Topic: learning algorithms

This online workshop connects computational neuroscience, machine learning and neuromorphic engineering through research on spiking neural networks. It examines artificial and biologically plausible learning algorithms and how trained spiking circuits can reveal principles of neural processing. Two afternoons combine four invited talks, seven contributed-talk slots, flash presentations and a virtual poster session, with time for discussion. Invited speakers are Susanne Schreiber, Mihai Petrovici, Eugene Izhikevich and Giulia D’Angelo. The programme begins at 14:00 CET on both 4 and 5 November;

Like last year this online workshop brings together researchers in the field to present their work and discuss ways of translating these findings into a better understanding of neural circuits. Topics include artificial and biologically plausible learning algorithms and the dissection of trained spiking circuits toward understanding neural processing. We have a manageable number of talks with ample time for discussions. This year’s executive committee comprises Chiara Bartolozzi, Sander Bohté, Dan Goodman, and Friedemann Zenke.

Organisms modify their behavior in response to its consequences, a phenomenon referred to as operant learning. Contemporary modeling of this learning behavior is based on reinforcement learning algorithms. I will discuss some of the challenges that these models face, and proposed a new approach to model-selection that is based on testing their ability to engineer behavior. Finally, I will present the results of The Choice Engineering Competition – an academic competition that compared the efficacies of qualitative and quantitative models of operant learning in shaping behavior.