Digest of the Non Linear Science Network, Volume 11, Number 09 May 15, 2011 Editor: Angel Jorba Topics: Meeting on Computational Neuroscience Workshop on Manifold Learning PhD Position in Space Physics Postdoc Position in Mathematical Biology Submissions to nls-net must be addressed to: Comments and suggestions are also welcome. General information about nls-net can be found at: http://www.maia.ub.es/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/nls-net/ This is a service created and maintained in collaboration with the American Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) http://www.aimsciences.org/ ------ Subject: Meeting on Computational Neuroscience From: Pamela Bye Date: Wed, 4 May 2011 05:04:10 -0400 The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications Computational Neuroscience University of Plymouth, UK, 5-7 September 2011 The complexity, apparent stochasticity, and sheer scale of the circuitry of the brain and the behaviour it expresses may well pose unique challenges to our capacity for mathematical description. Real progress will depend on maintaining strong links between the mathematical and empirical communities. As such, our goal in this meeting is to bring together mathematicians and neuroscientists with a shared focus on how mathematical tools can be brought to bear on understanding the function of the system. Submissions are invited to address any of the following: * model-driven analyses of neural and behavioural data at a range of different scales, that reveal essential aspects of the processing function (s) of the system. * mathematical analysis of the computational function of the nervous system, with particular emphasis on how this analysis informs our understanding of neural circuitry. * mathematical analysis of the structure of neural components and circuits, with particular emphasis on how this structure underlies neural computations. Papers will be accepted for the conference based on a 100-200 word abstract. Abstracts should be submitted by 3 June 2011 either online at http://online.ima.org.uk/ or by email to conferences@ima.org.uk For further Information visit the conference website: http://www.ima.org.uk/viewItem.cfm?cit_id=383310 ------ Subject: Workshop on Manifold Learning From: Jochen Garcke Date: Tue, 3 May 2011 11:36:39 -0400 Workshop on Manifold Learning The workshop will be held in the week of May 30 - June 3, 2011 in Bonn, Germany. It is part of the Trimester Program on Analysis and Numerics for High Dimensional Problems at the Hausdorff Research Institute for Mathematics (HIM). http://www.him.uni-bonn.de/high-dimensional-problems-workshop2 http://www.him.uni-bonn.de/high-dimensional-problems In the field of manifold learning, non-linear methodologies are investigated to efficiently describe high-dimensional data by lower dimensional structures. The research is motivated by the observation made in many data driven research fields that a rich structure is present in the application data which can and needs to be exploited for an efficient representation. In recent years several new machine learning algorithms were introduced which allow such a nonlinear dimension reduction. They aim to exploit local structure and estimations of the intrinsic geometry, dimension, or topology. Theoretical insights from topology allowed new methods for dimensionality estimation. New regularisation approaches for classification and regression which take the geometry into account are also closely related to manifold learning. The workshop aims to bring together researchers interested in manifold learning and dimension reduction. Due to the diverse nature of the field this includes, but is not limited to, people from machine learning, numerical mathematics, linear algebra, topology, geometry, or statistics. ------ Subject: PhD Position in Space Physics From: Mats Holmstrom Date: Thu, 5 May 2011 07:27:30 -0400 The Solar System Physics and Space Technology research programme at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics in Kiruna invites applications for a PhD Student position in Space Physics. The project will develop particle and plasma simulation methods and models to be applied in the study of the solar wind interaction with planets and advanced modelling of satellite-borne particle experiments. The numerical simulations and algorithm development support the interplanetary missions that the research group is involved in, for example, ESA's Mars Express and Venus Express missions, as well as future missions to Mars, the Moon and Jupiter. More information on the research group can be found at http://www.irf.se/program/sspt/ The applicant is expected to have a MSc, or comparable academic degree, in physics or computational mathematics. Experience in scientific computing and knowledge of space physics is desirable. The PhD student should start not later than the second half of 2011, and will be enrolled at Umea University. The position is in Kiruna and provides salary for four years of study, funded by the Swedish National Space Board. For more information, contact Dr. Mats Holmstrom, matsh@irf.se, +46-980-79186. Applications should include a CV, a short letter (one page) stating research interests and relevant experience, copies of academic transcripts and contact information for two professional references. Applications should be sent, preferably by email, to: Registrator, Swedish Institute of Space Physics, Box 812, SE-981 28 Kiruna, Sweden, email: registrator@irf.se (tel. +46 980 79061). Reference: Dnr 31-98/11. Screening of applications will start on 30 May and the position will remain open until it is filled. ------ Subject: Postdoc Position in Mathematical Biology From: Yukihiko Nakata Date: Mon, 2 May 2011 05:14:48 -0400 We are currently looking for a post-doctoral researcher, who may be interested in joining our research line MBMS (Mathematical Biology and Molecular Simulation) which is one of the research lines of BCAM (Basque Center For Applied Mathematics) (www.bcamath.org), located in Bilbao, Spain. http://www.bcamath.org/public_research/ctrl_research.php?accion=MBMS&vista=general MBMS has a strong interest in the area of mathematical modelling and analysis of structured population dynamics with applications in cell biology, ecology and epidemiology. The mathematical formulation of the population equations includes integral equations, in particular renewal equations, and delay differential equations (DDE). We are trying to adapt the usual methods of linearization and bifurcation analysis using characteristic equations to the above types of equations. To compute from the characteristic equations stability boundaries in two-parameter space, we are developing numerical methods, which are a combination of numerical curve continuation and ODE solvers. Currently, we are working on several projects in cell population dynamics, in the fields of stem cell maturation, tumour dynamics and quiescence. The projects involve a collaboration with a laboratory of the Biosciences research center CIC BioGUNE. It would be desirable of the candidate to have an interest to become involved into our projects and to fit into one of the following profiles: (1) understanding of dynamical systems and their computational implementation, in particular, programming skills and experience in Matlab, preferably also C/C++. (2) background in infinite dimensional dynamical systems, e.g., integral equations, delay differential equations and/or experience or interest in state-dependent delay, Researchers who are interested in this project are encouraged to contact informally Philipp Getto at getto@bcamath.org