Over the course of millions of years of evolution the nervous system has become an extremely sophisticated computational machinery. Understanding how different functions are implemented in this biological substrate is fundamental in order to overcome brain disease and cognitive impairments, to develop future technologies and ultimately, to comprehend our own existence. 

Computational neuroscience aims to formally characterise brain operation using the language of mathematics, and to simulate its function using algorithmic principles. Machine learning uses statistical methods to infer patterns or regularities in data which can help us learn predictive relationships between natural or digital phenomena. Importantly, machine learning has often drawn inspiration from computational principles extracted from biology to build more powerful artificial intelligence technologies. 

During this course, we will give a basic introduction to these subjects in order to provide students with a solid foundation from which they can further expand their horizons. The topics covered will include neurobiology, systems neuroscience, biophysical neural models, recurrent neural networks, dynamical systems, machine learning methods for neural data analysis, bayesian statistics, deep learning and reinforcement learning.

 Another fundamental objective of the course will be to build a strong network of young African scientists that promotes these fields within the African continent. Our overarching goal is to plant the seeds of a highly skilled future scientific cohort, trained in the disciplines that are radically transforming the way we interact in our world, and which are expected to trigger a global economic revolution. 

Application will close on the 15th of February at 23:59h (GMT). 

Who can apply? 

The course is targeted to master students and last-year undergraduates in the natural sciences and engineering (eg. biology, neuroscience, chemistry, mathematics, physics, computer science, and electrical engineering…). Highly motivated Ph.D. students and young researchers who are interested in exploring this field will also be considered.  Note that only African nationals can apply to the course. 

What is the level of the school? 

This TReND course will be an entry-level course in the fields of computational neuroscience and machine learning and will be an ideal preparation for tackling more advanced international courses such as the Imbizo course (https://imbizo.africa/), and the Neuromatch Academy course (https://compneuro.neuromatch.io/tutorials/intro.html ). The language of instruction will be English.

Do I need previous coding experience? 

Some previous coding exposure is highly recommended to make the most out of the course. Nevertheless, for those with less experience, the two-week course will start with a 2-day Python coding introduction adapted to the course needs to get all participants on the same page. The students that come from quantitative backgrounds will be expected to help their peers in their coding assignments. Conversely, students with biological backgrounds are expected to help more technical students understand neuroscientific concepts.

What do I need to apply? 

We request a personal statement where you will answer specific questions about your background and your motivations (see link below). We also require a one-page CV and two letters of recommendation. 

How much does the course cost? 

There is no registration cost for the course. Furthermore, thanks to our generous sponsors, we will be able to cover the selected student’s round-trip airfare (economy) from a major international airport in their country to Ghana (Accra airport), accommodation, and meals. 

Given this unique opportunity, we will only select excellent candidates with the potential to be fruitful long-term investments based not only on their prospective individual careers but also on how they may help advance the fields within the continent in the future.

We welcome all applicants regardless of their socioeconomic background, ethnicity, gender, etc.

For any further questions feel free to contact us at:

compneuroai@trendinafrica.org

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