CCSS Masterclass on Numerical and Analytical Methods for Spatially-Extended Neurobiological Networks: Part II

The CCSS MasterClass is a series of lectures on a specific topic of Complexity Science given by a leading expert in the field, which is generously supported by one of our UU alumni Laurens Gaarenstroom.

Masterclass Overview

General Title: Numerical and Analytical Methods for Spatially-Extended Neurobiological Networks.

Part I on Monday May 13 (10:00-15:00 with lunch): Models, analytical and semi-analytical methods
Part II on Tuesday May 14 (10:00-15:00 with lunch): Numerical methods for brain dynamics
Part III on Thursday May 16 (10:00-15:00 with lunch): Models with random data and stochastic forcing 

Speaker Overview

Dr. Daniele Avitabile is a mathematician in the Amsterdam Center for Dynamics and Computation at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and a member of Inria's MathNeuro Team. He works on spatio-temporal patterns in biological and physical models, which he studies using numerical and analytical methods. Daniele's research interests include: numerical bifurcation analysis, mathematical neuroscience, multi-scale dynamics, numerical methods, localised states, coherent structures, nonlinear media, reaction-diffusion systems, and nonlocal models. He is also an editor-in-chief of the SIAM series on Mathematical Neuroscience.

Numerical methods for brain dynamics

Microscopic Neuronal activity is carried out by axonal connections over long distances. Consequently, brain models at meso- and macro-scales are intrinsically nonlocal and nonlinear, and their mathematical structure differs significantly from Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). Numerical methods available for PDEs are either inapplicable to models of brain dynamics, or do not scale well to tackle nonlocality. We will explore similarities and differences with PDE simulations and establish the foundations of finite-elements and spectral methods for neurobiological networks. We will see how such schemes can be used efficiently to perform time simulation and numerical bifurcation analysis in the context of brain dynamics.

Meeting Details (location: MIN 4.16)

10:00-12:00 Lecture on "Numerical methods for brain dynamics"
12:00-13:00 FREE lunch for all participants (signup below)
13:00–15:00 Hands-on tutorials

To attend the lecture (physically), please signup below before 15:00 on Thursday May 9.