Title: Discovery of categorical concepts Abstract: We seem to like reasoning in terms of discrete, logical categories, even in the face of continuous variation. A generous interpretation of this phenomenon is that we create abstractions about the world which enable powerful generalization to new situations -- once I know what "hot-and-sour" is, I can instantly…

Title: How behavioral and evolutionary constraints sculpt early visual processing   Abstract: Biological systems must selectively encode partial information about the environment, as dictated by the capacity constraints at work in all living organisms. For example, we cannot see every feature of the light field that reaches our eyes; temporal resolution is limited by transmission…

Zoom link: https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/j/97176853843?pwd=VLZdh6yqHBcOQhdf816lkN5ByIpIsF.1

Title: A Unified Framework for Sensory Coding in Feedback-Modulated Canonical Networks Abstract: In recent decades, the principles of neural coding have largely been studied at the level of single neurons or unimodal sensory networks. However, brain networks interact in complex ways, often integrating information across sensory modalities. Notably, we lack a theoretical framework for understanding coding in…

Zoom link: https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/j/97176853843?pwd=VLZdh6yqHBcOQhdf816lkN5ByIpIsF.1

Title: Dynamics of evaluation and choice in the orbitofrontal cortex   Abstract: The orbitofrontal cortex is known to be important for evaluation, choice, and motivated behavior, but theories on its precise role have continually evolved. In this talk, I will discuss new perspectives on evaluation and choice in the orbitofrontal cortex in light of work from…

Speakers: Matt Whiteway and Mehdi Azabou Meeting Description: We will share progress on a benchmark using the IBL brain-wide map dataset Working group Description: Advances in neurotechnology and behavioral tracking have enabled the collection of large-scale neural and behavioral datasets, offering new opportunities to study brain function in complex settings. However, researchers face significant challenges in…

Title: Can resource optimization explain neuronal morphology and placement? Abstract: TBD Zoom: https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/j/98788275902?pwd=Lnw6VtoEMdGUg0YygbkJBF3uAKgjsO.1&jst=3

Title: Neural dynamics of short term memory, from mice to human speech Abstract: Neural dynamics represent the hard-to-interpret substrate of circuit computations. Advances in large-scale recordings have highlighted the sheer spatiotemporal complexity of circuit dynamics within and across circuits, portraying in detail the difficulty of interpreting such dynamics and relating it to computation. Indeed, even in extremely…

ARNI will host an informal brainstorming session on June 3rd at 6pm (Fairchild 700) focused on developing AI and neuroscience/cognitive science activities for K–12 students. The goal is to create engaging ways to help young learners better understand the brain and artificial intelligence. Trainees are encouraged to attend—if you're interested in making an impact on…

Seminar Time: 11:30am Date: Fri 6/6/25 Seminar Location: JLG, L5-084 Host: Erfan Zabeh   Title: Selection and consolidation of memory

If you have children or know any young people interested in hands-on STEM fun, bring them to Saturday Science, hosted by Columbia’s CUNO group! The event takes place on Saturday, June 7th at the Jerome L. Greene Science Center (605 West 129th Street). Kids will enjoy engaging, interactive activities while exploring exciting science concepts. ARNI…