The Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Waterloo is excited to announce our 10th annual Nengo summer school on large-scale brain modelling and neuromorphic computing. This two-week school will teach participants to use the Nengo simulation package to build state-of-the-art cognitive and neural models to run both in simulation and on neuromorphic hardware. Summer school participants will be given on-site access to neuromorphic hardware and will learn to run high-level applications using Nengo! More generally, Nengo provides users with a versatile and powerful environment for designing cognitive and neural systems and has been used to build what is currently the world's largest functional brain model, Spaun, which includes spiking deep learning, reinforcement learning, adaptive motor control, and cognitive control networks.
Applications are due by February 1st, 2025.
We welcome applications from all interested graduate students, postdocs, professors, and industry professionals with a relevant background.
Format:
A combination of tutorials and project-based work. Participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas for projects, which may focus on testing hypotheses, modelling neural or cognitive data, implementing specific behavioural functions with neurons, expanding past models, or providing a proof-of-concept of various neural mechanisms. Hands-on tutorials, work on individual or group projects, and talks from invited faculty members will make up the bulk of day-to-day activities. A project demonstration event will be held on the last day of the school, with prizes for strong projects!
What you'll learn:
Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to interface Nengo with various kinds of neuromorphic hardware (e.g. BrainDrop, SpiNNaker) build perceptual, motor, and sophisticated cognitive models using spiking neurons model anatomical, electrophysiological, cognitive, and behavioural data use a variety of single-cell models within a large-scale model, integrate machine learning methods into biologically oriented models, interface Nengo with cameras and robotic systems, implement modern nonlinear control methods in neural models, and much more…
Date and Location:
June 1st to June 13th, 2025 at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
More Information:
Please visit http://www.nengo.ai/summer-school, where you can find more information regarding costs, travel, lodging, along with an application form listing required materials.
Questions:
If you have any questions about the school or the application process, please contact Michael Furlong (michael.furlong@uwaterloo.ca).
The school is partly supported by ABR, Inc.