School on Brain Dynamics

Brain dynamics underlies brain function in neural information processing and computation, from single neurons processing synaptic inputs to large-scale neuronal circuits integrating information. A central goal in theoretical neuroscience, and the focus of this school, is to unravel the fundamental mechanisms of exactly how dynamics subserves function – e.g., how neural circuits perform computations, implement memory – and how this is disrupted in brain disorders. The first week of the school will introduce students to the principles of brain dynamics and mathematical models that have been used to describe them, while the second week will explore recent key advances that have applied these principles to understand brain dynamics and behavior.

The goal of the school is to provide students from South America with the tools to face key challenges in theoretical neuroscience by providing them with fundamental theory and techniques from dynamical systems theory, biological and artificial neural systems, as well as examples of state-of-the-art research, and connecting them to international researchers who have been developing key work in the area. The school is aimed at Master’s and PhD students from physics, mathematics, engineering, and biological sciences who are working or would like to work in neuroscience projects. Highly motivated students at the end of their undergraduate studies and postdoctoral researchers are also welcome to apply. To foster exchange and discussions, we strongly encourage participants to submit an abstract for a poster presentation.

There is no registration fee and limited funds are available for travel and local expenses.

• Fernanda Selingardi Matias (UFAL, Brazil)
• Hilda Cerdeira (IFT, UNESP, Brazil)
• Kalel Rossi (Max-Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior, Germany)
• Lyle Muller (Western University, Canada)
• Raul de Palma Aristides (Institute for Cross-Disciplinary Physics and Complex Systems, Spain)

Announcement:

Click HERE for online application

Deadline: December 3, 2026

Lecturers

Aneta Koseska  (Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior, Germany) – Cellular Computations and Learning
Bard Ermentrout (University of Pittsburgh, USA) – Nonlinear dynamics in neuroscience
Elif Koksal (Inria Lyon Centre, France) – Dynamical systems theory
Mauro Copelli (Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil) – Criticality in neural circuits
Rubén Moreno Bote (University Pompeu Fabra, Spain) – Artificial neural networks
Xiao-Jing Wang (New York University, USA) – Dynamics of cognitive processes

Announcement:

Click HERE for online application

Deadline: December 3, 2026

TBA

Venue: The event will be held at IFT-UNESP, located at R. Jornalista Aloysio Biondi, 120 – Barra Funda, São Paulo. The easiest way to reach us is by subway or bus, See arrival instructions here.

Accommodation: Participants whose accommodation will be provided by the institute will stay at Hotel Intercity the Universe Paulista. Hotel recommendations are available here.

Attention! Some participants in ICTP-SAIFR activities have received email from fake travel agencies asking for credit card information. All communication with participants will be made by ICTP-SAIFR staff using an e-mail “@ictp-saifr.org”. We will not send any mailings about accommodation that require a credit card number or any sort of deposit. Also, if you are staying at Hotel Intercity the Universe Paulista, please confirm with the Uber/Taxi driver that the hotel is located at Rua Pamplona 83 in Bela Vista (and not in Jardim Etelvina).

Attention! Some participants in ICTP-SAIFR activities have received email from fake travel agencies asking for credit card information. All communication with participants will be made by ICTP-SAIFR staff using an e-mail “@ictp-saifr.org”. We will not send any mailings about accommodation that require a credit card number or any sort of deposit. Also, if you are staying at Hotel Intercity the Universe Paulista, please confirm with the Uber/Taxi driver that the hotel is located at Rua Pamplona 83 in Bela Vista (and not in Jardim Etelvina).

BOARDING PASS: All participants, whose travel has been provided or will be reimbursed by ICTP-SAIFR, should bring the boarding pass  upon registration. The return boarding pass (PDF, if online check-in, scan or picture, if physical) should be sent to secretary@ictp-saifr.org by e-mail.

Visa information: Nationals from several countries in Latin America and Europe are exempt from tourist visa. Nationals from Australia, Canada and USA are required to apply for a tourist visa.

Accommodation: Participants, whose accommodation will be provided by the institute, will stay at Hotel Intercity the Universe Paulista. Hotel recommendations are available here.

Power outlets: The standard power outlet in Brazil is type N (two round pins + grounding pin). Some European devices are compatible with the Brazilian power outlets. US devices will require an adapter.

Poster presentation: Participants who are presenting a poster MUST BRING A PRINTED BANNER . The banner size should be at most 1 m (width) x 1,5 m (length). We do not accept A4 or A3 paper.

Badge: You will receive an identification badge upon registration, which must be used during the entire event. Without the badge, it may not be possible to enter the venue.

Security issues: Although São Paulo is a relatively safe city, be careful when using cellphones on the street, avoid isolated areas at night, and be aware when crossing the street that cars may not stop for pedestrians. Also, please do not leave valuable items like laptops unattended even for short breaks. At the IFT-UNESP, there are storage lockers available and keys can be obtained with our secretaries.