Computational approaches in systems neurophysiology

Venue

University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Lucullo 11 (4th floor, int.10), Rome.

Purpose and Training Objectives

The XXVIII School of Physiology and Biophysics of the Italian Physiological Society is a three-day (one full day and two half days) introductory course designed to provide participants with both theoretical and technical-practical knowledge of computational approaches in systems neurophysiology. The school covers a wide range of topics, from the analysis of behavioral and electrophysiological data to the modeling of brain activity at the cellular, whole-brain, and behavioral levels.

Participants will learn how computational methods can be applied to study motor control and sensory systems by integrating experimental data with advanced analytical tools. The curriculum includes psychophysical methods, analyses of kinematic and muscle synergies, eye movement analyses, computational methods of sensory stimulation, neural network models, and quantitative neuroimaging techniques. The course combines lectures with hands-on tutorials, where attendees will analyze sample experimental data using analysis software such as MATLAB and R.

Organization

The school is organized by a team of neurophysiologists from the University of Rome Tor Vergata and Fondazione Santa Lucia, coordinated by Francesco Lacquaniti. The program features an opening lecture on the necessity of computational approaches in systems neurophysiology, followed by two keynote lectures focusing on neural network modeling.

Additionally, six modules will introduce computational approaches in motor or sensory systems neurophysiology, each accompanied by a hands-on tutorial. Participants will apply the methodologies to real experimental data on their own PCs, with sample datasets and software scripts in MATLAB and R provided. Tutors will be available to offer guidance and facilitate discussion and interaction with the presenters.

Participation

The school is open to a maximum of 20 young researchers, including Ph.D. students, postdocs, and early-career researchers. A contribution fee of €200 including single-room accommodation at the venue for the nights of June 23 and 24 (maximum 13 participants) or €100 not including accommodation is required to partially cover expenses for coffee breaks, a welcome cocktail, a lunch and a social dinner on June 24.

Applications must be submitted online through this website between April 10 and May 9, 2025. Applicants must also send a one-page CV and a motivation letter explaining their interest in attending the course to sif.sfb.2025@gmail.com and segretario@fisiologiaitaliana.org. Please clearly indicate “SFB2025 application” in the e-mail object.

If the number of applications exceeds available slots, selection will be based on age and CV. Successful applicants will be notified by May 20 and given instructions for advance payment of the participation fee.

Two travel grants in the amount of € 300 each are made available. To participate in the award, a justification for request must be included in the motivation letter. Grant notification will be communicated by May 20.

For further inquiries, please contact the school organizers via email at sif.sfb.2025@gmail.com.

Payment can be made via bank transfer to:
Società Italiana di Fisiologia (SIF)
Banca Popolare dell'Emilia Romagna
Filiale di Chieti Scalo
IBAN: IT15I0538715501000000534953
(BIC/SWIFT: BPMOIT22 XXX)
Reason for payment: Surname Name SFB2025