela Pelz Teaching Coordinator Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Humboldt University Philippstr. 13 House 6 10115 Berlin phone: (030) 2093-6773 fax: (030) 2093-6771 From gros07 at itp.uni-frankfurt.de Tue Dec 4 11:55:34 2007 From: gros07 at itp.uni-frankfurt.de (gros07@itp.uni-frankfurt.de) Date: Thu Dec 6 10:08:45 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] PhD in Complex Dynamical Systems - Cognitive System Theory Message-ID: Fellow Computational and Theoretical Neuroscientists and Cognitive-System Scientists I would like to brink your attention our PhD-program in Complex Dynamical Systems - Cognitive System Theory At the Institute of Theoretical Physics, University of Frankfurt am Main, Field(s): cognitive systems, complex systems, neural networks, adaptive dynamical systems, theoretical neuroscience Application deadline: January 6, 2008 Contact: Prof. Claudius Gros E-mail: secretariate[@]itp.uni-frankfurt.de Address: Institute for Theoretical Physics, J.W. Goethe University Frankfurt, Job description: Applications are invited for a PhD position, with a BAT IIa/2 salary, equivalent to about 1000 Euro monthly. Complex systems in the form of dynamical gene-regulation networks constitute the basis of all livings. On a higher level it constitutes a central challenge to understand the brain and to develop a comprehensive theory of artificial cognitive systems in terms of structured dynamical networks. The field of research involves the development of the Frankfurt Cognitive System Platform for an autonomous general-purpose cognitive system based on a meta-network of self-adapting generalized neural networks. The candidates should have a Diploma/Master in natural sciences, cognitive sciences or informatics with an excellent academic track record and good computational skills. Experience or strong interest in the fields of artificial or biological cognitive systems are expected. The degree of scientific research experience is expected to be on the level of a German Diploma/Master. The appointments will start in early 2008, for up to three years. Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and arrange for two letters of reference to be sent to the address below. Maripola Kolokotsa Institute for Theoretical Physics J.W. Goethe University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 1 60438 Frankfurt am Main Germany Sect.Prof.Gros[@]itp.uni-frankfurt.de http://www.itp.uni-frankfurt.de/~gros From Ranu.Jung at asu.edu Thu Dec 6 01:26:23 2007 From: Ranu.Jung at asu.edu (Ranu Jung) Date: Thu Dec 6 10:13:25 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] CNS*2008 Call for Papers Message-ID: CALL FOR PAPERS, CNS*2008 SUBMISSION DEADLINE: February 8, 2008 SUBMISSION OPEN: January 21, 2008 Seventeenth Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting CNS*2008 July 19 - July 24, 2008 Portland, Oregon http://www.cnsorg.org CNS*2008 will be held in Portland, Oregon July 19-24, 2008. A welcome reception will be held on the evening of July 19th and the scientific program will start Sunday, July 20th in the morning. The main meeting will take place July 20-22 in downtown Portland at The Benson Hotel, currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a Portland landmark. The main meeting will be followed by two days of workshops, July 23-24 at the OHSU Center for Health and Healing, at the foot of the Aerial tram to OHSU. The meeting banquet will be held July 21. Submissions can include experimental, model-based, as well as more abstract theoretical approaches to understanding neurobiological computation. We especially encourage research that mixes experimental and theoretical studies. We also accept papers that describe new technical approaches to theoretical and experimental issues in computational neuroscience or relevant software packages. This year we are having a Special Session on Systems Biology and Molecular Level Modeling in Neuroscience. INVITED SPEAKERS: Upinder Bhalla (National Centre for Biological Sciences, India) Kim (Avrama) Blackwell (George Mason University) John Rinzel (New York University) Thomas Soderling (Oregon Health Sciences University) CALL FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS: We are accepting proposals for workshops (Half-day to two days in length) (http://www.cnsorg.org/cns_meeting_workshops.htm ). If you want to propose a workshop please contact the workshop coordinator, Dieter Jaeger, at workshops@cnsorg.org. An archive of workshops held at last year's meeting is at http://www.cnsorg.org/Archives2007.htm PAPER SUBMISSION: Submissions to the meeting will take the form of a formatted abstract (to be published). Authors wanting an oral presentation are required to also submit a 1-3-page summary (for the CNS reviewers only) describing the nature, scope and main results of the work in more detail. The summaries will be reviewed to construct the oral program. Details regarding formatting of submissions will be posted at http://www.cnsorg.org . All submissions will be acknowledged by e-mail. THE REVIEW PROCESS: Submissions will be judged and accepted for the meeting based on clarity, substance and appropriateness for the meeting. It is particularly important that the biological relevance of the research be made clear. CNS strongly believes in the open exchange of ideas and rejections are usually based on absence of biological relevance (e.g., pure machine learning). We will notify authors of meeting acceptance by the first week of April. Submissions to be considered for oral presentation will be reviewed by two independent referees and results of the review process will be used to construct the oral program. In addition to perceived quality and significance, the novelty of the research and the diversity and coherence of the overall program will be considerations for selection as an oral presentation. We particularly encourage women and underrepresented minorities to apply for an oral presentation. To ensure diversity, those who have given talks in the recent past will not be selected and multiple oral presentations from the same lab will be discouraged. Most oral presentations will be 20 minutes in length, but a few papers will be selected for longer "featured oral" presentations. All accepted papers not selected for oral talks may be presented during the poster sessions. Authors will be notified of the presentation format of their papers by the end of April. ABSTRACT PUBLICATION: The formatted abstracts will again be published as a Supplement to the online journal BMC Neuroscience. Last year's abstracts are at http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2202/8?issue=S2 ORGANIZING COMMITTEE: The CNS meeting is organized by the Organization for Computational Neuroscience President: Ranu Jung (Arizona State University, USA) Program chair: Bill Holmes (Ohio University, USA) Program co-chair: Don Johnson (Rice University, USA) Local organizer: Patrick Roberts (Oregon Health Sciences University, USA) Workshop coordinator: Dieter Jaeger (Emory University, USA) Program Committee: Victoria Booth (University of Michigan, USA) Sharon Crook (Arizona State University, USA) Markus Diesmann (RIKEN, Japan) Alex Dimitrov (Montana State University, USA) Jeanette Hellgren-Kotaleski (Karolinska Institute, Sweden) Theoden Netoff (University of Minnesota, USA) Hiroshi Okamato (RIKEN, Japan) Astrid Prinz (Emory University, USA) Michelle Rudolph (CNRS, France) Harel Shouval (University of Texas Medical Center, USA) Volker Steuber (University of Herfordshire, UK) ________________________________________________________________________ _____ OCNS - Organization for Computational Neurosciences, Inc. http://www.cnsorg.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.neuroinf.org/pipermail/comp-neuro/attachments/20071205/2f6acaa3/attachment-0001.html From Ranu.Jung at asu.edu Thu Dec 6 02:25:37 2007 From: Ranu.Jung at asu.edu (Ranu Jung) Date: Thu Dec 6 10:13:28 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Postdoctoral Positions Available Message-ID: Post-doctoral positions at the Center for Adaptive Neural Systems, Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona Two post-doctoral positions are currently available at The Center for Adaptive Neural Systems at Arizona State University. These positions are supported by 2 on-going, NIH-funded projects that involve the application of advanced neurotechnology and extensive neuromotor assessment in human subjects with disabilities. The first project will implement and assess neural-enabled upper extremity prostheses. The human studies aspect of this work will be conducted with Drs. James Abbas, Ken Horch, Marco Santello and Ranu Jung. The second project will implement and assess a locomotor retraining paradigm for people with incomplete spinal cord injury that uses adaptive electrical stimulation. This work will be conducted with Dr. James Abbas, Ranu Jung and Richard Herman. The Center for Adaptive Neural Systems (http://ans.asu.edu ) is focused on developing and applying new technology to address the complex problems presented by neurological disability. The scope of the Center's activities includes the design and development of new technology, the evaluation of technology in pre-clinical trials, and the transfer of these technologies to biomedical industry and clinical practice. Our multi-disciplinary research group includes biomedical engineers, kinesiologists, neuroscientists, mathematicians and clinicians. These positions will provide experience and training in research design, experimental techniques, and advanced analysis procedures. As with many projects based at the Center, the two advertised positions involve extensive collaboration with our clinical partners. The positions as Post-doctoral Research Associate require a PhD in Bioengineering, Kinesiology, Neuroscience or a related field. Experience in rehabilitation engineering, neuromotor control, electrical stimulation technology, biomechanical analysis, and/or control systems design would be beneficial. Applicants are requested to submit letter of application, curriculum vitae, and contact information (name, address, phone number and email address) for three references to: James Abbas, PhD Center for Adaptive Neural Systems, PO Box 874404 Arizona State University Tempe, AZ 85287-4404 480-965-9521 jimmy.abbas@asu.edu Positions are open now and applications will continue to be reviewed until positions are filled. Arizona State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer institution. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.neuroinf.org/pipermail/comp-neuro/attachments/20071205/28ef4019/attachment.html From bart at rutgers.edu Thu Dec 6 18:34:13 2007 From: bart at rutgers.edu (Bart Krekelberg) Date: Fri Dec 7 09:40:47 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Job: Animal and Human Subject Laboratory Technician Message-ID: <6AD9B23761A6F748B9AF311D325639EE23D2DC@reality.vision.rutgers.edu> The laboratory of Bart Krekelberg at Rutgers University investigates the neural basis of vision and is looking for a full-time technician to provide support for its animal and human subject research. The successful candidate will enjoy working in a dynamic team and contributing to cutting-edge scientific research. The laboratory is located in downton Newark, New Jersey; a 20 minute train ride away from New York City. Job Description Under general guidance and direction, provides professional level animal laboratory technical support and human subject research assistance. All aspects of the job involve scientific research methods and techniques. Trains animals in behavioral task; maintains animal health; assists in surgery; maintains equipment and recording rooms. Performs brief take-in interviews with human subjects; documents the consent process; performs computerized behavioral tests; works with specialized equipment. Maintains and documents the supply of laboratory consumables and equipment and performs related duties as assigned. Job Requirements Requires a bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline. A combination of two years college-level science curriculum plus two years relevant laboratory technician or research study experience carrying out research protocols and tests may be substituted for the degree. An additional equivalent amount of college-level study in an appropriate science curriculum may be substituted for the experience in the above combination. Requires knowledge of scientific empirical procedures. Must understand the fundamentals of the science; read and understand technical documents; perform basic scientific routines, protocols, and tests; articulate data to researchers; and operate and maintain sophisticated equipment. Requires the ability to record and maintain data in computerized and non-computerized formats. Must be able to communicate effectively. Will be required to participate in required occupational health and safety programs. Must have American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Assistant Laboratory-Animal Technician certification, and will be required to pass pre-employment and periodic physical examinations. Special Condition Non-State funded. Education and/or experience in animal research is required; must have the ability to lift and move up to 75 pounds; requires working knowledge of Microsoft Office; must be able to produce written reports of completed work and procedures; previous experience in a neurophysiology laboratory and/or experience with nonhuman primates preferred. Salary range $36978- 50292, 35 hrs per week, plus benefits. For more information about the lab, check out the website (http://vision.rutgers.edu/klab) and for informal inquiries, please contac the PI (bart@rutgers.edu) Bart Krekelberg Assistant Professor Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Rutgers University 197 University Ave Newark, NJ 07102 USA T: 973 353 1080 X 3231 F: 973 353 1272 E: bart@rutgers.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.neuroinf.org/pipermail/comp-neuro/attachments/20071206/89ec19c1/attachment-0001.html From josic at math.uh.edu Fri Dec 7 04:48:44 2007 From: josic at math.uh.edu (Kresimir Josic) Date: Fri Dec 7 09:40:48 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] postdoctoral position in applied dynamical systems and theoretical neuroscience Message-ID: <88006862-72A1-481E-839B-EC3789B4A70E@math.uh.edu> The Department of Mathematics of the University of Houston has a one-year postdoctoral position in the field of Applied Dynamical Systems in the Fall of 2008, pending budgetary approval. Special consideration will be given to applicants with some experience in mathematical neuroscience. This position will include one course per semester teaching. Salary will be $42,000 for 9 months, plus 2 months of summer support, with some funds available to attend conferences. There is a possibility that the position can be extended to a second year. Applicants should send a curriculum vita and a description of research interests, and should arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to: Kresimir Josic (josic@math.uh.edu) We request that applications be submitted electronically. Full consideration will be given to those applications received by February 1, 2008; however, all applications will be given consideration until the available position is filled. The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans, minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. From timmer at umd.edu Fri Dec 7 11:57:50 2007 From: timmer at umd.edu (Timmer Horiuchi) Date: Fri Dec 7 12:09:28 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Computational Neuroscience - Univ. Maryland - Submission by Dec 15th Message-ID: <4759272E.4000500@isr.umd.edu> Title: Computational Neuroscience ? Tenure-track faculty. The Neuroscience and Cognitive Science program (NACS) at the University of Maryland is seeking a new tenure-track faculty member, at the assistant professor level. Computational neuroscientists working in any areas including sensory and motor physiology, analysis of control systems, and cognitive neuroscience will be considered. The successful candidate will hold a joint appointment in both the NACS Program and an academic department. The department of tenure will depend on the research interests of the faculty member and may be in Biology, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Hearing and Speech Sciences, Kinesiology, Linguistics, or Psychology. NACS is a tightly integrated community of scholars focused on aspects of neuroscience and cognitive science. Many faculty also enjoy highly productive research collaborations with scientists at federal agencies in the Washington DC area such as the NIH. Responsibilities: Candidates will be expected to develop a vigorous extramurally-funded research program. Teaching duties will include a graduate-level course in computational neuroscience, as well as undergraduate/graduate courses to be determined by the tenure-track department. Duties will also include student advising and administration as determined by the Director of NACS and the department of tenure. Qualifications: An earned doctorate in a discipline relevant to the candidate?s field of teaching and research is required. Candidates who integrate theoretical with experimental research are preferred. We seek candidates with demonstrated teaching and research excellence capable of maintaining an extramurally-funded research program. NACS details at www.nacs.umd.edu. Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Position available: Earliest start date is fall semester 2008. Applications: For best consideration, submit electronically by December 15, 2007, ( http://nacs.umd.edu/news/facsearch07.html ) a CV, names and addresses (including email addresses) of three possible references, and statements of both research interests (documenting any previous extramural funding) and teaching interests. Recommendation letters should be emailed to nacs@umd.edu, with ?NACS Search:? and then your last name in the Subject line. NACS Search, Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, 2131 Biology/Psychology Building, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 WOMEN AND MEMBERS OF UNDER REPRESENTED MINORITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. -- Timothy Horiuchi Associate Professor Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Institute for Systems Research Neuroscience and Cognitive Sciences Program University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 (301) 405-7412 timmer@isr.umd.edu http://www.isr.umd.edu/~timmer From T.Nowotny at sussex.ac.uk Mon Dec 10 15:50:44 2007 From: T.Nowotny at sussex.ac.uk (Thomas Nowotny) Date: Mon Dec 10 16:04:23 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Post Doc Positions in Computational Neuroscience available Message-ID: 2 Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Positions in Computational Neuroscience a) 3 years fixed term, full time - Ref 928 b) 3 years fixed term, part-time 50% fte - Ref 929 Salary range: Grade 7 ??27,466 to ??32,796 p.a. (pro-rata for part me) are available at the Centre for Computational Neuroscience and Robotics (CCNR) at the University of Sussex, UK. Expected start date: As soon as possible Closing date for applications: 12 January 2008 PLEASE FORWARD TO POTENTIAL CANDIDATES! Job details: The two post-doctoral positions are available in a new research initiative for modelling the pheromone system of the moth at the Centre for Computational Neuroscience and Robotics (CCNR) at the University of Sussex starting 1 February 2008. Our objective in this project is to discover how insects use their sense of smell (olfaction) to find pheromone (chemicals emitted by living organisms to send messages to individuals of the same species) sources in a noisy and dynamic environment. The ability of a flying male moth to find a pheromone emitting mate is truly remarkable and well beyond our ability to replicate artificially. Investigating this system will substantially advance our knowledge in sensory systems and neuroscience in general and will have strong implications for biomimetic applications. The research initiative, funded by the French ANR and British BBSRC, is in conjunction with two French partners, the groups of Dr. Jean-Pierre Rospars at INRA, Versailles and of Dr. Dominique Martinez at LORIA, Nancy. You will work on computational modeling of the pheromone-detecting centre of the moth brain - the antennal lobe. The work plan includes opportunities to analyze original experimental data from one of the French partners and building computational models as well as to develop your own research directions. An 80-core computer cluster is available at the CCNR for numerical work and will be extended to 120 cores for this project. For the full time position, emphasis will be on building detailed and increasingly simplified one-glomerulus models to analyze the specific information processing strategies in the moth. Another important part of this work will be the development of suitable data fitting and model simplification methods. The part-time position will focus on the amplification and noise-suppression problem in the pheromone system, starting from general models of convergent neuronal networks with noise. Later you will join forces with the other research fellow and analyze the specific example of the moth on the one-glomerulus level. Successful candidates must hold a PhD or equivalent degree in a quantitative science discipline. We are looking for candidates with a strong mathematical and computational neuroscience background. Knowledge of the olfactory system would be a plus but is not a requirement. Both positions require a good knowledge of a higher object oriented programming language (preferably C++). The positions will involve occasional travel to France. For informal inquiries about the positions, please contact Dr. Thomas Nowotny, CCNR, Informatics, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QJ, t.nowotny@sussex.ac.uk. Please provide a CV with publication list with your application form and include a description of your scientific interests and future aspirations in the 'additional support' section. Interviews are anticipated for end of January 2008 For full details and how to apply see http://www.sussex.ac.uk/Units/staffing/personnl/vacs/vac928_929.shtml The University of Sussex is committed to equality of opportunity -- Dr. Thomas Nowotny RCUK Academic Fellow phone: +44-1273-678593 University of Sussex fax: +44-1273-877873 Brighton BN1 9QJ, UK http://www.informatics.susx.ac.uk/users/tn41 From fhamker at uni-muenster.de Tue Dec 11 09:38:28 2007 From: fhamker at uni-muenster.de (Fred Hamker) Date: Tue Dec 11 13:05:34 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] PhD and postdoctoral stipends in vision or computational neuroscience Message-ID: <0A42C966-6B56-4E78-8580-41C846C86DD9@uni-muenster.de> Several PhD and postdoctoral stipends in vision or computational neuroscience are available at the Dept. of Psychology, University of M?nster, Germany in association with a European consortium concerned with high-level visual scene understanding. The consortium aims at an active view on scene perception combining computer vision, computational neuroscience, robotics, visual psychophysics, oculomotor function, and neurophysiology. It is formed by partner labs in Germany, Italy, Spain, and Belgium. The groups of Prof. Markus Lappe and Dr. Fred Hamker in M?nster pursue a theoretical and model-driven approach to experimental psychology/neuroscience in the field of visual perception and its cognitive control. We form an interdisciplinary research community with members coming from psychology, biology, computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics and physics. More information about the groups can be found at http://wwwpsy.uni-muenster.de/ Psychologie.inst2/AELappe/en/. Applications are invited for the following projects: A. Oculomotor commands in visuo-spatial awareness. This project investigates the contribution of motor signals of saccadic eye movements to the awareness of visual space. We hypothesize that motor signals used for saccade execution are also used for the perception of spatial locations, and that, because these motor signals are plastic, perceptual awareness of peripersonal space is dynamic as well. Using saccadic adaption as an experimental paradigm the project will study the shaping of perceptual space by sensorimotor contingencies. Depending on the interest of the candidate the project can be pursued with either experimental or computational approaches. B. Joint attention in a common workspace. Cooperative behavior between interacting humans can form a shared workspace and a shared control of attention within this workspace by using eye movements and knowledge about the contingencies of the shared task. Social cognition and mirroring networks are important for this. In human- human experiments this project will clarify how shared workspace/ shared attention is established and maintained between partners and how it depends on task settings and sensorimotor contingencies. Concurrent eye- and hand-tracking of two actors sharing a visual- spatial task will be used to experimentally monitor attention and performance of both actors simultaneously. C. Model of attention tracking based on action planning and eye movement observation. The principles of human shared attention shall be used to construct a computational model of cooperative behavior that monitors the overt attention of a cooperation partner and predicts the partner?s actions in a well-defined interaction scenario. This project is linked to project B and will make use of the experimental data obtained in that project. D. Cognitive control of visual perception. Vision requires high-level cognitive control in form of visual-visual and visual-reward associations, specifically when vision is embedded into a task that requires to interact with the environment. This computational project aims at developing a neuro-computational model of cognitive control based on the present knowledge of the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. For more information see: http://wwwpsy.uni-muenster.de/ Psychologie.inst2/AELappe/personen/hamker_perception.html E. Dynamic model of object recognition in the near workspace. In this computational project we will develop algorithms for learning receptive fields at different levels of abstraction in visual processing, including stereo information for depth perception and color. The learned receptive fields will be compared to observations made in different brain areas of human and monkey. For more information see: http://wwwpsy.uni-muenster.de/Psychologie.inst2/ AELappe/personen/hamker_category.html The positions are available for up to 3 years (from March 2008 or later) and are funded according to guidelines for stipends from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. A degree in psychology, computer science, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics or biology is a prerequisite. Experience in programming (C++, Matlab), applied mathematics, and neural modeling is of significant advantage. PhD candidates are encouraged to apply for the interdisciplinary PhD Program of the Otto-Creutzfeldt-Center for Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience (www.occ-muenster.de) Please send applications by January 15th 2008 per email (PDF preferred) to mlappe@psy.uni-muenster.de (projects A - C) or fhamker@uni-muenster.de (projects D and E). The university is an equal opportunity employer. Women are encouraged to apply. Disabled applicants will receive priority in case they have equal qualifications. -------------------- Dr. Fred H Hamker Institute of Psychology Westf. Wilhelms-Universitaet Muenster Fliednerstr. 21 D-48149 M?nster Germany Tel:+49 (0)251/83-34171 Fax:+49 (0)251/83-34180 email: fhamker@uni-muenster.de www: http://wwwpsy.uni-muenster.de/Psychologie.inst2/AELappe/personen/ hamker.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.neuroinf.org/pipermail/comp-neuro/attachments/20071211/52f96113/attachment-0001.html From arnd.roth at ucl.ac.uk Wed Dec 12 03:09:55 2007 From: arnd.roth at ucl.ac.uk (Arnd Roth) Date: Wed Dec 12 08:49:03 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Single-Neuron Modeling award and competition Message-ID: We would like to invite you to participate in the Quantitative Single- Neuron Modeling Competition 2008 http://lcn.epfl.ch/QuantNeuronMod2008/ Why such a competition? How well are single-cell properties reproduced by the present-day neuronal models? Recently, several labs have approached this question by assessing the quality of neuron models with respect to spike timing prediction or characteristic features of the voltage trace. So far, every modeler used their own preferred performance measure on their own data set. The Quantitative Single-Neuron Modeling Competition offers a coherent framework to compare neuronal models with four different experiments on layer V pyramidal neurons from rat somatosensory cortex under somatic and dendritic stimulation. Goal This competition is an opportunity to bridge the gap between experimentalists and modelers (are there modelers who always dreamed of testing their theoretical model, and experimentalists who wondered which model to use for their specific case?). The Quantitative Single-Neuron Modeling Competition is an invitation to compare your methods and models to those of other people in the field. With good participation, the outcome of this competition will be of great interest to both experimentalists and network modelers. Participation Participants can submit their prediction to one or more of the challenges A, B, C or D. See http://lcn.epfl.ch/QuantNeuronMod2008/ for details. Anyone can participate and any type of model is accepted. Prizes The prizes are given upon the disclosure of the model used. - 1st prize: The Swiss Single-Neuron Modeling Award (10 000 CHF*) is given to the participant(s) providing the best performance in at least 2 of the challenges. - 2nd prize: The EPFL-Brain Mind Institute Neuron Modeling Award (500 CHF*) is given to the participant(s) providing best overall performance in one of the challenges A, B, C or D. * Members of EPFL can participate but are not eligible to the monetary reward. In case of a tie for any of the prizes, the amount is divided in equal parts. Important Dates - February 15th 2008 : Submission deadline. - March 3rd-4th 2008 : Presentation of the results at the workshop on Data sharing and modeling challenges in neuroscience taking place during Cosyne 2008 meeting, Salt Lake City, Utah. Organizers Wulfram Gerstner (EPFL) Thomas Berger (EPFL) Arnd Roth (UCL) From jbednar at inf.ed.ac.uk Wed Dec 12 12:36:23 2007 From: jbednar at inf.ed.ac.uk (James A. Bednar) Date: Wed Dec 12 13:42:40 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] PhD studentships in Neuroinformatics and Computational Neuroscience, Edinburgh Message-ID: <18271.51127.414184.356987@lodestar.inf.ed.ac.uk> PhD studentships in Neuroinformatics and Computational Neuroscience, Edinburgh We invite applications for 12 fully-funded PhD studentships at the University of Edinburgh Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) in Neuroinformatics and Computational Neuroscience. The DTC is a world-class centre for research at the interface between neuroscience and the engineering and physical sciences. Our four-year programme is ideal for students with strong computational and analytical skills who want to work on problems in neuroscience and related fields. The first year consists of courses in neuroscience and informatics, as well as lab projects. This is followed by a three-year PhD project done in collaboration with one of the many departments and institutes affiliated with the DTC. The DTC focuses on research into understanding the brain and the nervous system using computational models and experiments, and also includes applying findings from neuroscience to build better software and hardware (robots and microcircuits), and using advanced methods to improve data handling and analysis including clinical diagnosis. PhD topics fall into five main areas: * Computational neuroscience: Using analytical and computational models, potentially supplemented with experiments, to gain quantitative understanding of the nervous system. Current projects focus on the development and function of sensory and motor systems, including neural coding, learning, and memory. * Cognitive science: Studying human cognitive processes and analysing them in computational terms. * Biomedical imaging algorithms and tools: Using advanced data analysis techniques, such as machine learning and Bayesian approaches, for imaging-based diagnosis and research. * Software systems and applications: Using discoveries from neuroscience to develop intelligent computer interfaces and software that can handle real-life data. * Neurorobotics and VLSI: Using insights from neuroscience to help build better hardware, such as neuromorphic VLSI circuits and robots that perform robustly under natural conditions. Edinburgh has a world-class research community in these areas and leads the UK in creating a coherent programme in neuroinformatics and computational neuroscience. Edinburgh has been voted 'best place to live in Britain', and has many exciting cultural and student activities. Students with a strong background in computer science, mathematics, physics, or engineering are particularly welcome to apply. Motivated students with other backgrounds will also be considered. Up to 12 full studentships (?12,600-?14,000 pa) are available to UK students and a small number of EU students. Non-EU/non-UK applicants will need to provide their own funding and evidence thereof. Further information and application forms can be obtained from: http://www.anc.ed.ac.uk/dtc The application deadline is 31 January 2008 for entry September 2008. From g.goodhill at uq.edu.au Thu Dec 13 06:06:40 2007 From: g.goodhill at uq.edu.au (Geoffrey Goodhill) Date: Fri Dec 14 09:01:03 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Network issues 18.3 and 18.4 Message-ID: Issue 18.3 (September 2007) http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=g782934449~db=all SPECIAL ISSUE ON SENSORY CODING AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Guest Editors: Jack Gallant and Michael Lewicki Editorial Jack Gallant; Michael Lewicki Original Articles Estimating sparse spectro-temporal receptive fields with natural stimuli Stephen V. David; Nima Mesgarani; Shihab A. Shamma (FREE ACCESS until Jan 13th 2008) Seasonal variations in the color statistics of natural images Michael A. Webster; Yoko Mizokami; Shernaaz M. Webster Artists portray human faces with the Fourier statistics of complex natural scenes Christoph Redies; Jan H?nisch; Marko Blickhan; Joachim Denzler Hebbian learning in a model with dynamic rate-coded neurons: An alternative to the generative model approach for learning receptive fields from natural scenes Fred H. Hamker; Jan Wiltschut Human eye-head co-ordination in natural exploration Wolfgang Einh?user; Frank Schumann; Stanislavs Bardins; Klaus Bartl; Guido B?ning; Erich Schneider; Peter K?nig -------- Issue 18.4 (December 2007) http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=g783041122~db=all Original articles Asynchronous inputs and NMDA conductances predict excitatory responses in the cortical-CA1 pathway of the hippocampus Kit D. Longden; David J. Willshaw (FREE ACCESS until Jan 13th 2008) A model for the thick, thin and pale stripe organization of primate V2 Nicholas V. Swindale Local statistics of retinal optic flow for self-motion through natural sceneries Dirk Calow; Markus Lappe Common-input models for multiple neural spike-train data Jayant E. Kulkarni; Liam Paninski -------- Geoff Goodhill Editor-in-Chief, Network: Computation in Neural Systems http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/0954898X.asp From dancoisne at bccn.uni-freiburg.de Thu Dec 13 08:41:49 2007 From: dancoisne at bccn.uni-freiburg.de (Florence Dancoisne) Date: Fri Dec 14 09:02:31 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Advanced Course for Computational Neuroscience 2008 - first announcement Message-ID: <4760E23D.8070400@bccn.uni-freiburg.de> ADVANCED COURSE IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE (A Bernstein/Gatsby Neuroscience School) First Announcement August 4th -29th, 2008 Freiburg, Germany DIRECTORS: * Israel Nelken (Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel) * Nicolas Brunel (CNRS Paris) * John Rinzel (NYU, New York, USA) * Peter Latham (University College London, UK) LOCAL ORGANIZER: * Florence Dancoisne (Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Freiburg) The Advanced Course in Computational Neuroscience is for advanced graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who are interested in learning the essentials of the field. The course has two complementary parts. Mornings are 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 are given practical training in the art and practice of neural modelling, by pursuing a project of their choosing under the close supervision of expert tutors. The first week of the course introduces students to essential neurobiological concepts and to the most important techniques in modelling single cells, networks and neural systems. Students learn how to solve their research problems using software packages such as MATLAB, NEST, NEURON, XPP, etc. During the following three weeks the lectures cover specific brain areas and functions. Topics range from modelling single cells and subcellular processes through the simulation of simple circuits, large neuronal networks and system level models of the brain. The course ends with project presentations by the students. The course is designed for advanced 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 as well as some computer experience. Students of any nationality can apply. A maximum of 30 students will be accepted. The current fee for the course will be EUR 500; this will cover tuition, lodging, breakfast and dinner. There will be a limited number of course fee scholarships, and travel stipends available for students who need financial help for attending the course. We specifically encourage applications from researchers who work in the developing world. These students will be selected according to the normal submission procedure. Applications, including a description of the target project must be submitted electronically (see below) and will need to be accompanied by the names and email details of two referees who have agreed to furnish references. Applicants will need to ensure that their referees have submitted their references. Applications will be assessed by a committee, with selection being based on the following criteria: the scientific quality of the candidate (CV) and of the project, the recommendation letters, and evidence that the course will afford substantial benefit to the candidate. Please apply electronically using a web browser. More information and access to the application database: http://www.neuroinf.org/courses/EUCOURSE/F08/index.shtml Contact address: * Fiona Siegfried Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Freiburg Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat Freiburg Hansastrasse 9A 79104 Freiburg Germany * mail: siegfried@bccn.uni-freiburg.de Application process starts: January 14th, 2008 Application deadline: March 28th, 2008 Deadline for letters of recommendation: March 28th, 2008 Notification of results: April 25th, 2008 INVITED FACULTY (* = confirmed) Larry Abbott, Brandeis, USA Ad Aertsen, U. Freiburg, Germany* Amos Arieli, Weizmann Institute, Israel* Jeff Beck, U. of Rochester, USA* Paul Bressloff, U. of Utah, USA Nathaniel Daw, NYU, USA* Erik De Schutter, OIST, Japan Alain Destexhe, CNRS Gif, France* Wulfram Gerstner, EFPL, Switzerland Marc-Oliver Gewaltig, Honda, Germany* Zhaoping Li, UCL, UK* David Hansel, CNRS Paris, France* Sheila Nirenberg, Cornell U. USA Yael Niv, Princeton, USA* Stefano Panzeri, U. of Manchester, UK Jonathan Pillow, UCL, UK* Yifat Prut, Hebrew U. Israel* Yasser Roudi, UCL, UK* Idan Segev, Hebrew U., Israel* Haim Sompolinsky, Hebrew U., Israel Karl Svoboda, Cold Spring Harbor, USA Alex Thomson, UL, UK* Mark Van Rossum, U. of Edinburgh, UK* TUTORS(all confirmed) Janet Best, Ohio State, USA Hermann Cuntz, UCL, UK Moritz Helias, U. Freiburg, Germany Alex Lerchner, UCL, UK Tim Vogels, Columbia, USA more to be invited SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR Bernd Wiebelt, U. Freiburg, Germany -- We are currently inviting applications for several PhD and PostDoc positions at the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience and in associated projects. more information under: www.bccn.uni-freiburg.de/jobs -- Florence Dancoisne Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Freiburg Administrative Coordinator Hansastr. 9A D-79104 Freiburg http://www.bccn.uni-freiburg.de phone: + 49 761 203 9314 fax: + 49 761 203 9559 From cardoso at bccn.uni-freiburg.de Thu Dec 13 15:50:12 2007 From: cardoso at bccn.uni-freiburg.de (Simone Cardoso de Oliveira) Date: Fri Dec 14 09:02:33 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Funding Opportunity: Bernstein Junior Research Groups in Computational Neuroscience, Germany Message-ID: <476146A4.6050507@bccn.uni-freiburg.de> Dear list subscribers, please find below the annoucement for a very attractive funding opportunity for junior research groups in the area of Computational Neuroscience in Germany. Best regards, Simone Cardoso .............................. Regulations for the "Bernstein Award" Funding Initiative within the framework of the National Network for Computational Neuroscience Announcement of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) [November 20, 2007 - deadline: June 02, 2008] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *1. Funding purpose and legal basis** *1.1 Funding purpose* *Computational Neuroscience is a very dynamic research discipline in the field of the neurosciences. With its interdisciplinary approach and systematic cooperation between biology, medicine, physics, mathematics and computer science, this research area promises the accelerated generation of new findings as well as major impetus for application-oriented fields such as health research, information technology and education. The BMBF has established four "Bernstein Centres for Computational Neuroscience" (www.bernstein-zentren.de ) within the framework of its "National Network for Computational Neuroscience" funding activity. These high-performing centres are the major structural elements of the National Network. This means that a new structure has been created which is necessary for developing a new quality in Computational Neuroscience, for networking this research area and for promoting its international visibility. It is particularly important to attract excellent young researchers in order to lastingly strengthen and establish Computational Neuroscience as a field of research in Germany. The Bernstein Centres contribute substantially to achieving this goal with their concepts for supporting junior researchers at the level of study programmes and postgraduate studies. But there is also a great need to attract and support young researchers at the level of research group leaders, where they will be able to develop their own research profile and greater scientific independence by establishing and heading their own junior research groups. The "Bernstein Award" funding activity aims to support research projects in the field of Computational Neuroscience, thus enabling excellent young researchers working in this field to implement innovative project ideas in Computational Neuroscience in the German research environment. This is intended inter alia to promote the academic qualification of these outstanding young researchers. The projects supported under the "Bernstein Award" initiative will become an integral part of the National Network for Computational Neuroscience and give new impetus to scientific activities. *1.2 Legal basis** * Projects can be supported with grants awarded in accordance with the present funding regulations, the BMBF's standard terms and conditions for grants on expenditure or cost basis and the administrative regulations under section 44 of the Federal Budget Code (BHO). Applicants have no legal claim to a grant. The grant-awarding agency will decide freely after due assessment of the circumstances within the framework of the budget funds available. *2. Object of funding ** * Funding is provided for research projects which have been designed by young, German or foreign postdocs which the latter will conduct at a German research institution. Researchers are required to furnish evidence of extraordinary scientific achievements in the field of Computational Neuroscience. By realizing research projects which they have designed and will supervise themselves and by establishing their own junior research group, the young project leaders are to be given an opportunity to conduct independent research. The funded research projects are to be conducted at a German university or scientific institution (see para 3. below) within or outside the Bernstein Centres. The funded projects of the young researchers are to be integrated in the National Network for Computational Neuroscience in order to strengthen this network. The young researchers should therefore participate in the annual workshops and status seminars of the Bernstein Centres. The purpose of the status seminars is to facilitate exchanges on the progress and results of research and to promote networking between the Bernstein Centres. *3. Grant recipients** * Research proposals may be submitted by institutions of higher education and non-university research institutions based in Germany. Research institutions which receive joint basic funding from the Federal Government and the L?nder can only be awarded project funding to cover their additional expenditure under certain conditions. *4. Prerequisites for funding ** * Funding under the "Bernstein Award" initiative is only provided for innovative research projects which have been designed by outstanding postdocs and will be conducted by them at a university or non-university research institution in Germany (see paras 2. and 3. above). A project will only be eligible for funding if the university or research institution concerned employs the young researcher during the funding period. Furthermore, it is expected that the working facilities required for carrying out the project (basic equipment in terms of laboratory space and other infrastructure) will be made available and the young researcher supported in all matters. A statement made to that effect by the receiving institution must be included with the project outline to be submitted in accordance with para 7.2.1 below. In their own interest, applicants should familiarize themselves with the EU's Research Framework Programme in the context of the planned national project. They should check whether the planned project includes specific European components which make it eligible for exclusive EU funding. Applicants should furthermore examine whether an additional application for funding can be submitted to the EU in the context of the planned national project. Applicants should briefly state the results of such an examination in their national application. *5. Type, scope and rates of funding** * Project funding may be awarded in the form of non-repayable grants. The basis for calculating the grants for universities, research and science institutions and similar establishments is the project-related expenditure eligible for funding (grants for Helmholtz centres and the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft (FhG) will be calculated on the basis of the project-related costs eligible for funding); up to 100 per cent of this expenditure/costs can be funded in individual cases. The European Commission's Community Framework for State Aid for Research and Development must be taken into account when fixing the rates of funding. The Community Framework allows differentiated rules on extra percentage points for collaborative projects proposed by applicants from the new German L?nder and for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which may result in a higher rate of funding. Under the "Bernstein Award" initiative, funding will be provided for one research project per year within the framework of relevant medium-term fiscal planning. The maximum funding period for each individual project is five years. Funding for each individual project can amount to up to EUR1.25 million over the entire project period. During the project period, funding can be provided for the position of the young project leader (up to salary group E14 TV?D or Ib BAT), for up to two positions for further scientific staff (E13 TV?D or IIa BAT), and for the required technical personnel in accordance with the relevant collective agreements. Funding cannot be provided for posts which are financed from public funds. Equipment and investment costs will be reimbursed pursuant to the other terms and conditions which are applicable (see inter alia paras 6 and 7 below). *6. Other terms and conditions for awarding funds** * The Nebenbestimmungen f?r Zuwendungen auf Kostenbasis des BMBF an Unternehmen der gewerblichen Wirtschaft f?r Forschungs- und Entwicklungsvorhaben (Auxiliary Terms and Conditions for Funds Provided by the BMBF to Commercial Companies for Research and Development Projects on a Cost Basis -- NKBF 98) will be part of the notification of award for grants on a cost basis. The Allgemeine Nebenbestimmungen f?r Zuwendungen zur Projektf?rderung (General Auxiliary Conditions for Grants for the Promotion of Projects -- ANBest-P) and the Besondere Nebenbestimmungen f?r Zuwendungen des BMBF zur Projektf?rderung auf Ausgabenbasis (Special Auxiliary Terms and Conditions for Funds Provided by the BMBF for the Promotion of Projects on an Expenditure Basis -- BNBest-BMBF 98) will be part of the notification of award for grants on an expenditure basis. *7. Procedure** *7.1 Involvement of a project management organization and request for documents* * The Federal Ministry of Education and Research has commissioned the following project management organization to implement the funding activity: Projekttr?ger PT-DLR -- Projekttr?ger Gesundheitsforschung Heinrich-Konen-Str. 1 53227 Bonn Germany Tel.: +49 228 3821-210 (Secretariat) Fax: +49 228 3821-257 Internet: http://www.pt-dlr.de/ The contact is Dr. Jansen (Tel. +49 228 3821-296). Application forms, guidelines, information for applicants and the auxiliary terms and conditions are available here or can be obtained from the project management organization. Applicants are strongly recommended to use the electronic application system "easy " for drafting formal applications. *7.2 Two-tiered funding procedure** * The funding procedure is two-tiered. *7.2.1 Submission and selection of project outlines** * In a first step, written project outlines must be submitted by post to the project management organization (PT-DLR) *by 02 June 2008 at the latest.** * It is intended to implement further funding decisions, if necessary. Further deadlines for the submission of proposals will be published on http://www.gesundheitsforschung-bmbf.de/de/175.php. With a view to the international evaluation procedure, it is recommended that the project outlines be submitted to the PT-DLR *in English*. The deadline for submission is not a cut-off deadline. However, it may prove impossible to consider project outlines which are received after that date. Young German and foreign researchers who meet the criteria set out in this announcement (see para 4 above) are entitled to submit project outlines in agreement with the receiving university or research institution. The project outlines must include a description structured along the following lines: - Name of the young researcher, full office address, contact details (phone, fax, e-mail) - A meaningful CV (up to five pages, Arial 11 pt), which includes achievements in Computational Neuroscience (e. g. supervision of young researchers, national and international cooperation, raising of external funds, invitation to or hosting of conferences, membership of editorial boards of relevant scientific journals, expert opinions, other activities) - List of publications - Preliminary project description for the research programme of the entire proposed junior research group, including all planned scientific and technical staff members (up to ten pages Arial 11 pt) and a financial plan - Statement from the university or research institution at which the research programme is to be carried out confirming that the young researcher will be provided with the working facilities needed to perform the project (basic equipment in terms of laboratory space and other infrastructure) and will be supported in all matters. Applicants are requested to submit 10 copies of their outlines. A legal claim cannot be derived from the submission of a project outline. The evaluation of the project outlines received will involve external experts and be based on the following criteria: a) Previous achievements of the young researcher in the field of Computational Neuroscience - Scientific work including publications - Supervisory activities - International activities - Other activities (raising of external funds, etc.) b) Quality of the proposed research programme - Scientific and methodical quality - Scientific expertise of the applicant - Innovative potential - Reference to research focuses of the host institution. On the basis of the evaluation, a suitable project idea will then be selected for funding. The applicants will be informed in writing about the result of the selection procedure. *7.2.2 Submission of formal applications and decision-making procedure** *In a second step, applicants whose project outlines have been evaluated positively will be invited to submit (within six weeks of the invitation) a formal application of the institution where the research project is to be carried out; a decision on such formal application will be taken after final evaluation. Approval and payment of and accounting for the funds as well as proof and examination of proper use and, if necessary, revocation of the award and reclaiming of the funds awarded are governed by the administrative regulations pertaining to section 44 of the Federal Budget Code (BHO) and sections 48 to 49a of the Administrative Procedure Act (VwVfG) unless deviation is allowed under the present funding regulations. *8. Entry into force** * These funding regulations will enter into force on the date of publication in the Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger). Berlin, 29 October 2007 Federal Ministry of Education and Research Dr. Christiane Buchholz Molecular Life Sciences Division -- Dr. Simone Cardoso de Oliveira Til December 2007: Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Freiburg Coordinator for Teaching and Training Programs >From January 2008: Bernstein Coordination Site of the National Network Computational Neuroscience Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg Hansastr. 9A 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: +49-761-203-9575 fax: +49-761-203-9559 www.bccn.uni-freiburg.de cardoso@bccn.uni-freiburg.de -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.neuroinf.org/pipermail/comp-neuro/attachments/20071213/22c244d5/attachment-0001.html From Eugene.Izhikevich at nsi.edu Thu Dec 13 19:28:21 2007 From: Eugene.Izhikevich at nsi.edu (Eugene M. Izhikevich) Date: Fri Dec 14 09:06:45 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Scholarpedia.org is looking for graduate students to work as assistant editors In-Reply-To: <20070604075409.A599B64D54B@neuroinf.org> References: <20070604075409.A599B64D54B@neuroinf.org> Message-ID: <476179C5.6080200@nsi.edu> Scholarpedia is the open access encyclopedia hosting "Encyclopedia of Computational Neuroscience" and "Encyclopedia of Computational Intelligence". It attempts to partner the authority and responsibility of a printed encyclopedia with the dynamism and timeliness of a wiki. Scholarpedia.org is looking for graduate students to work as assistant editors. Among their responsibilities, assistant editors would have direct input on the future development of Scholarpedia and would have the opportunity to engage with article authors and curators (most often legends in their field of expertise). Assistant editors would work on a volunteer basis, but their contributions would not be expected to take more than 2-4 hours per week. Interested students should contact Dr. Eugene M. Izhikevich (editor-in-chief@scholarpedia.org) with a brief description of their academic context and areas of expertise. Assistant editors should be familiar with wiki environments, skilled in HTML and/or LaTeX, and possess excellent written English. -- Eugene M. Izhikevich, Senior Fellow in Theoretical Neurobiology PhD, Mathematics, http://www.nsi.edu/users/izhikevich The Neurosciences Institute, Editor-in-Chief@scholarpedia.org 10640 John J. Hopkins Drive tel:(858) 626-2063 San Diego, CA, 92121, USA fax:(858) 626-2099 From bowlby at bu.edu Fri Dec 14 15:48:34 2007 From: bowlby at bu.edu (Brian Bowlby) Date: Fri Dec 14 16:09:10 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] 12th ICCNS: Call for Abstracts and Confirmed Invited Speakers Message-ID: TWELFTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COGNITIVE AND NEURAL SYSTEMS May 14 ? 17, 2008 Boston University 677 Beacon Street Boston, Massachusetts 02215 USA http://www.cns.bu.edu/meetings/ Sponsored by the Boston University Center for Adaptive Systems, Department of Cognitive and Neural Systems (http://www.cns.bu.edu/), and the Center of Excellence for Learning in Education, Science, and Technology (http://cns.bu.edu/CELEST) with financial support from the National Science Foundation This interdisciplinary conference is attended each year by approximately 300 people from 30 countries around the world. As in previous years, the conference will focus on solutions to the questions: HOW DOES THE BRAIN CONTROL BEHAVIOR? HOW CAN TECHNOLOGY EMULATE BIOLOGICAL INTELLIGENCE? The conference is aimed at researchers and students of computational neuroscience, cognitive science, neural networks, neuromorphic engineering, and artificial intelligence. It includes invited lectures and contributed lectures and posters by experts on the biology and technology of how the brain and other intelligent systems adapt to a changing world. The conference is particularly interested in exploring how the brain and biologically-inspired algorithms and systems in engineering and technology can learn. Single-track oral and poster sessions enable all presented work to be highly visible. Three-hour poster sessions with no conflicting events will be held on two of the conference days. Posters will be up all day, and can also be viewed during breaks in the talk schedule. CONFIRMED INVITED SPEAKERS Cynthia Breazeal (MIT Media Lab) Computational models of embodied cognition to support human-robot teamwork Gyorgy Buzsaki (Rutgers University) (Plenary Lecture) Segregation of cell assembly sequences by oscillatory synchrony Gail Carpenter (Boston University) (Plenary Lecture) Large-scale neural systems for vision and cognition (2008 IEEE Neural Networks Pioneer Award) Peter Dayan (University College London) The misbehavior of value Greg DeAngelis (University of Rochester) Roles of visual area MT in depth perception Stephen Grossberg (Boston University) Cortical dynamics of attentive object recognition, scene understanding, and decision making Joy Hirsch (Columbia University) Functional specificity and cortical mechanisms that regulate emotion and cognition: What the human face tells the human brain Ranu Jung (Arizona State University) Neurotechnology for making neural circuits functional Gordon Logan (Vanderbilt University) The mysterious story of cognitive control Javier Movellan (University of California at San Diego) Developing social robots: A paradigm for the scientific study of human behavior Charan Ranganath (University of California at Davis) Relational binding in human memory John Reynolds (Salk Institute) Mapping the microcircuitry of attention: Attentional modulation varies across cell classes in visual area V4 Daniel Salzman (Columbia University) Learning about rewards and punishments in the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex WORKSHOP ON DYNAMICS OF CORTICAL-HIPPOCAMPAL INTERACTIONS FOR MEMORY GUIDED BEHAVIOR Neil Burgess (University College London) Predictions of an interference model of grid cell firing Howard Eichenbaum (Boston University) Grid cells and place cells: Different roles in memory? Michael Hasselmo (Boston University) Oscillations, grid cells and episodic memory David Redish (University of Minnesota) Transiently prospective neural firing in CA3 at decision points Trygve Solstad (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) Spatial representations in hippocampus and entorhinal cortex David Touretzky (Carnegie-Mellon University) A spin-glass model of path integration in grid cells WORKSHOP ON COMPUTING WITH NEURAL INTERFACES Theodore Berger (University of Southern California) Bi-directional communication with the brain through biomimetic microelectronics John Donoghue (Brown University) Neural ensemble activity as a direct control signal in humans Donald Eddington (Harvard University) Cochlear implants Phil Kennedy (Neural Signals) Speech prosthesis: An analysis of single unit recordings from human cortex Krishna Shenoy (Stanford University) Toward high-performance communication prostheses John Wyatt (Boston Retinal Implant Project) Steps in the development of a retinal Implant CALL FOR ABSTRACTS Session Topics: * vision * object recognition * image understanding * neural circuit models * audition * neural system models * speech and language * mathematics of neural systems * unsupervised learning * robotics * supervised learning * hybrid systems (fuzzy, evolutionary, digital) * reinforcement and emotion * neuromorphic VLSI * sensory-motor control * industrial applications * cognition, planning, and attention * other * spatial mapping and navigation Contributed abstracts must be received, in English, by January 31, 2008. Email notification of acceptance will be provided by February 29, 2008. A meeting registration fee must accompany each Abstract. The fee will be returned if the Abstract is not accepted for presentation. Fees of accepted Abstracts will be returned on request only until April 11, 2008. Each Abstract must fit on one side of an 8.5" x 11" page with 1" margins on all sides in a single-spaced, single-column format with a font of 10 points or larger. The title, authors, affiliations, and surface and email addresses should begin each Abstract. A cover letter should include the abstract title; corresponding author and presenting author name, address, telephone, fax, and email address; requested preference for oral or poster presentation; and a first and second choice from the topics above, including whether it is biological (B) or technological (T) work [Example: first choice: vision (T); second choice: neural system models (B)]. Talks will be 15 minutes long. Posters will be displayed for a full day. Overhead, slide, and LCD computer projector facilities will be available for talks. Accepted Abstracts will be printed in the conference proceedings volume. No extended paper will be required. Four paper copies of the Abstract should be mailed to Cynthia Bradford, Boston University, CNS Department, 677 Beacon Street, Boston MA 02215 USA. Abstracts may also be submitted electronically as M/S Word files to cindy@bu.edu using the phrase ?12th ICCNS abstract submission? in the subject line. Fax submissions will not be accepted. REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Early registration is recommended using the registration form below. Student registrations must be accompanied by a letter of verification from a department chairperson or faculty/ research advisor. STUDENT TRAVEL FELLOWSHIPS: Fellowships for PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows who do not live in the Boston area are available to help cover travel costs. The application deadline is January 31, 2008. Email notification will occur by February 29, 2008. Fellowship applications must be submitted as paper hardcopy to the abstract submission address shown above. Each application should include the applicant's CV; faculty or PhD research advisor's name, address, and email address; relevant courses and other educational data; and a list of research articles. A letter from the listed faculty or PhD advisor on institutional stationery must accompany the application and summarize how the candidate may benefit from the meeting. Fellowship applicants who also submit an Abstract need to include the registration fee payment with their Abstract submission. Fellowship checks will be distributed after the meeting. REGISTRATION FORM Twelfth International Conference on Cognitive and Neural Systems May 14?17, 2008 Boston University Department of Cognitive and Neural Systems 677 Beacon Street Boston, Massachusetts 02215 USA Fax: +1 617 353 7755 Mr/Ms/Dr/Prof:_____________________________________________________ Affiliation:_________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________ City, State, Postal Code:______________________________________________ Phone and Fax:_____________________________________________________ Email:____________________________________________________________ The registration fee includes the conference proceedings, a reception on Friday night, and 3 coffee breaks each day. CHECK ONE: ( ) $95 Conference (Regular) ( ) $65 Conference (Student) METHOD OF PAYMENT (please fax or mail): [ ] Enclosed is a check made payable to "Boston University" Checks must be made payable in US dollars and issued by a US correspondent bank. Each registrant is responsible for any and all bank charges. [ ] I wish to pay by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover Card only) Name as it appears on the card:___________________________________________ Type of card: _____________________________ Expiration date:________________ Account number: _______________________________________________________ Signature:____________________________________________________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.neuroinf.org/pipermail/comp-neuro/attachments/20071214/db2fb4b9/attachment-0001.html From Eugene.Izhikevich at nsi.edu Sat Dec 15 09:50:16 2007 From: Eugene.Izhikevich at nsi.edu (Eugene M. Izhikevich) Date: Sat Dec 15 10:53:48 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] =?windows-1252?q?Postdoctoral_position_-_The_Neuros?= =?windows-1252?q?ciences_Institute_in_San_Diego=2C_CA_=96_application_of_?= =?windows-1252?q?DTI_to_brain_models?= Message-ID: <47639548.7020604@nsi.edu> The Neurosciences Institute, located in San Diego, California, invites applications for a POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP in theoretical neurobiology, available immediately. The fellow will participate in the ongoing project to build a large-scale model of the mammalian brain with white-matter anatomy using human Diffusion Tensor Imaging and fiber-tracking methods (see http://nsi.edu/users/izhikevich/interest/). Applicants should have Ph.D in Mathematics, Physics, or related field, background in computational neuroscience, an established research record in DTI and fibertracking methods, working knowledge of C, MATLAB, and Linux operating system. Fellows will receive stipends appropriate to their qualifications and experience. Submit curriculum vitae to Eugene.Izhikevich@nsi.edu Dr. Eugene M. Izhikevich, The Neurosciences Institute, 10640 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, (858) 626-2063 From golomb at bgumail.bgu.ac.il Mon Dec 17 10:59:43 2007 From: golomb at bgumail.bgu.ac.il (David Golomb) Date: Mon Dec 17 12:10:45 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Postdoctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience of the Vibrissal System Message-ID: A postdoctoral position is available from March 1st, 2008 to study the network mechanisms underlying the dynamics of the whisker sensory-motor system of rodents. The position is for 2 years with an option for extension. The research will be carried out at the neurophysics lab of David Golomb at the Ben-Gurion University, Be'er-Sheva, Israel and the adaptive perceptual processing lab of Ehud Ahissar at the Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel. The two laboratories participate in a research program funded by the EU contract BIOTACT. The program includes other theoretical, robotics and experimental groups in Europe. The theoretical activity in Israel will focus on modeling brainstem loops that include sensory and motor nuclei. The research goals are to understand, and then reverse-engineer through computational modeling, the ability of whisking animals to generate well-controlled fast rhythmic whisker movements that allow accurate perception. The postdoctoral fellow will apply mathematical analysis of the models using dynamical systems techniques and network simulations, and will work closely with experimental data. We are looking for candidates with Ph.D. in physics, applied mathematics or electrical or biomedical engineering with a strong interest in neuroscience. Proficient programming skills are required. Background in neuroscience and neuronal modeling is an advantage. We will review application from Jan 15 and until the position is filled. Please send applications to: Prof. David Golomb Department of Physiology Ben-Gurion University Be'er-Sheva 84105, Israel E-mail: golomb@bgu.ac.il From erik at oist.jp Wed Dec 19 03:34:00 2007 From: erik at oist.jp (Erik De Schutter) Date: Wed Dec 19 09:52:42 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Okinawa Computational Neuroscience Course 2008: First announcement Message-ID: <2DB09BCD-63FE-4E26-A7E8-CF9CE9130230@oist.jp> First Announcement OKINAWA COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2008 Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors June 15 - July 4, 2008. Okinawa, Japan http://www.irp.oist.jp/ocnc/2008 The aim of the Okinawa Computational Neuroscience Course is to provide opportunities for young researchers with theoretical backgrounds to learn the latest advances in neuroscience, and for those with experimental backgrounds to have hands-on experience in computational modeling. We invite graduate students and postgraduate researchers to participate in the course, held from June 15th through July 4th, 2008 at an oceanfront seminar house of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. Applications will be through the course web page only; the forms will become available January 7th, 2008 and applications will close February 17th, 2008. Applicants will be required to propose a project at the time of application. Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance before end of March. Like last year, OCNC will be a comprehensive three-week course covering single neurons, networks, and behaviors with ample time for student projects. The first week will focus exclusively on methods with hands-on tutorials during the afternoons, while the second and third weeks will have lectures by international experts. We invite those who are interested in integrating experimental and computational approaches at each level, as well as in bridging different levels of complexity. The sponsor will provide lodging and meals during the course and support travel for those without funding. We hope that this course will be a good opportunity for theoretical and experimental neuroscientists to meet each other and to explore the attractive nature and culture of Okinawa, the southernmost island prefecture of Japan. Invited faculty: Arbuthnott, Gordon Bhalla, Upi Butera, Robert De Schutter, Erik Deneve, Sophie Destexhe, Alain Doya, Kenji Fairhall, Adrienne Gew?ltig, Marc-Oliver H?usser, Michael Ishii, Shin K?rding, Konrad Longtin, Andr? Montague, Read Stiefel, Klaus Tsodyks, Misha Wang, Xiao-Jing Wickens, Jeff More to be announced... From john at mmmi.sdu.dk Wed Dec 19 10:52:45 2007 From: john at mmmi.sdu.dk (John Hallam) Date: Thu Dec 20 09:32:58 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Reminder: SAB08 Paper Submission Deadline 14/01-2008 Message-ID: ------------------------------------------------------ Call for papers -- see also http://www.sab08.org/callforpaper.html FROM ANIMALS TO ANIMATS 10 The 10th International Conference on the SIMULATION OF ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR (SAB'08) 7-12 July 2008, Osaka, Japan http://sab08.org ORGANIZING COMMITTEE General Chair: Minoru Asada PC Chair: Jun Tani General Co-Chairs: John Hallam, Jean-Arcady Meyer IMPORTANT DATES Call for workshop deadline, Februay 1st, 2008 FIRM Paper submission deadline, January 14th, 2008 Conference dates, July 7-10, 2008 Workshops date, July 11-12, 2008 The objective of this interdisciplinary conference is to bring together researchers in computer science, artificial intelligence, alife, control, robotics, neurosciences, ethology, evolutionary biology, and related fields so as to further our understanding of the behaviors and underlying mechanisms that allow natural and artificial animals to adapt and survive in uncertain environments. The conference will focus on experiments with well-defined models --- robot models, computer simulation models, mathematical models --- designed to help characterize and compare various organizational principles or architectures underlying adaptive behavior in real animals and in synthetic agents, the animats. Authors should make every effort to suggest implications of their work for both natural and artificial animals, and to distinguish the portions of their work which use simulation from those using a physical agent. Papers that do not deal explicitly with adaptive behavior will be rejected. CONFERENCE FORMAT: Following the tradition of SAB conferences, the conference will be single track, with additional poster sessions. Each poster session will start with poster spotlights giving presenters the opportunity to orally present their main results. PUBLISHER: Springer Lecture Notes on Artificial Intelligence. Both oral and poster presentations will be published in conference proceedings. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Papers, of maximum length 10 pages, must be submitted in PDF format using the web entry system https://www.softconf.com/starts/sab08/ Please use the Springer format for "Proceedings and Other Multi author Volumes" found at the URL below (N.B. the URL should be all one line; we have split it for ease of viewing): http://www.springer.com/east/home/computer/lncs?SGWID=5-164-7-72376-0 &teaserId=45515&CENTER_ID=73062 CONTACT US: Please contact us at sab2008@sab08.org for questions concerning paper submission and sab08@intergroup.co.jp for general questions. ------------------------------------------------------------ From Ranu.Jung at asu.edu Wed Dec 19 23:23:20 2007 From: Ranu.Jung at asu.edu (Ranu Jung) Date: Thu Dec 20 09:33:01 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Two Computational Neuroscience Funding Opportunities Message-ID: Could this be please posted. ************************************************************************ ****************************************************************** Dear colleagues, I would like to bring your attention to two recently published Computational Neuroscience funding opportunities. Please forward them to investigators in your field who might be interested. Thanks! 1. Joint NSF-NIH initiative: Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience (CRCNS) The emphasis of this initiative is on innovative interdisciplinary collaborative research between experimental neuroscientists and computational scientists to make significant advances in the understanding of nervous system function and mechanisms underlying nervous system disorders. Receipt dates: Feb 26, 2008, Oct 30, 2008, Oct 30, 2009 NIH Notice: (NOT-NS-08-008) http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-NS-08-008.html Full announcement (NSF-8-514) http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08514/nsf08514.htm 2. Trans-NIH initiative: Predictive Multiscale Models of the Physiome in Health and Disease (R01) The emphasis of this initiative is on multiscale (>1 biological scales, e.g., genetic, cellular, systems, behavior), predictive computational modeling and models of health and disease states. Receipt Dates: January 14, 2008, May 14, 2008, September 15, 2008, January 14, 2009, May 14, 2009, September 15, 2009, January 14, 2010, May 14, 2010, September 15, 2010 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-023.html FAQ's http://www.nibib.nih.gov/Funding/MultiscaleModeling Yuan Liu, PhD Chief, Office of International Activities Director, Computational Neuroscience & Neuroinformatics Program NINDS, NIH NSC, 6001 Executive Blvd. Room 2187 Bethesda, MD 20892-9523 Phone: (301) 496-0012 Fax: (301) 480-1080 Email: liuyuan@ninds.nih.gov ************************************************************************ ************************************************************************ ******************************************* Ranu Jung, PhD Arizona State University -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.neuroinf.org/pipermail/comp-neuro/attachments/20071219/a7ab7cc8/attachment-0001.html From djaeger at emory.edu Wed Dec 19 23:21:56 2007 From: djaeger at emory.edu (Dieter Jaeger) Date: Thu Dec 20 09:33:09 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Call for Workshop Proposals: CNS*2008 Conference July 20-24 in Portland, OR In-Reply-To: <2DB09BCD-63FE-4E26-A7E8-CF9CE9130230@oist.jp> References: <2DB09BCD-63FE-4E26-A7E8-CF9CE9130230@oist.jp> Message-ID: <47699984.5070409@emory.edu> Please see attached .pdf file for Call for Workshops during the last 2 days of CNS*2008 in Portland Oregon. There is no set deadline but proposal review will start around April 1, 2008. It is recommended to send a quick preproposal for comments by the CNS workshop review committee. See: http://www.cnsorg.org for further information on this meeting. -Dieter -- Dieter Jaeger Associate Professor Department of Biology, Emory University 1510 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322 404 727 8139, e-mail: djaeger@emory.edu http://www.biology.emory.edu/research/Jaeger -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: CALL_FOR_WORKSHOP_PROPOSALS_2008_v2.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 12538 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.neuroinf.org/pipermail/comp-neuro/attachments/20071219/b48270f0/CALL_FOR_WORKSHOP_PROPOSALS_2008_v2.pdf From L.Berthouze at sussex.ac.uk Sun Dec 23 01:23:45 2007 From: L.Berthouze at sussex.ac.uk (Luc Berthouze) Date: Mon Dec 24 10:53:40 2007 Subject: [Comp-neuro] CFP Epigenetic Robotics 2008 Message-ID: <5A400D4E-B072-407E-8A32-E30676335A70@sussex.ac.uk> CALL FOR PAPERS: Epigenetic Robotics 2008 31 July - 2 August, 2008, Brighton, UK Eighth International Conference on Epigenetic Robotics: Modeling Cognitive Development in Robotic Systems http://www.epigenetic-robotics.org Email: epirob08@epigenetic-robotics.org ***2008 Conference Theme*** Evolution and Development: Related Processes of Change Location: University of Sussex, Brighton, UK Important Dates: ---------------- 1 April 2008: Deadline for submission of papers & posters 31 May 2008: Notification of acceptance of papers & posters 30 June 2008: Deadline for camera ready papers 31 July - 2 August 2008: EpiRob08 @ Brighton Keynote Speakers: TBA ----------------- Conference Theme: ------------------ In the past 7 years, the Epigenetic Robotics annual conference has established itself as a unique place where original interdisciplinary research from developmental sciences, neuroscience, biology, cognitive robotics, and artificial intelligence is being presented. Psychological theory and empirical evidence is being used to inform epigenetic robotic models, and these models can be used as theoretical tools to make experimental predictions in developmental psychology. As in previous years, we encourage submissions from researchers whose work broadly intersects the fields (and subdisciplines) of developmental science, robotics, and neuroscience. As a special feature, this year we are also highlighting a specific organizational theme: evolution and development as related processes of change. The particular focus of this theme is on the dynamic interplay between ontogeny and phylogeny. In other words, how do new abilities and skills that emerge during development influence the path of evolution, and how do subsequent evolutionary changes help to create new developmental trajectories? This is a question that fits well within the mission of epigenetic robotics, as it spans not only a wide range of research areas and academic disciplines (e.g., biology, psychology, AI and machine learning, linguistics, anthropology, etc.) but also a broad spectrum of spatial and temporal scales (e.g., neurons, brains, social communities, cultures, etc.). We are especially interested in submissions that will enhance the emerging dialog between evolutionary and developmental perspectives. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to: - Artificial embryology - Morphogenesis, differentiation, and regulation - Behavioral inheritance and social learning - The evolution of language acquisition - Phylogenetic constraints on perceptual processing (e.g., face perception) - Neuroplasticity and the evolution of cognition - Evolutionary influences on mother-infant bonding - Modularity of mind (evolutionary constraints on neural processing) - Tool-use and problem-solving in humans, non-human primates, and machines Modes of Submission: -------------------- (1) Regular Submission (8-page max). After review, regular submissions will either be accepted or rejected (no revision as short papers or posters). Regular submissions will be allocated 8 pages in the Proceedings. (2) Abstract Submission (1-page max). After review, selected authors will be invited to present a poster. Abstract submissions will be allocated 2 pages in the Proceedings. Submission instructions will be available from the EpiRob website: http://www.epigenetic-robotics.org. Email submissions and/or questions regarding the submission process to epirob08-PC@epigenetic-robotics.org. Related Events: --------------- Note that "Artificial Life XI" (http://www.alifexi.org/) will be hosted in Winchester, UK (5-8 August 2008), and that we encourage participants to attend both meetings. Organizing Committee: --------------------- Christian Balkenius (Lund University, Sweden) Luc Berthouze (University of Sussex, UK) Lola Ca?amero (University of Hertfordshire, UK) Matthew Schlesinger (Southern Illinois University, USA) Dr Luc Berthouze, Senior Lecturer Centre for Computational Neuroscience and Robotics (CCNR) Department of Informatics University of Sussex Brighton BN1 9QH, UK Tel: +44 1273 877206 Fax: +44 1273 877873 From rqqg1 at leicester.ac.uk Sat Dec 29 11:58:11 2007 From: rqqg1 at leicester.ac.uk (Quian Quiroga, Dr R.) Date: Wed Jan 2 09:55:02 2008 Subject: [Comp-neuro] Postdoc in Neuroscience at U.Leicester/ UK Message-ID: Postdoctoral research associate in Neuroscience Bioengineering group - Department of Engineering - University of Leicester A 3-year post-doc position is available to candidates with a PhD in areas related to Neuroscience or Signal Processing (physics, mathematics, engineering, computer sciences). The starting date is March 2008. The focus of the project is to study single neuron correlates of conscious visual perception and behaviour in the human brain. The data comes from patients suffering from epilepsy who do not improve with medication and are implanted with intracranial electrodes to evaluate the potential outcome of curative surgery. Besides its clinical importance, this procedure allows the fascinating opportunity to study the activity of multiple single neurons in awake and behaving human subjects, who can report and give details of their perception and behaviour in different tasks and brain states. The project will be carried out with Dr. Rodrigo Quian Quiroga at the Dept. of Engineering, University of Leicester (www.le.ac.uk/neuroengineering ) in collaboration with the Institute of Epileptology at Kings College London. It will follow up on recent findings about the encoding of visual information by single cells in the human brain (see http://www.vis.caltech.edu/~rodri/papers/nature03687.pdf and http://www.le.ac.uk/users/egweb2/Documents/Press_releases.mht for a selection of press releases). The successful candidate will perform experiments at the Epilepsy Centre of KCL, which is the first centre to perform these recordings in the UK and one of the firsts in Europe. Another research focus will be the development and further optimization of advanced methods for the analysis of large dataset of single-cell recordings. This is not only important for the human recordings, but also for the analysis of multiple single-neurons in animals. Applicants are expected to have a strong background in Mathematics (mainly Signal Processing) and Neuroscience. Experience with neurophysiology recordings is desirable but not essential. The position requires very good knowledge of programming, especially in Matlab. Interested candidates should submit a CV to Rodrigo Quian Quiroga (rqqg1 at le.ac.uk). For more details see www.le.ac.uk/neuroengineering . Rodrigo Quian Quiroga Reader in Bioengineering Department of Engineering, University of Leicester LE1 7RH Leicester, United Kingdom Tel / Fax: +44 (0)116 252 2314 / 2619 www.le.ac.uk/neuroengineering -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.neuroinf.org/pipermail/comp-neuro/attachments/20071229/b3ca9c44/attachment-0001.html From auke.ijspeert at epfl.ch Sun Dec 30 14:04:42 2007 From: auke.ijspeert at epfl.ch (Auke Jan Ijspeert) Date: Wed Jan 2 09:55:07 2008 Subject: [Comp-neuro] CFP: Adaptive Motion in Animals and Machines, AMAM08, June 1-6, 2008, Cleveland, USA Message-ID: <4777976A.3020307@epfl.ch> Call for Abstracts and Participation: AMAM08 AMAM: Adaptive Motion in Animals and Machines June 1-6, 2008, Cleveland, OH, USA http://amam.case.edu AMAM 2008 is the fourth international symposium dedicated to the neuromechanics, sensory perception, and intelligence behind adaptive movement in animals, and the modeling, analysis, and technical development of adaptive movement in animals and machines. Previous symposia were held in Montreal, Canada (2000); Kyoto, Japan (2003); and Ilmenau, Germany (2005). The symposium will include a single track of keynote (evening), plenary, and invited seminar speakers, plus contributed oral presentations and poster sessions. We will also continue the tradition of a "Robot Zoo," where researchers may demonstrate their latest machines. Contributed oral presentation and poster abstracts are invited in all areas pertaining to adaptive motion in animals and machines. We especially encourage submission in the three main focus areas for AMAM 2008: * Robotics and Intelligent Mechanics * Neurobiology and Biomechanics of Movement Behavior * Functional Electrical Stimulation Confirmed speakers include: *Keynote /Plenary * *Seminar * * Hajime Asama * Ansgar Buschges * Paolo Dario * Michael Dickinson * Ryohei Kanzaki * Hiroshi Kimura * Kiisa Nishikawa * Kier Pearson * Hunter Peckham * Marc Raibert * Barry Trimmer * Barbara Webb * Holk Cruse * Martin S. Fischer * Mitra Hartman * Auke Ijspeert * Akio Ishiguro * Malcolm MacIver * Naomichi Ogihara * Sanjay Sane * Metin Setti * Dirk Spenneberg * Dawn Taylor * Lena Ting * Robert Wood Contributed two-page oral presentation abstracts, poster abstracts, and Robot Zoo submissions are due by January 21, 2008. Notification of final acceptance will occur by March 17, 2008. Detailed submission instructions are available at the meeting website, http://amam.case.edu Sincerely, AMAM 2008 Program Committee -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.neuroinf.org/pipermail/comp-neuro/attachments/20071230/589f52b9/attachment.html