Emerging computational neural Network architectures based on neuroscience (EmerNet): International EPSRC Workshop on Current Computational Architectures Integrating Neural Networks and Neuroscience. Date: 8-9 August 2000 Location: Durham Castle, Durham, United Kingdom Workshop web page is http://www.his.sunderland.ac.uk/worksh3 Organising Committee ----------------------- Prof. Stefan Wermter Chair Hybrid Intelligent Systems Group University of Sunderland Prof. Jim Austin Advanced Computer Architecture Group Department of Computer Science University of York Prof. David Willshaw Institute for Adaptive and Neural Computation Division of Informatics University of Edinburgh Call for Papers and Participation -------------------------------- Description and Motivation --------------------------- Although there is a massive body of research and knowledge regarding how processing occurs in the brain this has had little impact on the design and development of computational systems. Many challenges remain in the development of computational systems, such as robustness, learning capability, modularity, massive parallelism for speed, simple programming, more reliability etc. This workshop aims to consider if the design of computational systems can learn from the integration of cognitive neuroscience, neurobiology and artificial neural networks. The main objective is the transfer of knowledge by bringing Together researchers in the twin domains of artificial and real neural networks. The goal is to enable computer scientists to comprehend how the brain processes information to generate new techniques for computation and encourage neuroscientists to consider computational factors when performing their research. Areas of Interest for Workshop -------------------------------- The main areas of interest for the workshop bring together Neural Network Architectures and Neuroscience Robustness: What are the characteristics that enable the human brain to carry on operating despite failure of its elements? How can the brain's slow but robust memory be utilised to replace the brittle but fast memory presently found in conventional computers? Modular construction: How can the brain provide ideas for Bringing together the current small artificial neural networks to create larger modular systems that can solve more complex tasks like associative retrieval, vision and language understanding? Learning in context: There is evidence from neuron, network and Brain levels that the internal state of such a neurobiological system has an influence on processing and learning. Is it possible to build computational models of these processes and states, and design incremental learning algorithms and dynamic architectures? Synchronisation: How does the brain synchronise its processing when using millions of processors? How can large asynchronous computerised systems be produced that do not rely on a central clock? Timing: Undertaking actions before a given deadline is vital. What structural and processing characteristics enable the brain to deal with real time situations? How can these be incorporated into a computerised approach? Processing speed: despite having relatively slow computing element, how is real-time performance achieved? Preliminary Invited Speakers We plan to have around 30 participants, including speakers and participants. -------------------------------------- Dr Jim Fleming - EPSRC Prof. Michael Fourman - University of Edinburgh Prof. Angela Frederici - Max Planck Institute of Cognitive NeuroScience Prof. Stephen Hanson - Rutgers University Prof. Stevan Harnad - University of Southampton Prof. Vasant Honavar - Iowa State University Dr Hermann Moisl - University of Newcastle upon Tyne Prof. Heiko Neumann - Universi�t Ulm Prof. G�nther Palm - Universi�t Ulm Prof. Kim Plunkett (tbc) - Oxford University Prof. James A. Reggia - University of Maryland Prof. John Taylor - King's College London Workshop Details ------------------- In order to have a workshop of the highest quality it incorporates a combination of paper presentations on one of the six areas of interest by the participants and more open discussion oriented activities. The discussion element of the EmerNet Workshop will be related to the questions above and it is highly desirable that those wishing to participate focus on one or more of these issues in an extended abstract or position paper of up to 4 pages. Papers should be in either ps, pdf or doc format via email for consideration to Professor Stefan Wermter and Mark Elshaw by the 1st of June 2000. KEY QUESTIONS IS: What can we learn from cognitive neuroscience and the brain for building new computational neural architectures. It is intended that for all participants registration, meals and accommodation at Durham Castle for the Workshop will be provided free of charge. Further, specially invited participants are to receive reasonable travel expenses reimbursed and additional participants rail travel costs in the UK. We also plan to have six places for PhD students or recent post-doctorates and encourage applicants. Extended versions of papers can be published as book chapters in a book with Springer. Location - Durham Castle ------------------------- The EmerNet Workshop is to be held at Durham Castle, Durham(chosen as in between Sunderland, York and Edinburgh) in the North East of England. There are few places in the world that can match the historic City of Durham, with its dramatic setting on a rocky horseshoe bend in the River Wear and beautiful local countryside. Furthermore, it offers easy accessibility by rail from anywhere in the Great Britain and is close to the international airport at Newcastle. The workshop provides the chance to stay at a real English castle that was constructed under the orders of King William the Conqueror in 1072, shortly after the Norman Conquest. It has many rooms of interest including a Norman Chapel that has some of the most fascinating Norman sculptures in existence and the Great Hall that acts as the dinning area. By having the EmerNet Workshop at this excellent location this provides the chance for interesting and productive discussion in a peaceful and historic atmosphere. It is possible to gain a flavour of Durham Castle and Cathedral on the on-line tour at http://www.dur.ac.uk/~dla0www/c_tour/tour.html Contact Details --------------- Mark Elshaw (Workshop Organiser) Hybrid Intelligent Systems Group Informatics Centre SCET University of Sunderland St Peter's Way Sunderland SR6 0DD United Kingdom Phone: +44 191 515 3249 Fax: +44 191 515 2781 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Prof. Stefan Wermter (Chair) Informatics Centre, SCET University of Sunderland St Peter's Way Sunderland SR6 0DD United Kingdom Phone: +44 191 515 3279 Fax: +44 191 515 2781 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.his.sunderland.ac.uk/~cs0stw/ http://www.his.sunderland.ac.uk/
