The World Premier International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN) at the University of Tokyo and the Tianqiao & Chrissy Chen Institute proudly present the Neuro-inspired Computation Course, an intensive 4-day program exploring the convergence of neuroscience and artificial intelligence. The course is comprising lectures by distinguished international faculty, poster sessions, and interactive discussion sessions.

The course features:

  • Lectures by leading international experts on topics such as intrinsic dynamics, network architectures, prediction, plasticity, criticality, multi-agent learning, and neuromodulation.
  • Poster sessions for participants to share their research.
  • Interactive discussions fostering interdisciplinary exchange and future collaborations.

Beyond academic content, the program offers exceptional networking opportunities with global experts and peers, fostering collaboration and innovation. Participants will have the chance to present their research, exchange ideas, and explore future directions in neuro-inspired computation.

The course will take place 22–25 July 2026 at Ichijo Hall, Yayoi Campus, University of Tokyo. We invite applications from graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career faculty members from diverse backgrounds. Financial support is available for eligible participants.

Join us to advance your expertise and contribute to a growing international community dedicated to understanding both the neuroscience and artificial intelligence.

Please see below for application details, eligibility, and support information.

Course details
Dates: July 22 (Wed)-25 (Sat), 2026
Venue: Yayoi Auditorium Ichijo Hall (Inside UTokyo Yayoi Campus )
Host: International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN)
Language: English
Application (Required by April 6, 2026 1500hrs, JST): Application Form. See below for detailed instructions.
For enquiries, please contact: course_at_ircn.jp (replace "_at_" with @)

Speakers
Kazuyuki Aihara (WPI-IRCN, UTokyo)
Mingbo Cai (U Miami)
Arvind Kumar (KTH Sweden)
Yasuo Kuniyoshi (IST/ WPI-IRCN, UTokyo)
Hiroshi Makino (Keio U)
Mackenzie Mathis (EPFL)
Yukie Nagai (WPI-IRCN, UTokyo)
Aditya Nair (NTU Singapore)
Kenichi Ohki (WPI-IRCN, UTokyo)
Rebecca Saxe（MIT）
Jad Tarifi (Integral AI)
Taro Toyoizumi (RIKEN CBS)
Takamitsu Watanabe (WPI-IRCN, UTokyo)

Application procedures in detail
Applying
We recommend applying early to ensure your application is submitted before the deadline. Please read the instructions and the Application FAQ (Important Information) carefully before preparing your application. Applications that do not follow all instructions may be disqualified at an early stage of the selection process. Selection results will be sent by email within 3–5 weeks after the application deadline..
Application deadline: Monday, April 6, 2026, 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/FXMRdgjuMC

Eligibility: (All documents should be prepared in English)

  • 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.

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) 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.
  • Foreign Participants must have a valid passport.
  • For participants who need a VISA: If you are unable to obtain a VISA, you will not be able to attend.

Please check if you need a VISA Here
※Inquiries regarding further eligibility won’t be answered. We encourage you to apply if you are interested.

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

3) 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.

4) 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.

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

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

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

  • Please write a brief statement of approximately 500 words summarizing your research background including specific fields, experimental work, and laboratories.
  • 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.
  • 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/FXMRdgjuMC

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.

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

  • Round-trip airfare※ (economy class) from your home institute to IRCN*
  • Domestic transportation (e.g. bullet train[Shinkansen]) for those traveling from within Japan
  • Accommodation during the Course for those traveling more than 50km

※Additional details:

  • Air tickets will be arranged by an IRCN-appointed travel agent, who will contact you for your travel details. Please do not purchase your own ticket.
  • The travel route must be the most economical and reasonable option in principle.
  • No salary supplement or food expenses will be covered.

7) 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.

8) When will the selection results be announced?
Selection results will be announced around the end of April.

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