In a collaborative effort, the World Premier International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN) at the University of Tokyo and the Tianqiao & Chrissy Chen Institute (Chen Institute) are proud to present the Neuro-inspired Computation Course, a groundbreaking program designed to explore the convergence of natural and artificial intelligence. This course delves into critical topics such as intrinsic dynamics, network architectures, prediction, plasticity, criticality, multi-agent learning, and neuromodulation, highlighting the potential for interdisciplinary innovation in advancing our understanding of cognitive processes.

The course is an intensive 4-day program comprising lectures by distinguished international faculty, poster sessions, and interactive discussion sessions. These three pillars of the program help participants deepen their understanding and enhance their expertise in neuroscience and artificial intelligence. The lectures showcase cutting-edge research from around the world, while the poster sessions provide participants with a platform to present their own research. The discussion sessions foster interdisciplinary dialogue, encourage intellectual exchange, and pave the way for future collaborations.

Participants will benefit from global networking opportunities and engaging discussions with leading experts. Through this program, we aim to inspire a diverse group of students, researchers, and professionals to explore the latest research and contribute to the evolving field of Neurointelligence, fostering a global community dedicated to advancing our understanding of cognitive systems.

The course will be held from 2 to 5 July, 2025, at Ichijo Hall, Yayoi Campus, the University of Tokyo. We welcome applications from graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career faculty members, including those from diverse gender backgrounds. This course offers a unique opportunity to deepen expertise in neural computation, a field essential for understanding both the neuroscience and artificial intelligence. We encourage ambitious and curious minds to apply and fully embrace this opportunity. Please see below for application details, eligibility, and financial support.

* New this year, participants will have the option to join an entrepreneurship bootcamp in the days just before/after the main course. It will feature startup founders, panel discussion and breakout sessions for networking.

About IRCN: Launched in 2017, the World Premier International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN) at the University of Tokyo has advanced scientific progress at the interface of developmental neurobiology, clinical neuroscience, and computation toward next generation A.I. Through synergistic collaborations they seek to establish a new field of “Neurointelligence” in science and society.

About Chen Institute: Driven by their intense desire to understand how perceptions are formed and impact our behavior, husband and wife Tianqiao Chen and Chrissy Luo established the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute in 2016 with the mission to benefit humanity. Chen Institute partners with world-leading universities and research institutions to drives fundamental brain research through in three key areas – brain discovery, brain treatment, and brain enhancement.

Course details
Dates: July 2 (Wed)-5 (Sat), 2025
Venue: Yayoi Auditorium Ichijyo Hall (Inside UTokyo Hongo Campus )
Host: International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN) and Tianqiao & Chrissy Chen Institute
Language: English
Application (Required by April 11, 2025 1500hrs, JST): Application Form. See below for detailed instructions.
For enquiries, please contact: course_at_ircn.jp (replace "_at_" with @)

Speakers
Eugene Izhikevic (Brain Corp)
Mackenzie Mathis (EPFL)
Kazuyuki Aihara (WPI-IRCN, The University of Tokyo)
Shin Ishii (Kyoto University / WPI-IRCN, The University of Tokyo)
Eleonora Russo (Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa)
Zenas Chao (WPI-IRCN, The University of Tokyo)
Takamitsu Watanabe (WPI-IRCN, The University of Tokyo)
Hiroaki Kitano (Sony / OIST)
Kenichi Ohki (WPI-IRCN, The University of Tokyo)
Yukie Nagai (WPI-IRCN, The University of Tokyo)

Application procedures in detail
Applying
We recommend that you apply early in order to ensure that your application arrives by the deadline. Please read through the instructions and the Application FAQ (Important Information) before you prepare the application. Failure to follow all the instructions may eliminate your application in the selection process at an early stage. Selection results will be sent by email 3-4 weeks after the application deadline. All documents should be prepared in English.

Application deadline: Friday, April 11, 2025, 1500hrs, JST

The deadline for the recommendation letter is also the same day. Please ask your supervisor to upload a letter of recommendation to the link below.
https://forms.office.com/r/Lfqjk1xwV3

Requirements (All documents should be prepared in English)
Please make sure the documents are combined in ONE PDF file maximum 10MB
The file name should be applicant’s “firstname_lastname.pdf”.

  • CV with publication list
  • One page statement includes; 1) your current research, 2) motivation for application and 3) future of neural computation, your vision of where the field is headed
  • A letter requesting financial support (For those who need it)

Separately uploaded

  • A letter of recommendation from your supervisor

Application FAQ (Important Information)

Please read carefully to see if your question has been answered here.

1) Is my enrollment ensured when I get an acceptance notification?
Even if you receive an acceptance notification from the Neuro-AI Computation Course Committee, please note that your enrollment is not fully guaranteed. There is a possibility that a VISA may NOT be granted in time due to political issues or global instability, which could prevent your participation in the course. In addition, please be aware that the IRCN travel policy cannot support your travel if you are not affiliated with any Institute/University during the Course.

2) What are the requirements to fulfill during the Course?

  • Participate in all scheduled activities throughout the lecture course.
  • Present a poster of your research at your current institution for the purpose of scientific interaction.
  • Submit the course survey at the conclusion of the Course.

    • *Please note: Failure to fulfill these requirements will result in the denial of your financial support and certificate of attendance.

3) How can I prepare application documents?
I. CV
Curriculum Vitae (must include the following categories)

  • a.Education (provide the institution name, highest degree obtained, and the years you studied there; start with your most recent degree)
  • b.Research experience
  • c.Publications

II. Motivation Letter (Reason why you wish to attend the Course)

  • a. Please write a brief statement of approximately 500 words summarizing your research background including specific fields, experimental work, and laboratories.
  • b. Describe how you plan to incorporate what you learn into your current and future research work. Highlight your key contributions, methods, and goals to provide a clear understanding of your expertise and aspirations.
  • c. Share your perspective on the future of neural computation, outlining your vision for its potential advancement and direction.

III. A letter of recommendation from your supervisor
A recommendation letter should be directly uploaded by your supervisor.
upload link: https://forms.office.com/r/iMZPtNpQfZ

IV. A letter requesting financial support (For those who need it)
Financial support for travel and accommodation will be considered for those without external funding or salary. Any candidate intending to request financial support MUST request it when submitting his/her application.
*Please state the reason why you need support at the end of the application form.

4) What kind of financial support does the IRCN Neuro-inspired Computation Course offer?
Those who submit a financial request letter and are approved will receive the following support. Applicants must follow IRCN's travel itinerary in accordance with IRCN's regulations.

  • Round-trip airfare* (economy class)
  • Domestic transportation (e.g. bullet train (Shinkansen)) fare for those traveling from within Japan
  • Accommodation during the Course for those traveling more than 50km

*-The IRCN appointed travel agent will arrange your air tickets. They will contact you for your details. Please do NOT purchase your ticket on your own.
-The transport route, in principle, must be both the most economical and the most reasonable.
-There will be no salary supplement or support for food expenses.

5) How much are the registration fees?
No registration fees are required.

6) When is the deadline for the letter of recommendation?
The deadline for submission of the letter of recommendation is the same as the application deadline.

7) When will the selection results be announced?
Selection results will be announced around late April.

8) Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an academic institute or company at the time of application throughout the Course period. High school students are not eligible.
Inquiries regarding further eligibility won’t be answered. We encourage you to apply if you are interested.

9) Are multiple applications possible?
No, only the most recent will be considered.