Topics:

Studying the neural code is one of many routes into understanding the operation of the brain. This has many applications in medicine, human-machine interaction and computing. Over the years, the neural code has emerged as a complex and multifaceted problem:

• First, there is no single neural code. The neural code varies along and across sensory information processing  streams.  It is also different for various elements in local microcircuits and it may vary with tasks.
• Secondly, this variety reflects a number of constraints including energy consumption, speed of processing, commonality of representation in areas of  convergence and need for divergent top-down control.
• Thirdly, experimental data sparsely sample along the dimension of levels of understanding. Models also shy away from bridging the levels, or miss a whole field of experiments. Progress in neural code understanding will require a progressive integration of multilevel constraints in models and corresponding new experimental data. Therefore a proposed aim for this workshop is to stimulate a more integrated approach to neural coding.

Contributions on all aspects of Neural Coding are welcome, especially those considering the link between microscopic and system-level descriptions of the neural code. Possible related questions are:
  - How is a neuronal code specific to a given sensory system?
  - How is a code transformed from sensors to higher brain areas, and to behavior or motor output?
  - How does the code depend on the current information processing task?
  - How is the neural code affected by learning?

Indeed, participants present what they feel is the most relevant on the day. Therefore, there is an exciting element of surprise in Neural Coding Workshops.
 

Additional topics suggested in replies to the first announcement:

I think the topic of the workshop, i.e. the link between  microscopic  and system-level descriptions  of the neural code, is particularly well chosen. I could contribute to this topic from our own work on the encoding of behaviourally generated optic flow by ensembles of neurons in the fly visual system.
        Martin Egelhaaf
 

The subjects you outline are very interesting.
        Erol Gelenbe
 

How is a code for motor control generated by neural networks ?
        Gennady S Cymbalyuk
 

I like the topics :-)
        Peter Erdi
 

Mechanisms underlying synchronization of neuronal activity.
        Santi CHILLEMI & Angelo DI GARBO
 

I agree that the link between  microscopic and system-level descriptions  of the neural code is essential for understanding brain function. Experimental techniques that can address this link are now becoming available.  A workshop on this important issues, that can bring together experimental and theoretical neuroscientists, is therefore highly welcomed and highly topical!

At the moment I am working to develop statistical techniques that can allow an analysis of the neural code emerging from measures of neuronal activity made at different spatial and temporal scales. I am also working on information theoretic analysis of spike trains recorded in different mammalian  sensory systems, and comparing the different coding strategies.
        Stefano Panzeri
 

Other possible general questions/topics for the workshop could include:
1.  What constitutes a neural code?
2.  Basis of the neural code; rate- or coincidence-based or both?
3.  What are the determinants of the high variability observed in neurons?
        Chris Christodoulou
 

- How did a neural code develop in the course of evolution?
- To what extent neural codes in Aplysia and human are similar?
        Alexander K. VIDYBIDA
 

"What are the neuronal mechanisms of specific neural codes?"
        Igor A. Shevelev
 

The topics are fundamental.
        Andrey OLYPHER
 

I have the feeling that the most important issues have already been raised by you in the Preliminary Announcement.
However, I have the feeling that coding aspects in most discussions are mainly related to single-unit spike trains, while population events are rarely encountered.
Another often missing issue in sensory systems is the role of network connectivity, including the resulting changes in the stimulus-locked signal components - which are often not included in calculations of information by assuming statistical independence between neighboring neurons.
Into sensory networks one should also include aspects of labelled-line coding (as it is expressed, for example in receptive field properties).
In conclusion, such aspects may preferentially be investigated on the basis of appropriate models of spike coding neurons.
        Reinhard Eckhorn.
 

Simulation methods for neuronal activity.
        Luigi M. Ricciardi
 

In addition to the very interesting list of suggested topics I further suggest:
(*) The relation between (i) the fast dynamics of neuronal responses in the visual system and (ii) the dynamics of perception and visibility with focus on the representation of complex stimuli.
(*) How do the codes of early sensory systems depend on the behavioral state of the animal, which may be modulated via the known action of neuromodulators.
        Lars Schwabe
 

Stochastic models for the description of single neurons.
        Antonio Di Crescenzo

What is the neural code for Motor habits (sequences)?
        Raju Bapi